THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For the first time, a group of geologists in the State has formed a Consortium to support and promote field practices in geology. Titled Transect, a consortium of field practitioners in earth sciences, the novel venture aims to put an end to the idea of limiting field geology within animated geological models.
There is a lack of knowledge and interest in field practices among students doing under-graduation and post-graduation in geology. This has been a major drawback for pursuing a career in geology at national and international levels. The idea of forming a Consortium evolved during a casual talk in this context around two years ago, says Ramasarma, retired geology professor and chairman of Transect.
"There is an ‘ill-conceived’ idea that geology can be studied or taught using various animated models. In fact, dealing with the real situation is entirely different. Most of the students who secure a job in mines and oil fields struggle a lot as they lack field experience. The Consortium will conduct field trips on a regular basis to enable students to take up geological problems depending on their area of interest. There will be a fixed theme, including geomorphology and mineralogy for each field trips," Ramasarma said.
The chairman added that the Transect would act as a platform for real observation of natural phenomenon and would produce a data bank on the basis of the findings. "Nowadays, issues affecting the nature or earth are raised by poets or social activists or some retired persons. But, this often lacks a scientific angle. For instance, problems can arise out of silting and desilting. So, a scientific study involving a field visit is required before taking action," Ramasarma said.
Presently, the Consortium has 33 members comprising geologists within and outside the State and a few students as well. "Geologists apart, anybody interested in earth sciences can join the organisation. We are planning to have collaboration with various institutions in field geology. Transect now has an understanding with Spirifer Geological Society, Warsaw, Poland, to organise combined field work in India," said Jishnu BK, secretary of the Consortium. The Consortium has big plans to promote geosciences among students in the State. "We have plans to open a geology museum in the Science and Technology Museum here. Launching a journal is also in the pipeline. The three best dissertations by post-graduates in geology will be published in it. Another ambitious plan is to organise an international geology conference in Thiruvananthapuram," Ramasarma said.