Research Projects

Northeast India is one of the seismically active regions in the world, located at the intersection of two major tectonic boundaries: the Indian-Eurasian collision zone to the north and the Indo-Burma subduction zone to the east. This tectonic interaction creates a geologically dynamic environment characterized by high seismicity, active fault systems, and crustal deformation. Understanding the region's seismotectonic framework is critical for seismic hazard. Despite notable progress in seismic research within the region, critical knowledge gaps persist regarding the interplay between tectonic stress, fault dynamics, and deep-seated seismic activity, as well as their connection to rock composition. Furthermore, the role of sedimentary structures in influencing seismic behavior has not been fully explored. The primary objective of this project is to develop a comprehensive, multi-parameter seismotectonic model for north-eastern India by integrating parameters from advanced seismological techniques. The research will focus on layer wise seismic velocity structures, lateral variations of surface wave attenuation and azimuthal anisotropy, sedimentary structures, and their interactions with tectonic stress and fault systems. Using advanced geophysical and seismological methods, the study will examine spatial and vertical variations in these parameters to reveal their links to tectonic forces shaping the region and the underlying mechanisms of seismicity. The key hypothesis to be tested in this study is that the variations in seismic velocity, attenuation, and anisotropy across the region are directly linked to the tectonic interactions at plate boundaries and the composition of the crust and upper mantle. This study will test whether rock composition, fluid dynamics, and fault structures explain observed seismic patterns and temporal evolution. Additionally, the influence of sedimentary structures on fault dynamics, stress localization, and lithospheric strain accumulation will be analyzed. The research employs cutting-edge techniques: Bayesian joint inversion of P-wave data with receiver functions to refine sedimentary models; stress inversion from focal mechanisms to map tectonic stress fields; finite-frequency body wave tomography for imaging P- and S-wave structures; and surface wave attenuation analysis to explore lateral crustal variations. Azimuthal anisotropy studies using Rayleigh waves will further uncover deformation histories This research bridges significant gaps in the seismotectonic understanding of northeastern India by integrating velocity, attenuation, anisotropy, and sedimentary structure data into a unified model. The findings will illuminate the tectonic processes shaping this seismically active region, providing insights into seismicity, fault behavior, and plate boundary dynamics. The results will enhance seismic hazard assessment, risk mitigation strategies and understanding of active tectonic systems.