Gulf of Mannar

Source:  TH

Context: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has identified a deep-sea region in the Gulf of Mannar for hydrocarbon exploration under the 10th round of the Open Acreage Licensing Policy.

About Gulf of Mannar:

• Location: Situated between the southeastern coast of India (Tamil Nadu) and the west coast of Sri Lanka.

• • Forms part of the Laccadive Sea in the Indian Ocean.
  • Separated from Palk Bay by Adam’s Bridge (Rama Setu).

• Geological Features:

• • Major Rivers Draining into the Gulf:
    • India: Thamirabarani River, Vaippar River.
    • Sri Lanka: Malvathu Oya (Malvathu River).
  • Unique Geological Structure:
    • Shallow depth (~5.8m average) facilitates coral reef formation.

• Minerals Found:

• • Limestone and gypsum: Key industrial minerals.
  • Ilmenite, rutile, garnet, and zircon: Found in coastal sand deposits.
  • Natural gas and oil reserves: Potential hydrocarbon deposits identified.

• Biodiversity:
  • Frequent visitors include dolphins, sharks, dugongs, and sea turtles.
  • Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (1986): 21 islets between Thoothukudi and Dhanushkodi.
  • Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (1989): Covers 10,500 sq km, including coastal estuaries, coral reefs, salt marshes, and mangrove forests.
    • Holds the distinction of being the first Marine Biosphere Reserve in South and Southeast Asia.