| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-3.1-0026 |
| Title of Abstract | Geophysical Insights into Intraplate Seismicity and Geothermal Activity along the Narmada-Son Lineament, Central Indian Shield |
| Authors | Dr. D.C. Naskar & Dr. O.P. Mishra* |
| Organisation | National Centre for Seismology (NCS) |
| Address | National Centre for Seismology New Delhi, New Delhi, India Pincode: 110003 E-mail: drdcnaskar@gmail.com |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | Abstract Geothermal and Seismotectonic Insights from the Central Indian Shield Traditionally seen as tectonically stable, the Central Indian Shield is now recognized for its seismic and geothermal activity. Events like the 1993 Latur and 1997 Jabalpur earthquakes (Mw 6.0), along with persistent microseismic swarms near Pandhana (Madhya Pradesh), illustrate intraplate seismicity¿earthquakes occurring away from plate boundaries, often driven by the reactivation of ancient faults or internal stress build-up. These events, coupled with geothermal manifestations along the Narmada-Son Lineament (NSL), highlight a complex interplay of tectonic inheritance, stress localization, and fluid migration in the deep crust. Geologically, the region consists of Archean¿Proterozoic cratons, greenstone belts, and mobile zones, intersected by crustal-scale faults. The NSL, trending ENE¿WSW, separates the Bundelkhand and Dharwar cratons and is a major zone of crustal weakness, active from the Precambrian through the Phanerozoic. It continues to influence present-day seismicity, fault-controlled hot springs, and anomalous heat flow. This study integrates gravity, magnetic, resistivity, and magnetotelluric (MT) data to explore the shield¿s crustal architecture. Potential field methods delineate deep-seated structures, while resistivity and MT imaging detect conductive zones linked to shear zones, fault intersections, and fluid pathways¿often coinciding with seismic clusters and geothermal anomalies. Findings highlight the NSL as a lithospheric weak zone where ancient tectonic fabrics interact with current stress fields, enabling both seismic reactivation and hydrothermal circulation. The correlation between geophysical anomalies and observed seismicity underscores the role of pre-existing structures in driving deformation within stable continental interiors. This integrated geophysical approach not only advances our understanding of intraplate tectonics but also aids in seismic risk assessment and geothermal energy exploration, offering valuable insights for sustainable development in central India. |
| Keywords | Intraplate Seismicity, Geothermal Activity, Narmada-Son Lineament, Central India |