Geology Department

The Department of Geology of Kumaun University aims at studies for understanding and development of natural environment and pursuing research, relevant to the needs of people, particularly of the mountains and oceans also. The department endeavours to make its students intelligently aware of the various problems of Geology, to develop in them observational and interpretational abilities and inculcate a feeling for the maintenance and improvement of our environment. Since its inception, it has maintained its tradition of being active in all the fronts of research in geological sciences. Opened as a one-man undergraduate department in 1975, it became an active centre of teaching and research. From 1977 onwards, it becomes active nearly in all the fields of geology namely tectonics, petrology, sedimentology, structural geology, geochemistry, oceanography, micropaleontology, environment and cavernous studies. In recognition of the excellent teaching and research, the Geology Department was approved by the University Grants Commission, New Delhi for its Special Assistance Programmes (COSIST, DRS, SAP, CAS). The department received magnanimous grant under COSIST Phase- I (1984), Special Assistance Programme (SAP) Phase- I (1989), COSIST Phase- II (1991) and SAP Phase- II (1997), SAP Phase- III (2003), ISD (UGC) (2007), CAS-Phase-I (2011-2016) and CAS-Phase II heralding the overall development of the department. The Hill Development Department, contributed generously in the construction and furnishing of the building for the Geology Department at its present site (the Durham) overlooking the Naini lake. In recognition to its major research contributions, the Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi has recognised the Geology Department under its FIST scheme for level- I (2002-2007), FIST Level – I (2007-2012) and FIST Level-II (2014-2019). The gamut of teaching comprises more than a dozen disciplines of Geology. The traditional teaching is done at the undergraduate level while interdisciplinary subjects of emerging areas are incorporated in the post-graduate curriculum. The Department gives emphasis on extensive fieldwork and practical training in different aspects of earth science to meet the challenges ahead. The courses are modified from time to time keeping in view the contemporary developments and requirements of the job market. The department is expanding new dimensions of the Earth Sciences towards recent development at the onset of new millennium. The research endeavours are directed towards providing framework within which search for and management of natural resources (minerals, rocks and water) and preservation of natural environment can be undertaken. The focus of attention is the central sector of Indian Himalaya, the most crucial and responsive sector of the Himalayan Arc, Foreland and the Cratonic regions of India. Besides this, the detailed and wide studies are carried out in the different oceans like Antarctic. Tasman , NE Indian and Central Indian.