Members of this research group study the crust and upper mantle structure of the Earth, its relation to tectonic deformation, and structural and kinematic evolution of mountain belts at different scales. Complementing dataset are analyzed to understand earthquake faulting, seismic velocity structure (isotropic and anisotropic cases), crust and upper mantle attenuation characteristics, convergence-related strain partitioning in fold thrust belts (with a focus on the Himalaya) and examine how lateral variation in structural architecture controls kinematic evolution of orogenic belts.

Earth scientists, who study the rhythms and connections of Earth processes, are uniquely positioned to contribute to the stewardship and sustainable development of resources on our planet. For example, management of water contamination is rooted in the knowledge of hydrology, preservation of biodiversity requires the study of how organisms developed in deep time and estimating the extent of climate change today is impossible without understanding both its long-term and short-term natural variability. At IISER Kolkata, these questions are addressed by the research group on ‘Ecological and Environmental Studies in Modern Systems’. Members of this group study the impact of natural and anthropogenic changes on molluscan diversity and the distribution of marine molluscs along the Indian coast. They investigate carbon cycling in estuaries and how this is impacted by both natural processes and anthropogenic activities. They seek solutions to the problem of groundwater depletion. They investigate the sustainable use of pesticides and how human exposure to these chemicals is impacted by regulations and land use. Together, the results from investigations of this group provide better and integrated understanding of biogeochemical and anthropogenic processes influencing the modern environmental and ecological systems.

The Paleontology Research Group in IISER Kolkata is interested in studying the ecology and evolution of invertebrate groups, especially molluscs, through time. Faculty member and students address a wide range of questions that centre on the evolution of molluscs as a response to physical and biological triggers in Paleo and Recent ecosystems. Areas of particular interest include individual response to biotic interaction, ecologic response to climate change, effect of local environment on shallow-marine benthos diversity. We utilize state-of-the-art Geochemical facilities in the DES as well as in the other departments of IISER Kolkata. The members of this research group conduct field trips all over India, especially in the Cenozoic deposits of Western India and Recent deposits along the Indian coast. They also address research questions using the curated fossil specimens of our repository. Moreover, they participate in conducting neontological experiments in our Synthetic Salt Water Aquarium.