The Department of Geography, Nagaland University, successfully organized a National Workshop on Training & Awareness Programme (NWTAP) on Methods of Geochronology & Research Opportunities from during April 29–30, 2025 at Lumami Campus.
Conducted in collaboration with the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi, the primary objective of the workshop was to foster a comprehensive understanding of geochronological methods—scientific techniques that help decode Earth’s surface processes, environmental changes, and geological events. In an era of rapid scientific advancement and growing concerns about climate and environmental change, geochronology serves as a crucial toolkit for reconstructing past climates and informing future research.
The programme commenced on April 29 with an introductory address by Dr. Manasi Debnath, (Organising Secretary), followed by welcome speech from Prof. Wangshimenla Jamir (Head of Department and Convenor). The event was graced by Vice-Chancellor Incharge Prof. Bendang Ao, and included resource persons Prof. Milap C. Sharma (JNU, New Delhi), Dr. Pankaj Kumar (IUAC, New Delhi), Dr. Ambuj Mishra (IUAC, New Delhi), Dr. Jaishree Sanwal (JNCASR, Bangalore), Prof. H.J. Syiemlieh (NEHU, Shillong), and Dr. T. Walling (Nagaland University, Kohima campus). The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation in both physical and hybrid modes from scholars across the country.
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A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Glacier and Mountain Research (GLAMOR) Laboratory by Prof. Ao and Prof. M.S. Rawat, Dean of the School of Sciences.
The workshop emphasized t’e significance of advanced geochronological techniques such as Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating, AMS ¹⁴C, ¹⁰Be/²⁶Al exposure dating, and Zircon geochronology—especially in the context of the North-East Indian region, including Nagaland. These methods hold immense potential for cross-disciplinary research. In addition, on April 30, a field training was conducted in Mokokchung district, where participants explored the tertiary sediments—the final stages of Himalayan orogeny following the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. Participants studied fault structures, sedimentary features, and evidence of the changes in river courses due to the active tectonics in this region. The local sandstone and shales offered insight into ancient Tethyan marine conditions that contributed to the formation of present-day Nagaland.
The workshop underscored the urgent need for extensive geochronological research to understand regional landform evolution and support sustainable development planning. The event concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, informed a press release from the University.
