Lithospheric structure and evolution of the metamorphic basement of Sri Lanka and comparisons with southern India: Gondwana amalgamation in the Neoproterozoic

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Ernst Josef Hegner; Professor Dr. Alfred Kröner (†)
• Subject Area: Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
• Term: from 2006 to 2012
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 16153609

This is a collaborative research project between scientists of the Geoforschungszentrum Potsdam, the Universities of Mainz, Munich, Cologne, the Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy, and the Geological Survey in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as part of the ILP-Initiative LEGENDS. The aim is to elucidate the tectonic, geochronologic, and isotopic evolution of the metamorphic basement in West and East Sri Lanka and thereby contribute to the interpretation of an East-West seismic profile acrfoss ther island. We aim at an integrated seismic, structural, geochronological, and geochemical study of rocks of the Wanni and Vijayan Complexes in order to reveal the present crustal structure, their boundaries with adjacent terrains and their geodynamic evolution. Comparisons between the high-grade terrains in Sri Lanka and southern India should reveal whether they belong to the samer crustal entity or not. Field and laboratory work will be carried out jointly by the participating groups. A major aims of the project is to strengthen the research potential of the participating institutions in Kandy and Colombo, and to transfer modern research technology to Sri Lanka.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Sri Lanka
• Participating Person: Dr. Wilbert Kehelpannala