Report on Geological Survey of

Bangladesh
Experiment name: Study visit to GSB

Objectives:

To learn about the organization works

To learn how the organization works
To learn about the surveys they do
To learn about the equipment & methods they apply

Introduction:

Geological Survey of Bangladesh or GSB is an autonomous national organization working in

Geo-scientific activities in Bangladesh and is located in Shegunbagicha, Dhaka, Bangladesh. We
went there on a visit to learn how the organization works and what type of field work they do and
the equipments used. The Geological Survey of Bangladesh was founded in 1971 immediately
after the Independence of Bangladesh. The organization was formed out of the remnants of
Geological Survey of Pakistan in East Pakistan. The Geological Survey of Pakistan traces its
origins to the Geological Survey of India which was founded in 1836. The agency is run by
the Ministry of Mineral Resources. It has discovered a number of mines in Bangladesh.

GSB is combination of 17 branches. Of which we were able to view 9 branches related to our
studies. We visited and were lectured by:

1. Geological Mapping and Quaternary Geology

2. Petrology and Mineralogy
3. Remote Sensing and GIS
4. Geochemistry and Water Resources
5. Analytical Chemistry
6. Economic Geology and Resource Assessment
7. Gravity and Magnetic Survey
8. Seismic and Electrical Survey
9. Stratigraphy and Biostratigraphy

We attended a 4 day lecture from 10am to 5pm. The information we acquired during these will
help us not only increase interest in our subject but also broaden our perspective.

Description of the Sessional class:

The 9 branchs respective officers gave lectures on how they operate and their methodology. In
brief, all of them are discussed below:

1) Geological Mapping and Quaternary Geology:

The Geological Mapping can be designated as the pioneer worker of all geological activities.
Geological Mapping and Quaternary Geology Branch provides the baseline geoscientific expertise
through field investigations, acquired field data and information, geological reports, geological
and derivative maps. The report and maps are very important to evaluate the geological condition,
mineral potential, present and future hazards etc of the area. Now a day, it is very important to
acquire geological knowledge of an area to carry out sustainable development activities and any
type of mineral exploration activities. It is also useful for the future development planning and
sustainable infrastructure construction, combating hazards of an area especially for industrial
growth and development, heavy construction, urban planning, roads and highway construction and
all types of mineral exploration. Planners, developers, government, semi-government and non-
government organizations and researchers are the main users of the geological reports and maps
for the sustainable developments of an area.

Responsibilities

1. To prepare geological maps of the country at a usual scale of 1:50,000,

2. To prepare geological report of an area or a structure,
3. To carry out exploration works for surficial and near to surface economic mineral
deposits,
4. To develop a modern mapping technique suitable for the country,
5. To establish the Quaternary Stratigraphy of the country,
6. To carry out research works on the Quaternary events and episodes,
7. To carry out investigation for fixing the base of the Quaternary Era,
8. To carry out investigations on the geological hazards like river erosion, river course
shifting, water stagnancy, river bed siltation etc,
9. To investigate the noetectonic activities,
10. To investigate primarily the arsenic contamination of an area,
11. To extend geological supports to other government organizations, universities, NGOs,
local government bodies etc,
12. To share knowledge with the persons and organizations locally and internationally
working in this field.

Activities

Present Activities

Geological survey of Bangladesh is presently implementing the project - Geological exploration

for the identification of mineral resources and the areas vulnerable to natural hazards in the
coastal parts of Bangladesh. Geological Mapping and Quaternary Geology Branch is engaged
with the project. The geoscientists of this branch are fulltime engaged in the coastal geological
mapping to achieve the project objectives. The achievements till today are as follows-

A. Field Investigation - The entire coastal belt of Bangladesh, covering an area of 33 290 sq km,
has been investigated regionally. During investigation, all the possible Geo-information as below
as 100 meters have been tried to collect. Samples were collected systematically to perform
various types of laboratory analyses. On the basis of the acquired data from regional
investigation, few areas are selected for intensive study and sampling.

1. Geological Mapping: During field investigation, the prepared base maps consisting of
geological map units, geomorphic features, land-water boundary, different types of
infrastructures etc are corrected in the field.
2. Boring & Logging: About 550 lithological logs have been prepared through shallow boring
up to 80 meters, mechanical boring up to 100 meters, auger boring and pitting throughout the
coastal belt. Moreover, about 50 Geophysical logging have been conducted in selected
boreholes.
3. Sample Collection: More than 4000 sediment samples from different depths (up to 100
meters) below the surface have been collected for multi-dimensional laboratory analyses to
unveil the hidden secrets of the coastal evolution. Besides regular sampling by the Mapping
parties, intact samples, >1000 samples from 35 boreholes, up to a depth of 100 meters have
been collected from different parts of the coastal belt of Bangladesh.
4. Fresh-water Aquifer Investigation: During the geological mapping in the coastal belt, the
field parties noticed that the people of few areas, especially southwestern coastal part, are
suffering intensively from drinking water. Both the surface and known sub-surface water
sources are saline in this area. With the view to solve the problem, Geological Mapping Branch
has undertaken a program to investigate the fresh water aquifer in the southwestern part of the
coastal belt of Bangladesh to resolve the acute scarcity of Potable water. In the first phase the
area under Koira, Paikgacha and Dacop upazilas of greater Khulna district has been
investigated. Two potential fresh-water aquifers below 300 meters have been identified.
5. Economic Minerals Identification: During field survey, possible mineral deposits of
economic importance have so far been identified in the coastal belt of Bangladesh.

Sl.
Type of deposits Locality
No.
1 Heavy minerals In the beach deposits of Teknaf, Coxsbazar sadar, Sonadia
(Radio-active island, Materbari, Kutubdia island, Nijhumdwip, Bhola
Minerals) island, Kuakata and Kawar char.
2 Glass sand In the valleys of Moheshkhali island, Pekua, Banskhali,
Anowara and Chakaria
3 White clay In small lenses of the hilly terrains of Ramu, Ukhia,
Moheshkhali, Pekua, Banshkhali, Anowara and Chakaria
4 Tiles clay In different areas of the Coastal Plain of Satkhira district
5 Peat In the depressions of Gopalganj, Khulna, Bagerhat and
Coxsbazar districts (Pekua upazila) and Kutubdia island
 6 Construction sand Teknaf, Coxsbazar sadar, Moheshkhali, Pekua, Banshkhali,
Anowara, Chakaria, Chittagong, Feni, Bhola and Barishal
7 Gravel and Teknaf, Coxbazar Sadar, Ukhia, Moheshkhali, Banshkhali,
Construction Sands
8 Brick clay In different areas of the Tidal floodplains of coastal area.

6. Identification of Hazards : The coastal belt of Bangladesh, due to its geographical position
and geologic condition,experiences different types of hazards every year. Few of the potential
hazards have been identified in the field which are listed below with locality-

Sl.
Type of deposits Locality
No.
1 Coastal and River Teknaf, Coxbazar sadar, Kutubdia, Sandwip, Hatia,
erosion Lakhmipur, Chadpur, Sariatpur, Bhola, Kuakata, Pathorghata,
Hizla, Muladi, Mehendiganj, Dacope etc.
2 Water logging Noakhali, Chittagong, Patuakhali, Gopalganj, Madaripur,
Bhagerhat,
Khulna and Satkhira
3 Salinity (Ground and Different parts of Khulna, Bhagerhat, Satkhira, Bhola,
surface water) Patuakhali, Hatia, Begumganj, Banshkhali, Moheskhali etc,
4 Land slides Hilly region of Chittagong and Coxsbazar district.
5 Earthquake Chittagong-Teknaf hilly region
6 Cyclone and Tidal Teknaf, Coxsbazar sadar, Kutubdia, Sandwip, Hatia,
surges Lakhmipur, Sariatpur, Bhola, Kuakata, Pathorghata, Hizla,
Muladi, Mehendiganj, Dacope, Pirozpur, Jalokhati and
Barguna etc. along with the islands under Noakhali, Bhola,
Patuakhali, Barisal districts
7 Land subsidence Satkhira, Jessore, Mdaripur, Gopalganj, Sariatpur, Barghuna
and Patuakhali.

7. Grey scale mapping interpretation: Using the satellite image, it is made into black & white.
With the intensity of color one can understand what is there with the help of legend.
But the coloring depends on the band of the satellite. Some satellite images show river as
black while others show white.

B. Preparation of Geological and Derivative Maps Preliminary Geological map of

investigated areas have already been prepared in regional scale (1:250,000 scale) on the basis
of extensive field survey and other primary data. The refinement of the Geological map and
preparation of other derivative maps in suitable scale (1:50,000) are going on.

C. Laboratory Analyses Different types of available laboratory analyses of selected samples,

up to the depth of 100 meters, have been conducting to unveil the geological secrets and assess
the economic potentiality of the coastal parts of Bangladesh. Besides regular Mineralogical,
 Grain-size and Chemical analyses, few specialized analyses have been continuing such as X-
Ray Diffractogram for clay mineralogy, Palynological study for past vegetation history and
Microfossil study for depositional environment.

D. Preparation of Geological Data Base- All the Geological and relevant data (Augur hole,
Borehole, Pit section data and other information) from the field are being processed and recorded
in different formats as Geological database of the Coastal belt. GIS, ROCKWORKS, SURFER etc
software are used for data processing.

They mentioned various deposits:

Over bank deposit: In the banks of the river, the sediment that is deposited is called over bank
deposit. They are compared with other sediment to see similarities in lithological & genetically.

Active channel deposit: With the flow of river comes sediment. The bank which is easily broken
down contains a lot of sediment and is carried to another bank which is still intact. And it is
deposited under water.

Piedmont deposit: In the plateaus or in the foot of them, sediments that are stored are called
piedmont deposit.

Fan deposit: An alluvial fan is a fan- or cone-shaped deposit of sediment crossed and built up
by streams. If a fan is built up by debris flows it is properly called a debris cone or colluvial fan.

Hill deposit: When a hill is created through a deposit.

Equipment:

Large Map Scanner: To scan various maps

Large Map printer: To print various maps & can print upto a width of 42inch.
GPR: Has a 250mHZ which can sense upto 10meter & 10mHZ which can sense upto
30meters. In water area, it goes blind.
Resistivity meter: It is used for lateral profiling. It gives out a 400 Volt into the soil and
gives a quantative data.

An important piece of data : We are situated in Bengal basin. To the west of us is Surma basin. As
Indian Basin is similar to us, we follow the indian stratigraphy. When Bangladesh was under
Pakistan, GSP followed the British stratigraphy that followed surma stratigraphy.

2) Petrology and Mineralogy:

Responsibilities

The prime objective of this branch is to ensure scientific and technological assistance for different
research works and analysis of rocks & minerals for carrying Geological activity. For the
achievement of this objective, the Petrology and Mineralogy Branch performed the following
responsibilities.

1. Collection, storing and supply of necessary field & scientific equipment as per
requirement of the geo-scientist of the organization.
2. Preparation of report in respect of petrology and mineralogy after completion of
analytical and research activities.
3. Providing necessary internal and external assistance to the office and other public &
private organizations as well.

Achievements

1. Identification of important minerals and provide guide line of its utilization.

2. Analysis of different rock specimen (igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic),
preparation of thin section and grain slide for microscopic and XRD analysis,
characteristics of the specimen, determine the properties and identification of the minerals.
3. Nomenclature of the rock specimen and its property through mineral percentage.
4. Separation of heavy and light minerals through bromoform and its identification with
the help of polarizing microscope and XRD analysis.

Equipment:
They use X-RF,X-RD & sieve analysis.
i) X-RF: X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is the emission of characteristic "secondary" (or
fluorescent) X-rays from a material that has been excited by bombarding with high-energy X-rays
or gamma rays. It counts the emitted photon numbers and tells what element it is. It uses to soft
wares.

Quant Express: It identifies gross elements & can identify upto 27 elements.
Geo Quant: To identify rare elements & can do upto 17 rare earth elements.
Limitations:

Cant detect ISOTOPES

Cant detect IONIZED form
Can only measure upto 27 atoms
ii) X-RD: X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) is a rapid analytical technique primarily used for phase
identification of a crystalline material and can provide information on unit cell dimensions. The
analyzed material is finely ground, homogenized, and average bulk composition is determined.
It has 2 types of methodology.

Consolidated
Unconsolidated
We use unconsolidated method(vermiculite clay). But it creates a lot of noise. It is used to find the
clay mineral distributions in coastal pasts of Bangladesh.
Setup:
Airtight, has a copper tube, uses 40V and 30mAmp.
The sample is saturated in ethyl glycol. Then run in XRD. It is run in a 350degree centigrade setup,
then a 580 degree. Then it will draw a graph in the desktop. From that with help of Brags law we
can know what mineral that sample it is.
iii) Sieve Analysis: A sieve analysis (or gradation test) is a practice or procedure used (commonly
used in civil engineering) to assess the particle size distribution (also called gradation) of a granular
material. The size distribution is often of critical importance to the way the material performs in
use. A sieve analysis can be performed on any type of non-organic or organic granular materials
including sands, crushed rock, clays, granite, feldspars, coal, soil, a wide range of manufactured
powders, grain and seeds, down to a minimum size depending on the exact method. Being such a
simple technique of particle sizing, it is probably the most common.

3) Remote Sensing and GIS:

Remote sensing is the science of obtaining information about objects or areas from a distance,
typically from aircraft or satellites. Remote sensors collect data by detecting the energy that is
reflected from Earth. These sensors can be on satellites or mounted on aircraft. Remote sensors
can be either passive or active. Passive sensors respond to external stimuli. They record natural
energy that is reflected or emitted from the Earth's surface. The most common source of radiation
detected by passive sensors is reflected sunlight. In contrast, active sensors use internal stimuli to
collect data about Earth. For example, a laser-beam remote sensing system projects a laser onto
the surface of Earth and measures the time that it takes for the laser to reflect back to its sensor.

A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, and
displaying data related to positions on Earths surface. By relating seemingly unrelated data, GIS
can help individuals and organizations better understand spatial patterns and relationships. GIS
can use any information that includes location. The location can be expressed in many different
ways, such as latitude and longitude, address, or ZIP code.
Responsibilities
Remote Sensing and GIS method plays a vital role in all sorts of geoscientific works. Using aerial
photographs, satellite images (SPOT, TM, MSS, RADAR etc.), vast area can be easily observed
and analyzed in short time. This branch mainly does-
Year interval geomorphological and geological change detection,
Geo-environmental degradation detection.
Physiography, drainage and lineament study.
River course shifting, Bank erosion, new land mass accretion and depletion detection.
Land use planning.
Report preparation on the basis of geoscientific information of national policy makers and
national & international geoscientists.
This branch is also responsible to look after the Photogrammetry & Map Library and the Survey
department. The Photogrammetry & Map Library are responsible for:
Collection of hard copies of year interval Topographical maps, aerial photographs, Satellite
images, Bathymetric Chart, Bench mark/Spot height and different types of Stereoscopes.
Issues above year interval maps, images and different instruments to the geoscientists of all
branches of Geological Survey of Bangladesh for research and field works according to their
demands.

The Survey department is responsible for:

Land Survey such as Plain Table Survey, Theodolite Survey, Topographic Survey and
Leveling.
Demarcation of the Land according to the geoscientists in field works.
Preparation of contour map by applying Contour Survey defining rise-fall of the land (R.L-
Reduced Level).
Operating Engineering Survey for embankment construction.

Remote Sensing techniques:

In the lecture, respected lecturers mentioned LIDAR,RADAR & SAR. Which are all part of
remote sensing techniques.

LIDAR:
LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses
light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth. These light
pulsescombined with other data recorded by the airborne system generate precise, three-
dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics.

RADAR:
Radar is an object-detection system that uses radio waves to determine the range, angle, or velocity
of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles,
weather formations, and terrain. A radar system consists of a transmitter producing
electromagnetic waves in the radio or microwaves domain, a transmitting antenna, a receiving
antenna (often the same antenna is used for transmitting and receiving) and a receiver and
processor to determine properties of the object(s). Radio waves (pulsed or continuous) from the
transmitter reflect off the object and return to the receiver, giving information about the object's
location and speed.In radar, GSB uses X,L,C band.
SAR:
Synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) is a form of radar that is used to create two- or three-dimensional
images of objects, such as landscapes. SAR uses the motion of the radar antenna over a target
region to provide finer spatial resolution than conventional beam-scanning radars. SAR is typically
mounted on a moving platform, such as an aircraft or spacecraft, and has its origins in an advanced
form of side looking airborne radar (SLAR). The distance the SAR device travels over a target in
the time taken for the radar pulses to return to the antenna creates the large synthetic antenna
aperture (the size of the antenna). Typically, the larger the aperture, the higher the image resolution
will be, regardless of whether the aperture is physical (a large antenna) or synthetic (a moving
antenna) this allows SAR to create high-resolution images with comparatively small physical
antennas.
There are different kinds of SAR techniques:

InSAR: Interferometric synthetic aperture radar, abbreviated InSAR (or deprecated IfSAR),
is a radar technique used in geodesy and remote sensing. This geodetic method uses two
or more synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images to generate maps of surface deformation or
digital elevation, using differences in the phase of the waves returning to the satellite or
aircraft. The technique can potentially measure millimetre-scale changes in deformation
over spans of days to years. It has applications for geophysical monitoring of natural
hazards, for example earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides, and in structural engineering,
in particular monitoring of subsidence and structural stability.
DinSAR: The SAR interferometry differential (DInSAR) technique relies on the processing
of two SAR images of the same portion of the Earths surface. In the repeat pass
interferometry method, the detection and the quantification of the ground displacement that
occurred between the two acquisitions can be achieved by Differential InSAR (DInSAR).
PSinSAR: Permenant Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) is a powerful remote sensing technique
able to measure and monitor displacements of the Earths surface over time. Specifically,
PSI is a radar-based technique that belongs to the group of differential interferometric
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). With these one can judges if all the buildings are in same
elevation. These is mainly done over permanent structure.
Photogrammetry:
Photogrammetry is the science of making measurements from photographs, especially for
recovering the exact positions of surface points. Photogrammetry is as old as modern photography,
dating to the mid-19th century and in the simplest example, the distance between two points that
lie on a plane parallel to the photographic image plane, can be determined by measuring their
distance on the image, if the scale (s) of the image is known. Photogrammetric analysis may be
applied to one photograph, or may use high-speed photography and remote sensing to detect,
measure and record complex 2-D and 3-D motion fields by feeding measurements and imagery
analysis into computational models in an attempt to successively estimate, with increasing
accuracy, the actual, 3-D relative motions.

GIS Basic steps:

In GSB, they were suing the software ARC-GIS to use the GIS tool. We were showed two basic
steps in using GIS. Geo-referencing & Digitizing.
Geo-referencing: Georeferencing means that the internal coordinate system of a map or aerial
photo image can be related to a ground system of geographic coordinates. The relevant coordinate
transforms are typically stored within the image file (GeoPDF and GeoTIFF are examples), though
there are many possible mechanisms for implementing georeferencing.
Basic steps done in georeferencing:
Uncheck auto adjust: We must first load up the geoPDF or the image file containing the
map. After loading it, we undo the auto adjust.
Point Value: We must set the co-ordinate values on image map. Without geo-referencing
is impossible.
Check auto adjust: Then we must again recheck the auto adjust, the software will
automatically perform the required tasks.
Go view link table: We must input the data of where the map originated from
In transformation give adjust: after setting all the points, map origin, we must perform
adjust.
Update geo-referencing: Then after all data has been inputted and adjusted we must update
the info for the software.
Define projector: we must chose the co-ordinate system. In GSB they use WGS 1984 &
UTM as they are used worldwide.
By doing all these steps one can geo-reference a map. And it is one of the most important basic
steps, without it, GIS tool cant perform further operations.
Digitizing: It is the Digitization of maps. In here special features of maps are colored. For a river
map, rivers are well defined with various color, while others features are less highlighted. The
same river are sometime highlighted across various eras of maps to see if there has been any change
in the landscape.
Depending on the map, there is a resolution difference. For a landslide map, there is only a 30m
resolution image.

In here we can see with the help of digitizing,

one can highlight buildings, the street surrounding it & other.
Some basic steps:
First one must select the map from catalogs
Then create a separate folder and input required all the necessary data there.
 Then through the feature tabs we must add features class, name, co-ordinate system. Then
import on the selected co-ordinate system.
Then load the layer and paint the area under study with distinguished lines.
The painted shapes are stored as vector data. If the lining wasnt correct, then we must edit
the vector and draw it 7 then paint it.
Now, we can collect desired info from the attribute table. We can see the old data of that
map.
Then we must add legend. Then grid, scale, long-latitude.

Equipments:
As GIS is a software, so they are done in a computer & Photogrammetry uses a mirror stereoscope.

Mirror stereoscope:
A stereoscope is a device for viewing a stereoscopic pair of separate images, depicting left-eye
and right-eye views of the same scene, as a single three-dimensional image. A typical stereoscope
provides each eye with a lens that makes the image seen through it appear larger and more distant
and usually also shifts its apparent horizontal position, so that for a person with normal binocular
depth perception the edges of the two images seemingly fuse into one "stereo window". In current
practice, the images are prepared so that the scene appears to be beyond this virtual window,
through which objects are sometimes allowed to protrude, but this was not always the custom. A
divider or other view-limiting feature is usually provided to prevent each eye from being distracted
by also seeing the image intended for the other eye.

Most people can, with practice and some effort, view stereoscopic image pairs in 3D without the
aid of a stereoscope, but the physiological depth cues resulting from the unnatural combination of
eye convergence and focus required will be unlike those experienced when actually viewing the
scene in reality, making an accurate simulation of the natural viewing experience impossible and
tending to cause eye strain and fatigue.
Although more recent devices such as Realist-format 3D slide viewers and the View-Master are
also stereoscopes, the word is now most commonly associated with viewers designed for the
standard-format stereo cards that enjoyed several waves of popularity from the 1850s to the 1930s
as a home entertainment medium.

4) Geochemistry and Water Resources:

It is one of the principle branches of the Geological Survey of Bangladesh. The branch deals with
geo-chemical exploration work by own personnel of the branch and also in collaboration with
other branches for the investigation of subsurface mineral deposits and also did research based
work on environmental aspects. In laboratory detail differential geo-chemical analyses have been
done both surface and subsurface drill hole samples to find out the pathway of mineral deposits,
identified the mineral bearing zones or at least to determine the clues of mineral deposits in an
area. The personnel of this Branch did work on arsenic investigation in different parts of the
country and at the same time they did some work on geochemical behavior and contamination of
water of Buriganga River. At present the personnel of this branch is working in on arsenic
investigation in the costal areas of Bangladesh under the field activities of the project Titled
Investigation of mineral resources and determination of vulnerable areas in the coastal part of
Bangladesh. Field investigation has been revealed some patients of arsenic diseases. During
2002-2003, detail fieldwork was done in Kasba and Brahmanpara upazila of Brahmanbaria
District.
Their methodology is
Collecting ground water samples from the area under study. Example: hand boring tube
well, SPT
Making a data table
 Matching physio-chemical parameters. pH, ppm, DO, ORP, electric-conductivity EC,TDS
Making a 3-D model of ground water system
Ana;yze water quality & impact on human health
In geochemistry they look for Iron, Chlorine, Nitrate etc.

Equipments:
Turbidity-meter: Used for finding out how much water is murky or opaque. Turbidity is caused
by particles and colored material in water. It can be measured relative to water clarity, or directly
with a turbidity instrument such as a turbidimeter or turbidity sensor.
Arsenice testing: Bottle, strips, sample water & special regents. The bottle has the sample water
and it is mixed with the regents. After shaking continuously, the strip is attached to small opening
of the bottle and then on the basis of the color we will know if there is arsenic or not.
Multimeter: In the multimeter, a different typed of nodes can be added. pH nodes,Do nodes, ORP
nodes etc.

5) Analytical Chemistry :
Analytical Chemistry Branch is one of the core disciplines like Geology, Geophysics, and Drilling.
Analytical Chemistry Branch has a very fundamental role in executing overall function of GSB.
The main objectives of this branch are to provide chemical and geo-chemical data of the geological
investigation and exploration work. The analytical Chemistry laboratory is now equipped with
most modern Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) with Graphite furnace, (Spectra AA 55B,
VARIAN), Microwave Digestion system (MAKS, CEM CORP.), and Volta metric Analyzer (797
VA Computrace, Metrohm). Besides these, UV/Visible Spectrophotometer, Flame Analyzer,
Bomb Calorimeter, Muffle Furnace, Different type of Fume hood, High calibration Balance etc.
are widely used in this laboratory. Different wet methods are also used in qualitative and
quantitative analysis.

Equipments:
ICP-OES( Inductively coupled plasma- Optical Emission Spectrometer): ICP-OES is a trace-
level, elemental analysis technique that uses the emission spectra of a sample to identify, and
quantify the elements present. Samples are introduced into the plasma in a process that desolates,
ionises, and excites them. The constituent elements can be identified by their characteristic
emission lines, and quantified by the intensity of the same lines.
Bomb Calorimeter: A bomb calorimeter is a type of constant-volume calorimeter used in
measuring the heat of combustion of a particular reaction. Bomb calorimeters have to withstand
the large pressure within the calorimeter as the reaction is being measured. Electrical energy is
used to ignite the fuel; as the fuel is burning, it will heat up the surrounding air, which expands
and escapes through a tube that leads the air out of the calorimeter. When the air is escaping
through the copper tube it will also heat up the water outside the tube. The change in temperature
of the water allows for calculating calorie content of the fuel.
CHNSO analyzer: Rapidly determine the carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, or oxygen in
inorganic and other types of materials. Our proven elemental analyzers handle a wide variety of
sample types including solids, liquids, volatile and viscous samples.
UV spectrogram: A spectrogram is a visual representation of the spectrum of frequencies of sound
or other signal as they vary with time or some other variable. Spectrograms are sometimes called
spectral waterfalls, voiceprints, or voicegrams. Spectrograms can be used to identify spoken words
phonetically, and to analyse the various calls of animals. They are used extensively in the
development of the fields of music, sonar, radar, and speech processing, seismology, and others.
Atomic Absorption Spectrometer: Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) is a spectroanalytical
procedure for the quantitative determination of chemical elements using the absorption of optical
radiation (light) by free atoms in the gaseous state. The technique makes use of absorption
spectrometry to assess the concentration of an analyte in a sample. It requires standards with known
analyte content to establish the relation between the measured absorbance and the analyte
concentration and relies therefore on the Beer-Lambert Law. In short, the electrons of the atoms
in the atomizer can be promoted to higher orbitals (excited state) for a short period of time
(nanoseconds) by absorbing a defined quantity of energy (radiation of a given [wavelength]. This
amount of energy, i.e., wavelength, is specific to a particular electron transition in a particular
element. In general, each wavelength corresponds to only one element, and the width of an
absorption line is only of the order of a few picometers (pm), which gives the technique its
elemental selectivity. The radiation flux without a sample and with a sample in the atomizer is
measured using a detector, and the ratio between the two values (the absorbance) is converted to
analyte concentration or mass using the Beer-Lambert Law.
IC ION Chromotography: is a chromatography process that separates ions and polar molecules
based on their affinity to the ion exchanger. It works on almost any kind of charged molecule
including large proteins, small nucleotides, and amino acids. The two types of ion chromatography
are anion-exchange and cation-exchange. It is often used in protein purification, water analysis,
and quality control.
DI(de-ionization) unit: is a water treatment technology that utilizes an electricity, ion exchange
membranes and resin to deionize water and separate dissolved ions (impurities) from water. It
differs from other water purification technologies in that it is done without the use of chemical
treatments and is usually a polishing treatment to reverse osmosis (RO).
Furnance: A furnace is a device used for high-temperature heating. The name derives from Greek
word fornax, which means oven. The heat energy to fuel a furnace may be supplied directly by
fuel combustion, by electricity such as the electric arc furnace, or through induction heating in
induction furnaces.
Microwave Digestion system: Microwave digestion is a common technique used by elemental
scientists to dissolve heavy metals in the presence of organic molecules prior to analysis by
inductively coupled plasma, atomic absorption, or atomic emission measurements. This technique
is usually accomplished by exposing a sample to a strong acid in a closed vessel and raising the
pressure and temperature through microwave irradiation. This increase in temperature and pressure
of the low pH sample medium increases both the speed of thermal decomposition of the sample
and the solubility of heavy metals in solution. Once these heavy metals are in solution, it is possible
to quantify the sample through elemental techniques.
Potentiometer: A potentiometer is a three-terminal resistor with a sliding or rotating contact that
forms an adjustable voltage divider. If only two terminals are used, one end and the wiper, it acts
as a variable resistor or rheostat.

6) Stratigraphy & Bio-stratigraphy:

Stratigraphy & Biostratigraphy branch is one of the significant branch of GSB. Two different
laboratories (Stratigraphy and Biostratigraphy) are associated with it. This branch offers different
scientific research work to meet the requirements of this organization. The name of the branch is
according to the subject Stratigraphy & Biostratigraphy. The subject deals with the mutual
relationship and succession of rocks. It aims at the grouping of natural association of rocks,
establishing their ages and correlating them with rock formation of different areas. Biostratigraphy
is based on the study of fossil records of micro organisms, such as foraminifera, radiolaria,
ostracodes, diatoms, pollens and spores etc. can be collected from the surface and subsurface rock
samples and even from the cores of the bore holes which have wide application for the
classification and correlations of the rock formations and in the exploration of petroleum and
natural gas.
Their main focus is palynology & paleontology.

Paleontology:
It includes the study of fossils to determine organisms' evolution and interactions with each other
and their environments (their paleoecology). Paleontological observations have been documented
as far back as the 5th century BC. Paleontology lies on the border between biology and geology,
but differs from archaeology in that it excludes the study of anatomically modern humans. It now
uses techniques drawn from a wide range of sciences, including biochemistry, mathematics, and
engineering. Use of all these techniques has enabled paleontologists to discover much of the
evolutionary history of life, almost all the way back to when Earth became capable of supporting
life, about 3.8 billion years ago. As knowledge has increased, paleontology has developed
specialised sub-divisions, some of which focus on different types of fossil organisms while others
study ecology and environmental history, such as ancient climates.
Foraminifera- this micro fossil tells there was a ocean or deep ocean at the place it was found.
Benthic- It shows the place it was found to be once a shallow dweller, many years ago.
Why it is important?
With the interpretation of fossils, one can say the depth & the saltiness of the sea, the fossil
originated from. Even with these fossil, using FCL (floraminifera coloring index) we can identify
the oil maturation, in turn it can tell us the quality of the oil and the age of the reservoir.
Palynology:
Palynology is the "study of dust" or "particles that are strewn". A classic palynologist analyses
particulate samples collected from the air, from water, or from deposits including sediments of any
age. The condition and identification of those particles, organic and inorganic, give the
palynologist clues to the life, environment, and energetic conditions that produced them.
Chemical preparation:
Chemical digestion follows a number of steps. Initially the only chemical treatment used by
researchers was treatment with potassium hydroxide (KOH) to remove humic substances;
defloculation was accomplished through surface treatment or ultra-sonic treatment, although
sonification may cause the pollen exine to rupture. The use of hydrofluoric acid (HF) to digest
silicate minerals was introduced by Assarson and Granlund in 1924, greatly reducing the amount
of time required to scan slides for palynomorphs. Palynological studies using peats presented a
particular challenge because of the presence of well-preserved organic material, including fine
rootlets, moss leaflets and organic litter. This was the last major challenge in the chemical
preparation of materials for palynological study. Acetolysis was developed by Gunnar Erdtman
and his brother to remove these fine cellulose materials by dissolving them. n acetolysis the
specimen is treated with acetic anhydride and sulfuric acid, dissolving cellulistic materials and
thus providing better visibility for palynomorphs.

Some steps of the chemical treatments require special care for safety reasons, in particular the use
of HF which diffuses very fast through the skin and, causes severe chemical burns, and can be
fatal.
Analysis:
The sample are put under a microscope. The researcher looks for similarities in the sample with
other known samples. And identifies its origin and other characteristics. Through this, one can
say what type of land the origin place of the sample was.

7) Economic Geology and Resource Assessment:

Mineral search have always been high agenda of activities of Geological Survey of Bangladesh.
The Economic Geology and Resource Assessment Branch since its establishment have been
making all out efforts for unveiling mineral resources (except oil and gas) disseminated throughout
the country and concealed beneath the surface. The efforts of the surveys over the years through
this branch have yielded rich natural resources by the way of crediting the nation with pride
discoveries of coal, peat, glass sand, white clay, limestone, hard rocks etc required for diverse
industries. To expedite exploration activities various projects are being implemented by its skilled
manpower for locating and evaluating newer mineral resources is a routine work of this branch.
Methodology:
 Auger: An auger is a drilling device, or drill bit, that usually includes a rotating helical
screw blade called a "flighting" to act as a screw conveyor to remove the drilled out
material. The rotation of the blade causes the material to move out of the hole being drilled.
Chopping Method
Rotary Drilling : Rotary drilling is characterized as a method of drilling that employs a
sharp, rotational drill bit to bite its way through the earths crust. One of the most effective
and common methods of drilling, it is used in the construction, mining, and oil industries
for its ability to cut through even the most challenging and hardest formations.
SPT: (Standard penetration test) For soft characteristics sediment, we use this method to
get intact sample.
Pit digging: 10 feet is cut to see the upper soil formation of that place.
The branch works mainly in accessing heavy minerals & coals.
Coal: This branch discovered the 4 mines out of the present 5. The first coal field, Jamalgange.
It hails from the parmean era, in that time there was a lot of vegetation. Due to natural hazard &
tectonic activities they turned into coal. Bituminous coal originated there 250-275 million years
ago. Lignite originated there around 2-2.5 corer years ago.
Peat: Peat deposited around 282 million tons at Hakaluki Hawar. It was found using augering upto
30 feet. That area is divided up in western & Eastern areas. Eastern area has wet peat but 10m
thick. The western peat has 3-2 meter bottom surface with 1-1.5m thick dry peat.
Limestone: They found a deposit in lalghat. And another large deposit was proved in Jopurhat.
White clay: These are recent deposit. They generate in a clam place by the river in an Aluminum
rich kaolinite environment.
Hawar Bil, Agair & Moddhopara has white clay deposits.
Silica Sand: They are found at platue of Habiganj. Beneath 5-6feeet underground, silica sand can
be found.
Hardrock: These are found as basement rocks.
Heavy Minerals: If the density of reservoir is above 2.65, that is considered as heavy minerals. Of
those, Zirkon, Rotile, Garnet, Monazite, Illuminite, Biotet & Muscovite are sought out.

8) Gravity and Magnetic Survey:

Gravity and magnetic surveys involve measuring the Earth's gravitational and magnetic fields
using highly sensitive instruments. These Potential Field measurements can be made on the Earth
surface, both on land and the sea bottom, from ships or from aircraft. The data from the surveys
are processed in a number of ways but usually produce some form of anomaly value, i.e. a variation
from what would normally be expected at that point. These gravity and magnetic anomalies can
be attributed to variations in the Earth's crust and are a major asset in mineral and hydrocarbon
exploration, as well as furthering our understanding of the deeper Earth structure and processes.
Based on gravity survey scientists have created the Potsdam Gravity Potato & Ryiand Bouge
Gravity Anomaly map. Coal & basement rock can be found gravity density is high as 4.5-4.8.
Magnetic survey on the other hand is cost effective. It can done by Air Bourne, Ship Bourne &
Ground base.

Equipments:
CG-5 Autograv: A gravimeter is an instrument used in gravimetry for measuring the local
gravitational field of the Earth. A gravimeter is a type of accelerometer, specialized for measuring
the constant downward acceleration of gravity, which varies by about 0.5% over the surface of the
Earth. Though the essential principle of design is the same as in other accelerometers, gravimeters
are typically designed to be much more sensitive in order to measure very tiny fractional changes
within the Earth's gravity of 1 g, caused by nearby geologic structures or the shape of the Earth
and by temporal tidal variations. This sensitivity means that gravimeters are susceptible to
extraneous vibrations including noise that tend to cause oscillatory accelerations. In practice this
is counteracted by integral vibration isolation and signal processing.
Magneto Meter: A magnetometer is an instrument that measures magnetismeither
magnetization of magnetic material like a ferromagnet, or the direction, strength, or the relative
change of a magnetic field at a particular location. A compass is a simple example of a
magnetometer, one that measures the direction of an ambient magnetic field.

9) Seismic and Electrical Survey:

Seismic survey is is a method of exploration geophysics that uses the principles of seismology to
estimate the properties of the Earth's subsurface from reflected seismic waves. The method
requires a controlled seismic source of energy, such as dynamite/Tovex blast, a specialized air gun
or a seismic vibrator, commonly known by the trademark name Vibroseis.
Electrical resistance survey(also called earth resistance or resistivity survey) is one of a number of
methods used in archaeological geophysics. In this type of survey electrical resistance meters are
used to detect and map subsurface archaeological features and patterning.
Types of electrical resistivity:

VES- the receivers and transmitters have to be placed 2/3 times more than the depth reading
we want.
Electrical profiling- 2D method of depth & lateral variation.
Electrical Magnetic method

Equipments:
MCSEIS-X 48 : It has 48 geophones patched to it. It used the basic principle of seismic wave and
creates a graph on basis of that.
Resistivity Meter: It has 2 electrical 7 potentiometer attached to it. The distance between the
electrical transmitter is the half length of depth of resistivity meter.
TEM: This equipment is used to identify large obstacles like hard rock. Value is recorded when
the current is stopped. It has a 200x200 cm coil in the equipment.