NC

N.V. CHALAPATHI RAO

National Centre for Earth Science Studies, Banaras Hindu University, University of Cambridge, University College of Science, Indian Bureau of Mines, Bhavan's New Science College

ORCID iD 0000-0003-0476-5302
Follow

About

Prof N.V.Chalapathi Rao studied B.Sc (Hons) (1989) and M.Sc (1991) in Geology from Osmania University, Hyderabad and did his Ph.Ds from Osmania University (1994) and University of Cambridge, U.K (1997). Prof Rao did his Post-Doctoral work as a Senior Alexander von Humboldt Fellow at the Technical University of Clausthal, Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany (2008-2010 and in 2011). Upon his return to India from U.K. he joined Department of Applied Geochemistry, Osmania University as a Scientist-Pool of CSIR (1997-1998) and later as a Scientific Officer at the Ore-Dressing Division of the Indian Bureau of Mines (Ministry of Mines, Gov. of India) where he served almost for a decade (1998-2007). He subsequently moved over in 2007 to the Department of Geology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, as a Reader, became an Associate Professor in 2010 and a full Professor in 2013 and is continuing in that position. Recently, he has joined (14-2-2024) as Director of National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on deputation for a period of 5 years.

Prof Rao has immensely contributed towards the petrogenetic aspects of small-volume potassic to highly potassic rocks such as kimberlites, lamproites, lamprophyres and their entrained xenoliths (including diamond). His researches addressed their role in unraveling the large-scale geodynamic processes of the Indian shield including the composition and evolution of its sub-continental lithospheric mantle, origin and original spatial extent of the Mesozoic Large Igneous Provinces (viz., Deccan Flood basalts, Rajmahal basalts) and the Proterozoic sedimentary basins (viz.,Purana basins). He has also contributed to the study of mafic dykes and dyke swarms, alkaline rocks, and mass-extinctions associated with the Cretaceous-Tertiary (65 Ma) boundary. His researches culminated in the establishment of an important school of mantle petrology in India. He has published > 125 research papers in SCI journals, co-edited three special volumes and two books. He has successfully guided 16 students for their Ph.D degrees and about 30 students for their Masters dissertations.

Employment

  • National Centre for Earth Science Studies Director
    2024 - Present
  • Banaras Hindu University Professor
    2007 - Present
  • Indian Bureau of Mines Assistant Ore Dressing Officer
    1998 - 2007

Education

  • University of Cambridge PhD
    1993 - 1997
  • University College of Science MSc
    1989 - 1991
  • Bhavan's New Science College B.Sc (Hons)
    1986 - 1989

Projects & Funding

Projects & funding information is unavailable.

Publications (179)