The ongoing academic debate is on the nature of the basement in the Laxmi Basin. From a point of view of crustal geology, if the Laxmi ridge is but a continental sliver between oceanic crusts on either side then the foot of the western continental slope may not really call for any “relocation”. If on the other hand, the continent-ocean boundary can be established near the western flank of the Laxmi Ridge or that the Laxmi Basin is continental in nature, then from a purely geological point of view, the foot of the slope (FOS) may be off the western flank of the Ridge, near the place where the crust changes from continental to oceanic. Based on gravity modeling across the Laxmi ridge and adjacent margin using geophysical and satellite data, existence of under-plated crust beneath the ridge and the Laxmi Basin and the location of the ocean-continent transition at the southern edge of the ridge has been corroborated.

To establish conclusively the nature of basement in the Laxmi Basin as well as in the area to its north and south, detailed geophysical surveys along the entire West Coast margin upwards of the northern extremity of the Chagos - Laccadive ridge would be necessary.

Steps have been initiated for acquisition and processing of geophysical data (Multichannel Secismic, OBS) followed by initiation of activities on interpretation and analysis of data, will be undertaken.