The Cell was established on 15.1.1998 through a MoU signed between the Department of Ocean Development [now called Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)] and the Mangalore University. The aim of the Cell is to promote research in marine sciences and technology and to develop human resources required for sustained use of our vast ocean resources for socio-economic benefit of the Indian society.
It acts as a nodal agency for reviewing and recommending research projects in the field of Marine Geology and Geophysics. So far, the Cell has recommended ten projects for MoES funding. The main thrust of research of the Cell is pertaining to the study of paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental aspects using various paleoclimatic proxies like clay minerals, oxygen isotopes and other geochemical parameters confined to western continental margin of India.