85° East Ridge is a prominent structural feature in the deep to ultra deep water regime of East coast of India. In the recent times a lot of scientific study has been done to understand the genesis and importance of this ridge system for hydrocarbon exploration. Many operators have acquired 2D and 3D seismic data set to understand the ridge geometry. The present paper focuses on the internal architecture of the ridge which could be helpful in characterizing the ridge genesis. Well developed prograding seismic reflectors have been found below the acoustic basement. These interesting features give an insight to the process which accompanied ridge formations. Prograding events identified in the seismic data can be due to delta formation in a clastic depositional regime or it can also form due to lava flow. The Present study supports the formation of lava delta in the region during the formation of the ridge. Characterizing these lava deltas has been helpful in predicting a hydrocarbon system in the region.

E Ridge, one of the important N-S trending aseismic ridges lies in the Eastern offshore of India. The ridge has been interpreted to be formed during passage of Indian plate over stationary hotspot known as Kerguelen. Although several studies have been carried out to understand the evolution and genesis of ridge, its importance in hydrocarbon exploration is yet to be probed. In the present work the importance of 85° East Ridge in hydrocarbon potential has been discussed with the help of available seismic data as well as conceptual model in the deep Mahanadi Offshore Basin. Emplacement of ridge in the deeper oceanic crust has significant influence on sediment dispersal pattern from the early part of Late Cretaceous times till the end of Oligocene. The ridge acts as barrier for sediment transport at least till Oligocene time. The well developed lows between isolated highs related to the ridge are favorable for source rock generation and maturation. Well developed channel feature and the depositional fairway evident from seismic data and isopach maps point toward the reservoir potential in the area. On the other hand the isolated closure at the top of the ridge as well as onlap of Paleogene sediments are quite important for the entrapment condition. Published data from similar aseismic ridge elsewhere shows the possible exposure of ridge in shallow water / sub aerial condition hence chances of carbonate build up on the top of ridge is very much feasible. With systemic and careful approach the area can provide good locale for hydrocarbon potential for the country in future.