Knowledge Mapping of Scientific Literature on Ophiolite: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis using CiteSpace with special reference to Naga Hills Ophiolite

Ophiolite occurrences are not coincidental geological events. Different orogenic belts with certain age groups are associated with unique ophiolite complexes, which indicate periods of heightened ophiolite genesis and emplacement. Global events have influenced the growth of ancient ocean basins’ Wilson cycles, which have aided in the genesis of ophiolite formation in various tectonic settings. Over time, ophiolite studies have contributed significantly to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying continental expansion and the role that plate tectonics and plume tectonics played in the evolution of the crust during the Precambrian and Phanerozoic. The knowledge domain maps are plotted using CiteSpace visualization software after the time distribution feature, country/region distribution, organization distribution, main source journal distribution, research hotspots, and frontier of literature are analyzed. A visualization analysis of 7763 and 453 research articles on the ophiolites found on Global and Indian scale from 1994 to 2023 and 27 research articles on the Naga Hills Ophiolite from 2011 to 2023 was carried out based on the ophiolite research framework to provide a scientific basis for future research and to gain a deeper understanding of specific Naga Hills Ophiolite research foci and development directions. The Naga Hills Ophiolite is found in Noklak district, one of the oldest former subdivisions of the Tuensang district of Nagaland which was upgraded to a full-fledged district on January 20th, 2020, becoming the 12th district of Nagaland. The ophiolite research results, with particular reference to Naga Hills Ophiolite, indicate a global trend toward an increase in the number of published papers issued each year. India is the country with the most published papers on NHO; its Department of Science and Technology (India) sponsored the most publications but has little worldwide influence.