013073   Gouri S (NO, Jamshedpur Women's College, Jamshedpur-831 001) : Long term conservation strategies of chandil dam, Jharkhand. J Ecobiol 2007, 20(3), 287-92.

Chandil dam is situated in Seraikela-Kharsawan district of Jharkhand state in the Chotanagpur Plateau, at a distance 50 km north west of Jamshedpur, Financed by the World Bank, Chandil dam is part of the Subarnarekha Multipurpose Project. The storage capacity of the dam is 463 million cubic metres. The project area lies between 76 m. and 229 m. mean sea level. General topography is highly undulating. Major local vegetation comprises of shrubs of Lantana camara and Eupatorium ayapana, large herbs of Ipomoea camea and a variety of small herbs, the most abundant of which are Evolvulus nummularius, Cynodon dactylon, Solarium xanthocarpum and Cassia fora. Legal conservation status shows that the dam is protected fully by the state forest and irrigation departments. No contamination of this source of drinking water has been observed. There has been no incidence of fish or bird mortality in the recent past, which shows that the type and dosage of pesticides and fertilisers used on paddy and vegetables in the wetland have not caused any harm to the ecosystem. Yet, the awareness level of the local people regarding wetland conservation has been found to be just moderate. There is need to raise this level. It is also important to speed up the process of rehabilitation of the affected families.

1 illus, 4 tables, 4 ref

013072   Devendra Lal;Large W G;Walker S G (NO, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, GRD 0244, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA, Email: dlal@ucsd.edu) : Climatic forcing before, during, and after the 8.2 Kyr B.P. global cooling event. J Earth Syst Sci 2007, 116(3), 171-7.

Attempts at full characterization of the unique global 8.2Kyr B.P. cooling event. Significant atmospheric cooling started during 9.5-8.5Kyr B.P. when the Sun was extremely quiet during three periods of <126> 50-100 years. The flood of melt water in the N. Atlantic from glacial lakes during the demise of the Laurentide ice sheet, starting at <126> 8.5Kyr B.P., adds to the atmospheric cooling. Climatic forcing events occurred at 8.5Kyr B.P., at 8.2Kyr B.P. and finally at 8.06Kyr B.P., leading to concurrent increases or decreases in the atmospheric Δ¹⁴C levels, completely consistent with the climatic forcing proposed here.

4 illus, 26 ref

013071   Debao W;Yunbin Y;Jikun O (Key Dynamic Geodesy Lab, Institute of Geodesy and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 340 Xudong Road, Wuhan 430 077) : Monitoring the three-dimensional ionospheric electron density distribution using GPS observations over China. J Earth Syst Sci 2007, 116(3), 235-44.

IRI model assisted GPS-based Computerized Ionospheric Tomography (CIT) technique is developed to inverse the ionospheric electron density (IED) distribution over China. Essentially, an improved algebraic reconstruction technique (IART) is first proposed to reconstruct the ionospheric images with high resolution and high efficiency. A numerical experiment is used to validate the reliability of the method and its advantages to the classical algebraic reconstruction technique (ART). This is then used to reconstruct the IED images using the GPS data in China. The variations of the IED during magnetically quiet and disturbed days are reported and analyzed here. Reconstructed results during magnetically quiet days show some prominent ionospheric features such as the development of equatorial anomaly and the tilt of ionization crest. Meanwhile, ionospheric storm phase effects and disturbed features can also be revealed from the reconstructed IED image under storm conditions. Research shows that the positive storm phase effects usually happen in southern China, and the negative storm phase effects mainly occur in northern China. The equatorial anomaly crest moved to the north in the main phase of the storm. Ionosonde data recorded at Wuhan station provides the verification for the reliability of GPS-based CIT technique.

6 illus, 36 ref

013070   Dasgupta S;Mukhopadhyay B;Bhattacharya A (NO, Geological Survey of India, 27 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata-700 016) : Seismicity pattern in north Sumatra-Greater Nicobar region: in search of precursor for the 26 December 2004 earthquake. J Earth Syst Sci 2007, 116(3), 215-23.

Analyses the seismicity pattern including b-value in the north Sumatra-Great Nicobar region from 1976 to 2004. The analysis suggests that there were a number of significant, intermediate and short-term precursors before the magnitude 7.6 earthquake of 2 November 2002. However, they were not found to be so prominent prior to the magnitude 9.0 earthquake of 26 December 2004 though downward migration of activity and a 50-day short-term quiescence was observed before the event. The various precursors identified include post-seismic and intermediate-term quiescence of 13 and 10 years respectively, between the 1976 (magnitude 6.3) and 2002 earthquakes with two years (1990-1991) of increase in background seismicity; renewed seismicity, downward migration of seismic activity and foreshocks in 2002, just before the mainshock. Spatial variation in b-value with time indicates precursory changes in the form of high b-value zone near the epicenter preceding the mainshocks of 2004 and 2002 and temporal rise in b-value in the epicentral area before the 2002 earthquake.

3 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

013069   Bhattacharya H N;Chakraborty I;Ghosh K K (Geology Dep, Presidency College, 86/1 College Street, Calcutta-700 073, Email: hbaruamu@vsnl.net) : Geochemistry of some banded iron-formations of the archean supracrustals, Jharkhand - Orissa region, India. J Earth Syst Sci 2007, 116(3), 245-59.

Banded iron-formations (BIF) form an important part of the Archean supracrustal belts of the Jharkhand-Orissa region, India. Major, trace and REE chemistry of the banded iron-formation of the Gandhamardan, Deo Nala, Gorumahisani and Noamundi sections of the Jharkhand-Orissa region are utilized to explore the source of metals and to address the thermal regime of the basin floor and the redox conditions of the archean sea. Hydrothermal fluids of variable temperatures might have contributed the major part of the Fe and other trace elements to the studied banded iron-formations. Diagenetic fluids from the sea floor sediments and river water might have played a subdued role in supplying the Fe and other elements for the banded iron-formations.

9 illus, 2 tables, 37 ref

013068   Behera P (P G Geology Dep, Utkal Univ, Bhubaneswar-751 004, Email: pn_behera@indiatimes.com) : Volatile displacement of Meghalaya coals - a pointer to explore low sulphur coals. J Earth Syst Sci 2007, 116(2), 137-42.

Volatile displacement, which measures the difference between calculated and experimental volatile matter, is indicative of abnormality in coals which may be related to petrological or chemical parameters. The volatile displacement (δv) values of Meghalaya coals were calculated from their chemical analyses. Correlations of volatile displacement (δ6υu) with parameters such as carbon, hydrogen, moisture, oxygen, oxygen plus sulphate sulphur, oxygen plus pyritic sulphur, oxygen plus organic sulphur and total sulphur were studied. An approximately linear relationship exists only between δ6νu and moisture, and δSνu and total sulphur, and not between other parameters. Plots on Seyler's chart indicate the coals as perhydrous to orthohydrous. The linear relationship with total sulphur indicates that the coals may have become abnormal mainly due to the marine environment of deposition and weathering.

3 illus, 4 tables, 8 ref

013067   Balachandran S;Rajeevan M (NO, Regional Meterological Centre, Chennai, Email: balaims@gmail.com) : Sensitivity of surface radiation budget to clouds over the Asian monsoon region. J Earth Syst Sci 2007, 116(2), 159-69.

Using the ISCCP-FD surface radiative flux data for the summer season (June to September) of the period 1992 to 1995, an analysis was done to understand the role of clouds on the surface radiation budget over the Asian monsoon region. At the top of atmosphere (TOA) of convective regions of the Asian monsoon region, the short wave radiative forcing (SWCRF) and long wave radiative forcing (LWCRF) do not cancel each other resulting in occurrence of the net cloud radiative forcing values exceeding -30W/m². This type of imbalance between SWCRF and LWCRF at TOA is reflected down on the earth surface-atmosphere system also as an imbalance between surface netcloud radiative forcing (NETCRF) and atmospheric NETCRF. Based on the regression analysis of the cloud effects on the surface radiation budget quantities, it has been observed that generally, the variance explained by multiple type cloud data is 50% more than that of total cloud cover alone. In case of SWCRF, the total cloud cover can explain about 3% (7%) of the variance whereas the three cloud type descriptions of clouds can explain about 44% (42%) of the variance over oceanic (land) regions. This highlights the importance of cloud type information in explaining the variations of surface radiation budget. It has been observed that the clouds produce more cooling effect in short-wave band than the warming effect in long-wave band resulting in a net cooling at the surface. Over the oceanic region, variations in high cloud amount contribute more to variations in SWCRF while over land regions both middle and high cloud variations make substantial contributions to the variations in both SWCRF and NETCRF.

6 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

013066   Arora A;Tomar S K (Mathematics Dep, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar-143 006, Email: aroraashish_a@rediffmail.com) : Elastic waves along a cylindrical borehole in a poroelastic medium saturated by two immiscible fluids. J Earth Syst Sci 2007, 116(3), 225-34.

Propagation of elastic waves along a cylindrical borehole filled with/without liquid and embedded in an infinite porous medium saturated by two immiscible fluids has been studied. The theory of porous media saturated by two immiscible fluids developed by Tuncay and Corapcioglu (1997) is employed. Frequency equations determining the phase velocity of axial symmetric waves are obtained. It is found that the surface waves along cylindrical borehole are dispersive. The dispersion equation of Rayleigh-type surface waves along the boundary of a poroelastic solid half-space saturated by two immiscible fluids is also obtained. Some special cases have been deduced and the dispersion curves are obtained numerically for a peculiar model. It is found that the density of fluids affects the Rayleigh mode.

2 illus, 19 ref

013065   Alpa Sridhar (Geology Dep, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara-390 002) : Discharge estimation from planform characters of the Shedhi river, Gujarat alluvial plain: present and past. J Earth Syst Sci 2007, 116(4), 340-6.

In the absence of long-term hydrologic and streamflow records an understanding of river morphology (present and past) can help delineate changes in magnitudes of water and sediment discharges. The relict drainage system of Gujarat alluvial plain provides an opportunity to reconstruct the palaeochannel morphology-related discharge estimations. Based on the geomorphological evidence and channel geometry, an attempt has been made to reconstruct the palaeohydrological condition in the Shedhi River during the Holocene. A comparison of the present day channel of the Shedhi River with that of its palaeo counterpart reveals that the former was carrying much higher bankfull discharge (<126>5500m³ s^-1) as compared to the present (<126>200m³s^-1). This is attributed to a larger drainage area and enhanced precipitation in the Shedhi River basin.

3 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

013064   Abhilash S;Das S;Kalsi S R;Das Gupta M;Mohan Kumar K;George J P;Banerjee S K;Thampi S B;Pradhan D (Atmospheric Sciences Dep, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Cochin-682 016, Email: abhimets@yahoo.com) : Assimiliation of Doppler weather radar observations in a mesoscale model for the prediction of rainfall associated with mesocale convective systems. J Earth Syst Sci 2007, 116(4), 275-304.

Obtaining an accurate initial state is recognized as one of the biggest challenges in accurate model prediction of convective events. This work is the first attempt in utilizing the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Doppler radar data in a numerical model for the prediction of mesoscale convective complexes around Chennai and Kolkata. Three strong convective events both over Chennai and Kolkata have been considered for the study. The simulation experiments have been carried out using fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University-National Center for Atmospheric Research (PSU-NCAR) mesoscale model (MM5) version 3.5.6. The variational data assimilation approach is one of the most promising tools available for directly assimilating the mesoscale observations in order to improve the initial state. The horizontal wind derived from the DWR has been used alongwith other conventional and non-conventional data in the assimilation system. The preliminary results from the three dimensional variational (3DVAR) experiments are encouraging. The simulated rainfall has also been compared with that derived from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite. The encouraging result from this study can be the basis for further investigation of the direct assimilation of radar reflectivity data in 3DVAR system. The study indicates that Doppler radar data assimilation improves the initial field and enhances the Quantitative Precipitation Forecasting (QPF) skill.

19 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

012240   Yamuna S (Atomic Minerals Directorate for Explotion and Research, , Begumpet, Hyderabad-500 016, Email: yamunasingh2002@yahoo.co.uk) : Trace element chemistry of Muscovite from rare metal pegmatites of Kawadgaon, Bastar district, Chhattisgarh. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 795-8.

Trace element abundances in seven muscovite separates from rare metal pegmatites of Kawadgaon, Bastar district, Chhattisgarh, indicate enrichment of Sn (804<60>-1000 ppm), rare metals (Nb 305-533 ppm and Li 213-917 ppm), Ga (153-198 ppm), Ti (661 -3072 ppm) and Mn (310-1981 ppm). Ionic substitution during crystallization of muscovites appears to be responsible for enrichment of certain elements. Distribution of trace elements in muscovites supports: (i) field results that rare metals (RM) and tin mineralisation exists in host pegmatites of Kawadgaon area; (ii) the scope of application of trace element chemistry of muscovites as a guide.for exploration of RM and tin mineralisation in granitic-pegmatites; and (iii) that the RM pegmatites of Bastar Province are geochemically more evolved relative to pegmatites from other provinces of India.

1 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

012239   Swarna Latha P;Nageswara Rao K (NO, , F-402, Swarna Siri Residency) : Hydrochemical Studies in an industrial area of Vishakhapatnam city, India-a spatical technology approch. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(3), 529-36.

Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) are being effectively used as tools in water quality studies. The study was undertaken to assess the water quality in relation to domestic uses in an industrial area of Visakhapatnam city, India. Groundwater samples were collected from the bore wells in post-monsoon season and analysed for water quality parameters namely pH, Electrical Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Hardness, Calcium Hardness, Magnesium Hardness, Chlorides, Sulphates, Phosphates, Iron and Nitrates. The area under study is severely deteriorating due to the industrial and man-made activities. Water Quality Index studies revealed that water is not suitable for human consumption in most of the locations. The aim of this study is to create the water pollution (spatial distribution) maps of industrial area using spatial technology for the better management of the city to control the pollution and also to avoid the risk of water pollutants.

8 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

012238   Sri Lakshmi S;Tiwari R K (Theorectical Modeling Group, National Geophysical Institute, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: rk_tiwari3@rediffmail.com) : Assessing the impact of foreshocks and aftershocks on the earthquake dynamics in northeast India using the non-linear forecasting techniques. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 746-54.

The modern concept of fractal and chaos theory has invariably been applied to earthquake time series to understand the nature of earthquake dynamics and hence to characterize the model behaviour. However, prior to proposing an earthquake generating model and predictive behavior of earthquake data, it is essential to understand the possible influence of foreshocks and aftershocks on the earthquake dynamics. Studies the impact of foreshocks and aftershocks on the nature of earthquake dynamics using the modem nonlinear forecasting approach. Uses here monthly frequency earthquake data sets obtained from one of the most seismo-tectonically crucial regions of northeast India bounded by latitude 20-28°N and longitude 88-98°E, spanning over a time window of 1920-1988. For the present purpose, two sets of monthly earthquake time series are prepared: (i) original earthquake data and (ii) data after removing foreshocks and aftershocks, and then analyzed separately using the non-linear forecasting approaches. Comparative results indicate that earthquake data free from aftershocks and foreshocks show better predictive behaviour than the original data (i.e. combined with aftershocks and foreshocks), thus revealing a significant effect of foreshocks and aftershocks on the model characterization of earthquake dynamics.

7 illus, 34 ref

012237   Sreenivas G;Raji Reddy D;Mahadevappa S G; Madhavi Lata A;Narasimha Rao S B S;Rama Gopal Varma N (Agromet-Cell, Agric Res Inst, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad) : Rainfall and PET variation at selected stations of Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh. J Agrometeorol 2007, 9(2), 291-4.

^ssc2 illus, 1 table, 2 ref

012236   Soman K (NO, Center for Earth Science Studies, Akkulam, Thiruvananthapuram-695 031, Email: esource@md3.vsni.net.in) : Geomorphic constraints on coastal regulation zones: examples from Kerala and need for redrafting the regulation zone. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 724-31.

Coastal environments constitute a critical national and global resource that suffers widespread degradation due to human impacts. Because of their resource potential and opportunities, coasts are over populated. Unmindful exploitation of coastal resources and discharge of effluents/pollutants result in resource depletion and lead to multiple user conflicts in the coasts. Damage to life and property due to natural hazards adds to the woes of the coasts. In order to make good of the degradation, destruction and multiple user conflicts affecting the resource-rich coasts and to ensure sustainability of this rich resource base. 'Integrated Coastal Zone Management" (ICZM) programmes were implemented in various countries with great success. In India too, the notification of 1991 on 'Coastal Regulation Zone' was one such exercise, sans scientific backing in working out the setback line/regulation zones. Earmarking a uniform, static 500 m 'regulation zone' from the high tide line, irrespective of the diverse nature of the coastline, the ecosystems and vulnerability to natural hazards has rendered it an unscientific effort. Considering the multitude of problems being faced by the Indian coasts, their contrasting geomorphologic features and vulnerability to natural hazards, it is prudent to work out the setback lines by the local geoscientific fraternity and to draft plans for their sustainable management at par with global standards. Lessons from recent tsunami hit along the Indian coast have accelerated the pace of thinking in this line in India.

2 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

012235   Singh Rachhpal (NO, Geological Survey of India, Bachittar complex, Bye Pass NH-1A, Chhanni Himmat, Jammu-180 015, Email: gsijammu@rediffmail.com) : Geology of Kishtwar region, Jammu & Kashmir Himalaya, India with special emphasis on the Salkhalas, central crystallines: their relationship and implication on main central thrust. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 699-709.

Systematic cum traverse geological mapping of an area of about 15000 sq. km in the Kishtwar region by the author brought out a lithological succession comprising metamorphites (Proterozoic) unconformably overlain by Palaeozoic - Mesozoic Tethyan sediments. The metamorphites of the area have been lithostratigraphically classified in the light of code of stratigraphic nomenclature. Thus, the metamorphic sequence occurring in the area comprises Brama, Dachhin, Padar and Marwah Formations togetherrnaking up the Kishtwar Group. The existence of the 'Main Central Thrust' and 'Kishtwar Window' is also reviewed.

2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

012234   Sharma G K;Takahashi Kozo (Geology Dep, Kumanu Univ, Nainital-263 002) : Pleistocene radiolaria from the antarctic continental margin: distribution and biostratigraphy. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 813-26.

Presents a first comprehensive account of Pleistocene radiolarians from a Piston core KH94-4-AMR-2PC in the Antarctic continental margin of the Southern Ocean region. Seventy five well preserved radiolarians from the fifty four samples were identified. The study shows that the section lies in the Chi Zone. This zone is further subdivided into lower and upper Chi subzones on the basis of last appearance, consistent appearance and highest common appearance.Twenty five new species were encountered and described but they have not been formally named. Minor reworking is observed in the studied sequence.

3 illus, 78 ref

012233   Saini N K;Mukherjee P K;Khanna P P;Purohit K K (NO, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehra Dun-248 001, Email: saini_nk@wihg.res.in) : Proposed amphibolite reference rock sample (AM-H) from Himachal Pradesh. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 799-802.

An amphibolite sample named as AM-H is the third candidate reference rock in the series of refreence samples from Himalaya. first two geostandards characterized in the saries being MB-H (metabasic) and DG-H (granite), are now in use for routine analysis at several laborories. The sample is being distributed to several participating loboratorie and analysts for contribution of abalytical data. The sample was tested for its suitability as a rference standard in terms of its bulk homogeneity using F test carride out for 16 farctions of the sample analyzed in duplicate. The results of homography test along with relevant information like, location, geological set-up, mineralogical make up petrography and exected chemical compastion are given for the benefit of potential analyst/contributors. The proposed reference sample may prove useful for analysis of metabasics and interbasics igneous rocks with high Cr and lower abundances of elements like Ba, NA, K, P, Nb and Zr.

1 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

012232   Roy P D (Centro de Investigationes en ciencias de la tierra, Autonoma Di Estado de Hidalogo Univ, 42184 Pachuca, Mexico, Email: priyadarsi@iycos.com) : Thermal characteristics of the near-surface palya sediments from the thar desert, Rajasthan. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 781-7.

The playas located in the semi-arid to arid western Rajasthan, Thar Desert, India host a variety of evaporites and detrital minerals. The focus of the present study is to address the mineralogical and thermal characteristics of the near-surface playa sediments from six different playas scattered in different climatic zones of the desert. Based on the results of differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermo-gravimetry (TG), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and carbon analysis (CSA, CWA), the playas are divided into two different groups. The sediments from the first group consisting of Phulera, Sambhar, Didwana, and Bap-Malar playas are characterised by the presence of relatively higher abundance of organic carbon (C_org), Fe-bearing proto-dolomite and indicate a relatively reducing environment of deposition. The presence of hematite in the sediments from second group comprising of Pokhran and Pachapadra playas indicate a relatively oxidising environment. The absence of sulphate mineral, gypsum in the sediments of the first group of playas is more speculative and might be caused by organic carbon reducing the sulphates or by bacterial activity in the hyper-saline environment.

3 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

012231   Rastogi B K;Jaiswal R K (NO, National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad-500 007) : Characteristics of earthquakes around tirupattur (TN) and seismotectonics of the region. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 773-80.

Seismic characteristics like frequency-magnitude relation, decay rate of aftershocks, foreshock-aftershock pattern and energy release are studied for earth tremors of magnitude ≤ 4.3 that occurred near Tirupattur town of North Arcot District of Tamilnadu during November 27, 1984 to February 23, 1985. These characteristics are interpreted in terms of ambient stress level and mechanical properties of rock media. An isoseismal map has been prepared from the felt reports and damage survey. This sequence was the first in the region that was well recorded at regional stations enabling inferences about seismotectonics of the region.

7 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

012230   Rao C R;Butchi B B;Kishore R K;Sinha G D P S (NO, National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: chagantychaganty@rediffmail.com) : Depth estimation to the basement of Vibhutigudda and Taluru formations in the southeast fringe of sandur schist belt from aeromagnetics. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 732-8.

Intense cluster of aeromagnetic anomalies as high as 5000 nT, spread over an area of 10 x 6 sq km were observed in the southeastern fringe of the Sandur Schist Belt (SSB) in Obalapuram - Mincheri - Nemakallu section. Sources for these anomalies are inferred due to the presence of the ferruginous cherts, metagabbros, metabasalts and banded iron formations associated with the Taluru and Vibhutigudda Formations of the schist belt. Computation of analytical signal, analysis of two dimensional power spectrum and magnetic profiles taken from the aeromagnetic data has indicated that: (i) The cluster of anomalies is originating from Taluru and Vibhutigudda Formations, (ii) The estimated depth of 500 m represents the granitic basement and (iii) Absence of Taluru Formation below the Vibhutigudda Formation.

6 illus, 24 ref

012229   Rahman S M;Rezaul Islam M;Keramat M;Sultan Islam M D (Applied Physics and Electronic Engineering Dep, Rajshahi Univ, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh, Email: s_m_rahman@email.com) : Seismic attribute analysis for the characterization of Tibetan bright spots: INDEPTH seismic profiles tibet 9 and 10. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 739-45.

The properties of Tibetan bright spots have been studied in this work with seismic attribute analysis. Tibetan bright spots are band of reflections along 150 km of the northern Yadong-Gulu rift in southern Tibet, which are made by INDEPTH project. Seismic attributes analyses are the separate displays of seismic time amplitude map. Attribute computation tools are developed in this work using complex trace analysis and have shown justification with example. Using the developed tools, frequency attributes of the INDEPTH seismic data have been produced and it has studied the properties of Tibetan bright spots. Analysis suggests the presence of free water below the analyzed seismic profiles at a depth of about 15 km along with the big low S-wave velocity layer starting from 15 km depth and continuing upto different depths from 45 km to 94 km.

5 illus, 22 ref

012228   Pauline S K;Mahesh S;Mahesh Bilwa L (Geology Dep, Mysore Univ, Manasagangothri, Mysore-570 006, Email: mbilwa@rediffmail.com) : Palynostratigraphic study of lower Gundwana sediments from Bandar coalifield, Nagpur district, Maharashtra. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 834-40.

Core samples of Borehole MBG-23 of Gokul Block, Bandar Coalfield have been analyzed palynologically. Samples Shaly coal and shale occurring between the depth 52.3 m-43 m have been found to be rich in miospores and a statistical analysis of these samples have revealed the abundance of non-striate disaccate genera based on which Scheuringipollenites assemblage zone has been recognised which suggests Lower Barakar affinity(Early Permian). This assemblage zone shows broad similarities with the Lower Barakar mioflora of other Lower Gondwana basins of India.

3 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

012227   Patil R R;Deepa T M (NO, , Shambhu Apartment Gound floor, Adarsh Nagar, Hubli, Karnataka, Email: rajanpatil@yahoo.com) : Climate change: the challenges for public health preparedness and response - an India case study. Indian J occup envir Med 2007, 11(3), 113-15.

Extremes weather changes surpassing their usual statistical ranges and tumbling records in India could be an early warning bell of global warming. Extreme weather events like the recent record setting in western Indian city of Mumbai or all time high fatalities due to the heat wave in southern Indian states or increasing vulnerability of easten Indian states to flood could all be a manifestation of climate change in the Asian subcontinent. While the skeptics may be inclined to dismiss these events as simple local aberrations, when viewed in an epidemiological paradigm in terms of person, time and space couple with frequenpy, intensity and fatalities, it could well be an early manifestation of climate change. Global warming poses serious challenge to the health sector and hence warrants emergency health preparedness and response. Climateªsensitive diseases are among the largest global killers, hence major brunt of global climate change in terms of adverse health impact will be mostly borne by poor and developing countries in Asia, given the levels of poverty, nutionallevels and poor public health infrastructure.

1 illus, 11 ref

012226   Pal P K (NO, Visva-Bharati Univ, Santiniketan-731 235, Email: pal_pradip2006@rediffmail.com) : Correlation between fractal dimension of drainage parameters and seismicity in Northeast India. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 765-72.

Statistical characteristics of seismicity (b-value), drainage systems and correlation between the fractal dimension of seismicity and drainage parameters are evaluated in the NE region of India (26°-27°N and 91°-95°E). The fractal dimension (D ≈ 1.85) of the fracture systems in the earth relates to the fractal dimension of seismicity. Here, an attempt has been made to correlate the fractal dimension of seismicity and drainage systems by using the correlation integral, which in turn have been correlated with the earthquake moment. The fractal dimension of the fracture traces has also been evaluated by box counting method. It is observed that while the study area as a whole is highly seismic, there are pockets of very high seismicity and areas of comparatively less seismic activity. This study reflects that the background seismicity of a region can be estimated from the fractal dimension of drainage systems.

6 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

012225   Luirei Khayingshing (NO, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Northeast Unit, Itanagar-791 113, Email: ashing_iuirei@rediffmail.com) : Slope failures in main boundary thrust zone along siang valley between pasighat and rengging East siang district, Arunachal pardesh. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 858-61.

The Low lying hilly terrain between Pasighat and Rengging along Siang Valley in Arunachal Himalaya has been affected by various types of slope failures. This region receives heavy rainfall during prolonged rainy season from May to August, when most of the failure takes. To address this problem wedge failure analysis has been carried out for various types of the rocks to determine the potential mode of failure. Wedge analysis shows that sandstones of Siwalik Group have three to four wedges while quartzites and sandstones of Miri Formation and Gondwana rocks have three and four wedges respectively. The rocks of Main Boundary Thrust zone are highly crushed and fractured with extensive development of slickenside. Deep cut erosion by small tributaries and Siang River has made the steep slopes more vulnerable to mass movement. The main slope failures are rock fall, debris fall, sliding and complex landslides.

4 illus, 8 ref

012224   Kundal P;Humane S K (Geology Dep, R.T.M. Nagpur Univ, Law College Square, Nagpur-440 001, Email: ppk_kundal@rediffmail.com) : Chattian and burdigalian dasycladacean algae from Kachchh, western India and their implications on enviroment of deposition. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 788-94.

Amongst all fossil calcareous algae, the fossil dasycladales are the most important group of calcareous green Hflgae as these are highly useful for paleoenvironmental and paleobathymetric inferences. The fossil dasycladales comprise over 40 genera and 200 species and these have been documented from different parts of the world in Paleocene-Eocene. However, the record of dasycladales from Indian Cenozoic sediments is very scanty as only 24 dasycladacean species are known. In view of this, the present report of a rich dasycladacean algal assemblage comprising 7 additional species belonging to 6 genera viz., Cymopolia sp.,Neomeris ramwadaensis sp. nov., N. plagnensis Deloffre.,Acroporella sp., Broeckella sp., Orioporella sp., Clypema sp. from the limestones of the Maniyara Fort Formation (Chattian) and the Chhasra Formation (Burdigalian) in Kachchh, India is of much significance. The algal assemblage indicates that these limestones were deposited in a shallow marine tropical waters at a depth of about 10-12 m below low tide level.

1 illus, 42 ref

012223   Kulkarni K G;Bhattacharjee S;Borkar V D (NO, Agharkar Research Institute, G.G. Agarkar Road, Pune-411 004, Email: kantimatik@yahoo.co.in) : Entobian bioerosion of miocene oysters, Kachchh, Gujarat. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 827-33.

Idiomorphic clionid borings were discovered on some of the oyster shells occurring in limestone intercalations within the Claystone Member of the Chhasra Formation (Burdigalian, Miocene), Kachchh, Gujarat. Epoxy resin was injected in a fragmentary shell of Crassostrea gingensis, which subsequently was completely dissolved in dilute hydrochloric acid. Examination of artificial casts of borings, thus obtained, revealed presence of three ichnospecies of Enlobia. An open camerate system with long, cylindrical chambers is diagnostic of E. cateniformis, while camerate system of E. laquea consists of lace-like network of small, globose, equidimensional chambers. Entobia isp. A shows limited exploratory threads and small irregularly distributed apertures. Entobian borings suggest clear, well-illuminated, shallow, sublittoral waters with little sediment input. However, proliferation of these borings is not very extensive in the limestone intercalations under consideration, suggesting that the spell of nondeposition must have been short. It is interesting to note that out of seven oyster species known from the Miocene strata of Kachchh, clionid borings were observed on only two species viz., Hyolissa hyotis and Crassostrea gingensis.

4 illus, 15 ref

012222   Karkhanis S N (NO, Polymer and Petroleum Engineering, MIT Engineering College, Kothrud, Pune-411 038) : Natural graphite from neoproterozoic psammitic gneiss, inanalo mountain, Sothern madagascar. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 865-6.

1 table, 11 ref

012221   Jha N;Tewari R;Rajanikanth A (NO, Institute of Palacobotany, 53 Univ Road, Lucknow-226 007, Email: neerjajha@yahoo.co.uk) : Plynology of permian Gondwana sequence of Umrer coalfield, Maharashtra. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 851-7.

Quantitative and qualitative palynological analysis of Early Permian sediments, Umrer Coalfield, Wardha Basin has been carried out. The microspore assemblage consists of 22 genera and 40 species. It is characterized by dominance of radial monosaccates chiefly, Parasaccites and subdominance of non-striate disaccates chiefly, Scheuringipollenites. Presence of Crucisacciles and Caheniasaccites suggests Upper Karharbari (Late Sakmarian-Early Artinskian) affinity. The presence of the Karharbari palynozone has been demarcated in lithologically designated Barakar Formation. The present finding corroborates the earlier studies by Bharadwaj and Anand Prakash (1974).

5 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

012220   Guha A K;Gopikrishna K (Geology Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur-721 302, Email: gak3366@yahoo.co.in) : New fossil steginoporellid and schizoporellid species (Bryozoa, Cheilostomata) from the tertiary sequences of western Kachchh, Gujarat and their significance. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 803-12.

Five new fossil species, three of the family Steginoporellidae Hincks (Labioporella bassleri, Labioporella hariparensis and Sleginoporella bhujensis) and two of the family Schizoporellidae Jullien (Schizoporella sowerbyi and Therenia indica), from the Tertiary sequences of western Kachchh Gujarat are described and illustrated. Significance of the evolutionary, biogeographica! and paleoccological aspects of some of these taxa is added.

1 illus, 1 table, 35 ref

012219   Gopalkrishnan K;Subramanian K S (NO, , Harikesa"0/6, (old No. 41/6), 3rd Main Road, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai-600 028, Email: kgopalakrish@yahoo.com) : Inherited geochemical characteristics of palaeo-domains by alkaline complexes and related rocks within southern granulite terrain, India-implication of crustal contamination in their genesis and emplacement. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 684-98.

In a palaeo-tectonic-domain based classification involving an evolutionary model of "Terrane-Terrane amalgamation through "Palaeo-sutures" for the Southern Granulite Terrain (SGT), India, the alkaline-carbonatite and related rocks fall within three distinct domain groups viz., Group 1 - "Within Micro-terranes", Group 2 - "Along the Margins of micro-terranes with palaeo-sutures" and Group 3 - "Within Palaeo-sutures". These Late Proterozoic to Early Palaeozoic alkaline and related rocks of SGT falling within the above three groups have inherited the geochemical attributes of their respective Archaean palaeo-domains and fall in the fields of such domains in many of the tectonic discriminant plots used and studied by various workers in the different sectors of SGT. Such inheritance of palaeo-domain characteristics points to the validity of both the terrane amalgamation through palaeo-sutures evolutionary model for SGT as well as the tectonic-domain-based classification of the alkaline related rocks of SGT. It also adds further support to the interpretation of crustal contamination in the genesis and emplacement of alkaline and related rocks in SGT, as deduced from other sources such as field relationships, petrographic criteria etc., while evidences from isotopic signatures are inconclusive.

3 illus, 57 ref

012218   Ghosh S (NO, DK-6, Sector II, Salt Lake City-700 091, Eastern Regions) : Chondritic features in a diamondiferous rock, Majhgawan, central India: implications for diamond genesis. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 863-4.

6 ref

012217   But H T T;Yamada Y;Matsuoka T (Civil and Earth Resource Engineering Dep, Graduate School of Engineeri, Kyoto Univ, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto-606 8501, Email: huyenbui@stanford.edu) : Three dimensional structural model for the vung dong oil prospect offshore Vietnam from seismic interpretataion. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 841-50.

Located in the eastern margin of South East Asia, Vietnam territory was strongly influenced by the India-Eurasian collision during the Cenozoic with two major regional tectonic events that are the displacements on the Red River Fault and the opening of the South China Sea. The Cuulong Basin experienced the tectonic activities caused by the South China Sea spreading. Block 15-2 in the Cuulong basin south of Vietnam is a well-known area with some oil fields comprising high-yield zones located in a fractured granite basement. The Vung Dong prospect in this block includes a basement high with extensive faulting. This present work is on the seismic interpretation of the 3-D seismics in an area of 6 x 12.5 km². From interpretation of three-dimensional seismic data for this prospect, two major fault systems are identified; an older fault system of Eocene-Oligocene in age affecting basement, and a younger fault system active during the Miocene time, that is correlated with the opening of the South China Sea. Activation of the younger faults in this area resulted in basement uplift and truncation of Oligocene sediments at the basement high, where younger Miocene sediments directly overlie the basement. A 3D structure model is constructed for this prospect based on this seismic interpretation, providing an overview of the structure and tectonics to aid the assessment of oil and gas accumulation potential of the region.

14 illus, 14 ref

012216   Biswas S K (NO, Thakur Villege, Kandivalli (E), Mumbai-400 101, 201/c House, Email: sanjibkbiswas@yahoo.co.in,comment) : Petrography, Diagenesis, Provenance and tectonic setting of the sandstones of upper katrol formation kimmeridgian nakhtaran area, kachchh, Gujarat. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 867-9.

1 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

012215   Bhukta S K;Tewari H C (National Geophysical Research Institute, Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: subrata_ngri@rediffmail.com) : Crustal seismic structure in Jammu and Kashmir region, India. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 755-64.

A seismic line was recorded in the Jammu-Kashmir region, during the year 1978, as part of the International Pamir-Himalayan project. The data available on this line are in analog form. The first arrival refraction data in most cases appears to be reliable but only a few later arrival reflection events can be identified from four shot points. The recording is in two segments, Naoshera - Thannamandi in the Jammu region and Babarishi -Muquam in the Kashmir region. First results on the studies along this profile were published by Kaila et al. (1984). The first arrival data from the above segments were used to delineate the sedimentary basin configuration and the wide-angle data to prepare a crustal model. The data were analyzed by ray. inversion technique. The depth section on the Naoshera - Thannamandi segment shows a four-layered sedimentary layer configuration with velocities of 1.9, 4.1, 4.4-5.3 and 5.9-6.1 kms^-1, the deepest layer being at about 4.7 km depth between Naoshera and the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT). To the north of the MBT the deepest layer is at a depth of -2.0 km. The 5.9-6.1 kms^-1 velocity does not seem to represent the basement of the sedimentary column, which according to hydrocarbon related geophysical and drilling results is expected at a depth exceeding 8 km in the Jammu region. The Babanshi-Maquam section shows a three-layered structure with velocities of 1.7-2.1, 4.0 and 5.5-6.0 kms^-1. The 5.5-6.0 kms^-1 velocity is likely to represent the Panjal Traps, which form the basement for the sedimentary cover. A patchy reflection at 6.0 to l0.0 km depth in the Jammu region and -8.0-10.5 km depth in the Kashmir region may represent either the Precambrian or exhumed lower crustal rocks as basement. The crustal velocity model shows a layer of velocity 6.8 kms^-1 at <126>36.0 km depth and Moho with an inferred boundary velocity of 8.2 kms^-1, at 40.0 - 43.0 km depth in the central part of the profile. The gravity model indicates that the Moho is deepening from <126>-38 km at Naoshera to <126>-48 km at Muquam.

8 illus, 26 ref

012214   Ahmad A H M;Bhat G M;Rais S;Saikia C;Khan A F (Geology Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002, Email: bhatgm@rediffmail.com) : Depositional and diagenetic environments vis-a-vis reservoir characteristics of the carbonates of jhurio formation (early late bathonian) Jumara Dome, Kachchh, Western India,. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(4), 710-23.

Describes 10 microfacies types in the Jumara Coral Limestone and Echinoderm Packstone Members (early Late Bathonian age) of Jhurio Formation of the Jumara Dome. The temporal distribution of these microfacies. associations reflects an ideal shallowing upward sequence, representing a system of bioclastic bars separating the basin from lagoon environment. Evidence suggests evolving of this bioclastic bar system upward into an oolitic bar-to-bank system. Three types of cements (bladed to fibrous, blocky and syntaxial overgrowth) occur in these carbonates. The study also reveals that chemical compaction followed the two phases of early mechanical compaction that largely governed porosity of these limestones. Diagenetic signatures in these carbonates suggest that marine phreatic, under saturated fresh water phreatic and mixing marine fresh water phreatic environments dominated but deep burial diagenesis also played its role in shaping these rocks through time. Evidence suggests that both primary and secondary porosity exist in these carbonates, which determine the permeability in these rocks.

5 illus, 1 table, 42 ref

011087   Verma M P;Rastogi R A (NO, , D-1099/2, Indiranagar, Lucknow-226 016) : Computation of weighting factor x for development of unit hydrograph. Indian J Soil Conserv 2007, 35(1), 6-9.

Outlines a strategy for computation of weighting factor (x) to compute the peak discharge for a given rainfall runoff event in a basin. The time invariant instantaneous unit hydrograph (IUH) was converted into unit hydrograph (UH) for each storm event. The peak and time to peak of runoff discharge were estimated for different storms of the basin by convolution of UH with rainfall excess (Re). The relative weights of the storm characteristics and basin parameters were also used in the prediction of peak. The Chaukhutia watershed of Ramganga river catchment was selected to check the predicted results with respect to observed direct runoff hygrographs (DRHs). The value of quantitative parameter like; coefficient of efficiency (0.7340), departure percentage (0.1837) and the value of absolute relative error (3.7254) were used to compute the appropriate value of the weighting factor x. The theory provided excellent agreement for the Chaukhutia watershed of Ram ganga river of Uttarakhand basin (452 km²) area at the x value of 0.30.

6 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

011086   Thakre A N (NO, , A-78 Yogeshwar Society, Opposite Novino, Baroda-380 010) : Integrated cdevelopment of coal fuels. Curr Sci 2007, 92(9), 1242-50.

Coal IS the major source of energy in India. Optimal utilization of coal and associated fuels will improve energy security. lntegrated development of coal fuels is discussed in the article. Integration of coal fuels with petroleum exploration and development activities is essential. Integrated development of coal fuels will improve project economic and help in pollution control. It would be a desirable step towards conservation of major energy source.

15 ref

011085   Subudhi R (NO, All India Coordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture, Phulbani-762 001) : Probability analysis for prediction of annual maximum daily rainfall of Chakapada block of Kandhamal district in Orissa. Indian J Soil Conserv 2007, 35(1), 84-5.

1 illus, 1 table, 2 ref

011084   Sonamani Singh K;Khare D;Jain S K (NO, WRDM, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee-247 667) : Rainwater haravesting in the north-eastern state of Manipur: status, problems and options. Indian J Soil Conserv 2007, 35(1), 86-7.

2 tables, 3 ref

011083   Rengalakshmi R;Senthilkumar R;Selvarasu T; Thamizoli P (M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, , III Cross, Taramani Institutional Area, Chennai-600 113, Email: rengalakshmi@mssrf.res.in) : Reclamation and status of tsunami damaged soil in Nagappattinam district, Tamil Nadu. Curr Sci 2007, 92(9), 1221-3.

2 illus

011082   Raja Kumar K M;Devendra Kumar (Soil and Water Conservation Engineering Dep, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145) : Time series modeling of daily rainfall during north-east monsson season of Baptala, Andhra Pradesh. Indian J Soil Conserv 2007, 35(1), 21-5.

Sochastic process of daily rainfall data of north-east monsoon season of Baptala was characterised by both the second order autoregressive AR(2) and autoregressive moving average ARM A (2, 2) models. The goodness of fit of models was tested by Box-Pierce Portmonteau test, Akaike Information Criterion, by comparison of historical and model correlograms. Performance of these models was evaluated using mean absolute error and integral square error. The performance of ARMA (2, 2) model was found to be better than AR (2) model for north-east monsoon seasons of Baptala.

10 ref

011081   Mary G;Rana R S;Sahni A;Smith T (Sektion fur Ornithologie, Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg, , Senckenberganlage 25, D-60325 frankurt am Main, Germany, Email: Gerald Mayr@semckenberg.de) : Oldest fossil avian remains from the Indian subcontinental plate. Curr Sci 2007, 92(9), 1266-69.

Oldest fossil avian remains of the Indian subcontinental plate, from the early Eocene of the Vastan Lignite Mine in Gujarat, India has been described. Three incomplete coracoids and two scapulae are assigned to the new taxon Vastanavis eocaena, gen. et sp. nov. The coracoids resemble the corresponding bone of bustards (Otididae), but a reliable assignment is not possible without additional bones. Independent of their phylogenetic affinities the fossils are of potential bioªgeographie significance, because similar species are unknown from the well-studied Palaeogene avifaunas of Europe and North America.

2 illus, 21 ref

011080   Jat M L;Singh P;Sharma S K;Balyan J K;Sharma R K;Jain L K (Dryland Farming Research Station, Arjia, bhilwara, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur) : Energetics and profitability of tillage practices for maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation in semi arid tropics. Curr Agric 2006, 30(1-2), 11-21.

The effect of tillage practices on crop yield, run off and soil loss, energy use pattern and their profitability under rainfed agriculture, was evaluated on a sandy loam soil (Ustochrept) in Bhilwara region in western India. The tillage practices included were, A. summer (T₁- disc plough-25 cm followed by cultivator-12.5 cm, T₂- cultivator-12.5 cm followed by cultivator-12.5 cm, T₃- deshi plough-15 cm followed by cultivator-12.5 cm and T₄- deshi plough-15 cm followed by deshi plough-l 5 cm), B. after pre monsoon (T₅- disc plough -25 cm followed by cultivator-12.5 cm and T₆- cultivator-12.5 cm followed by cultivator-12.5 cm) and C. at sowing (T₇ cultivator-12.5 cm followed by cultivator-12.5 cm) under rainfed agriculture for two consecutive years. The results indicate that tillage practices comprising summer disc plough followed by cultivator was more beneficial as this resulted in effective reduction in run off (32.92%) and soil loss (66.42%) and increase in water use efficiency (85.71%) for soils in the region over twice cultivator at the time of sowing during the year 1997. Similarly, tillage practices comprising disc plough followed by cultivator during summer and after pre monsoon required higher energy input (7625 MJ ha^-l) but energy use efficiency was 9.0 and 6.819, respectively. The fertilizer accounted for maximum share of energy input (more than 52%) in dry land areas for maize cultivation. However, net return and benefit: cost ratio varied with the changes in weather situation for tillage practices. The tillage practices comprising summer disc plough followed by cultivator was most beneficial to the farmers in terms of maize yield and net returns despite higher cost of cultivation. Twice cultivator at the time of sowing practice was not economical due to its poorest return, higher run off and soil loss, lowest energy use efficiency and energy productivity.

9 tables, 13 ref

011079   Jat M L;Jain L K;Sharma S K;Sharma R K;Balyan J K (Dryland Farming Research Station, Arjia, Bhilwara, Maharana Pratap Univ of Agric and Technol, Udaipur) : Aquifer parameters of large diameter wells in fractured rocks under linear flow conditions. Curr Agric 2006, 30(1-2), 1-10.

A new technique has been developed for estimating aquifer parameters in ftactured-rocks under linear flow conditions. The flow may be linear rather than radial towards a pumping well for short periods of time. Constant discharge pumping-test in phyillite and quartzite formations were analysed by the lumped parameter technique (new method) and Seen method (1986) for estimation of transmissivity and storage coefficient. Straight lines were fitted to arithmetic plots of drawdowns versus square root of time since pumping started (√t). Similarly in case of recovery, arithmetic plots of residual drawdown versus square root of time since pumping started minus square root of time since pumping stoped (√t - √t') were plotted, which indicate that the flow in the vicinity of-the pumped well was linear. The root mean square error obtained was least for the new technique for tested wells. The main advantage of the proposed technique is elimination of subjectivity associated with curve-matching technique.

5 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

011078   Jat M L;Jain L K;Balyan J K (Dryland Farming Research Station, Arjia, Bhilwara, Maharana Pratap university of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur) : Aridity and droughts in sout-eastern region of Rajasthan. Curr Agric 2006, 30(1-2), 45-8.

Frequency and intensity of droughts' of various categories in south-east region of Rajasthan were studied during 15 years (1981-1995) period. Reference evapotranspiration was computed by Penman-Monteith method as suggested by Allen et al. (1998). Thomthwaite and Mather (1955) method was used for computing water balance. Departure of aridity index (I_a) from the median, were calculated and using the scheme proposed by subrahmanyam and sastri (1969) droughts are categorized at each station. A very interesting conclusion emerges out of the present study is that droughtiness factor decreases with decreases in coefficient of variation of aridity index and the total number of drought years of all the categories are nearly equal for all the stations during the period (1981-1995) under study. The higher departure of I_a from the median at Banswara and Kota, caused one disastrous drought year (1987).

2 tables, 9 ref

011077   Israil M;Sudha K;Singhal D C;Gupta P K; Shimele S;Sharma V K (Earth Sciences Dep, Indian Inst of Technol, Roorkee-247 667, Email: mohdfes@iitr.ernet.in) : Direct determination of aquifer configuration using geoelectrical techniques in a piedmont zone, Himalayan foothills region, India. Curr Sci 2007, 92(9), 1293-7.

Geoelectrical techniques have been used to define the geometry of aquifer systems in the Pathri-Rao watershed situated in the piedmont zone of the Himalayan foothill region, Uttarakhand, India. This has been done by integrating the results of dc resistivity and electro-magnetic data recorded in the area. Two-dimensional resistivity imaging was carried out to define the horizontal and vertical geometry of the aquifer system and to infer the local groundwater flow condition. On the basis of resistivity values it was found that shallow and deep aquifers have different degrees of interaction in the area. The study demonstrates the versatility of geoelectrical techniques.

4 illus, 8 ref

011076   Deshmukh S B;Pandey V K;Jain M K (Soil and Water Engineering Dep, IGKV, Raipur-492 006) : Integration of GIS with MUSCLE in assessment of sediment yield. Indian J Soil Conserv 2007, 35(1), 1-5.

Geographic Information System (GIS) has been integrated with the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE) for the identification of sediment source areas and the prediction of the storm sediment yield from the Banha catchment of upper Oamodar valley in Jharkhand state. The Integrated Land and Water Information System (ILWIS) GIS package has been used for carrying out geographic analysis. The catchment was first discretized into hydrologically homogeneous grid cells to capture the catchment heterogeneity. Various input parameters of MUSLE were worked out for discretized grids using information on distributed digital database pertaining to land use, soil and DEM etc. Curve number (SCS-CN) equation was used for generating surface runoff. The gross sediment yield in each cell was calculated. The computed values of the storm sediment yields were under predicted with their corresponding observed values.

7 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

011075   Bhupender Singh;Verma B L;Gulati I J (NO, Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner) : Quality of ground waters of Degana tehsil of Nagaur district (Rajasthan). Curr Agric 2006, 30(1-2), 121-4.

Soil and water samples were collected from 60 sites of non command area-of Degana tehsil, Nagaur district. EC, SAR and RSC of ground water samples varied from 1.25 to 9.66 dSm^-1, 6.3 to 35.2 and nil to 10.0 meL^-1, respectively. The water was mostly Na-Mg-Ca type with dominance of chlorides followed by carbonate + bicarbonates. pH₂ of the soils varied from 8.0 to 9.4 and EC₂ of the soils varied from 0.14 to 1.64 dS m^-1.

1 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref