018986   Sushil Kumar;Chabak S (NO, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehra Dun-248 001, Email: sushil_rohella@yahoo.co.in) : Seasonal variations observed in seismicity of the NW Himalaya, India. Himalayan Geol 2009, 30(2), 133-7.

Reports preliminary observations about seasonal stress and strain variations in the NW Himalaya, induced by water storage variations which correlate with seasonal variations of seismicity. The seismicity rate is observed twice as high in the winter as in the summer. Stresses and pore pressure due to natural processes may already have accumulated in crustal rocks after monsoon season in the High to frontal foothill regions to near critical levels for fresh faulting or renewed slip on pre-existing faults. The stresses and pore pressure induced by overloading of water after the monsoon season may explain the tendencies to such failures and trigger or induce large number of earthquakes.

6 illus, 26 ref

018985   Suresh N;Rohtash Kumar (NO, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehra Dun-248 001, Email: suresh_n@wihg.res.in) : Variable period of aggradation and termination history of two distinct late Quaternary alluvial fans in the Soan Dun, NW Sub Himalaya: impact of tectonic and climate. Himalayan Geol 2009, 30(2), 155-65.

Two alluvial fans, the Amb and Barera fans, deposited under different tectonic settings in the northwestern and southeastern part of the Soan Dun respectively, were studied to understand their evolution through time. The Amb Fan is deposited in front of Soan Thrust whereas the Barera Fan is abutting anticlinally folded Siwaliks with unconformable contact. Both the fan deposits have been entrenched by streams forming 10 to 25m thick vertical scarps having more or less similar facies association dominated by sand and mud litho-units with rare gravels. Based on quartz optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, the Barera Fan is assigned an older age (36-29 ka B.P.) and the Amb Fan an younger age (23-10 ka B.P.). The abandonment of the Barera Fan and continuous sedimentation in the Amb Fan reveal that creation of accommodation space in the northwestern part of the dun in response to Soan Thrust activity. The Barera and Amb fans were terminated at 29 and 10 ka B.P. respectively and both the fans subsequently entrenched in the increased monsoon phase.

8 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

018984   Srivastava P;Misra D K;Agarwal K K;Bhakuni S S;Luirei K (NO, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, 33 GMS Road, Dehradun-248 001, Email: pradeep@wihg.res.in) : Late Quaternary evolution of Ziro intermontane Lake basin, NE Himalaya, India. Himalayan Geol 2009, 30(2), 175-85.

Lake Ziro is ~11 km long and ~5 km wide, N-S trending, situated within the ranges of Lesser Himalaya at the height of ~1600 m amsl. The lake valley is drained by a low gradient, ~2 m wide channel known as Kale River a tributary to Subansiri River. The lakebed profile suggests N-S asymmetry in the basin geometry and indicates that the southern part of the lake is geomorphologically rejuvenated. The initial ~6 km from its northern extremity the lakebed gradient is ~4.5 m/km where the relict sedimentary deposits are preserved as <10 m high mounds within the lake basin. Whereas in the remaining southern part the gradient rises to ~10 m/km and the ~20-25 m thick sequences located ~20 m above the lakebed are exposed. The Kale River presently carries silty fine sand to clayey silt. The sedimentological analysis indicates the presence of a paleochannel in the area that carried coarse sand (mean size = 0.67 ϕ) as bed load. This therefore indicates towards hydrological transformations in the Kale River catchments during the past. The southern end of the lake is traversed by a transverse fault that shows development of fault gouge in granite gneisses. Palaeoseismicity in and around Lake Ziro is also evidenced from the soft sediment deformation structures of different kind preserved in the basal part of the relict deposits and also in the dug pits of the modern lakebed. The Luminescence chronology indicates the fluvial aggradation in the modern lake valley occurred between 22-10 ka and the last major reactivation along the fault occurred at ~21 ka. This suggested that the valley filling at Ziro took place during the phase that spanned the Last Glaciation and subsequent monsoon strengthening. The geomorphic profile of the modern lake Ziro formed in response to the neotectonically active transverse normal faults implying that the extensional tectonics in the Himalaya may create the transient sedimentary storages that archive the past climate records.

9 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

018983   Singh D S;Awasthi A;Bhardwaj V (Centre of Advanced Study in Geology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow-226 007, Email: dhruvensingh@rediffmail.com) : Control of tectonics and climate on Chhoti Gandak River Basin, East Ganga Plain, India. Himalayan Geol 2009, 30(2), 147-54.

Chhoti Gandak is a 250 km long ground water fed meandering river. It originates in the terai area of Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh and drains into Ghaghara River near Gothani in Siwan district of Bihar state. The drainage basin, water discharge, sediment load, and slope gradient determining its energy are controlled by climate and tectonics which evolve and decide the type of fluvial landforms. The role of tectonics is determined by morphometric parameters such as hypsometric integral (HI), drainage basin asymmetry factor (AF), stream length - gradient index (SL), and transverse topographic symmetry factor (T). These geomorphic indices indicate active tectonics in this basin and tilting towards west. Narrow channel confined between wide valley, nature of cliffs, and discharge of river exhibit role of climate in this region. In the study geomorphological and morphometric analysis have been carried out to interpret control of tectonics, and climate in the Chhoti Gandak River basin.

9 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

018982   Shanmugapriya R;Ramanathan T;Satyavani K; Gurudeeban S (C.A.S. in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Science, Annamalai University, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: drtrcasmb@gmail.com) : Antioxidant and radical scavenging effect of a marine diatom species - Skeletonema costatum. Pl Archs 2010, 10(1), 471-3.

Numerous diseases are associated with oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Current research is directed towards finding naturally-occurring antioxidants of aquatic plant origin. The aim of the study was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activities of Skeletonema costatum extract. 80% ethanol extract of Skeletonema costatum was studied in vitro for total antioxidant activity, for scavenging of hydroxyl radicals, nitric oxide and phenolic contents. Subsequent quantification showed the presence of 0.84% (m/m) phenolics (calculated as gallic acid) and 0.23% (m/m) flavonoids calculated as catechin equivalents per 100 g of fresh mass. The presence of phenolic compounds promted us to evaluate its antioxidant activity. Provides evidence that the ethanol extract of Skeletonema costatum is a potential source of natural antioxidants.

1 table, 12 ref

018981   Rajesh S (NO, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehra Dun-248 001, Email: satraj@wihg.res.in) : Geoid and the regional density anomaly field in the Indian Plate. Himalayan Geol 2009, 30(2), 187-92.

Distribution of deeper density anomaly structures in a tectonically active region like the Himalaya-Tibet and its contiguous peninsular and oceanic regions have been studied through satellite based geo-potential methods. The basics of satellite geopotential method have been discussed. A theoretical relationship has been developed to relate earth's major interior processes and the associated density changes observed at various harmonics, depth and anomaly wavelength in the geoid undulation spectrum. Analysis of regional geoid undulation explains how the earlier Tethys oceanic subduction defined the present distribution, polarity and the character of deeper density anomaly structures beneath the Himalaya-Tibet. This has been studied specifically in conjunction with the dominantly observed Indian Ocean geoid anomaly low. Regional geoid analysis over the Himalaya-Tibet and the adjoining oceanic regions of the peninsular India, suggest the existence of a strong and contrasting deeper density anomaly field in the Indian plate. This contrasting density anomaly or dipolar field is plausibly constituted by the combined density effects of (1) major oceanic lower mantle density void situated at roughly1800 km depth beneath the southern Indian Ocean lithosphere, and (2) due to earlier subducted high density Tethys oceanic slab beneath the Himalaya-Tibet. The observed geopotential gradient of approximately +3m/100 km significantly controls the regional gravitational potential energy gradient and hence creates a lateral north to south deeper flow of lower mantle material within the Indian plate.

5 illus, 24 ref

018980   Pratt Sitaula B;Upreti B N;Melbourne T;Miner A;Parker E;Rai S M;Bhattarai T N (NO, Central Washington University, USA, Email: psitaula@geology.cwu.edu) : Applying geodesy and modeling to test the role of climate controlled erosion in shaping Himalayan morphology and evolution. Himalayan Geol 2009, 30(2), 123-31.

Himalaya-Tibet system is the archetype of continent-continent collision, but the role of climate in modulating orogenesis is a relatively new paradigm that has not been well tested with field-based deformation measurements. Phenomenal monsoon precipitation (>3 m/year) falls along the Himalayan front, and the resulting erosion is thought by some to promote out-of-sequence thrusting or even channel flow within the High Himalaya, leading to the observed, profoundly steep morphology. Others attribute High Himalayan morphology to a more traditional paradigm of a steeper underlying d‚collement ramp. The two paradigms predict different patterns of current deformation, but both at rates readily measurable with global positioning system (GPS). Reviews the current impasse which researchers from both sides of the debate have reached using methods of structural mapping, morphological analysis, spirit-leveling, seismicity, thermochronometry, cosmogenically-determined erosions rates, and thermokinetic modeling and propose that the addition of continuous geodetic measurements of surface deformation combined with elastic half-space modeling could help resolve the issue. To this end authors deployed a network of 6 permanent GPS stations in the Nepal Himalaya in summer 2008 and have plans to expand to it to 16 stations. Preliminary model results demonstrate that within a couple years differences between the two paradigms should be discernable.

4 illus, 60 ref

018979   Pickford M;Bhandari A;Tiwari B N;Mohabey D M (NO, College de France and Departement Histoire de la Terre, UMR 5143 du CNRS, 8, rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France, Email: bntiwari@wihg.res.in) : Miocene terrestrial mammals from circum-Indian Ocean, focus on eustacy and Himalayan orogenesis. Himalayan Geol 2009, 30(2), 193-8.

For more than two centuries students of the geological history of the Earth have debated whether the evolution of the Earth's crust has been gradual or whether it was punctuated by periods of intense activity separated from each other by relatively quiescent periods. Evidence has been gathering that the episodic (but not catastrophic) nature of global scale tectonics is more likely to be the correct model. The consequences of episodic global scale geotectonic activity are that many downstream histories (those resulting from geotectonic activity) have also been episodic, including sea-level history (eustacy), mountain building activity, rifting activity, volcanicity and even biogeography. In this contribution we examine some of the relationships between fossiliferous circum-Indian Ocean sedimentary deposits and mountain building in the Himalayas, and note that during the Cenozoic there appears to have been a strong temporal relationship between orogenesis, trap-type volcanic activity, rifting, eustatic history and palaeobiology. All these phenomena are superficial manifestations of processes that are taking place deep within the Earth's mantle and core, which for unknown reasons, appear to affect the crust in an episodic way.

7 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

018978   Phartiyal B;Srivastava P;Sharma A (NO, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53-University Road, Lucknow-226 007, Email: binitaphartiyal@gmail.com) : Tectono-climatic signatures during late Quaternary period from Upper Spiti Valley, NW Himalaya, India. Himalayan Geol 2009, 30(2), 167-74.

Geomorphic features and neotectonic evidences of the upper Spiti valley (31-33° N; 78-70° E) and mineral magnetic proxies of a palaeolake section (Seko-Nasung) in NW Himalayas were studied to generate a tectono-climatic history during the late Quaternary in this region. The OSL chronology brackets the lacustrine sedimentation between 12-8 ka BP and is underlain and overlain by a fluvial phases at Seko-Nasung and Kioto sections. Results indicate two major tectonic/climatic events at ~12 and ~7 ka BP (OSL ages of the palaeoseismic structures associated with the lacustrine deposits) that were responsible for formation of lake. The mineral magnetic parameters of the Seko-Nasung section were studies and compared to the results of Kioto section previously studied by Sangode & Mazari (2007). The results show that during the late Quaternary, prior to 12 ka fluvial phase dominated the upper part of the Spiti valley, with the enhanced monsoon and land sliding activity around 12 ka the river was blocked and two major lake systems came into existence. Their sedimentary records show several warm and cold climatic phases with 4 warm spells, being prominent (between 11-12 ka; around 10 ka and two minor warm phases between 8.4-9.2 ka BP) which are comparable to the W-1 to W-4 warm spells reported by Sangode & Mazari (2007) in the Kioto palaeolake section. The lakes were terminated at ~7 ka with the recurrence of the tectonic/seismic activity and gave way to a fluvial phase which exists till toady. These lake sediments have been uplifted, eroded and incised by the river and are preserved only as patches today at a considerable height (~10-30 m) above the present day river bed.

5 illus, 48 ref

018977   Panigrahi R K;Ranjan A;Mathur S (Geotechnical Engineering Div, Central Road Research Institute (CSIR), New Delhi-110 020) : Landslide investigation and remediation techniques. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2009, 17(2), 152-7.

National highways pass through hilly terrains of India and are important from the point of view of their strategic locations and also the life line for inhabitants of those states. However, these roads suffer from perpetual slope instability problem of catastrophic occurring along the highways in different locations in the entire strech of highway from the starting point of road to the end point of road. Landslide investigation related studies and its remediation techniques are highlighted. Two case studies pertaining to landslide studies are also incorporated in brief.

1 table, 3 ref

018976   Moosavi Rad S M;Izadkhah Z;Moosavi Rad S H (Geology Dep, Univ of Mysore, Mysore) : Effect of resin on absorbing rare earth elements from leaching solution in Saghand's uranium mine (Iran). J Envir Res Dev 2008, 3(1), 30-6.

Studies the effect of ion exchange method and the amount of rar earth element absorption by Dowex 5owx8 (H^{+) resin in Acid Leaching solutio of Saghand's uranium mine in Iran. In this research, column method has been used for separating yttrium, cerium and lanthanum, because ion exchange process is on of the effective processes in separation and extraction of rare earth elements. After region sampling and doing XRF and ICP-MS analyzer process on the sample, the obtained solution from the region's acid leaching including 500ppm yttrium 580ppm cerium and 940ppm lanthanum, has been contacted by different amounts of Dowex 5owx8 (H+) resin (100-200 mesh). In each experiment, 50cc of the sampli has been contacted with different amounts of (0.25 - 2) cc of resin for 30 minute based on volume, percentage. The sample analysis showed that the maximun amount of rare earth element absorption includes %77 yttrium, % 40 cerium and %65 lanthanum in 0.5cc resin. As a result, 0.5cc resin was selected as the optima amount because of its being expensive in industrial scale.}

4 illus, 4 tabls, 8 ref

018975   Arshad N;Gopalakrishna G S (NO, DOS in Geology Univ of Mysore, Mysore, Email: nily1380@yahoo.com) : Morphometric analysis of Lakshmantirtha river basin around Hunsur Taluk, Mysore, Karnataka(India). J Envir Res Dev 2008, 3(1), 115-21.

Morphometric analysis becomes important when watershed development and management plans are taken into consideration. Morphometric analysis was carried out on Laskmantirtha basin using satellite imageries and topographic maps on a scale map of 1:50,000 to determine its drainage characteristics. Remote sensing and G1S tools have proved to be an efficient tool in this study in drainage delineation and calculation of some of the aerial and linear parameters. The drainage pattern of the basin is dendritic and includes a sixth order stream. The development of stream segments in the area is more or less effected by rainfall. The erosional process of the basin is the result of the sub surface lithology. The shape parameters also reveal the elongated shape of the basin.

11 illus, 19 ref

018097   Vasantha Rao B V T V (University College of Engineering, Kakatiya University, Kothagudem-507 101) : Some provenance studies of the sediments of barrier-beach and beach dunes at east coast of India. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect F 2009, 28(1-2), 49-64.

The sands of barrier-beach and dunes sediments of Nizampatnarn Bay on the east coast of India appear to have been derived from a mixed source ranging from acid igneous through basic igneous high grade metamorphic rocks to the recent alluvial sediments in the hinterland of Nizampatnam. The texture and mineralogy of the beach material indicate neither longer distance of travel nor high degree of maturity for the material. The beach sands are characterized by coarser, less spherical and sub-angular to subbrounded grains whereas the dune sands constitute finer, more spherical and angular grains. The detrital materials is interpreted to have been deposited on the beach by the action of the low energy waves.

2 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

018096   Tewari R;Kumar M;Prakash N (NO, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53-University Road, Lucknow-226 007, Email: rajni.tewari@gmail.com) : Early cretaceous megaspores from Sher river section, Sehora, Satpura Gondwana Basin, Madhya Pradesh, India. Phytomorphology 2009, 59(1-2), 7-18.

Well preserved and diversified megaspore assemblage has been identified from Jabalpur Formation (Early Cretaceous), exposed along the Sher River near Sehora Village in Satpura Basin, Narsinghpur District, Madhya Pradesh. This assemblage includes ten genera and fourteen species viz., Duosporites congoensis, D. multipunctatus, Banksisporites utkalensis, Banksisporites sp. Biharisporites sp., Erlansonisporites mineri, Horstisporites areolatus, Horstisporites biswasii, Saccarisporites lurzeri, Cystosporites sp., Manumisporites sp. Trikonia emarginata and two new species viz., Bacutriletes sherensis and Saccarisporites satpuraensis. Except for Erlansonisporites mineri and Saccarisporites lurzeri, rest of the taxa are described for the first time from these sedimentary deposits. Different kinds of megaspores viz., azonate, zonate, alete, trilete with diverse exosporium ornamentations like grana, verrucae, bacula, rods and rodlets, coni, spines and reticulations indicate structural diversity and complexity, thus reflecting on the quantitative and qualitative richness of the megaspore assemblage. Although, most of these taxa are trilete, the genera Saccarisporites lurzeri and Cystosporites sp. are alete indicating advance stage of heterospory, a step further towards the seed habit Exosporia ornamentations suggest palaeoclimatic adaptations suited for thriving in fresh water conditions. The occurrence of megaspores vis-a-vis other palynomorphs and palynofacies in the stratigraphic sequences has been evaluated. The palynological contents and leaf megaflora recorded in the same bed suggest lacustrine, swampy to predominantly fluviatile environment of deposition.

3 illus, 2 tables, 57 ref

018095   Singh S K;Prasad M (NO, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53 University Road, Lucknow-226 007, Email: sanjai_sk2002@yahoo.co.in) : Floral diversity and climate during late tertiary period in Mahuadanr valley, Jharkhand, India. Phytomorphology 2009, 59(1-2), 19-28.

Plant fossil recorded from the Late Tertiary sediments of Mahuadanr Valley have been analysed and an attempt has been made to deduce palaeoclimate and phytogeography of the region during the Late Tertiary period. From the present day distribution of the comparable species, it is concluded that most of the comparable species of the fossil assemblage are found at present in the vicinity of the fossil locality indicating that almost same flora has been persisting since sedimentation and that there was no remarkable climatic change in the area since Late Tertiary time. The habit and habitat of the fossil comparable taxa also indicate that a tropical deciduous forest was flourishing in and around the Mahuadanr valley during sedimentation. The rich diversity of the fungal and pteridophytic remains in the deposits is also indicative of prevalence of a tropical humid climate in the region.

6 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

018094   Ramasamy V;Senthil S (Physics Dep, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar (Tamilnadu)) : Relative distribution of the quartz, microcline feldspar and kaolinite in inter tidal and beach sediments along north east coast of Tamil Nadu. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect F 2009, 28(1-2), 1-6.

Thirty five sediment samples were collected from different inter tidal and beaches along north east coast of Tamilnadu starting from Port novo to Marina beach covering, a length 200km. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic technique was used to identify the minerals in sediments. The minerals such as quartz, feldspar in different structures and kaolinite and some trace minerals were identified. The relative distribution of major minerals was determined by calculating extinction co-efficient.

1 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

018093   Purwar J P;Agarwal A (GBPUA&T, Agriculture Research Station, , Majhera, P ) Garampani-263 135, Nainital, Uttarakhand) : Coleopteran insect fauna associated in mid hills of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Bionature 2009, 29(2), 79-81.

Insect species found in order Coleoptera are largest in number. Coleopteran fauna found in mid hills of NW Himalaya of Uttarkhand was studied in the present report. Nine families from the order Coleoptera have been recorded from Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Among the family Scarabaeidae. twelve species of grubs were found from this region during Kharif season. Among the twelve species some were catogrized under white grub which are major insect pest of hill agriculture.

7 ref

018092   Prasad M;Agarwal A;Mandaokar B D (NO, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53, University Road, Lucknow-226 007, Email: mahesh_bsip@yahoo.com) : New species of the genus Anisopteroxylon from the lower miocene sediments of Mizoram, India. Phytomorphology 2009, 59(1-2), 1-6.

Study on the fossil woods collected for the first time from the Lower Miocene Sediments of Kolodyne area, Mizoram revealed the occurrence of a new species of Anisopteroxylon Ghosh & Kazmi in the north-east India. This wood is characterized by the presence of scattered, solitary gum canals and 1-6 seriate xylem rays with prominent sheath cells on both the flanks of the rays which indicates its resemblance with the modem evergreen taxon, Anisoptera brunnea Foxw. of the family Dipterocarpaceae. The finding of this taxon in the Kolodyne area suggests that an evergreen forest was flourishing in and around the area under warm humid climate with heavy rainfall during the Lower Miocene times.

3 illus, 1 table, 34 ref

018091   Prabhakar G;Reddy U V B;Reddy M N (Geology Dep, P G College of Science, Osmania University, Saifabad, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh) : Geo electrical resistivity method for exploration of subsurface deposits of bronzite bearing gabbro (Galaxy granite) Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect F 2009, 28(1-2), 39-48.

Deposits which occur at subsurface level pose challenging problems during their exploitation. The problems confronted by such deposits can be effectively resolved by adopting suitable Geo Electrical Resistivity Method. The important geoelectrical requirement for understanding the nature of subsurface formations includes, artifical energisation of the subsurface and in response, record the signatures from the charged subsurface. The existing conventional four electrode systems can measure the subsurface responses in two orientations - viz Geo Electrical Profiling and Vertical Electrical Soundings. The authors have adopted a suitable method of Geo Electrical exploration for delineating the bed rock from weathered rock and soil. The Resistivity data is processed on the computer for obtaining Resistivity contour, 3D visuals and vertical profiles of the bed rock configuration. Availability of such information before starting quarry operations go long way in saving unwanted expenditure, time and labour. Besides, this the quarry operation can be planned in a scientific manner so that the prospect of the deposit is not affected by indiscriminate quarrying and waste disposal. The studies can be extended to other areas for proper exploitation of any subsurface granite deposits. This method is very significant for studying the deposits with precession, accuracy, reliability and resolution.

3 illus, 5 ref

018090   Kaja Magdoom B;Kalaiselvam M (C.A.S. in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, , Parangipettai Cuddalore Dist., Tamilnadu) : Plankton bloom in palk bay region (South east coast) of India. Res J biol Sci 2009, 1(3), 18-24.

Plankton bloom was analysed in six stations of Palk Bay: Adhirampattinam, Mallipattinam, Ponnagaram (Manamelkudi) Gopalapattinam, Kottai Pattinam and Thondi. Two algal species of Trichodesmium (T. Erythraea and T. thiaburti) were found numerically abundant in all stations. Zooplanktons were recorded with limited populations of Paracalanus parvus, Oithona rigida, Copepod nauplii, Bivalve veliger, Oikopleura sp. and Sagitta sp. The study revealed that the Shannon diversity ranged between 0.7866 and 0.9686, the Margalef richness between 0.5573 and 0.5992 and the evenness varied from 0.3783 to 0.4658. The V-statistics was also calculated to compare the observed diversity with predicted diversity through the Caswell model. The V values which ranged from 0.7866 to 0.9686 exhibited that the observed diversity was lower than the predicted diversity. This indicates the polluted nature of the ecosystem.

5 illus, 4 tables, 6 ref

018089   Ishrath (Geology Dep, Post Graduate College of Science, Osmania Univeristy, Hyderabad (A P), India, Email: ishu_aish@rediffmail.com) : Quality of ground water assessment for suitability for agriculture around miyapur area, Ranga Reddy district, Greater Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect F 2009, 28(1-2), 27-38.

Eight samples of ground water were collected from the Miyapur, Hafeezpet, Kottakunta, lrlakunta, Mallyakunta, Chelima Kunta, Aminpur Village, Ranga Reddy District, Greater Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. The samples were analysed for major cations and anions viz, Ca⁺², Mg⁺², Na⁺², K⁺, HCQ^3-, Cl^-, S0₄^-2, TDS, EC and pH. The agricultural suitability of the Ground water is studied based on Percentage Sodium, SAR, RSC, PI, CR, CAI-I and CAI-II. These samples show alkali, carbonate and Salinity hazard. Samples are unsafe and injurious in nature and also hazardous to health. By selecting proper crop pattern (salt tolerant crops) the unsuitable water can also be used.

3 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

018088   Dey S;Banerjee S;Saha A;Nanda M K (Agrometeorology and Physics Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani-741 252, Email: sbaner2000@yahoo.com) : Rain induced flood prone area identification in Nadia district, West Bengal through GIS. Envir Ecol 2009, 27(4), 1537-40.

To identify the flash flood prone areas due to rainfall of Nadia district of West Bengal, historical rainfall data of five meteorological stations of the district were collected and rainfall at 50% probability level was worked out using incomplete gamma distribution. It is observed that during September and October the stations show two or more rainfall peaks which may cause the flash flood as during the end of monsoon antecedent soil moisture status is high causing high runoff. The thematic maps of mean rainfall, rainfall of the year 2000 and rainfall at 50% probability level were prepared. The thematic map of rainfall at 50% probability level has been used to demarcate flood prone zone of Nadia district.

10 illus, 5 ref

017177   Venkata Ramu C;Bharathi G;Saduram Y;Prasad K V S R (Meterology & Oceanography Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: venkataramu.cherukuri@gmail.com) : Diurnal variability of heat fiuxes over the coastal waters off Visakhapatnam during post-monsoon and winter seasons. Indian J Mar Sci 2010, 39(1), 128-35.

Diurnal variability of heat fluxes in the coastal waters of Visakhapatnam has been studied during post-monsoon (Oct, 2006) and winter (Jan-Feb, 2007) seasons utilizing the surface meteorological data and radiation measurements on-board CRV Sagar Sukti and mechanized boats. Estimated values of short and long wave radiation are well comparable with the measured values. Latent (QLH) and sensible (Qsn) heat fluxes are computed from bulk aerodynamic method. Total enthalpy (i.e. Q_LH+QSH) ^WAS 50-200W/m² and 10-200W/m² (on diurnal scale), during post monsoon and winter seasons respectively. The net heat exchange (Q_N) was 137W/m² and 92W/m² under the above seasons. Daily mean values of Bowen Ratio (B) in the study region varied between 0.02 and 0.14,. A simple relationship [(B=0.057(Ts-Ta)^0.89; N = 20; r = 0.82; significant at > 99% level)] between Bowen's ratio (B) and sea-air temperature difference has been proposed for unstable conditions. High correlation (r = 0.87) is found between the values of Q_LH estimated and obtained from the above relationship.

9 illus, 5 tables, 14 ref

017176   Takayanagi T;Izawa J;Kusakabe O (Researcher, Geotechnical Hazard and Risk Mitigation, Japan Railway Technical Resea, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo 185-8540, Email: yanagi@rtri.or.jp) : Bearing capacity of strip footing on two layered clays under combined loading. Indian Geotech J 2009, 39(4), 341-59.

The paper describes results of two dimensional FEM analyses on bearing capacity of strip footing on two-layer clay subjected to a vertical (V), horizontal (H) and moment (M) combined loading for two conditions; footing on stiff clay overlying soft clay and footing on soft clay overlying stiff clay. Two parameters were considered; the ratio of depth of top layer to footing width (D/B), and the ratio of top and bottom undrained shear strength (cb/ct). The results are presented in the form of V-H, V-M and M-H space, and of failure envelop in three dimensional load spaces. The results reveal that the existence of top soft layer sensitively affects more horizontal and moment capacity than vertical capacity for cases of footing on soft clay overlying stiff clay. Taiebat and Carter's general expression for failure envelop was modified to cover the cases of footing on stiff clay overlying soft clay. Practical design charts are presented to readily evaluate bearing capacities of footing for various combinations of D/B and cb/ct.

23 illus, 20 ref

017175   Srinivas R;Sajan K (Marine Geology and Geophysics Dep, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin Univ of Science and Technology, Kochi-682 016) : Significance of txtural analysis in the sediments of Kayamkulam lake, southwest coast of India. Indian J Mar Sci 2010, 39(1), 92-9.

Surface sediment samples of the Kayamkulam lake, located within the Quaternary geological province in the southwest coast of India, have been studied for textural characteristics. Lake bed is composed of a wide spectrum of sediment types, viz: muddy sand, silty sand, clayey sand, silt, sandy mud, sand, sandy silt and mud. Most of the sediment samples are of medium to very fine grained, moderately sorted, negatively skewed and mesokurtic sands. CM pattern shows that the sediments are transported mainly by suspension and rolling. Textural parameters together with the CM pattern indicate the prominent role of ebbing and flooding in changing the characteristics of sediments in the Kayamkulam lake, especially in the estuarine mouth and adjoining areas. Present study reveals that hinterland drainages play significant role in changing the textural characteristics in the northern and southern arms of the lake.

5 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

017174   Singh V;Khare M C (School of Studies in Earth Science, Jiwaji Univ, Gwalior, Email: vineesha2005@yahoo.co.in) : Groundwater quality evaluation for irrigation purpose in some areas of Bhind, Madhya Pradesh (India). J Envir Res Dev 2008, 2(3), 347-56.

Chemical quality of the surface and groundwater is as important as the quantity. Groundwater quality in an inevitable factor for the sustainable agriculture as a source at irrigation water. Therefore the study was conducted is an irrigated alluvial area to evaluate the groundwater quality for irrigation. Agriculture, mainly through irrigation is the major user of fresh water resources, accounting for 70% of total global fresh water withdrawals. For successful irrigated agriculture, the quality of surface and ground water is as important as the fertility of soil. The physico-chemical analysis of ground water have been studied to assess the quality of water for irrigation needs. 42 water samples are collected from dug-cum bored wells tapping shallow to deep aquifers. The quality analysis is made through the estimation of chloride, Bicarbonate, Sodium, Calcium, Total hardness, Total dissolved solids, EC, pH, calculation of sodium adsorption ratio and percentage of sodium. The analytical data are processed and interpreted as per standard laboratory method by APHA. Regarding the suitability of groundwater for irrigational purposes, TDS, EC and SAR are within the safe limit except few samples. Total dissolved solids in ground water was ranged between 172.2-1400 mg/l during the investigation period, revealed that irrigation using groundwater of the study area would not cause salinity hazards.

3 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

017173   Singh D (Science and Technology Dep, Technology Bhawan, New Delhi-110 016, Email: dschahar_ds@yahoo.com) : Estimation of surface vapour pressure deficits using satellite derived land surface temperature data. Indian J Radio Space Phys 2010, 39(1), 25-31.

Vapour pressure deficit (VPD), the difference between saturated vapour pressure at air temperature and actual vapour pressure, is one of the most important climatic variables used in ecosystem models to simulate fluxes and states of water and carbon. VPD at different spatial and temporal resolution over regional and local scale has been estimated. The methodology of estimating VPD is based on simple linear relationship between saturation vapour pressure and land surface temperature measurements captured by polar-orbiting satellites. The VPD is evaluated at regional and local scales after comparison with observed weather station data. The estimated VPD is found to be in good agreement with in-situ observations with rms error and bias as 0.79 kPa and 0.23 kPa, respectively. Further, this study has brought out the impact of VPD on vegetation over a period of six years (2003-2008). The higher value of VPD for the year 2004 highlights drought condition while comparing amongst the six-years period (2003-2008).

6 illus, 19 ref

017172   Shukla U K;Shukla K;Sharma V P (Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Council of Scientific a, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, P.B. No. 80, Lucknow-220 001) : Safety evaluation of polyelectrolytes used in water treatment using rat model. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2008, 16(2), 89-93.

Water has become a limited resource in the modern scenario. The scarcity of potable water is not limited to India but it is an increasing problem throughout the globe. Adequate and appropriate management of water is essential. It is said that if there would be the 3rd World War then it would be for water and not anything else. In view of acute shortage of potable water there is vital need to conserve water and use it appropriately. Polyelectrolytes are boon for treatment of domestic and industrial effluents. Polyelectrolytes are generally synthetic chemicals and may be ionic or non-ionic. Polyelectrolyte has a wide range of molecular weight and charge density. Beside use in water treatment, polyelectrolyte is also used in oil recovery, color removal, paper industry, mining etc. There are many institutes engaged in the manufacture of polyelectrolyte. Sometime the chemical present in polyelectrolyte may adversely affect public health, thus it is important to assess its toxicity and suitability at intended usage dose prior to its application in water treatment. Many regulatory agencies are engaged in safety evaluation, framing or updating of guidelines periodically and specified use of polyelectrolyte as per IS 15573:2005 and OECD etc. The facility for safety evaluation exists at Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Sriram Institute for Industrial Research and several other organizations of repute.

3 tables, 15 ref

017171   Sharma V K;Pant H J;Jagadeesh H B;Chalawadi A S;Girish B K;Gursharan Singh (Isotope Application Div, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai-411 085, Email: hjpant@barc.gov.in) : Radiotracer investigation for bed-load movement at new Mangalore port, Mangalore, India. Indian J Mar Sci 2010, 39(1), 49-56.

Radiotracer investigation was carried out at New Mangalore Port (NMP), Mangalore to examine the suitability of dumping site for dredged sediment at north of port approach channel. Scandium-46 (8 Ci) as scandium glass powder having the particle size distribution ranging from 60-100 microns was used as a radiotracer. Tracer was injected onto the seabed at the site using a remotely operated injection system and its movement was tracked using waterproof scintillation detector. Tracer concentration curves were plotted for different trackings, direction and spread of tracer was obtained from the curves. Analysis of the data showed that the sediment predominantly moves towards north-west direction during all the four trackings carried out. Based on the investigations, it is found that the proposed site is suitable for disposing the dredged material, during the season of observation as the movement of sediment is away from the shipping channel.

7 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

017170   Sharma P (Civil Engineering Dep, IIT Delhi, Delhi, Email: presha228@gmail.com) : Groundwater quality in some villages of Rajasthan (India) : focused on fluoride. J Envir Res Dev 2007, 1(4), 383-91.

The object of this study was to determine the fluoride concentration in groundwater of four blocks in Ajmer district of Rajasthan state (India), The relation between various other water quality parameters such as electrical conductivity, pH, total dissolved salts, chloride, fluoride nitrate, carbonate, bicarbonate, sulfate, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium were also studied. A systematic calculation of correlation coefficients among different physico-chemical parameters was also performed. The analytical results indicated considerable variations among the analyzed samples with respect to their chemical composition. The majority of the samples do not comply with Indian as well as WHO standards for most of the water quality parameters studied. The fluoride concentration in the groundwater of these blocks varied from 0.24 to 17.60 mg/L, causing dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis among the people of these blocks. The overall water quality was found unsatisfactory for drinking purposes without any prior treatment.

2 illus, 7 tables, 20 ref

017169   Sarma A A L N;Lakshmi Kumar T V;Koteswara Rao K (Meteorology & Oceanography Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: aalnsarma_met@rediffmail.com) : Extreme value analysis of summer monsoon rainfall over Andhra Pradesh. Indian J Radio Space Phys 2010, 39(1), 32-8.

The years of excess and deficit of all Andhra Pradesh summer monsoon rainfall (APSMR) are subjected to extreme statistic analysis in the context of one of the signals of the global teleconnections, namely El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and La Nina Southern Oscillation (LNSO) to understand its regional implications in terms of the associated size or level of a T-year event.

8 illus, 35 ref

017168   Renosh P R;Rasheed K;Balchand A N (Physical Oceanography Dep, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin Univ of Science and Technology, Cochin-682 016, Email: balchand@rediffmail.com) : Tide depended salt-silt wedge and identification of turbidity maxima in cochin estuary. Indian J Mar Sci 2010, 39(1), 136-42.

Study consists the development of salt-silt wedge in the estuarine environment and the identification of the occurrence of turbidity maxima zone(s) during the pre-monsoon season in the southern arm of Cochin estuary. An occurrence of secondary turbidity maxima zone has also been identified. It also consist Concurrent features among various hydrographic parameters, such as temperature, salinity, turbidity and current pattern The oscillatory behavior of the turbidity maxima zone(s) are analyzed with respect to the tidal rhythm.

7 illus, 17 ref

017167   Lokanadham B;Rakesh Chandra N;Vijaya Bhaskara Rao S;Raghunath K;Yellaiah G (NO, Malla Reddy College of Engineering and Technology, Hyderabad-500 014, Email: rakeshnarwa@gmail.com) : Mesospheric sodium over Gadanki during geminid meteor shower 2007. Indian J Radio Space Phys 2010, 39(1), 7-10.

Resonance LIDAR system at Gadanki has been used for observing the mesospheric sodium during the night of 12-13 Dec 2007 when the peak activity of Geminid meteor shower occurred. Geminid meteor shower is observed along with the co-located MST radar in the altitude range 80-110 km. Sodium density profiles have been obtained with a vertical resolution of 300 m and a temporal resolution of 120 s with sodium resonance scattering LIDAR system. The sodium layers were found to exist in the altitude range 90-100 km. The enhanced Geminid meteor rates were recorded with the co-located MST radar in the same altitude range. The sodium concentration in the atmospheric altitude of ~ 93 km is estimated to be 2000 per cc where the meteoric concentration of Geminid is maximum and reduced to around 800 on the non activity of Geminid. These observations showed that the sodium levels in the E-region are found to be increasing during meteor shower nights at least by a factor of two.

4 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

017166   Kalantzi G;Soukissian T H;Nittis K (Ocean Observing and Climate Group, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, European Way, Southampton,, Po Box 712, Anavyssos Greece, Email: gxk@noc.soton.ac.uk) : Assessment of surface circulation using remote-sensed data, in-situ measurements and directional statistics. Indian J Mar Sci 2010, 39(1), 15-26.

A method accounting for the directional characteristics of in-situ wind and current measurements is proposed and applied in two characteristic locations of the Aegean Sea. With the combined use of directional statistics, satellite derived SST maps and in-situ measurements, an efficient quantitative description of the directional current behavior and its relation with the corresponding wind fields, thermohaline trends, seasonally and sources of the main meso- and large-scaled surface currents of the Aegean Sea, is elaborated. The evolution, persistence, duration and signal of the surface circulation patterns has been appeared to be quite different during each season or calendar year, shaping in this way a completely different layout of the overall sea surface circulation. This is a novel approach interrelating directional statistics with in-situ measurements and SST maps, for the Aegean Sea.

6 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

017165   Jain A;Tiwari S;Jain S;Gwal A K (Space Science Laboratory, Physics Dep, Barkatullah Univ, Bhopal-462 026, Email: jainamit_38@yahoo.co.in) : TEC response during severe geomagnetic stosm near the crest of equatorial ionization anomaly. Indian J Radio Space Phys 2010, 39(1), 11-24.

The responses of the ionosphere near equatorial anomaly crest as observed at Bhopal (geographic 23.2°N, 77.4°E, and magnetic latitude 14.2°N), India for geomagnetic storms during 15 May 2005 (SSC: 0239 hrs UT, SymH: -305 nT) and 24 August 2005 (SSC: 0615 hrs UT, SymH: -179 nT) has been studied using total electron content (TEC). TEC data is recorded by GPS Ionospheric Scintillation and TEC Monitor (GISTM) GSV4004A at Bhopal. The temporal variations of vertical total electron content (VTEC) during these storms were analysed. Fifteen minute average of VTEC is considered for analysis. More than +68% and +70% deviation in VTEC was observed for 15 May 2005 and 24 August 2005 storms, respectively, relative to average of five quiet days of the respective months. Significant deviations in VTEC during the main phase of the storms were found to be associated with the prompt penetration of electric fields which originate due to the under-shielding and over-shielding conditions. Peaks like structure in EIA region were observed for both the storms. Peaks like structure well before the fountain effect in EIA region were observed for 15 May 2005. Latitudinal enhancement of anomaly peak in EIA region was also observed for both the storms. Suppressed equatorial electrojet strength and consequently VTEC, observed on 25 August 2005 during recovery phase of the storm, are mainly due to the thermospheric composition changes and also possibly due to the delayed disturbance dynamo electric fields in this region. The range error is also discussed in the present paper.

11 illus, 62 ref

017164   Harimov F H (Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology, Academy of Sciences (Republic of Tajikistan), Tajikistan, Email: farshed_karimov@rambler.ru) : Tectonomagnetic effects in the Tajikistan's seismic regions. J Envir Res Dev 2007, 2(2), 126-34.

Observations of local variations of the geomagnetic field in the seismic regions of Tajikistan during the last two decades exhibit regular anomalies prior to earthquakes with a magnitude of 5.0 or greater. These anomalies may be a valuable predictive tool, and important step forward in earthquake hazard mitigation. Four main types of anomalies have been found, depending on how far they are from the epicentral zone; namely in the focus, near, intermediate or far zone. Analyses of the characteristics of the anomalies have been carried out in terms of the piezomagnetic and electrokinetic mechanisms. The dominance of electrokinetic effects in the generation of tectonomagnetic anomalies is suggested by: (1) a phase delay effect in the local geomagnetic field from the far to the near zone; (2) coincidence of the main earthquake shock with the time when the anomaly begins to return to the background level; (3) relatively low magnetic properties of rocks in the region of observation; and (4) detection of tectonomagnetic signals from the deep crust, below the active magnetic layer.

4 illus, 15 ref

017163   Gandomkar A (NO, Islamic Azad Univ - Najafabad Branch, Isfahan - Najafabad, Iran, Email: aagandomkar@yahoo.com ) : Use of GIS in estimating the real capacity of rain erosion : the fournier case study for Isfahan (Iran). J Envir Res Dev 2007, 2(2), 135-41.

Interpolation, the generalization of point data to scatter data, and combining maps are three cases of important applications of GIS. In this study, it has been tried to make the estimation of rain erosion capacity (Fournier Method) more real through using GIS capability in interpolation and the generalization of point data to scatter data. In Fournier method, the rain erosion capacity is calculated through the use of two climatic parameters (annual precipitation and the rainfall mean in the rainiest month of year) and two physiological parameters (the height and slop of the region). The findings of this study indicated that there is significant difference between these two methods of calculating rain erosion capacity. Using the means of rain erosion potential was estimated to be almost 3.4 tones per square kilometers annually while this amount was estimated to be 4.5 tones per square kilometers annually by using GIS capabilities.

5 illus, 26 ref

017162   Dastidar A G;Ghosh D;Dasgupta S;De U K (School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata-700 032, Email: deutpal2003@yahoo.com) : Higher order markov chain models for monsoon rainfall over West Bengal, India. Indian J Radio Space Phys 2010, 39(1), 39-44.

Two-state Markov chain models of different orders have been used to simulate the pattern of rainfall during the monsoon season (June-September) over Gangetic West Bengal (India). The analysis is based on the relevant data for 31-year period (1970-2000) for four major meteorological stations in the region. The determination of the proper order of the Markov chain that best describes the rainfall pattern is an interesting problem and Bayesian information criterion has been used for the purpose. Bayesian information criterion (BIC) reveals that third order Markov chain model best describes the rainfall pattern in general except for one station. This is verified and it is found that third/fourth order chain simulates the observed data more closely than the chains of other orders using the classical goodness of fit test. The time independent behaviour of the chain has also been studied with the help of steady state probabilities. The theoretical and observed values of the mean recurrence time have been found to be in close agreement.

2 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

017161   Chakravarty S K;Tiwari D R (Geology Dep, Govt. M.V.M., Bhopal) : Mapping of HGM environment using satelite data. J Envir Res Dev 2007, 1(3), 285-9.

Remote Sensing (RS) data and Geographical Information System (GIS) play a rapidly increasing role in the field of hydrology and water resources development. One of the greatest advantages of using RS data for hydrological mapping and monitoring is its ability to generate information in spatial and temporal domain, which is very crucial for successful model analysis, prediction and validation. However, the use of RS technology involves large amount of spatial data management and requires as efficient management of large and complex databases. Information from satellites is becoming more and more important for environmental researches; an important part of this information concerns water - an element most essential for man, its phases and peculiarities. A ground water development program needs large, volume of multidisciplinary data from various sources. In the present study, an integrated Remote Sensing and GIS based technique has been adopted for preparing the Hrdrogeomorpholgy (HGM) map of the area. It is observed that areas of Denudational Hill have low ground water potential with high runoff, which areas those of Alluvial Plain. Pediment and Buried Pediment have comparatively higher ground potential with low runoff, which may be helpful in locating the productive well sites.

7 ref

017160   Bose P;Mohapatra S N;Pani P (Centre of Remote Sensing and GIS, SOS in Earth Science, Jiwaji Univ, Gwalior, Email: parmita_bose@yahoo.com) : Watershed delineation and flow accumulation calculation using shuttle radar topographic mission (SRTM) data. J Envir Res Dev 2009, 4(2), 554-8.

Watershed delineation is very essential for the understanding of geo-environmental condition of an area. Availability of an authentic drainage and watershed map is the fore most requirements for a systematic hydrological study. In the pressnflitudy the Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) data has been used for the flow accumulation calculation and watershed basin delineation. The potential drainage were developed based on the 3 arc second Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of SRTM data. The elevation grids were first filled to create depression less DEM. Then the flow accumulation has been calculated and the stream channels were delineated. Watershed basin has been delineated on the basis of derived stream channels. The results were found very encouraging when it is compared with the drainage basin derived from Survey of India Topographic Sheet. The present study demonstrates the utility of SRTM data for watershed delineation and the flow accumulation studies. Conventional methods have their own limitations hence new emerging technology should be adopted to obtain better result.

^ssc8 illus, 12 ref

017159   Bendale D S;Chaudhari G R;Gupta G R (Chemistry Dep, M.J. College, Jalgaon-425 001, Email: dsb.jal@gmail.com) : Evaluation of ground water quality in yawal taluka, Jalgaon district: a physico-chemical and metallic study. Asian J chem envir Res 2010, 3(1), 65-71.

An assessment of ground water quality in Yawal region has been reported. The latitude and longitude of all the sample sites are pointed by using GPS (Garmin GPS MAP 60 csx) system. The purpose of this work is to provide information about water quality in the study area. The quality of water is decided by various factors in water. In the recent work we studied 14 physico-chemical parameters such as pH, TDS, EC, Hardness, Total Alkalinity, Chloride, Calcium, Magnesium, Salinity, Sulfate, Nitrate, Fluoride, Sodium and Potassium, etc and 4 hazardous heavy metals such as Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe in the ground water samples. The present study was undertaken to assess the water quality of different sources like dug wells, bore wells, of some selected areas of Yawal Taluka.

3 tables, 25 ref

015877   Varadaraju S;Nagaraj M K;Prabhu R M;Jayanaik (Applied Mechanics & Hydraulics Dep, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal-575 02) : Suitability of coastal water for brackishwater shrimp farming along dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka state. Envir Ecol 2009, 27(3A), 1258-61.

Selection of potential and suitable site is the first and foremost step for successful aquaculture. Adequate water supply and its characteristics, soil quality and topography are the most important parameters of a good site. Studies were conducted to determine the water properties along coastal lilne of Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka state. Water samples were collected at different locations and rivers of Mangalore taluk and parameters viz., temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, pH, salinity, turbidity, hardness and dissolved oxygen are studied. Properties of the source water are within the permissible limits required for shrimp culture. Hence the water of these sources is considered to be suitable for shrimp culture.

1 table, 12 ref

015876   Torabi G (Geology Dep, University of Isfahan, Isfahan (IRAN), Email: torabighodrat@yahoo.com) : Fault-related geohazards in Iran. Ultra Scient phys Sci 2009, 21(2), 259-68.

Geologically, Iran is the land of faults. Except in northern part, the Iran is an arid region and for the centuries the Iranians selected the place of springs for living and village or city establishing. But most of these places are fault-related and faults supply the ground waters. There are different geohazards in Iran that are in relation with faults: 1- Earthquake, 2- Ophiolites and asbestos minerals, 3ªRadioactive, toxic, and heavy metal elements mineralization, 4- Radon and CO₂ releasing.

6 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

015875   Sonawane Y (Botany Dep, M.S.G. College, Malegaon Camp, Nashik-423 105) : Water qualilty of borewells in Soygaon near Malegaon, Maharashtra. Geobios 2009, 36(4), 277-80.

Physico-chemical properties of the bore well water carried out from April 2008 to March 2009 show that the parameters are within the range prescribed by BIS, WHO and ISI standards for drinking purpose. The bore well water is suitable for domestic uses after proper treatment.

1 table, 28 ref

015874   Singh V;Singh U C (NO, School of Studies in Earth Science, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Email: vineesha2005@yahoo.co.in) : Assessment of groundwater quality of parts of Gwalior (India) for agricultural purposes. Indian J Sci Technol 2008, 1(4), 1-5.

Groundwater of Gwalior region was assessed for its irrigational suitability. Fourteen water samples collected from dug-cum bored wells tapping shallow to deep aquifers from the clay with Kankar, silt, sandstone were used. The Groundwater samples were analyzed for major cations: Na^{+, Ca++, Mg++, K+, and anions: Cl-,HCO3-, CO3- -, SO4- and NO3-. The important constituents that influence the water quality for irrigation are total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (RSC), sodium percentages (Na%) and permeability index (PI). These parameters were compared with standard limits and were found to be within the safe limit suitable for irrigation purpose. In addition the total dissolved solids in ground water ranged between 256-1324 mg/l during the investigation period, revealed that irrigation using groundwater of the study area would not cause salinity hazards.}

2 illus, 5 tables, 23 ref

015873   Singh K P;Naval Kishore (Advanced Study in Geology, Punjab University, Chandigarh-160 014) : Hydrogeology and hydrochemistry of parts of Talwandi sabo block, district Bathinda, Punjab with special reference to cancer cases. Indian J envir Prot 2009, 29(2), 97-103.

Hydrogeological and hydrochemical studies carried out in the cancer affected villages of Talwandi Sabo block, reveal that groundwater occurs under phreatic conditions in the top aquifer upto 25-60m depth. Rise in water levels since last 100 year has caused mineral water interaction which is responsible for 'high mineralization of groundwater and high fluoride content in groundwater. Results of chemical analysis of water samples collected from handpumps and shallow tubewells taping' the top phreatic aquifers upto 50m depth indicate that ground water has electrical conductivity values ranging from 2740 to 6200 μmhos/cm at 25°C. Fluoride hazard (0.83 and 2.30 mg/L) is present in shallow aquifers as the values exceeding the desirable limit of 1.5 mg/L. The authors attribute the crippling joint and bone problems observed in local population to high fluoride content of drinking water. Causes of cancer cases could be because of high pesticide use, which have infilªtrated into groundwater (Thakur et al., 2005) coupled with unfit quality of drinking ground water and consumption of intoxicants.

2 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

015872   Khan S M M N;Ershad N A (P.G. and Research Chemistry Dep, Jamal Mohamed College, Tiruchirappalli-620 020) : Impact of Tsunami on the hydrology of Chennai coastal stretch. Indian J envir Prot 2009, 29(2), 167-76.

Drinking water is one of the most basic needs of mankind but is one of the most neglected areas with respect to disaster management in Indian conditions. The impact of Tsunami on the hydrology of the coastal stretch of Chennai is subjected to a detailed scientific study here. It is a baseline data to serve as a composite body of strategies to help the nation to bounce back to normalcy after any calamity. Chennai coastal stretch was one of the key areas affected by Tsunami and hence it was felt necessary to asses the quality of ground water in this area. Ground was collected from four different locations across the Chennai coastal stretch and various physico-chemical parameters were estimated using standard procedures and the results were compared with 151, WHO and CPHEEO standards and conclusions drawn.

5 tables, 12 ref

015871   Dugam S S;Kakade S B (NO, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune-410 008, Email: dugam@trompet.res.in) : Association of the sea-ice in southern Indian Ocean with ENSO. Indian J Sci Technol 2008, 1(4), 1-5.

Wavelet analysis of monthly mean satellite-derived Sea-Ice Extent (SIE) anomalies in the southern Indian Ocean and in the Antarctica region have been carried out for 22 years (1979-2000) of data. The study reveals that prior to major El Nino events, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 modes in the SIE anomalies during winter (December-January- February) and spring (March- April-May) seasons are quite dominant and significant in both regions (southern Indian Ocean and Antarctica). The lag lead relationship between SIE and sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies over different Nino regions are also investigated and it is observed that winter time SIE anomaly in southern Indian Ocean shows a significant relationship with the succeeding year SST anomalies in Nino4 and Nino3.4 regions. The analysis of the zonal flow at 850hPa level (i.e. U anomaly field) over the three regions: east, west and central equatorial Pacific Ocean are also investigated. The study reveals that there is a strong inverse relationship between the SIE in southern Indian Ocean and U anomaly over west and central equatorial Pacific Ocean during winter and spring seasons.

42 ref

015870   Bramha S;Panda U C;Bhatta K;Sahu B K (Marine Sciences Dep, Berhampur University, Berhampur-760 007, Email: snbramha@yahoo.co.in) : Spatial variation in hydrological characteristics of Chilika - a coastal lagoon of India. Indian J Sci Technol 2008, 1(4), 1-7.

Distribution of hydrological characteristics like temperature, pH, salinity, conductivity, DO, BOD, alkalinity, nutrients (NO₂-N, NO3-N, PO₄-P, SiO₄-Si) along with depth, transparency and turbidity were studied in Chilika, the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia. The results exhibited pronounced spatial variation and distribution pattern, indicating large variations, possibly due to seasonal changes. The photosynthesis of weeds caused the lake water slightly alkaline due to uptake of CO₂ from water column and on the other hand, the formation of humic acid because of decaying of weeds in northern sector lowers the pH of the lake water. The low salinity in northern sector related to influx of more floodwater, which was not very much affected in southern sector. Addition and removal of fresh water, seawater intrusion and mixing bring out the change in salinity of the lagoon. The low DO and high BOD values were associated with the area near to large fishing jetties, where organic decomposition was more. Nitrite exhibited higher concentrations during May due to its release into the water column from the decomposed freshwater weeds. High nitrate during July and August were related to agricultural runoff through floodwater. Silicate concentration showed a well-defined pattern with higher during monsoon months, which was slightly removed at high salinities areas.

2 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

015869   Balde G;Arvomd Harkal;Swati Kothole;Sunita Shinde;Nanware S (Zoology Dep, Yeshwant Mahavidyalaya, Nanded Maharashtra) : Physical parameters of reservoir Purna district, Parbhani, M.S.. Asian J Anim Sci 2009, 4(1), 105-8.

Water is one of the most fundamental elements in the environment. It is considered as an essence of life. The use of water for various purposes including domestic, industrial and gricultural has no dobut increased in out life, which is vitally important abiotic component of the environment. Water exists in various forms in nature asuch as clud, rain, snow, ice and fog. However, strictly specking chemically pure water does not exist for any appreciable length of time in nature. By the time, it gets polluted severely and easily as it eaches us. It cannot escape pure while raining. It picks up small amount of gases, ions, dust and particular matter from the atmosphere. Present pcommunication deals with the investigation of physical parameters of reservoir Purna, district Parbhani. (.S.) India.

5 illus, 5 tables, 10 ref