020481   Basu S (NO, , Lady Brabourne College) : Natural resource management with special reference to the state of Indian agriculture. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2015, 38(1), 326-30.

The main aim of the present paper is to highlight the agricultural scenario of the country in recent time with special emphasis on the overall performance of Indian agriculture, major challenges of this sector and ultimately the differential growth pattern of different states regarding agricultural productivity. The achieve the aim several objectives have been considered. To highlighting the major challenges of Indian agriculture. To present the differential growth pattern of different state regarding productivity of food crops and cash crops. To discuss and examine the strategies, programmes and initiatives taken for meeting the challenges in agricultural sectors.

2 illus, 3 ref

020480   Basavarajappa H T;Pushpavathi K N;Manjunatha M C (Studies in Earth Science Dep, Centre for Advanced Studies in Precambrian Geology, Univ of Mysore, Manasagangothri, Mysore-570 006, Email: basavarajappaht@gmail.com) : Climate change and its impact on groundwater table fluctuation in precambrian rocks of Chamarajanagara district, Karnataka, India using geomatics technique. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2015, 5(4), 510-24.

Change in climatic conditions directly affects the hydrologic cycle and gradually the groundwater table. Rise in temperature increases the evaporation of surface water and transpiration in wetlands. This results in low precipitation amounts, timings and intensity rates; which impacts on surface water bodies (rivers and lakes) as well as subsurface water bodies (change in volume and distribution of groundwater recharge process) and direct changes in major long-term climate variables such as air temperature, moisture content, precipitation and evapo-transpiration. Geomatics encompasses Survey of India (SoI) Toposheets, Remote Sensing (RS) Satellite Images, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) with limited Ground Truth Check (GTC). Efforts have been made to evaluate the data from 27 representative rain gauge stations and analyzed the season-wise rainfall variation over a period of 26 years (1984-2009). 36 representative well samples are considered to study the groundwater table fluctuation from season to season of about 12 years (1998-2009). The spatial variability of mean annual precipitation depends upon the topographic factors like exposure of station to the prevailing wind, elevation, orientation and slope of the hills/mountains. The average and mean rainfall over the area are calculated using arithmetic mean, thiessen polygon and iso-hyetal methods. Average rainfall is the simple arithmetic mean rainfall measured in the area; while Iso-hyetal method has been adopted for spatial distribution of rainfall with respect to a particular direction. Rain gauge stations are plotted on a base map with their respective amount of rainfall and then the contours of equal rainfall (isohyets) are drawn using Surfer v8.5. The different rainfall intervals obtained (area between the two adjacent lines) are helpful in understanding the variation of rainfall over the study area. The final results highlight the impacts of climatic change over groundwater table fluctuation in typical Precambrian rocks of Chamarajanagara District, Karnataka, which is a suitable model in similar geological conditions.

16 illus, 4 tables, 21 ref

020479   Basak N K;Paul P (NO, , Nagadi-Obaidia High School (H.S.), Email: nilaykrbasak@gmail.com) : Influence of rivers and wetlands on the development of the society of Nadia district, West Bengal, India. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2015, 38(1), 213-22.

This present paper is concerned with the influence of rivers and wetlands on the development of the society of Nadia district, West Bengal. The main objective of the paper is to study the evolution as well as the development of the society and the influence of the rivers and wetlands in this field. As rivers are one of the main controlling factors for the development of a society as well as civilization; from distant historical past, socio-economic conditions of Nadia have been influenced by the rivers and wetlands of this district. The name 'Nadia' has been derived from the name 'Nabadwip' which means 'Nine Islands' or 'New Island' which indicate Nadia was an island which formed due to the sedimentation of the Ganga and its tributaries. The Bhagirathi, the Jalangi and the Mathabhanga are the three main rivers which are known as 'Nadia Rivers' (J.H.E.Garrett, 1910). Other rivers are Curni, Ichamoti and Bhairab. The main ancient settlements were flourished beside the rivers like Nabadwip, Krishnagar, Santipur, Fulia, Ranaghat etc. Over a period of time due to the changing course of the Ganga and its tributaries, many settlements were perished as well as many were developed. In the field of economy, agriculture is not notable in this district as the light sandy-loamy soil which formed due to the sedimentation is not much fertile. For this, the irrigation system has a great impact for agriculture though deep wells have greater influence from rivers and wetlands. But in case of pisciculture, Nadia is the one of the most important fish productive district of West Bengal. The rivers, canals, beel-baourh and many ponds make this district suitable for fishing. In case of communication and trade, rivers were the main mode of communication and public transportation, trade etc. as till the end of eighteenth century the three main rivers i.e. Bhagirathi, Jalangi and Mathabhanga were navigable until the railways were introduced. So, it can be said that from distant past to present, rivers and wetlands of Nadia have influenced the development of this district.

14 illus, 15 ref

020478   Barooah B;Ghosh T;Kanchan R (Geography Dep, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao Univ of Baroda, Vadodara-390 002, Email: roleekanchan@gmail.com) : Regional dynamics in an industrial region of south Gujarat, India -A geospatial perspective. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2015, 5(4), 592-602.

The process of industrialization and urbanization puts its effect on its immediate surroundings leading to transformation in Landuse and Landcover. In the present study, an attempt has been made to analyze the Landuse and Landcover dynamics of south Gujarat in the last two decades (1990 to 2011). Traditional supervised and unsupervised classification along with the band rationing technique has been employed to understand the spatial pattern of different Landuse and Landcover categories. Broad categories like built-up land, agricultural land, vegetation, water body, fallow land and riverine sediments were extracted from the analysis. The built-up land and agricultural land showed significant changes where, former was related to positive change while the later detected negative changes. The band rationing techniques assisted in determining the changes that has taken place in each of the category and correlation among these categories showed important inter-relationship.

7 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

020477   Ahmad T;Agarwal P K;Rathore D S;Chalisgaonkar D;Thakural L N (NO, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee-247 667) : Application of web based geographical information system. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2016, 24(1), 49-54.

Web-based GIS is an application having ability to develop the spatial data in Web based softwares. With the help of Web GIS, Hydro-meteorological, ecological, hydrological, water quality, land use and other data can be easily made available to the users. The Web GIS softwares i.e. India-WRIS, Bhuvan, Bhuvan Ganga etc play important role to provide useful information to the users. This paper describes the type of web-GIS maps, advantages of web GIS and other related informations. Information availble on Web GIS may be used by policy makers for taking several decisions. Further, Application of Web GIS based knowledge has also been presented in the paper.

1 table, 9 ref

020476   Agarwal P K (NO, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee-247 667) : Reservior sedimentation and its impact. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2016, 24(1), 66-70.

Rivers carry a huge amount of sediment load with water. Several river valley projects have been constructed on these rivers, whose live storage capacity depends on the sediment load transported by these rivers. Sediment deposition in the reservoir pool gradually reduces the storage capacity of reservoir. As a result, after certain stage, the reservoir is unable to provide useful service. The coarser portion of the inflowing sediment load is deposited where river enter reservoirs, forming delta deposits, which can cause channel aggradations. Channel aggradations can increase flooding of infrastructure, increase groundwater levels, create water logging and soil salinization. In hydropower facilities, sediment coarser than 0.1 mm greatly accelerates the erosion of turbine runners and pelton wheel nozzles resulting damage of hydropower projects. Keeping in view the losses due to sedimentation, it is essential that the gradual reduction in the storage capacity due to deposition of the sediment brought by the rivers should kept in mid at the time of planning of reservoirs. The engineering techniques as well as GIS and remote sensing techniques should be used for the reliable management of reservoir sedimentation to reduce the losses. In the present paper, effects on reservoir due to sedimentation, its management and sediment rates in Indian reservoirs have been discussed. In addition, a comparison with actual and design rate of sedimentation, and effect on storage capacity due to reservoir sedimentation in Indian reservoirs have also been made.

3 tables, 7 ref

019275   Zhang G;Hao Z;Zhu S (College of Hydrology and Water Resources, Hohai Univ, Nanjing-210 098, China, Email: zgxzsy@163.com) : Influence of urban spatial morphology on air temperature variance. Curr Sci 2016, 110(4), 619-26.

Urban spatial geometric morphology is one of the key factors that results in air temperature variance between urban and suburban sites or at different urban positions. Considering the Adelaide central urban area of South Australia as study area and using urban digital elevation model (DEM) data with a high spatial resolution and field measurement meteorological data, this study estimated the sky view factor (SVF), frontal area index (FAI), and accumulated absorbed solar irradiation (AASI) from the land surface; these parameters were used to discuss the influence of the land surface on air temperature and urban heat island (UHI) under a optimal scale. The results indicate that urban spatial morphological parameters of the visually neighbouring positions display an obvious effect on the spatial-temporal air temperature variance. The degree of influence of AASI on air temperature variance during daytime increases with the solar elevation angle. A difference was noted between the influence of SVF and FAI on the urban heat island at different times in summer and winter, in which the influence of SVF and FAI on nocturnal UHI is more significant, whereas the relationship during daytime is complex.

9 illus, 21 ref

019274   Trushko V L;Protosenya A G (NO, The National Mineral Resources Univ (The mining Univ), Russia, 199106, Saint Petersburg, 21-st Line V.O., 2.) : Geomechanical estimation of unique deposits of soft iron ores under high pressure aquifers. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(3), 2889-99.

This paper deals with the hydrogeological specifics of developing the unique Yakovlevo deposit of rich iron ores of the Kursk magnetic anomaly (Russia) with discovered reserves of 9.6 billion mt and iron content up to 69%. The analysis of the methods of the development of mineral wealth deposits with high pressure aquifers in the covering rock mass was done, and rational approaches and criteria were found to ensure safe mining. The methodology was developed, and modeling of rock mass shift was made for basic stages of deposit's development taking into account the construction of protective cover. Shift arch size and rock mass shift distance during excavation and stowing were found. The concept of rational development of ore chute was offered taking into account mining safety and economic feasibility of development. On the basis of the dependencies of rock ore mass and enclosing rocks deformation found during ore chute development, basic parameters of protective cover and excavation procedure were reasoned.

5 illus, 5 tables, 20 ref

019273   Trifonova T;Repkin R;Mishchenko N (NO, Lomonosov Moscow State Univ, Faculty of Soil Science, Russia, 119991, Moscow, GSP-1, Leninskie Gory) : Environmental monitoring of land cover in the river basins. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(3), 2929-45.

The results of monitoring the state of soil and vegetation in the river basins of the European part of the Russian Federation are shown, with the use of soil-production of potential in combination with the vegetation index (NDVI). Assessment of the 12 major river basins showed that its highest values were characteristic of ecosystems in the basins of the Dnepr, the Kuban and the Volga rivers, but in the latter case this indicator is significant, mainly due to the basin of the Oka River. The most significant stock of phytomass is concentrated in the basins of the Neva and the Oka rivers. Analysis of the dynamics of NDVI (MODIS) for small basins of the Klyazma River for the period between 2000 and 2014 made it possible to identify a group of basins characterized by stability of this indicator and its high values.

6 illus, 6 tables, 35 ref

019272   Syrlybekkyzy S;Kenzhetaev G Z;Akbasova A D; Nurbayeva F K;Zhidebaeva A E;Koibakova S E (NO, Kazakh National Agrarian Univ, Kazakhstan, 050010, Almaty, Abai Street, 8) : Creation of database of the coastal zone of the caspian sea soil condition using GIS technologies. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(3), 2495-503.

The goal of this article is to develop a geospatial database for environmental monitoring of the coastal zone of the Caspian Sea in oil fields areas within the Mangistau region of Kazakhstan with the use of geographic information systems (GIS). To automate data processing, predictive and spatial analysis of field research results, an electronic map of soils conditions of the coastal zone of the Caspian Sea is created in the GIS format with surveys results applied. The programme information-analytical application "Monitoring and Analytics", implemented in a modular type, based on client-server technology, was developed to this electronic map. As a server to store information about the results of the field survey of the area, we selected a database management system (DMS) MS Access, which ensures reliability of the application and adjusts layers of the electronic map.

4 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

019271   Srivastava R K;Melluso L;Sinha A K (Geology Dep, Centre of Advanced Study, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: rajeshgeolbhu@gmail.com) : Petrogenesis of an early cretaceous potassic lamprohyre dyke from Rongjeng, East Gario Hills, Shillong plateau, north-eastern India. Curr Sci 2016, 110(4), 649-58.

An early Cretaceous potassic lamprophyre dyke, exposed near Rongjeng, East Garo Hills, Shillong plateau, north-eastern India, is a highly porphyritic rock with large phenocrysts of clinopyroxene, phlogopite, amphibole and olivine. Reversely zoned phlogopite and clinopyroxene grains indicate that some degree of interaction between magma batches of variable composition took place somewhere during the crystallization of the lamprophyre. Mineral compositions indicate its derivation from an alkaline magma comparable with those that filled the nearby Jasra potassic intrusion. Moreover, the geochemistry of the Rongjeng lamprophyre is distinctly different from that of the Damodar Valley lamproites, the Sung Valley carbonatitic-ijolitic intrusion, and the Antarctic ultramafic lamprophyres. The contrasting geochemical affinity is suggestive of heterogenous lithospheric mantle sources, rather than input of plume-related magmatism.

9 illus, 2 tables, 49 ref

019270   Ray K;Warsi A H;Bhan S C;Jaswal A K (NO, , India Meterological Dep, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003, Email: kamaljit_ray@rediffmail.com) : Diurnakl variations in rainfall over Indian region using self recording raingauge data. Curr Sci 2016, 110(4), 682-6.

Diurnal variation of rainfall of different intensities using self-recording raingauge data of about 150 stations spread across India is presented here. Analysis of annual average number of rainfall hours revealed that the highest number (<62>900) is realized over northeast India, followed by west coast (700-800). Lowest incidence (<60>100) was found over west Rajasthan. Distribution was nearly similar for hours with rainfall <62>10, <62>20 and <62>30 mm. A zone of less number of hours with different intensities extended from west Rajasthan to west Uttar Pradesh; and another one to south Tamil Nadu through Gujarat, west Madhya Pradesh and the rain shadow zones of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The percentage of contribution to total annual rainfall by intense rainfall of <62>20 mm and <62>30 mm, however, was found to be higher in the low rainfall zones and northwest India. Diurnal variation of rainfall showed prominent maxima in the early morning over northeast India; and in the afternoon/evening over northwest India and interior Peninsula. Coastal areas on east and west coast, however, did not exhibit any significant diurnal variations, but a tendency of higher frequency in the early morning was noticed.

6 illus, 12 ref

019269   Ozgeldinova Z;Janaleyev K;Auyezova Z;Mukayev Z;Ramazanova N (NO, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National Univ, Kazakhstan 010008, Astana, Qazhymugan Street, 13) : Present-day geoecologic situation of kenghir river basin geosystem. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(3), 3041-51.

There were revised peculiarities of Kenghir river basin development process. The geosystems' situation was evaluated and the problem of the river basin from geologic point of view was brought to light. There were effected geosystems' present-day characteristics on the background key places and the places, situated in highly-technogenic-polluted areas. And there was established increasing of a concentrations of such chemical elements as Cl^-, SO₄², NO₃^- in water and Pb, Cu in the soil progressively as forthcoming to the source of emissions. A map of Kenghir river basin geosystems was produced.

4 illus, 13 tables, 17 ref

019268   Obiora D N;Ibuot J C;George N J;Offiah S U (Physics and Astronomy Dep, Nigeria Univ, Nsukka, Enuga State, Nigeria, Email: daniel.biora@unn.edu.ng) : Delineation of groundwater saturation indicators and their distributions in the complex argillaceous geological units of Ezza north local government area of Ebonyi state, Nigeria. Curr Sci 2016, 110(4), 701-8.

Twelve vertical electrical soundings (VES) employing Schlumberger electrode configuration were carried out in parts of Ezza north local government area of Ebonyi state, Nigeria, where extraction of potable groundwater has posed challenges to the dwellers of the area who are currently relying on surface water sources and some scattered seasonal open wells that cause health problems. The present study was undertaken to determine the hydrogeological characteristics, indicators that predict groundwater potential of the study area. The study indicates that the aquifer resistivity ranges between 12 and 504 Ωm with an average value of 95.42 Ωm. Water resistivity ranges between 9.6 and 73.0 Ωm with an average of 26.34 Ωm. The aquifer thickness ranges from 34.1 to 214.7 m with an average of 71.97 m. Also, the formation factor varies between 1.25 and 6.9 with an average of 2.76. Porosity ranges between 5.34% and 29.47% with an average of 15.91%. Similarly, hydraulic conductivity ranges from 1.1645 to 38.0491 m/day, the average being 12.8312 m/day, and Kσ values range between 0.0023 and 3.1695 S/day with a mean value of 0.6273 S/day. Using surfer software package, contour distributions of geo-hydrodynamic properties were generated which show the distribution of the aquifer parameters in the study area. The distributions of these properties reflect the regions with high and low potential groundwater in the area. The diagnostic models and the inherent and intrinsic constants can be employed in quantitative prediction of groundwater potential in the adjoining regions of the study area which show similar hydrogeological properties.

12 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

019267   Mollah S (NO, Dumkal College, Murshidabad-742 406, Email: swatimollah@gmail.com) : Assessment of flood vulnerability at village level for Kandi block of Murshidabad district, West Bengal. Curr Sci 2016, 110(1), 81-6.

Kandi block of Murshidabad district, West Bengal is situated in the Mayurakshi-Dwarka Plain. This is one of the maximum flood-affected blocks in Murshidabad. The average frequency of occurrence of floods in the last decade is 8. This study prepares a vulnerability map of Kandi block at village level combining physical, social and economic indicators of flood hazard. PCA analysis has been applied for computation of vulnerability indices. The results reveal that there is a difference in biophysical exposure and vulnerability index.

6 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

019266   Karasev M A;Belyakov N A (NO, The National Mineral Resources Univ (The Mining Univ), 2, V.O., 21-st Line, St. Petersburg, 199106, Russia) : Estimation of surface settlements troughs due to subway station construction in claystone. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(3), 2505-16.

The article is focused on the issues of predicting the earth surface deformation in building underground structures with complex spatial configuration in restrained urban conditions. Attention is mainly paid to the development of a method for predicting deformations of the earth surface caused by building subway stations, based on numerical modeling. The issues of developing numerical models of complex spatial underground structures have been considered, with regard to the construction sequence. A geomechanical model of predicting deformations in construction of underground structures in claystone-like clays, described as a non-linear transversely isotropic medium, has been proposed. Detailed analysis of the results of the monitoring of the earth surface settlement has been made in the construction of the "Obvodny Kanal" subway station in St. Petersburg (Russia). For the construction of the "Obvodny Kanal" subway station, calculation was made in order to determine the deformation of the earth surface. Substantiation of the reliability of the proposed method of predicting deformations of the earth surface is made based on comparing the monitoring results to a numerical simulation.

5 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

019265   Ivanov V V;Sidorenko A A (NO, National Mineral Resources Univ, Vasilyevsky Island, 21st Line, 199106 Saint-Petersburg, Russia) : Technological peculiarities the development of watered sand deposits Leningrad region. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(3), 2911-19.

The article discusses main peculiarities of generation of alluvial, old alluvial, true glacial and fluvioglacial sand deposits and sand-and-gravel mix. Published data in the field of open method of development of flooded f sand deposits have been analyzed, analytical review has been arranged on the basis of design and detailed documentation of mining companies extracting flooded sands and supplying this feedstock for companies of St. Petersburg and Leningrad Region. The main geological and hydrogeological peculiarities of occurrence and climatic conditions of development of flooded sand deposits in Tosno, Vyborg and Vsevolozhsk districts of Leningrad Region have been determined. Main methods of uncovering, development systems and major mining and handling equipment applied upon development of flooded sand deposits of Leningrad Region have been established. Main parameters of mining operations are presented with regard to extraction of alluvial sand using floating dredges as well as downward digging of flooded sands by excavator. Equations are proposed for determination of dredge productivity with accounting for dredge repositioning into a new position of extractive operations, as well as for calculation of bulk of rocks which should be extracted at one operation site of dredge.

3 illus, 22 ref

019264   Imsong W;Choudhary S;Phukan S (NO, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun-248 001, Email: saratphukan@gmail.com) : Ascertaining the neotectonic activities in the southern part of Shillong Plateau through geomorphic parameters and remote sensing data. Curr Sci 2016, 110(1), 91-8.

Study of quantitative morphometric parameters was taken up in four major river valleys in the southern part of Shillong Plateau using SRTM DEM in GIS. The study indicates that the region is undergoing differential uplift. This is evidenced by preferential tilting towards east, while the central part of the plateau exhibits higher rate of uplift than the eastern and western segments. We ascribed the higher rate of uplift in the central segment of Shillong Plateau to the activity along the Dapsi Thrust and Dauki Fault.

7 illus, 3 tables, 28 ref

019263   Das S;et al. (School of Oceanographic Studies, Jadavpur Univ, 188 Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Kolkata-700 032, Email: sourav.biooptics@gmail.com) : Comparing the spatio-temporal variability of remotely sensed oceanographic parameters between the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal throughout a decade. Curr Sci 2016, 110(4), 627-39.

The spatio-temporal variability of sea-surface temperature (SST), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), particulate organic carbon (POC) and particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) was evaluated in the Arabian Sea (ABS) and Bay of Bengal (BoB), from July 2002 to November 2014 by means of remotely sensed monthly composite Aqua MODIS level-3 data having a spatial resolution of 4.63 km. Throughout the time period under consideration, the surface waters of ABS (27.76 ± 1.12°C) were slightly cooler than BoB (28.93 ± 0.76°C); this was observed during all the seasons. On the contrary, the availability of PAR was higher in ABS (45.76 ± 3.41 mol m^-2 d^-1) compared to BoB (41.75 ± 3.75 mol m^-2 d^-1), and its spatial dynamics in the two basins was mainly regulated by cloud cover and turbidity of the water column. The magnitude and variability of Chl-a concentration were substantially higher in ABS (0.487 ± 0.984 mg m^-3), compared to BoB (0.187 ± 0.243 mg m^-3), and spatially higher values were observed near the coastal waters. Both POC and PIC exhibited higher magnitudes in ABS compared to BoB; however, the difference was substantially high in case of POC. None of the parameters showed any significant temporal trend during the 12-year span, except PIC, which exhibited a significant decreasing trend in ABS.

13 illus, 4 tables, 42 ref

019262   Bhattacharya B;Banerjee S;Bandyopadhyay S (Earth Sciences Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee-247 667, Email: bb.geol.dgc@gmail.com) : Glossifungites ichnofabric signigying crustacean colonization in early permian barakar formation, Talchir coal basin, India. Curr Sci 2016, 110(1), 86-9.

Early Permian Barakar Formation (Gondwana Supergroup) in peninsular India was earlier interpreted as deposited in braided-meandering fluvial system. Intense burrowing by decapod crustaceans of marginal marine affinity led to Thalassinoides-Ophiomorpha-Rhizocorallium ichnoassemblage, belonging to Glossifungites ichnofacies, within the sandstone-mudstone heterolithic facies near the upper part of the Barakar sedimentary succession, Gouduni River, Talchir coal basin, Odisha, India. An early cementation of the sandstone-mudstone interbeds under changed salinity condition is attributed to mixing of fluvial channels with tide-wave influenced marine depositional systems. This resulted in a semi-consolidated firmground, favouring incipient crustacean colonization during prolonged phases of marine incursion within a fluvial-marine interactive estuarine system during the early Permian in eastern peninsular India.

4 illus, 28 ref

019261   Bhakuni S S;Luirei K (NO, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun-248 001) : Normal faults near the top of footwall of Ramgarh thrust along Kosi river valley, kumaun lesser himalaya. Curr Sci 2016, 110(4), 640-8.

Conjugate sets of normal faults formed in the Quaternary fan sediments lying near the top of footwall rocks of the Ramgarh Thrust are analysed. These faults are recognized on left hillslope of Kosi River valley, Kumaun Lesser Himalaya. The Ramgarh Thrust marks the mountain front of the uplifted Central Crystallines, which have been under thrust along the Ramgarh Thrust by its footwall of the Nagthat Formation belonging to the Lesser Himalayan Sequence. The existence of a regional-scale footwall anticlinal structure along the Kosi River suggests that the compressional stress regime is active in the subsurface region related to the Himalayan thrust tectonics. Analysis of structural data reveals that the normal faults have been formed by pure shear due to gravity. The WNW-ESE trending normal faults are recognized within the Quaternary fan deposit and also at the top of the country rocks just below and adjacent to the fan deposit. Therefore, it is interpreted that the deformation related to N-S extensional tectonics has taken place at the uppermost crustal level due to gravity, where influence of the Himalayan subsurface compressional tectonics is no more significant

8 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

019260   Aniwetalu;Emmanuel K;Emmanuel U (Geological Sciences Dep, Nnamdi Azikwe Univ, Awka, Nieria) : Quantitative characterization of groundroll (Rayleigh waves) in the Western Niger Delta, Nigeria. Archiv appl Sci Res 2015, 7(3), 21-36.

A study of the character and dispersion patterns of groundroll was undertaken in Western Niger Delta in order to provide much needed information and solution for its suppression during seismic surveys. The quantitative analysis was carried out on raw monitor seismic records. The results revealed the occurrence of groundroll with predominant phase velocities of 500-1020 ms^-1 (mean of 780 ms^-1), frequency content of 4.0-9.0Hz (mean of 6.1Hz), wavelength of 61-240m (mean of 122m) and group mean velocity of 787 ms^-1, with average standard deviation of 158 ms^-1. The uphole data acquired was analyzed through direct or analytical determination of weathering velocities and thicknesses. The results shows that weathering and sub weathering velocities vary between 510 - 1012ms^-1 with average value of 770ms^-1 and 1368- 2474ms^-1 with an average value of 1734ms^-1 respectively. The determined thicknesses of the weathering layer ranges from 3.8 to 52.8m with an average value of 19.4m. The result showed that the weathering and sub weathering velocities as well as thicknesses of the weathering layers in the study area vary erratically both vertically and laterally. The result further showed that western Niger Delta is not a homogeneous half space but exhibits non homogeneous character with unequal phase and group velocities as well as variations in the thicknesses of the layers. This behavior showed that western Niger Delta is dispersive in nature which occurs as a result of velocity layering. The attenuation strategy designed has shown that elaborate geophone array of 28m and source pattern of 122.5m can provide excellent suppression of the bands of the wavelengths of noise in this area of study.

12 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

018197   Yhosho K;Chatterjee R S;Champati Ray P K (Geography Dep, Nagaland Univ, Headquarters Lumami, Nagaland-798 627) : Secondary craters detection from mini-SAR for lunar age dating. Curr Sci 2016, 110(3), 304-6.

2 illus, 10 ref

018196   Sivashankar N;Naik A T R;Amin A;Jhansi Lakshmi Bai T C (Animal Science and Fisheries Dep, College of Agriculture, Bheemarayangagudi-585 287) : A study on sediment properties in mulky estuary, Mangaluru. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2015, 5(3), 136-45.

Sediment properties of Mulky estuary were studied. Various parameters like, Sediment Temperature, pH, Texture, Organic carbon, and interstitial salinity were observed. The data established that sediment characteristics vary throughout the study period in the estuary.

6 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

018195   Sharma S;Rao Y S;Ajai;Mathur A K (NO, Space Applications Centre (ISRO), Ahmedabad-380 058, Email: shweta@sac.isro.gov.in) : Application of DInSAR technique for post-earthquake land deformation mapping of Eastern Nepal. Curr Sci 2016, 110(3), 302-4.

2 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

018194   Shareef N M;Mukhopadyay R;Sivasamy A; Neelakantarama J M;Durga Prasad P;Varghese S (NO, Geological Survey of India, Kolkata-700 016, Email: shareef_n123@rediffmail.com) : Delineation of buried channels of Bharathappuzha by single-channel shallow seismic survey. Curr Sci 2016, 110(2), 153-6.

7 illus, 4 tables

018193   Roy A B;Dutt K;Rathore S (Geology Dep, Presidency University, Kolkata-700 073, Email: ashitbaranroy@gmail.com) : Development of ductile shear zones during diapiric magmatism of nepheline syenite and exhumation of granulites - examples from central Rajasthan, India. Curr Sci 2016, 110(6), 1094-1101.

Present communication discusses two separate instances where features commonly observed in DSZ are noted, one along the margin of the Kisengarh nepheline syenite and the other in the granulite bodies in the Sandmata complex in Rajasthan, India. The foliations in the nepheline syenite pluton show features similar to the mylonite gneisses that characterize DSZs in orogenic belts. Apart from simulating LS tectonite-type fabric, the continuity of similar structures in adjacent cover rocks provides evidence of heterogeneous deformation during upward ascent of nepheline syenite. Based on tectono-metamorphic studies on granulites suggestion is made about the uplift of deep-seated granulites accompanied by ductile shearing along the margins. The development of DSZ along margins helped in reducing frictional resistance during upward ascent and emplacement into Archaeangneissic terrane. The process is comparable to buoyancy-induced diapiric uplift of hot plutonic bodies through cooler upper crust.

12 illus, 34 ref

018192   Quek L X;Ghani A A;Bedruldin M H;Saidin M; Harith T;Harith Z Z;Roselee M H (Geology Dep, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia, Email: azmangeo@um.edu.my) : Platinum group elements in proximal impactites of the Bukit Bunuh impact structure, Malaysia. Curr Sci 2015, 109(12), 2303-8.

Bukit Bunuh in Malaysia has recently been identified as an impact structure after the discovery of possible impact-melt-like rocks and impact breccias from this area. The impact event is believed to have occurred around 1.34-1.84 Ma. Twelve impact-related rocks from this suspected impact structure were ana-lysed in the present study for platinum group of ele-ment (PGE) content. The sample population includes proximal impactites (two impact-melt rocks and three impact breccias) and possible impact-related rocks (four mylonites) and basement granite (three in number). The results showed no observable clear distinc-tion between the impactites and basement granite. Compared to other asteroid impact sites in the world, the impactites and impact-related rocks in the Bukit Bunuh structure clearly contain a lower concentration of PGEs. Even though previous studies reported possible evidences of shock metamorphism in the Bukit Bunuh structure and electrical resistivity survey favoured the presence of asteroid impact structure in this area as well, the absence of a clear projectile signature in our study on PGE hinders further discussion on the existence and nature of the impact. We suggest that the absence of any PGE signature in the Bukit Bunuh impactites could be indicative either of (1) an achondrite projectile, or (2) an oblique impact or (3) the presence of a volatile-rich layer.

3 illus, 3 tables, 34 ref

018191   Pandey J;Pandey U;Singh A V;Tripathi S;Mishra V (Environmental Science Div, Centre of Advaned Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, Email: jiten_pandey@rediffmail.com) : Atmospheric N and P deposition in the Ganges Basin. Curr Sci 2016, 110(6), 974-6.

1 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

018190   Neeta Kumari;Pathak G;Singh T B (Civil and Environmental Engineering, BIT, Mesra, Email: neetak@bitmesra.ac.in) : Overall assessment of quality and quantity of drinking water with focus on fluoride in the areas of extreme western parts of Jharkhand. Int J envir Sci 2015, 5(4), 814-29.

Palamu and Garhwa is located in extreme parts of Jharkhand. The always highlighted groundwater quality problem in this area is Fluoride contamination. A current assessment of problem is done statistically and tried to find out some solution on the basis of current findings. The Groundwater of the Palamu district is very well contaminated with fluoride content for so many years. The residents from different villages have been identified with fluorosis due to consumption of fluoride contaminated groundwater. The Groundwater is the primary source of drinking water in the area and very few people are fed with PHE water supply scheme. Geologically the gneisses and granites are the most predominant rocks of the whole palamu area these rocks have fluoride bearing minerals which are leached out to the groundwater and contribute high fluoride concentration in the groundwater. Total 84 water samples are collected from rural areas of selected blocks and their physical chemical parameters are tested in the laboratory and are statistically analysed too. Fluoride concentration ranges from 0.14 - 6.98 mg/l with an average of 1.1379 mg/l and standard deviation of 0.6927. The 9.993% of samples having fluoride concentration above desirable limit (1 mg/l) and 23.192% samples having fluoride concentration above 1.5 mg/l. Rest of the samples are within desirable limit. To assess the health impact, check for dental and skeletal fluorosis is also done and it is found that the most of the people from Chukru, Bakhari, Kauria and Jorkat villages consume groundwater as their drinking water source which have reportedly high fluoride content in their groundwater and thus morbidity of dental fluorosis is very high in many villages. Dean indices are analysed for fluoride affected villages. It is finally concluded that the area need a sound Fluoride management plan and the removal of fluoride from drinking water is urgent necessity.

11 illus, 10 tables, 41 ref

018189   Kushwaha K;Goyal R (Civil Engineering Dep, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur-302 017, Email: rgoyal.ce@mnit.ac.in) : Methodology for the estimation of groundwater flux across simplified boundary using GIS and groundwater levels. Curr Sci 2016, 110(6), 1050-8.

Accurate estimation of the groundwater budget requires good estimate of flux across the boundary of a region. Different methods and techniques are available to estimate recharge to groundwater; however methods for estimation of flux across boundaries are not available. The present article represents a GIS-based methodology to estimate the groundwater flow rate and volume of water flux across the boundary. Groundwater level data (pre-monsoon and post-monsoon) are used to derive detailed maps like flow direction, hydraulic gradient and velocity component perpendicular to the boundary. For the study area, the calculated flux through the simplified boundary average 6.63 x 10⁵ m³ for monsoon period, 13.75 x 10⁵ m³ for non-monsoon period and 20.38 x 10⁵ m³ annually. Flux of monsoon period varies from maximum of 11.41 x 10⁵ m³ in 2003 to minimum of 0.83 x 10⁵ m³ in 2013 and for annual period it varies from maximum 38.8 x 10⁵ m³ in 2003-04 to minimum -7.94 x 10⁵ m³ in 2012-13.

10 illus, 7 tables, 23 ref

018188   Krishna K S;Ismaiel M;Srinivas K;Rao D G; Mishra J;Saha D (Geological Oceanography Dep, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa-403 004, Email: krishna@nio.org ) : Sediment pathways and emergence of Himalayn source material in the Bay of Bengal. Curr Sci 2016, 110(3), 363-72.

The sediment succession in the Bay of Bengal (BoB) records the signatures corresponding to India-Asia collision, regional climate change, and erosional processes of both the Himalayan orogen and Indian subcontinent. The Bengal Fan - the world's largest submarine fan - has long been studied to understand the link between the Himalayan tectonics and Asian monsoon. But, lack of detailed information on corresponding signals hampered the understanding of related processes of tectonics, climate and erosion. The present study of long-streamer seismic reflection profile data and information from deep drill well logs in the western BoB has revealed two different phases of sediment deposition. In the first phase, until Oligocene-Miocene (<126>23 Ma), Indian peninsular rivers discharged sediments to the BoB which accumulated at a rate <126>20 m/m.y. with an aberration of two fairly enhanced sediment pulses during the periods from 65 to 54 Ma and 34 to 23 Ma. In the second phase, since 23 Ma, the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers added huge volumes of sediments to the bay at variable rates ranging from 40 to <62>1000 m/m.y. A distinct increase in sediment discharge (<126>140 m/m.y.) during the Oligocene-Miocene (<126>23 Ma) together with the development of regional onlap unconformity and the start of turbidity system provide an important age marker corresponding to rapid exhumation of the Himalaya, which intensified the erosional process and commencement of Bengal Fan sedimentation. Further rise in the rate of sedimentation during the period 6.8-0.8 Ma is coincident with the change in monsoon intensity, but surprisingly not in agreement with the decrease in sediment rate reported at ODP Leg 116 sites in the distal Bengal Fan. Here we provide wellconstrained ages for the commencement and growth of the Bengal Fan, which can serve as benchmark information for understanding the interaction between the Himalayan exhumation and Asian climate.

9 illus, 48 ref

018187   Chandra, Prabhat; Patel, P. L.; Porey, P. D (Central Water and Power Research Station, , P.O. Khadakwasla, Pune-411 024, Email: plpatel@ced.svnit.ac.in) : Prediction of sediment erosion pattern in Upper Tapi Basin, India. Curr Sci 2016, 110(6), 1038-49.

Physics-based distributed models are useful in identification of critical erosion-prone areas and planning soil conservation measures in the catchment. In this study, soil and water assessment tool (SWAT), a semi-distributed hydrological model, is utilized for modelling sediment yield in Upper Tapi Basin, India. Twelve years of observed runoff and sediment yield data are used for calibration and validation of the aforesaid model. The performance indicators, viz. Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency and ratio of root-mean-squared error to standard deviation showed good performance of calibrated model in prediction of sediment yield for independent datasets. The two adjoining sub-catchments in the basin have shown contrasting behaviour with reference to sediment yield due to differences in their topography, land use-land cover, soil and climatic conditions. Also, simulated erosions at hydrological response units levels, enabled the investigators to demarcate the critical erosion-prone areas in the catchment. The SWAT model has further been used to assess the performance of various soil conservation measures, such as providing filter strips and stone bunds, in the critical erosion-prone areas in reducing the sediment yield. Both soil conservation measures, being applied on equal areas, yielded comparative performance in controlling erosion from the catchment.

8 illus, 5 tables, 70 ref

018186   Baral S S;Sharma K;Saraf A K;Das J;Singh G; Borgohain S;Kar E (Earth Sciences Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee-247 667, Email: suman.bara186@gmail.com) : Thermal anomaly from NOAA data for the Nepal earthquake. Curr Sci 2016, 110(2), 150-3.

3 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

017237   Balsane V;Deshmukh S;Bhamare D;Bansod R; Mavale D (SWCE Dep, Dr. A.S. College of Agricultural Engineering, MPVK, Rahuri, M.S., India, Email: vijaybalsane@rediffmail.com) : Disaggregation models for ten daily stream flows of Godavari river. Ecol Envir Conserv 2015, 21(4), 2007-11.

Lane's condensed disaggregation model was selected to represent the ten daily streams flows of the Godavari river river basin, Nasik (Maharashtra). Since, the disaggregation model for generating stream flows requires previously generated annual stream flow series, the annual stream flows series was modeled by using autoregressive (AR) model. The annual stream flow volumes and ten-daily stream flow volumes of Godavari catchment at Gangapur Dam site for 22 years (1979-2000) were used for developing mathematical model. The parameter of AR model and disaggregation model were estimated by the method of maximum likelihood and method of moments. The goodness of fit of autoregressive model was tested by Box-Pierce Portmanteau test and Akaike Information Criterion. The AR (1) model was selected to represent the annual stream flow volumes. The developed models were used to generate annual stream flow volumes of 1200 years data. The goodness of fit of disaggregation model was performed by checking the normality of residuals and by comparison of autocorrleograms of historical and generated ten-daily stream flow series. The developed models were used to generate ten-daily stream flow volumes. The suitability of disaggregation model was tested by comparing the statistical properties i.e. mean, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis of historical and generated ten-daily stream flow series and those of historical aggregated annual stream flow series. The comparison of statistical characteristics of historical and generated data suggests that disaggregation model can be used to generate ten-daily stream flow data which preserve the mean, standard deviation, skewness coefficient and kurtosis along with the mean of aggregated annual stream flow series.

1 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

016334   Zakeri N S S;Pashazadesh S (Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tabriz Univ, Iran, Email: soleimani.z.negar@gmail.com) : Application of neural network based on genetic algorithm in predicting magnitude of earthquake in North Tabriz fault (NW Iran). Curr Sci 2015, 109(9), 1715-22.

Here we present an application of a supervised feed forward artificial neural network (ANN) that is trained on the basis of genetic algorithm (GA). The network model is used for predicting the magnitude of earthquakes in the North Tabriz Fault (NTF) Northwest Iran. The earthquake database was derived from the catalogues of both the International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismicity of Iran and the Iranian Seismological Center. For this purpose, three temporal seismicity parameters were calculated using the ZMAP MATLAB toolbox. The performance of the artificial neural network (ANN) model was measured in terms of accuracy by a ten-fold crossvalidation as 99.11%. Another evaluation method was predicting a case event that occurred on 11 August 2012 in Ahar-Varzeghan in Iran. Results showed that the ANN optimized with GA (ANNGA) learning optimization model is suitable and may be useful for predicting future earthquakes, especially in active seismologic regions.

5 illus, 1 table, 41 ref

016333   Vijayaprabhu S;Aravindan S (Earth Science Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar, Email: aravindan_rs@yahoo.com) : Hydrogeochemical modelling by factor analysis in South-Westt Neyveli basin, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. J appl Geochem 2015, 17(4), 471-6.

Study of geochemistry of groundwater is an important aspect for its suitability for various utility/Purposes. Each groundwater system in an area has a unique chemistry due to chemical alteration of meteoric water and recharging of aquifer system which results to change in the chemical quality of groundwater. It depend on many factors like duration of rock water interaction dissolution of mineral species, sea water ingress and other anthropogenic impacts. Statistical methods has a better representation of hydro chemical data rather than near graphical plots & diagrams due to the finite number of variables, where variables are limited to conventional major ions to establish superior relationship by introducing certain procedures among various statistical techniques, factor analysis was found to be useful for understanding hydro chemical dependence and processes controlling them with the above objective study has been made to perform factor analysis for the hydro chemical data of south west Neyveli basin. The hydro geochemical data of major and minor elements namely Ca, Mg, Na, K,HCO₃ CO₃, Cl₂, SO₄, PO₄, H₄Si0₄ & F for 30 groundwater samples for Post Monsoon season (February 2013) was collected from the above study area factor analysis (FA) was carried out by using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software version 17.0 statistical software. The purpose to perform factor analysis is to get an overall picture about ionic constituents where various hydro chemical facies and other variables could be compressed within three or four factors. By factor analysis, major factors were extracted from loaded matrix and number of factors to be considered are determined by an accepted Eigen value, which is normally greater than 0.2 in the south west Neyveli Basin. Eigen values greater than 0.5 was taken as most of values were from 0.4 to 0.8. The factor score is factor analysis made by individual samples based on extracted factors has given complete model about the hydro geochemistry of groundwater in the basin. Factor analysis validates hydro geochemical facies of Post monsoon season; it exhibits NaHco₃ types from the western part of cretaceous rock weather after monsoon water in & around west central part represents Na HCO₃ type due to chemical weathering due to process of hydrolysis in Factor-1. Na Cl facies formed to prevail in eastern part of the study area adjacent to tertiary uplands & laterites due to weathering of Feldspathic stand stone of cuddalore series. Potassium is closely correlated with CO₃ in Factor 2. In post monsoon season the concentration of Na + K is not high when compared to Ca & Mg ions and viz a viz in all locations as it indicates the ionic exchange Process after the monsoon season. Factor-3 represents the concentration of PO₄ & H₄SiO₄ this confirms the applications of PO₄ for agricultural crops along the alluvial part of the study area and Sio4 reduction along the contact zones of tertiary's with archeans and from mottled Cuddalore sandstone in the central part of the Basin.

1 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

016332   Vijayakumar N;Gurugnanam B;Nirmaladevi C; Panchamin K (Centre for Applied Geology, Gandhigram Rural Institute-Deemed Univ, Gandhigram, Dindigul, Email: vijayageology@gmail.com) : Groundwater quality for irrigation in Veerapandy block, Salem district, Tamil Nadu.. J appl Geochem 2015, 17(4), 481-7.

Hydrogeochemical study was carried out in Veerapandy block located near Salem in Tamil Nadu, India with an objective of understanding the suitability of local groundwater quality for irrigation purposes. Fifteen representative groundwater samples were collected during February,2013 and analysed for physical and chemical parameters. Groundwater in this area was assessed for irrigation purposes on the basis of Sodium percentage (Na%, Magnesium hazard (MH), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), Permeability Index (PI) and WILCOX, GIBBS and USSL classifications. Most of the groundwater samples were suitable for irrigation, except in a few locations (15%) based on Magnesium hazard.

5 illus, 7 tables, 21 ref

016331   Venkateswaran S;Ayyandurai R (Geology Dep, Periyar Univ, Salem, Tamil Nadu, Email: geosvenkat@periyanruniversity.ac.in) : Groundwater characterization and quality assessment for irrigational purpose using GIS- A case study of Kadavanar watershed Tamil Nadu, India. J appl Geochem 2015, 17(4), 488-96.

The present study focuses mainly on groundwater quality assessment for irrigational purpose in the Kadavanar Watershed of Cauvery River, Tamil Nadu. The study area is underlain by Archean crystalline rocks. The Kadavanar Watershed lies between latitudes N 10°09'56.70" and 10°52'31.50", longitudes E 77°37'29.29" and 78°13'14.21" in the Dindigul and Karur districts of Tamil Nadu, with a total area of 2254.65 km^{2 out of which is the plain area about 1857.58 km2 while the hilly and forested terrain covers about 397.07 km2. Representative groundwater samples were collected at 50 locations during pre - and post - monsoon seasons in the year 2014 and were analyzed for major cations and anions. EC, TDS Kelley's ratio, SAR values, Mg-Hazards, HCO₃ and RSC were derived and used to assess the irrigational suitability of these samples. The hydrochemical analytical data are projected in the Wilcox and USSL diagrams. Geospatial maps were prepared using GIS techniques. The study reveals that the majority of groundwater samples are suitable for irrigational purpose and could be used for all types of crops.}

6 illus, 5 tables, 19 ref

016330   Udayanapillai A V;Perumal V;Thirugnasambandam R;Venkatraman P;Thangavel M (PG Studies and Research Dep of Geology, V.O.Chidambaram College, Tuticorin, Email: avupillai@gmail.com) : Micro-morphology, major element geochemistry and palaeoclimatic implications of calcrete deposits at Salukkkuvarpatti village, near Pandalgudi, Viruthunagar district, Tamilnadu, India. J appl Geochem 2015, 17(4), 421-31.

Calcrete has been formed as a widespread deposit in the regolith part centered on Salukkuvarpatti village and its surroundings near Pandalgudi region, Viruthunagar District of Tamilnadu. The schematic stratigraphic profile succession of calcrete deposit of the study area is cited. The macroscopic forms of calcrete of the study area are gravel, nodular, lumpy, hardpan and chalky nature. The microscopic observation reveals that microcrystalline or microsparitic calcite precipitation forms rimming around detrital quartz, feldspar and the other sap rock grains biotite, hypersthene and hornblende. Sometimes, it shows veining, void lining, lensoidal, and meshwork, displacive and replacive forms of precipitation. The major element geochemistry of calcrete indicates that CaO, SiO₂, Al₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ are in more elevated concentration than the other oxides such as a MnO, MgO, Na₂O, K₂O, TiO₂ and P₂O₅. The major element geochemistry and clay minerals content in calcrete deposits are used as proxies to explain thepalaeoclimatic conditions as arid and semi-arid.

11 illus, 7 tables, 27 ref

016329   Thirunavukkarasu A;Rajendran S;Suresh R; Sakthivel C;Kasilingam C;Sankar M (Geology Dep, Periyar Univ, Salem, Email: thirugeo_au@yahoo.co.in) : Geochemistry of iron ore deposits of Tirthamalai ara, Dharmapuri district, Tamilnadu, India- implication on the genesis. J appl Geochem 2015, 17(4), 462-70.

The geochemistry of Banded Magnetite Quartzite (BMQ). deposits of Tirthamalai area of part of Tamil Nadu state, India. The study area has been affected by high-grade metamorphism, complex structural deformation and show metamorphic reaction between the oxides and quartz to form metamorphic iron-rich silicates. Chemical data of 40 samples of BMQ from different locations of Tirthamalai region occurred in the Pre-cambrian granulite terrain of Tamil Nadu are presented. All these have quartzmagnetite-silicates as the principal minerals assemblages rich in iron oxide. The presence of high amount of TiO₂ and Al₂O₃ suggests that the formations have clastic contamination. The average abundances of ferromagnesian trace element are also high, similar to data of other BIF's of the word. The values fall in the normal range of averages and similar characteristics to Pre-Cambrian BIFs. The geochemical studies show that the iron formations and associated granulites area of different origin namely meta-sedimentary and meta-volcanic respectively.

4 illus, 4 tables, 26 ref

016328   Siva V H R;Achyuthan H;Santhanam M (Geology Dep, Anna Univ, Chennai-600 025, Email: hachyuthan@yahoo.com) : Pozzolanic characteristics of young toba tuff. Curr Sci 2015, 109(10), 1869-74.

Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) is widely used to achieve durable and sustainable concrete in modern construction. In the present study, the potential use of natural volcanic ash in the manufacturing of PPC has been studied. Young Toba Tuff (YTT) was collected from Jwalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India. The pozzolanic performance of this ash was assessed by Strength Activity Index (SAI) and Frattini test. SAI of YTT was found to be above 75% for sufficient pozzolanicity. Further, the results of Frattini test were below the lime solubility curve, indicating that YTT could be potentially useful as pozzolanic material in concrete.

8 illus, 3 tables, 27 ref

016327   Singh Y;Viswanathan R;Reddy L S R;Sai Baba M (Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Begumpet, Hyderabad, Email: yamunasing2002@yahoo.co.uk) : X-ray diffraction and geochemical studies on uranium minerals from jogipalle pegmatite, Nellore schist belt, Andhra Pradesh: paragenetic implications. J appl Geochem 2015, 17(4), 404-15.

The uranium ore sample used in this study occurs as hand-pickable lumps and grains in the Jogipalle pegmatite, Nellore Schist Belt, Andhra Pradesh. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies on separated uranium minerals (UMs) have revealed the presence of both primary (uraninite) and secondary (ianthinite, clarkeite, curite and a-uranophane) uranium minerals, which are mostly characterised by their sharply-defined reflections. The crystallographic parameters of various UMs are: Uraninite-1and 2 unit cell dimension (a_o) = 5.4758 and 5.4422 angstrum and unit cell volume (V) = 164.08 and 161.18 angstrum^{3; clarkeite a₀ = 3.9473 angstrum, b₀ = 3.9473 angstrum, c₀ = 17.6835 angstrum, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°, V = 238.628 angstrum3; curite a₀ = 12.6292 angstrum, b₀ = 13.2035 angstrum, c₀ = 8.3646 angstrum, V = 1394.81 angstrum3; and β-uranophane a₀ = 13.9481 angstrum, b₀ = 15.4688 angstrum, c₀ = 6.6362 angstrum, α = γ = 90°, β = 91.3°, V = 1430.90 angstrum3. Out of two, one uraninite has a_o of 5.4758 angstrum, which is more than the value given for the uraninite standard (5.4645 angstrum), suggesting its anomalous nature and formation of uraninite (primary) under high temperature condition (<126>500-550°C). In contrast, another uraninite has a_o = 5.4422 angstrum, reflecting its oxidized nature. It, thus, suggests that after their formation, the uraninites have been subjected to oxidation leading to the formation of secondary uranium minerals (SUMs) with a relict core of black mineral (uraninite) encircled by successive zones of SUMs, namely, black (ianthinite, in traces), orange (clarkeite-curite) and yellow (β-uranophane). Based on available mineralogical data, the inferred paragenetic sequence of the investigated uranium minerals is: Uranium oxide (primary uraninite) <62> uranium oxide (altered uraninite) <62> uranium oxide hydrate (ianthinite)<62> sodium-potassium uranium oxide (clarkeite) - lead-uranium oxide hydrate (curite)<62> calcium uranyl silicate hydroxide hydrate (β-uranophane). Uraninite-1 contains high U₃O₈ (74.25%), ThO₂ (7.96%), PbO (7.73%) and rare earth elements (16214 ppm), whereas, SiO₂ (1.03%), CaO (0.82%) and Fe₂O₃ (0.33%) contents are low. Chemically, a-uranophane analysed 47.42% U₃O₈, 4.75% CaO, and 19.15% SiO₂.}

9 illus, 6 tables, 24 ref

016326   Sekaran M C;Harsh Raj;Bhutani R;Bhadra S (Earth Sciences Dep, Pondicherry Univ, Kalapet, Puducherry, Email: rbhutani@gmail.com) : Petrogenesis of charnockite associated with granite near Pudukkottai in the Madurai block: constraints from the field. association, petrography and phse-equilibrium modeling. J appl Geochem 2015, 17(4), 451-61.

Charnockite, in the Pudukkottai region, which is in the north-eastern part of Madurai Block, Southern Granulite Terrain (SGT), occurs in three different associations: 1) patches within the biotite gneisses ranging from cm scale to few meters across, 2) foliation parallel but at places irregularly oriented patches within the garnet bearing pink granites and 3) as few meters across quarry-scale massive, enclave-like charnockites within the gneisses. The association of pink-granite and charnockite is studied for understanding its origin and evolution using the phase-equilibrium modeling approach. The pink-granite is an A-type ferroan granite. The major minerals in the pink-granite are quartz + K-feldspar + plagioclase+ biotite+ magnetite+ rutile with conspicuous presence of coarse grained garnets which are heterogeneously distributed throughout the granitic body. The associated charnockite has a similar mineralogy but the with presence of characteristic orthopyroxene and ilmenite <62><62> rutile. The garnets are scarce in charnockite, occurring only in very small sized patches. Retrograde alteration of orthopyroxene to biotite is preserved in several samples of the charnockite. On the other hand, the garnet grains in granite commonly show embayed boundary and have inclusions of ribbon-, circular- and irregular- shaped quartz along with zircons indicating that these garnets could have been older crystals entrained in the melt from the residual source. Phase-equilibrium modeling in the MnO-NaO₂-CaO-K₂O-FeO-MgO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂-HO2-TiO₂ (MnNCKFMASHT) chemical system was carried out for the bulk composition similar to a sample of charnockite and biotite-gneiss, each to understand the P-T conditions of charnockite-granite association, probably having originated from a biotite-gneiss source. The P-T pseudosections corresponding to charnockite and biotite-gneiss have similar topology except for the slight shift in phase boundaries, reflecting the fact that there is only a slight difference in the bulk composition of these two rock types. The pseudosections suggest that the orthopyroxene bearing mineral assemblage is a result of biotite dehydration melting at temperatures of more than 750°C and pressures below 8 kbar. The charnockite mineral assemblage finally got stabilized on cooling along the decompression path suggesting an overall clockwise path of evolution starting from granitic source. Because the granitic source does not yield enough volume of melt on dehydration melting, as evidenced by the smaller sizes of granite-charnockite outcrops, it does not get completely segregated from the source, preserving its bulk composition. Further, the patchy occurrence of charnockite indicates the heterogeneous distribution of hydrous minerals and thus melt-production in the source. The origin of granite-charnockite association, as we propose here, does not require any influx of anhydrous external-fluid to cause stabilization of orthopyroxene and can be tested by the elemental and isotopic studies. We, further, propose that this dehydration melting of the grantitic protolith would have occurred at middle to lower crustal levels during the ultrahigh temperature metamorphism which is reported from a widespread region of the Madurai Block.

4 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

016325   Sawant A D;Thakur V A (Inorganic Chemistry Div, Institute of Science, 15, Madam Cama Road, Mumbai & Univ of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Email: arundsawant@gmail.com) : Spectral studies of transformations of mine tailings of Redi mines, Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. J appl Geochem 2015, 17(3), 311-26.

Mining is considered to be one of the major causative activity of environmental degradation. However exploration of minerals and metals is required for industry and even for energy production. Mining involves removal of soils and extraction of minerals resulting in environmental pollution and tailing effect in particular which degrade the surrounding environment. The effect can be more detrimental when it results in spreading of hazardous elements. The mine considered here as a case study is the Redi Mine located at the border of Maharashtra and Goa States. This mine operates to extract 0.035 to 0.04 million of tones of iron and manganese ore annually of which the major component is exported. Representative Ore, tailings and soil samples have been analysed using classical and instrumental methods in this study. Composition of high grade ores showed the concentrations as(wt.%): Fe 75.36%,; Mn 53%; Al 0.36%, Si 0.27%; Low grade ores showed Fe 72.90%,; Mn 0.20%; Al 0.30%; Si 0.66%; P 1.26%; Tailing sample analysis showed Fe 24.10%; Mn 0.11%; Al 2.12%; Si 9.95%; P 0.83%; Surrounding soil showed Fe 13.98-42.41%,; Mn 0.09-0.46%; Al 0.38-3.36% and Si 6.86-17.76%; P 0.13-1.51%; while Cr, Pb, As, Sb, Cu, Ni are in very minute proportion. Control soil analysis showed Fe 0.098-0.49%; Mn 0.060.17%; Cu 0.047-0.078%; Zn 0.01-0.04%; P 4.3-14.3% and Si 1.12%. X-Ray Diffraction studies indicate the presence of haematite as the dominant component. Goethite, gibbsite, clinochlore, kaolinite, quartz and mica are also noticed in the overall mineralogical composition of the ore. FTIR studies carried out in the range of 4000-1000 cm-1 and Far FTIR in the range of 600-100cm-1 confirm the presence of haematite (2Fe₂O₃), hausmanite (8Mn₃O₄), pyrolusite (2MnO₂) and ramsedelite (4MnO₂). Therefore the studies carried indicates significant tailing effect of the Redi Mine on the surrounding environment.

13 illus, 2 tables, 67 ref

016324   Sarkar J;Chicholikar J R;Rathore L S (NO, , India Meterological Dep, Ahemedabad-382 475, Email: jayantasarkar2003@yahoo.co.in) : Predicting future changes in temperature and precipitation in arid climate of Kutch, Gujarat: analyses based on LARS-WG model. Curr Sci 2015, 109(11), 2084-93.

Keeping in mind the challenge of climate change faced by mankind in the 21st century, this study attempts to analyse and predict changes in critical climatic variables (rainfall and temperature) to develop strategies and make informed decisions about the future water allocation for different sectors and manage available water resources. The aim of this study is to verify the skills of LARS-WG in simulating weather data in arid climate of Kutch, Gujarat, and predict and analyse the future changes in them for the near (2011-2030), medium (2046-2065) and far (2080-2099) future periods. Data utilised, for this study, are daily rainfall, maximum and minimum temperature for the period of 1969-2013. LARS-WG is found to show reasonably good (excellent) skill in downscaling daily rainfall (temperature). The downscaled precipitation indicated no coherent change trends among various global climate models (GCMs) predictions for near, medium and far future periods. Ensemble means of rainfall predictions from 7 GCMs indicated 9-17% increase in monsoon (JJAS) rainfall compared to the base line during medium future; however, in the far future this increase is predicted to be reduced and remain in the range 3-12%. Winter minimum temperature is predicted to increase by 0.6-1°C during 2011-2030; for 2046-2065 and 2080-2099 this increase is predicted to be around 3.0°C and 5.0°C respectively. Summer maximum temperature is predicted to increase by 0.1-0.2°C during 2011-2030; for 2046-2065 and 2080-2099 this increase is predicted to be around 1.1-1.5°C and around 3.0°C respectively.

6 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

016323   Sahai A K;Chatopadhyay R;Joseph S;Mandal R; Dey A;Abhilash S;Krishna R P M;Borah N (NO, Indian Institute of Tropical Metrology, Pune-411 008, Email: sahai@tropmet.res.in) : Real-time performance of a multi-model ensemble-based extended range forecast system in predicting the 2014 monsoon season based on NCEP-CFSv2. Curr Sci 2015, 109(10), 1802-13.

The real-time validation of any strategy to forecast the Indian summer monsoon rainfall requires comprehensive assessment of performance of the model on subseasonal scale. The CFSv2-based grand multi-model ensemble (CGMME) approach based on the NCEPCFS version 2 models, as developed and reported earlier, has been employed to forecast the 2014 monsoon season on the extended range scale with 3-4 pentad lead time (where a pentad corresponds to five-day average). The present study reports the broad performance of the CGMME employed on experimental basis to forecast the salient features of the real-time evolution of the 2014 monsoon season during June to September. The CGMME is successful in predicting both these features well in advance. The assessment of the model performance at pentad scale lead time shows that the weak monsoon conditions that are evident in precipitation and lower level wind anomalies are well captured as a whole up to four pentad advance lead time. The subseasonal propagation during onset and withdrawal is also evident in the forecast. Finally, the region-wise performance shows that the spatial extent of the skillful forecast encompasses central India as well as the monsoon zone for the 2014 monsoon season. Considering the natural variation in the forecast skill of extended range forecast itself as reported in earlier studies, the 2014 monsoon forecast seems to be skillful for operational purposes. For other regions (e.g. North East India), the forecast could be skillful at times, but it still requires further research on how to improve the same.

12 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

016322   Reddy L S R;Saibaba M;Singh Y;Krishna K V G (NO, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration & Research, 1-10-153, Begumpet, Hyderabad-500 016, Email: reddi_siddiram@yahoo.co.in) : Mega crystals of uraninite and euxenite in the mica pegmatite mine-dumps near talupuru, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. Curr Sci 2015, 109(8), 1397-9.

3 illus, 6 ref

016321   Ray S;Joshi K B;Sundarraman S;Joshi D;Ahmad T (Geology Dep, Delhi Univ, Delhi-110 007, Email: kr.batukjoshi@gmail.com ) : Geochemical and petrogenetic study of proterozoic sewariya and govindgarh granitoids from South Delhi fold belt. Curr Sci 2015, 109(8), 1458-65.

Present study reports the geochemical composition of Sewariya two-mica granites (SG) and Govindgarh granites (GG) intruding rocks of Delhi Supergroup along the western margin of South Delhi Fold Belt in Rajasthan, India. Both granite varieties are highly evolved possessing high SiO₂, Al₂O₃, low MgO, CaO, Fe₂O₃, Ni, Cr and V and are calc-alkaline in nature. In chondrite normalized REE diagrams, SG are characterized by highly fractionated REE patterns (avg La_N/ Yb_N = 21.45) and sharp negative Eu anomaly (Eu/ Eu* = 0.25), whereas GG do not show significant REE fractionated patterns (avg La_N/Yb_N = 3.31) and have variable Eu anomalies. From primitive mantle normalized multi-element diagrams, crustal signatures (low Nb, Ti and high Pb, U, Th) can be inferred for both the granitoid varieties. Also, strong peraluminous nature, high A/CNK, normative corundum and abundant mica content point towards a (meta)sedimentary protolith for them. An arc setting is indicated by their calc-alkaline nature; volcanic arc or syncollisional affinities in tectonic discriminant diagrams (Nb versus Y; Rb versus Nb + Y). They are peraluminous leucogranites derived from crustal melts with little mantle contribution as is evident from their mineralogy and geochemical characteristics. The anatectic conditions prevalent during the formation of these granites differed with SG being formed under dehydration conditions, while the formation of GG involved fluid-present melting reactions.

9 illus, 1 table, 58 ref

016320   Ramaksamy S;Krishnakumar S;Pitchamani V S; Parthasarathy P;Ramachandran A A (Geology Dep, Madras Univ, Guindy Campus, Chennai, Email: unimadram@yahoo.com) : Assessment of trace element accumulation in core sediments, Bay of Bengal, South East coast of India. J appl Geochem 2015, 17(3), 342-51.

This study deals with the geochemical nature of distribution, enrichment of Fe and trace elements (Pb, Zn, Cr, Co, Mn, Ni, Cd), carbonates and organic carbon in core sediments. Two core samples were collected from the study area. The sediments chiefly consist of sandy materials with minor amount of silt and clay. The mean concentration of trace elements in the core sediments is shown following order Cd<62>Co<62>Ni<62>Cr<62>Zn<62>Pb<62>Mn<62>Fe in core 1 and Cd<62>Co<62>Ni<62>Pb<62>Zn<62>Cr<62>Mn<62>Fe in core 2 respectively. The mean percentage of calcium carbonate in core 1 & 2 is 1.23% & 1.32%. Organic carbon distribution indicates that they are brought in by the minor river input (Core 1-1.35% & Core 2 - 1.67%). The enrichment factor (EF), pollution load index (PLI) and Geo accumulation index (I_geo) and Sediment Pollution Index (SPI) results suggest that the sediments of the study area are contaminated by anthropogenic impact and industrial input. Comparison of studied trace elements with crustal average and other coastal regions indicates that the study area is considerably polluted by trace elements such as Pb, Zn, Cr, Co, Ni and Cd.

1 illus, 4 tables, 37 ref