002130   Jaiswal R K;Rsotogi B K;Singh A P (NO, Institute of Seismological Research, Raisan, Gandhinagar-382 009, Email: rajeev_ngri@rediffmail.com) : Past tsunamis in the Arabian sea and future possibilities. Indian Miner 2008, 61-2(3-4,1-4), 75-82.

Future source zones of earthquakes that can generate tsunamis in the Arabian Sea are identified based on past seismicity and gap areas along the subduction zones and zones of compression. These zones are Makran coast, Indus Delta and Kutch-Saurashtra region. The Makran subduction zone of Iran and southern Pakistan, situated on the northwestern side of the Arabian Sea, generates great but infrequent earthquakes, mud volcanoes and tsunamis. Indus delta of Pakistan has given rise to large earthquakes in the past. Kutch-Saurashtra region of India has prominent coastal faults. Past great and large earthquakes in Kutch have possibly generated local tsunamis. Based on the long-term assessment of large earthquakes in these regions it is inferred that tsunamigenic earthquakes can occur in near future in these regions.

3 illus, 1 table, 45 ref

002129   Jaiswal R K;Rastogi B K (Institute of Seismological Research, Science and Technology Dep, Govt. of Gujarat, Raisan, Gandhinagar-382 009, Email: rajeev_ngri@rediffmail.com) : Energy release and strain recovery in Indian earthquake sequences. Indian Miner 2008, 61-2(3-4,1-4), 41-58.

Energy release and strain recovery have been studied for several mainshocks and aftershock sequences of India using Benioff method of converting magnitude into energy and strain. Parameters like total slip and strain before mainshocks have also been inferred. Slip estimates are found to be reasonable. Aftershocks are found to be close to the fault of the raainshock in many cases as modelled by Benioff but spread in a volume around the causative fault for Assam (M 8.5, 1950), Koyna (Ms 6.5, 1967) and Bhuj (Ms 8.0, 2001) earthquakes.

15 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref

002128   Ghosh D;Mishra O P (Geophysics Div, Easter Region, Geological Survey of India, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700 091, Email: niom_mishra2005@yahoo.co.in) : Possible causes of 12 May 2008 wenchuan Earthquake at Longmen shah collision front, Western sichuan province, Central China. Indian Miner 2008, 61-2(3-4,1-4), 213-22.

On 12 May 2008, a shallow-focus earthquake of moment magnitude (Mw) 7.9 struck Wenchuan, northwestern Sichuan province, central China. It is the most devastating earthquake in China in more than three decades. The earthquake occurred at the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau. The aftershocks are distributed along northeast-striking Longmen Shan topographic front, which marks the active convergent-margin mountain belt between eastern Tibetan plateau and western Sichuan Basin. Investigates focal mechanisms for available historic and recent earthquake events to understand the rupture propagation, sub-surface heterogeneity, tectonic deformation pattern and seismicity behaviour at Longmen Shan and Xianshuihe-Xiaojiang fault system. Right-oblique reverse motion along Longmen Shan triggered the Wenchuan earthquake. Rapid surface uplift due to ductile thickening of the weaker Tibetan crust and increased rate of focussed surface denudation of mid-crustal ductile channel-flow/exhumation, at the edge of Longmen Shan are probably responsible for accumulation of stress in the upper eastern Tibetan crust.

5 illus, 43 ref

002127   Ghosh D;Mishra O P (Geophysics Div, Eastern Region, Geological Survey of India, Kolkata, Email: sujaya_ghosh@yahoo.co.in) : The 2004 Sumatra - Andaman earthquake sequence and its implications for seismic coupling L future vulnerability. Indian Miner 2008, 61-2(3-4,1-4), 93-112.

Harvard Centroid Moment Tensor (CMT) focal mechanism solutions for earthquakes that occurred in the northwestern Sumatra-Nicobar-Andaman region between the 26 December 2004 and 26 July 2005 are examined and categorized depending on the tectonic character and seismicity behaviour. Estimates of earthquake slip-vectors for the 26 December 2004 Sumatra-Andaman (moment magnitude 9.3, SAE 9.3) and the 28 March 2005 Simeulue-Nias (moment magnitude 8.7, SNE 8.7), mainshocks and their aftershock sequences are made to understand the role of strain-partitioning and seismic-coupling condition in triggering the two mainshocks and their sequences. Mainshocks of SAE 9.7 and SNE 8.7 are found to occur in the locked subduction interface, where trench-parallel strike-slip stress component was totally inactive. None of the mainshocks and aftershocks was located beyond ≥ 60 km, suggesting asesimic sliding of the subducting plate at deeper level due to serpentinization of the forearc mantle. Majority of the aftershocks occupy deformation-front and accretionary subduction complex, whereas few events occur in the transition zone between forearc and volcanic backarc. Forearc sedimentary basins and a few areas across the accretionary subduction complex are aseismic. Comparing the present focal mechanism analyses with that of past earthquake catalogue (1955 - 1987) for both shallow and deep events, we infer that below 50-60 km layer strain-partitioning is fully active, even in locked subduction interface. Initially, the SAE 9.3 mainshock rupture propagated unilaterally towards north-northwest by re-rupturing of the historic rupture zones of 1881 and 1941, where strain-partitioning prevails. Vulnerable zones for future earthquakes appear to be extended further southeast of the Simeulue, Nias, Siberut, and Enggano islands along the Batee and Mentawai trans-tension fault zone, which are comparatively locked due to accumulated stress caused from lack of strain-partitioning in top 50-60 km crust.

9 illus, 1 table 67 ref

002126   Ghosh D;Mishra O P (Geophysics Div, Eastern Region, Kolkata-700 091, Email: sujaya_ghosh@yahoo.co.in) : Earthquake-generating process in Pakistan-Kashmir Himalayan front: a tectonic overview. Indian Miner 2008, 61-2(3-4,1-4), 27-40.

The Harvard Centroid Moment Tensor (CMT) focal mechanism solutions of the 8 October 2005 Muzaffarabad earthquake (MUZ 7.6) mainshock (moment magnitude 7.6), the 28 December 1974 Pattan earthquake (PAT 5.9) mainshock (body wave magnitude 5.9) and their associated aftershocks are examined to study the tectonic deformation and seismicity behaviour at Indus Kohistan Seismic Zone (IKSZ), in northwestern Pakistan - Kashmir Himalayan front. The CMT solutions lor both the earthquake sequences depict similar nodal planes and indicated positive slip with predominance of shallow northeast-dipping thrust faults. The northeastern elevated hanging wall of the IKSZ is found to be slipped up by about 1.5 -l.9 m above the southwestern footwall during the MUZ 7.6 earthquake. The deviatoric compression (P) axes are horizontal and mainly from SW direction, which is the direction of the convergence of Indian plate. The depth-section of the seismic events indicated that all the epicentres are confined in a zone, between plastic decollement and ductile basement, having a different theological behaviour in rock type. These earthquakes occurred due to the release of accumulated stress resulted from the thrust produced by the southwestward leading-front of overthrusted high-hydrothermal fluid-rich mid-crustal rocks (Basement Thrust Front), differential sediment loads on the decollement due to major river incisions and high crustal exhumation rale along anomalous topographic rise of Hazara-Kashmir syntaxis, IKSZ and Indus syntaxis. Our observation revealed that the pre-existing IKSZ is the principal source zone for the PAT 5.9 and MUZ 7.6 earthquake sequences. The MUZ 7.6 earthquake may have occurred on the unaffected southern segment by re-rupturing the IKSZ after a gap of 31 years. The rupture process around the seismogenic IKSZ may have facilitated by fluids in the partial melt matrix rather regional tectonic stress alone.

7 illus, 58 ref

002125   Dinesh Kumar;Sriram V;Sarkar I;Teotia S S (Geophysics Dep, Kurukshetra Univ, Kurukshetra, Haryana-136 119, Email: dineshk5@rediffmail.com) : Estimate of a scaling law of seismic spectrum for earthquakes in Himalaya. Indian Miner 2008, 61-2(3-4,1-4), 83-92.

The possible scaling and self-similarity of small, moderate and large earthquakes of the Himalaya have been investigated using the reported source parameters of twelve earthquakes. These events include 1986 Dharmsala, 1991 Uttarkashi, 1999 Chamoli earthquakes and nine of its larger aftershocks with the magnitudes in the range 4.5 to 7.0. All the earthquakes had occurred in northwest and central Himalaya. One earthquake occurred within the rupture zone of 1905 Kangra earthquake and the rest within the Central seismic gap, in a time span of less than two decades. Analysis of the source spectra obtained from the observed near field displacement spectra of these events suggests that there is self-similar scaling for small, moderate and large seismic sources of Himalaya. Further a linear regression analysis between the estimated seismic moment (M₀) and corner frequency (f_c) gives the scaling relation M₀f_c^{3 = 1.7 x 1016 N-m/ sec3. The proposed scaling law of seismic spectrum is found to be consistent with similar scaling relations obtained in other seismically active regions. Such an investigation should prove useful in seismic hazard and risk related studies of the region. The relation developed in this study can be utilized in estimating source dimension given the moment of the earthquake for hazard assessment. The analysis gives a static Brune stress drop of about 50-60 bars for Himalaya earthquakes. The corresponding dynamic stress drop can be 2-3 times the static stress drop. Therefore dynamic stress drop of ~ 100 bars can be expected in the region. As the high frequency earthquake-induced ground motions are governed by the stress drop at the earthquake sources, this possibly suggests that seismic hazard in the Himalayan region is relatively high.}

7 illus, 3 tables, 32 ref

002124   Deonath A (Research School of Earth Sciences, The Australian National Univ, Canberra 0200, Australia, Email: adeonath@gmail.com) : Global tectonics : Do concepts, observations and problems merge toward a new paradigm?. Indian Miner 2008, 61-2(3-4,1-4), 9-26.

For decades, plate tectonics has revolutionised the philosophy behind almost all aspects of the Earth sciences. It provided right platform for advancement of diverse geoscientific fields. However, its assumptions, limitations and overstretching are increasingly pointing toward its inadequacies, particularly in recent times when a wealth of accurate data is being gathered. A need for a different outlook is felt among many geoscientists. Here it is shown that high-level analyses of various diverse topics of Earth science merge towards an alternative paradigm which draws a lot from the plate tectonic theory but still has substantial fundamental differences. The proposed paradigm considers most tectonic activities to be centred around two types of linear features on Earth's surface - active continental margins and rifts both dynamically linked with one another. It envisages that the old oceanic lithosphere at the active continental margin manifests sinking tendency and the resulting pull drives continental uplift, rift and breakup. The oceanic lithosphere itself develops broad folds which are amplified as the ridge-push forces are transferred as compression at the margin. This results in a series of activities at the margin which is responsible for many rock types, geological events and growth of continental crust. The paradigm is proposed in the light of a variety of concepts, observations and problems of geology which it attempts to merge together and address. The proposed paradigm can stimulate healthy debate among scientific community which is necessary for further advancement of Earth sciences.

6 illus, 1 table, 92 ref

002123   Das P K (Geological Sciences Dep, Gauhati University, Guwahati-781 014) : Petrography of sandstones of the Kopili formation, Jaintia hills district, Meghalaya. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect F 2008, 27(1-2), 19-42.

Petrographic study of sandstones of Kopili Formation, Jaintia Group occurring around Sonapur area was done to find out mineralogical classification, source of sediments (Provenance) and depositional environment and palaeoclimatic conditions. The quantitative mineralogical classification shows that the sandstone is mostly of "Quartz-arenite". From this study, it is observed that sandstone can be fitted in both recycled orogen setting and continental block provenance. The sediments were short transported, waterlaid and affected by tectonic disturbances. From mineralogical characters such as dominance of monocrystalline quartz grains over polycrytalline quartz, some rounded grains of quartz, low content of micas, feldspars and the rock fragments, it may be inferred that the sandstones are mature that were derived mostly from a mixed provenance of igneous metamorphic and meta-sedimentary rocks of the Shillong plateau.

8 illus, 6 table, 36 ref

002122   Das L K;Nandi B K;Singh R;Samadder S R;Dutta G K;Pal B P (Geological Survey of India, Marine Wing, Kolkata-700 091, Email: daslk_48@yahoo.co.in) : Contemplations on the role of continental tectonics in shaping the post-pliocene seabed morphology off Chilka lake, Orissa, India. Indian Miner 2008, 61-2(3-4,1-4), 135-40.

Shallow seismic reflection data along several coast perpendicular traverses off Chilka Lake in Orissa, has brought out the dispositions of the seabed and sub-seabed reflectors along with a few important morphological upwarps extending over 115 km with a relief of 5-11 m and structural breaks. These breaks are mostly aligned in NE-SW direction. Free-air (FA) gravity anomaly of the offshore and onshore region between the Mahanadi and Godavari basins clearly brings out a NE-trending gravity high or crustal thinning along the Eastern Continental Margin of India (ECMI). This is in sharp contrast to the gravity anomaly as well as shoreline geometry down south where the ECMI suddenly turns N-S along the 80° E meridian. Superimposed on the gravity high referred above, a profound gravity low has been identified in the shelf area off Chilka Lake. Fortuitously, this gravity low zone is found to be an approximately 6-km-wide channel cut, in the shelf area, ahead of the shelf-break, from the seismic reflection survey with a vertical relief of 400 m from the seafloor. The actual relief must be much larger in depth, a part of which is presently filled up by the sediments. Obviously presence of such a NE-SW-trending morphotectonic unit in this part of the shelf is a very significant feature in the shelf morphology which is absent down south. Considering the tensional regime which created the Mahanadi and the Godavari grabens in the Permo-Carboniferous-Triassic period one can visualize a net southeasterly push of the ECMI between these two grabens which is evident from the NE alignment of the coast in this region. The presence of the aseismic 85°E ridge with its deep-seated root in the oceanic lithosphere of the Bay of Bengal hinders this southeasterly push and creates a compressional regime in this part of ECMI. This compression is evident from the upwelling of the seabed morphology and associated faults, mapped in the region over a distance of 115 km. The width of this upwarp is varying from 3.5 km to 8.5 km, with a vertical relief of 5 - 11 m. Presence of this upwarp in the seafloor which is associated with a reverse fault towards the seaward side, with identical downthrow of 8 m, conclusively proves a compressional regime since the post-Cretaceous period, following the emplacement of the 85°E ridge. Presence of a SW-NE-trending canyon in the seafloor is an evidence of strike-slip faulting in the direction, which is also endorsed from the seismo-tectonic study in the area. Thus the morphotectonic features mapped in the continental shelf of Orissa are ideal evidence of a transpressional regime. Furthermore under the joint action of the westward back push of the 85°E ridge and the obliquely converging southeasterly push of the landmass, a resultant northeasterly force is a reality.

5 illus, 13 ref

002121   Das L K;Dasgupta K K;De M K (Central Geophysics Div, Geological Survey of India, Kolkata-700 016, Email: daslk_48@yahoo.co.in) : Mineral potential of the Dhanjori metavolcanics, East Singhbhum, Jharkhand. Indian Miner 2008, 61-2(3-4,1-4), 193-200.

Deep Electrical Profiling (DEP) has proved to be very useful in identifying buried conductive anomalies in Dhanjori basin. 2-D modeling of such anomalies indicated a near vertical conductive body (80 ohm m) within the metabasics of Dhanjoris. A deep stratigraphic-cum-structural borehole has been drilled vertically up to a depth of 768 m over this anomaly zone which proved flat-lying metavolcanic assemblages grading from acidic to ultrabasic in composition with interlayering of tuff and sediments. At least four different flows have been identified following the classical top and bottom criteria followed in stratigraphy. The borehole lithology is in itself a revelation as it is different from the expected lithostratigraphy of Dhanjori basin. The metabasics are highly sheared and striated and the propensity of shearing increases with depth. Deep Electrical Sounding (DBS) has been successful in estimating the thickness of the lithopackage which is within 1 km. SP, resistance, natural gamma ray logs run up to 750 m depth indicate 37 distinct conductive zones, varying from a fraction of a meter to several meters. Some of these are sulphides with pyrite, chalcopyrite, covellite and arsenopyrite assemblages. Density and chargeability values measured in the laboratory on selected core samples corroborate the above findings.

7 illus, 8 ref

002120   Chowdhuri S N;Singh O P;Mishra O P;Kayal J R (Central Geophysics Div, Geological Survey of India, Kolkata-700 016, Email: sumitchowdhuri@rocketmail.com) : Microzonation study from ambient noise measurement for assessing site effects in Krishnagar area and its significance with the damage pattern of Ms = 4.3 24 September 1996 earthquake.. Indian Miner 2008, 61-2(3-4,1-4), 183-92.

In order to determine the thickness of soft-sediment-cover layers and their control on site amplification, we applied Nakamura's technique of estimating the ratio of the horizontal component noise-spectrum and that of the vertical component of ambient noise spectrum (H/V) from 31 measuring stations carried out between February and March, 2004 in Krishnagar area of Nadia, West Bengal, India. Estimation of sedimentary thickness of the Tertiary and Quaternary formation is made using the 1-D ground motion model and also by applying the concept of thickness- frequency correlation of nonlinear regression technique under damping condition. Our analyses revealed a good correlation between the peak frequency and thickness of soft sediments at all sites. We found a large scale variation in the sediment thickness (92 -135 m) in the entire area under investigation, suggesting a drastic variability in the degree of sub soil amplifications during natural tremor. Comparison of the damage pattern of Krishnagar medium size earthquake (Ms 4.3 on Sept. 24,1996) with measured resonance frequency suggests that area of the strong damages concentrates in a zone that characterized by soil resonance frequency between 0.85 and 0.98 hz. Here, we propose to estimate subsoil thickness in region of analogous geotectonic settings as an input for designing the tremor resistant structures with resonant frequency greater than that of the peak frequency at the site.

8 illus, 1 table 23 ref

002119   Bhatacharya P M;Majumdar R K;Kayal J R (Central Geophysics Div, Geological Survey of India, Kolkata-700 016, Email: pankajmala2006@yahoo.com) : Systematic approach to Earthquake location procedures: application to Northeast India region. Indian Miner 2008, 61-2(3-4,1-4), 171-82.

Study various earthquake location algorithms have been applied to earthquake catalogue for Northeast India region to relocate earthquake hypocentres in sense to unravel comparative earthquake relocation efficacy of the different algorithms. Initially the earthquakes located using the routine HYPO71 program are relocated step-wise by applying Average Residual method (ARM-), Joint Hypocentre Determination (JHD) method, and finally by the Simultaneous Inversion (SI) method. Comparing the relative accuracy of these four techniques we found that the IHD technique takes care of large azimuthal gaps in station distribution, which significantly reduces the influence of the poor seismic velocity model in relocation. It also reduces the influence of random reading errors of phase arrivals. The JHD locates lesser number of events with lesser root mean square (rms) error than those of HYPO 71 and AR methods. The SI technique located maximum number of events with a better depth constraint in the region. We infer that seismicity pattern is dictated not only by lateral heterogeneity of the region, but it is also related to depth-ward variations in heterogeneity. Therefore a judicious exercise is needed to select the 1-D velocity model at the time of relocating the earthquakes. The present systematic approach to earthquake location demonstrates that precise locations of earthquake hypocentres play a significant role in evaluating seismic hazard by delineating seismogenic faults in the northeast India region. This study may prove valuable in adjudging the suitability of the earthquake relocation algorithm and may help in investigating the nature and extent of seismicity patterns in the seismically active regions elsewhere in the world.

12 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

001331   Waghmare S Y;Carlo L;Gawali P B;Patil A G (NO, Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, New Panvel (W), Navi Mumbai-410 218, Email: waghmare@iigs.iigm.rs.in) : Geomagnetic investigation in he seismoactive area of Narmada-son lineament, central India. J Indian Geophys Union 2008, 12(1), 1-10.

Activation of Narmada south fault caused the devastating Jabalpur earthquake (6.0 M) on May 22, 1997. To understand the secular variation of the total geomagnetic field in the vicinity of Narmada south fault, particularly comprising the seismoactive zone of Jabalpur and its adjoining areas in the Narmada-Son Lineament, Central India, tectonomagnetic studies were undertaken by carrying repeat surveys since 2003. The repeat survey area covers a total of 70 observation stations falling in areas of Jabalpur, Mandla, Seoni, Lakhnadon and Narsimhapur in Deccan Trap provinces. Using the Proton Precession Magnetometer of sensitivity 0.1 nT, simultaneous measurements of total geomagnetic field were made at all stations and at base station and the process was repeated at yearly intervals. In this study, Seismic Observatory, Jabalpur was used as reference base station. For data interpretation purpose, five magnetic profiles were drawn i.e. the Katangi-Mandla (AA'), Mandla-Lakhnadon (BB'J, Lakhnadon-Narsimhapur (CC'), Narsirnhapur-Jabalpur (DD') and Jabalpur-Seoni (EF). Repeated yearly surveys of 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 bring out secular changes in total geomagnetic fields that seem to be concentrating locally. Results of these observations have shown the anomalous geomagnetic field secular variations in a range of ± 0.06 to ± 9.54 nT at separate stations over the distinct profiles. The anomalies in secular variation of the total geomagnetic field may be related to anomalous accumulation of tectonic stresses and tensions on the fault zones and crustal blocks due to recent geodynamic processes and tectonic setting of the Narmada-Son Lineament.

7 illus, 30 ref

001330   Wadhwa R S;Ghosh N;Chaudhari M S; Chandrashekhar V;Sinharay R K (Central Water and Power Research Station, , Khadakwasla, Pune, Email: wadhwa_rs@yahoo.gov.in) : Delineation of cavities in a canal bed by geophysical survey in Navargaon project area, Maharashtra. J Indian Geophys Union 2008, 12(1), 55-62.

28 km main canal and a dam are part of Navargaon medium irrigation project. Three cavities exposed in the canal-bed were noticed after release of water for the first time through canal. Ground penetrating radar, electrical resistivity imaging and electrical gradient techniques were deployed to get the exact dimensions of the exposed cavities as well as to delineate subsurface cavities, if any. Number of anomalies depicting trough (low) and crest (high) like pattern were noticed on GPR records. A plausible interpretation for this cluster of anomalies was a partially water and/or clay-filled lows and partially air-filled (high) cavity system. The presence of some of these cavities was confirmed by electrical resistivity imaging and electrical gradient techniques.

7 illus, 8 ref

001329   Tripathi S K;Singh M;Pandey A (Water Resources Development and Management Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee-247 667) : Analysis of agroclimatic extremes for crop cultivation and diversification. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2008, 28(4), 34-42.

Agro climatic extremes with respect to rainfall, maximum temperature and minimum temperature for the period 1979-2007 were analyzed for Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India. Rainfall extremes varied between 243 mm/day occurring on 202nd day in 1994 and 43 mm/day on 204th day in 1999 and it rose @ 0.867 mm/year. Rainfall extreme of very low intensity happened in the cycle of about 6 years. Rainfall below 20 mm/day was recorded on 46 days out of 62 rainy days in a year. Maximum temperature also recorded the extremes as 46°C on 133rd day (maximum) in 1980 and 39.6°C on 1251h day (minimum) in 2006 and it decreased @ 0.283 °C/day. The duration of maximum temperature regime in the range of 30-35°C increased @ 0.5473 days/year. Minimum temperature also recorded extremes as 5°C on 1st day in 1980 and 1.8 °C on 6th day in 2006 and it decreased @ 0.0348°C/year. The duration of minimum temperature regime in the range of 25-30°C increased @ 0.4192 days/year. The study confirms the agro climatic extremes occurrence in Roorkee and is on the rise. Pro active measures needs to be taken on the lines of crop management and diversification may help mitigating the problem of agricultural production.

3 illus, 3 tables, 7 ref

001328   Tripathi S K;Singh M;Pandey A (Water Resources Dep, Development and Management, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee) : Climate change at Roorkee (Uttarakhand). J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2008, 28(1), 19-28.

Roorkee is one of the agriculturally well developed revenue subdivision of Hardwar district in Uttarakhand (India). Global climatic change has prompted us to analyse the climatic condition of Roorkee, agriculturally very sensitive area, from the available meteorological data. The Department of Water Resources Development and Management, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (29°52 TV, 77°54 2 and 252 msl) is recording meteorological observations at its Agromet Observatory since 1979 and continuing. The results of 5 yearly moving average showed increase in rainfall @ 6.16 mm per year; relative humidity @ 0.16 % per year; minimum temperature @ 0.009 °C per year and sunshine hours @ 0.15 hrs per year and decrease in rainy days @ 0.3 days per year; maximum temperature @ 0.03 °C per year and wind speed @ 0.03 km per year. These observations confirm the mild trend in climate change at Roorkee which is most probably due to localized human interventions.

7 illus, 7 tables, 11 ref

001327   Sivaram B;Sarma A A L N (Eritrea Institute of Technology, , Asmara, Eritrea, East Africa, Email: sivaramboppe@yahoo.co.in) : Hydrologic extremities over India - monsoon period. J Indian Geophys Union 2008, 12(2), 79-88.

Attempt has been made to study and understand some of the aspects of hydrologic extremities in terms of prevalence of varied degrees of drought, humidness and climate shifts of All India on a weekly basis, through the revised water balance model during the monsoon period from 1951 to 1998. Weekly aridity, humidness and climate shifts of the south west monsoon period are studied for All India and compared to march of Southern Oscillation Index and Sea Surface temperature of Nino 3 region during the period 1981 to 1991, 1992 to 1998.

3 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

001326   Singh S;Galkate R V;Thomas T;Jaiswal R K (National Institute of Hydrology, Ganga Plains South Regional Centre, Sagar-470 001) : Assessment of water quality and trophic status for utilization of sagar lake. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2008, 28(1), 29-35.

The Sugar lake is situated in the heart of the Sugar city in Madhya Pradesh. The quality of lake water has badly deteriorated and has become unsuitable for various uses. In the present study, physico-chemical analysis has been carried out to assess the present status of water quality and trophic status of the lake. Water samples were collected from 21 locations of the lake at three different depths. The study indicates that the transparency, pH, total hardness and chloride contents of the lake water have been significantly reduced while the alkalinity, fluoride, nitrate, phosphate and iron level of the lake water have been greatly increased over the past fifteen years. The lake water also shows presence of the fecal coliform bacteria and high algae activity. Results of the present study are compared with earlier data as well as Indian Standards. Point sources of major pollution to the lake have been identified. The trophic state index (TSI) has been computed to assess the eutrophication of the Sagar lake. The increased level of nitrogen and phosphorous contents in the lake water indicates that the lake has attained the hyper-eutrophic state. Based on the TSI value, the lake has become unsuitable for drinking, bathing and even for fish culture.

2 illus, 7 tables, 20 ref

001325   Shrivastava P K;Asthana R;Beg M J;Singh J (Antarctica Div, Geological Survey of India, Faridabad, Email: antgsi@gmail.com) : Climatic fluctuation imprinted in quartz grains of lake sediments from schirmacher oasis and larsemann hills area, East antarctica. Indian J Geosci 2009, 63(1), 87-96.

Polymodal distribution of glaciofluvial sediments of Schirmacher Oasis and Larsemann Hills area of East Antarctica show traction and saltation as the most dominant mode of transportation. Quartz grains (of >65μ size) from these sediments are the best rock-forming minerals to study the mechanical action at microscopic level. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of these quartz grains show almost all glacial and glaciofluvial features on its surfaces, along with aeolian signatures modified by glaciofluvial action in some grains. Mechanical action by wind is more dominant on Schirmacher sediments than the Larsemann sediments. This study has also revealed climatic fluctuations in the vertical column. The sediments can be classified into three different types based on the SEM study. The first one is represented by glacio-fluvial sediments along with chemical precipitates. The second category is that of aeolian sediments, partly modified by glaciofluvial action and having chemical coating. The third type is mainly dominated by glacial sediments. Precipitation of silica and iron oxides indicates minor fluctuations in Eh-pH conditions of the depositing medium.

19 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

001324   Sarma A A L N;Lakshmi Kumar T V;Koteswararao K (Meteorology & Oceanography Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: aalnsarma_met@rediffmail.com) : Development of an agroclimatic model for the estimation of rice yield. J Indian Geophys Union 2008, 12(2), 89-96.

It deserves an utmost importance to look out for an agroclimatic model for the expected quantum of the rice production especially in Andhra Pradesh in advance in the present era of increasing food demand. Growing degree day or heat unit theories of the crops and Integrated Normalized Difference Vegetation Index along with the rainfall are made use of in obtaining in relation with the crop yield of rice. The atmospheric and oceanic indices such as Southern Oscillation Index and Sea Surface Temperature of Nino 3 region are also incorporated in developing the multi-regression model for the estimation of rice yield.

3 illus, 16 ref

001323   Parhi P K;Mishra S K;Singh R (Water Resources Development and Management Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee-247 667) : Scheduling of irrigation for wheat in a semi-humid tropical canal command using water balance approach. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2008, 28(1), 1-10.

Incorporating soil dryness coefficient, site specific crop coefficient, daily rainfall and reference crop evapotranspiration and allowable. depletion limits for various stages of growth, scheduling of irrigation and the crop water requirement for wheat crop in an irrigation command in semi-humid tropical region of Orissa (India), is estimated using water balance approach. The water balance sheet prepared on daily basis using MS Excel is much flexible and user friendly with provision to modify each input variable as per actual site and management requirements. The crop water requirement thus computed comes out to be 4 % less than those estimated using conventional crop coefficient approach.

1 illus, 5 tables, 16 ref

001322   Pandey R P;Sharma K D;Galkate R V;Surjeet Singh (NO, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee-247 667) : Hydro-meteorological droughts in upper ken basin. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2008, 28(1), 11-18.

Upper Ken Basin falls in Damoh and Sagar districts of Madhya Pradesh (India). It often experiences acute shortages of water, both for drinking and irrigation purposes. This study includes the investigation of meteorological and hydrological aspects of droughts in the Sonar and the Bearma sub-basins in the Upper Ken Basin. The mean annual rainfall in this region varies between 1113-1218 mm. The analysis of rainfall records for the period from 1901 to 2006 for four stations in the upper Ken basin indicated that drought recurs in Damoh and Sagar districts with an average frequency of once in every 5 years. The probability of occurrence of annual rainfall equivalent to 75% of normal is found to be 78%-89%. Hydrological droughts were investigated using the variable truncation level approach. Monthly stream/low records of last 15, and 25 years for the Sonar and Bearma Rivers respectively were included in the analysis. The study revealed that the droughts with their onset in the early monsoon season were more severe than those began during late monsoon or post-monsoon period. Sufficient surplus flows are available during the wet period and the conservation of a part of this surplus can meet the water deficits in the basin in lean period.

7 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

001321   Pandey A K (Physics Dep, Dr. M. C. Saxena College of Engineering and Technology, Lucknow) : Theoretical prediction of validity of isothermal EOS for calculation of Gruneisen parameter for bcc elements. Der Pharma Chem 2009, 1(1), 78-99.

The Gruneisen parameter (T) is of considerable importance to Earth scientists Because it sets limitations on the thermoelastic properties of the lower mantle and core. However, there are several formulations of the Gruneisen parameter in frequent use which not only give different values for at ambient pressure but also predict a varying dependence of as a function of compression. The Griineisen parameter is directly related to the equation of state (EOS), yet it is often the case that both the form of and the EOS are chosen independently of each other and somewhat arbitrarily. Assesses some of the more common definitions of the Griineisen parameter and the EOS, and have applied them to a test the validity of EOS for eight different bcc elements.

001320   Pal P K (NO, Visva Bharati Univ, Santiniketan-731 235) : Geomorphological, fractal dimension and b - value mapping in Northeast India. J Indian Geophys Union 2008, 12(1), 41-54.

Satellite based geomorphological mapping is an essential tool for natural hazard estimation in Northeast India. The geomorphological mapping of the study region (26 - 27 ± N, 91 - 95 ± E) was carried out with the help of IRS - 1D LISS - III imagery of March 5, 2003 on 1:250, 000 scales by visible interpretation technique. The individual satellite imagery has been studied and compared with the Survey of India (SOI) topographical sheets on 1:50, 000 scale to demarcate geomorphic features. The geomorphological maps of the study region refers to, (i) flood plain, (ii) younger alluvial plain, (iii) older alluvial plain, (iv) upper piedmont, (v) lower piedmont, (vi) valley fill area, (vii) structural hills of Tertiary group, (viii) structural hills of Shillong group, (ix) denudational hills of Tertiary group, (x) denudational hills of Shillong group, (xi) denudational hills of Gneissic group and (xii) pediment surface. The statistical characteristics of seismicity and drainage parameters, fractal dimension and b - values are mapped in the study region. The maps revealed that the fractal dimension of drainage parameters are comparable with the seismogenic structures and are very appropriate for earthquake risk evaluation.

8 illus, 23 ref

001319   Nageswara Rao K;Bhaskara Rao C U;Venkateswara Rao T (Geo-Engineering Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: nrkakani@yahoo.com) : Estimation of sediment volume through geophysical and GIS analyses - a case study of the red sand deposit along Visakhapatnam coast. J Indian Geophys Union 2008, 12(1), 23-30.

Estimation of the volume of the coastal red sediment deposit near Bhimunipatnam north of Visakhapatnam, which is reported to contain heavy minerals of potential economic importance, was attempted in this study. The contours that represent the surface configuration of the area were extracted from the topographic map and the bedrock contours were interpolated from the depth to bedrock estimated from the geo-electrical resistivity survey at 100 points in the 10.55 km² area of study. Both these maps were used to generate digital elevation models in GIS software to obtain the thickness as well as the volume of the sediment in the area. The study revealed that the volume of the red sediment deposit is -145 million cubic meters.

001318   Mukhopadhyay B;Acharyya A;Bhattacharya A; Dasgupta S;Sengupta S R (Geodata and Database Div, Geological Survey of India, Central Head Quarters, 27 Jawaharlal Nehru, Kolkata-700 016, Email: basabmukhopadhyay@yahoo.com) : Revisiting the Andaman subduction lithosphere following the 26 December 2004 sumatra earthquake. Indian J Geosci 2009, 63(1), 1-10.

The lithospheric configuration of the Benioff zone in the plate subduction regime of Andaman-Sumatra has been constructed using earthquake event data (Mb>4.0) between 1964 and 2005 by designing fifteen 2D cross-sections across the Andaman trench axis. Incorporation of pre- and post-2004 Great Earthquake events (up to December 2005) epitomises the existing naturalistic configuration of the Benioff zone. The angles of Benioff zone in the sections vary from 30° to 57°. The depth penetration of Indian Plate along the Benioff zone is more towards Sumatra. The thickness of Indian Plate and SE Asian Plate also increases towards south. The structure of the Benioff zone follows horst-and-graben geometry typifying a piano structure. Structural depth contours of Benioff zone get deflected and get constricted due to juxtaposition at certain locales. These loci in turn coincide with clusters of normal and strike-slip focal-plane solutions in contrast to an overall thrust domain suggesting existence of a number of transverse lithospheric hinge faults (with fixed western end). These transverse faults divide the Benioff zone into three blocks. A change in speed of shear wave along these three blocks during rupture propagation of 26 December 2004 earthquake has been witnessed and is due to the dampening effect caused by these barriers. The overall geometry of the Benioff zone worked out earlier (considering data up to 1993) remains the same in spite of the great earthquake.

6 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

001317   Kandiannan K;Thankamani C K;Mathew P A (NO, Indian Institute of Spices Research, Calicut-673 012, Email: kandiannan@spices.res.in) : Analysis of rainfall of the high rainfall tract of northern agro-climatic zone of Kerala. J Spices aromatic Crop 2008, 17(1), 16-20.

Analysis of rainfall of the high rainfall tract of northern agroclimatic zone of Kerala was carried out for 26 years (1980-2005) to schedule spice crop management practices precisely. The analysis indicated that the tract received 4461 mm of annual rainfall in 145 rainy days. South west monsoon (June to September) alone contributed 75% of annual rainfall and July was the rainiest month (1117 mm) with 27 rainy days. The length of growing period was identified between 18th standard week to 47th standard week (from 30th April to 25th November) with a mean rainfall of 4284.1 mm. The pre-monsoon period from 2nd April to 6th May (between 14th week to 18th week) with a mean rainfall of 180.6 mm was the right time for land preparation for annual crops like ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) and the period between 30th April to 27th May (18th week to 21st week) with a mean rainfall of 244.4 mm was ideal for planting including first mulching and first schedule of fertilizer application for these crops. The probability of getting 50 mm rainfall per week was more than 60% during the 19th week (7th to 13th May). This is the time for prophylactic plant protection, application of first schedule of fertilizer application and shade regulation for black pepper (Piper nigrum) and tree spices. The second schedule of these operations has to be done during the 36th to 39th week (3rd to 30th September) as this period is relatively rainless (September rainfall was 349.6 mm). Though the tract receives high rainfall, there is moisture stress between December and March and adequate moisture conservation (or irrigation wherever possible) is essential particularly for perennial crops in juvenile stage.

1 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

001316   Gupta A;Bandyopadhyay B K (NO, , BB 45/3, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700 064, Email: anupendu@yahoo.com) : Palaeozoic metallogeny in the tethyan black Mountain basin, Bhutan Himalaya and its regional implication. Indian J Geosci 2009, 63(1), 97-106.

The Tethyan Palaeozoic fossiliferous sediments of the Black Mountain region of central Bhutan host a stratabound copper sulphide deposit at Gongkhola. Though of limited economic potential, the prospect is unique in geological setting and by far the most prominent basemetal occurrence in the Himalayas. The litho-package exposed in the area belongs to the Middle to Upper Ordovician Mane Ting Formation of Black Mountain Group, comprising a thick sequence of calcareous arenites, rudaceous sub-feldspathic wacke, carbonaceous phyllite and minor tuffaceous chlorite phyllite, representing rapid distal sedimentation with frequent basinal instability. The rocks display two distinct phases of fold deformation and metamorphism to lower greenschist facies. The copper sulphide mineralisation is mainly confined to the concordant bands of coarsely crystalline quartz-siderite rock disposed along or close to the lithocontact of carbonaceous phyllite and lithic wacke. In addition, bedding-parallel sulphide laminates and schistosity-parallel blebs and streaks of pyrite-pyrrhotite are noted in the carbon phyllite and lithic wacke/quartzite. The principal sulphide mineral phases are chalcopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, arsenopyrite, galena and sphalerite. An initial sedimentary-diagenetic stage of siderite and sulphide mineralisation followed by partial remobilisation during the tectono-metamorphic stage are the main events in the ore genetic history in the area. The possible role of physico-chemical instability in the basin due to rapid debris discharge, diagenetic segregation, crystallisation processes and volcanogenic additives during the initial phase of mineralisation are critically considered to decipher the most viable ore genetic process and the source of ore-forming fluids. In the context of the copper mineralisation at Gongkhola, the crustal evolution vis-a-vis metallogeny with special reference to the Tethyan sequences in Bhutan Himalaya is also critically discussed in the paper. Several isolated domains of fossiliferous Tethyan Palaeozoic sequence have been identified in Bhutan and other parts of Himalayas. The geological setting and ore-genetic model developed for the copper deposit may serve as a prototype for locating similar occurrences of greater economic value elsewhere.

4 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

001315   Goutham M R;Patil S K;Seena M S;Anoop E T (Centre of Exploration Geophysics, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: gouthammr@rediffmail.com) : Preliminary rock and palaeomagnetic results from the (Neoproterozoic) Bhima basin, India. J Indian Geophys Union 2008, 12(2), 63-8.

Palaeomagnetic and rock magnetic results of the samples from Lower Bhima Group are reported here. Magnetic cleaning by different techniques give an impression that these rocks are remagnetized. IRM studies indicate that the magnetic carrier in the lower and upper Sedam Subgroup of Bhima Group is hematite and magnetite respectively. Possibly this is also an indication of remagnetization of Bhima Group of rocks by Deccan lava flows.

3 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

001314   Dehingia N;Baruah G (NO, , ) : Persistent band heads of second positive system of N₂ and first negative system of N₂₊ in the spectra of lightning. Archiv appl Sci Res 2009, 1(1), 35-42.

The spectra of cloud to ground lightning flash data have been analyzed for the three year period 2005-2008, for a geographical area centered on Dibrugarh (27o.29/N, 94o.58/E), Assam, India. Of the fifty spectra recorded on a Quartz spectrograph thirty exhibited only continuum. The remaining spectra indicated the clear presence of the persistent band heads of the second positive band system of molecular nitrogen. The spectra of lightning with reference to the (0,0) bands of the 2nd positive system of nitrogen has been recorded for the first time with the help of a conventional Q-24 medium quartz spectrograph. It would follow that molecular nitrogen is the predominate species which reveals itself as a persistent band heads belonging to the 2nd positive system. The (0,0) band of the second positive system is observed in most of the spectra, but with different intensities. In some cases the first negative system of singly ionized molecular nitrogen (N²⁺) is also observed. It is evident that the spectra photographed'with lightning furnish information of great value in regard to the identification of the material present in the atmosphere.

001313   Chopra S;Dinesh Kumar;Rao K M (NO, Institute of Seismological Research, Gandhinagar-382 018, Email: sumerchopra@yahoo.co.in) : Attenuation of P and S waves in the Kachchh region. J Indian Geophys Union 2008, 12(1), 11-20.

Quality has been estimated using spectral amplitudes of P and S waves from earthquakes recorded by the seismic network of Institute of Seismological Research (ISR) in Kachchh region. The earthquakes recorded at two stations - Lakadia (LAK) and Suvai (SUV) have been used. The spectral amplitude ratios have been calculated between 2-25 Hz and single station spectral ratio method has been applied for this purpose. The results show that the quality factors for both P and S waves (Q and Q_s) increase as a function of frequency according to law Q = Q_o^fn. The frequency dependent relations estimated for the Q and Q_s at the two stations are : Q_p = (111±1.5)f^{1±0.01, Q_s = (107±4)f0.76±0.03 for Lakadia and Q_p = (72± 1.4)f1.22±0.01, Q_S = (193±3)f0.86±0.01 for Suvai. The average frequency dependent relations for Q have been estimated as Q_p = (89±1)f 1.12±0.004 and Q_s = (121±l)f 0.92±0.004 in the region. The ratio Qs/Q_p is close to one at Lakadia and greater than one at Suvai. The reported coda-Q (Qc) for this region has been found to be more than that of average Qs value estimated here. This supports the Zeng's model of attenuation in the region. The results of this study have been found to be consistent with the findings of other studies in this region using different methods. The frequency dependent relations for Q estimated here have been compared with those of other parts of the world. These relations are useful for the estimation of source parameters of earthquakes and simulation of earthquake strong ground motions.}

6 illus, 33 ref

001312   Chaudhary P;Ningwal U S;Waskel D S;Dhakad N K;Shinde D (Zoology Dep, Govt. P. G. College, Dhar, Madhya Pradesh) : Ground water level improved by recharging system at Dhar town (M.P.). Ind Res Commun 2008, 2(1), 62-5.

Recharging system helps in improvement of ground water level, when it is managed properly by experts and qualified people. If proper care is not taken, it may lead to pollution.Therefore some of the Ground Water samples of recharging tube wells and naturally charged tube wells of DHAR town studied and compared.

2 tables, 11 ref

001311   Bhattacharjee S;Narahari S T;Setty S R K; Madhusudhanan R;Shome S (Geological Survey of India, Petrology Div, SR, Bandlaguda, Hyderabad-500 068, Email: raju_gs@rediffmail.com) : Petrographic studies of the PGE-bearing layered mafic - ultramafic rocks of hanumalapura area, Davanagere district, Karnataka. Indian J Geosci 2009, 63(1), 41-52.

The Hanumalapura area in south-central Karnataka comprises metamorphosed mafic - ultramafic rocks, metagabbroic anorthosite, metaanorthositic gabbro and magnetite bands. All the lithounits are deformed and metamorphosed to greenschist-amphibolite facies and show the effects of hydrothermal alterations. All the mafic - ultramafic units of the complex have yielded PGE values of academic to economic significance. However, metapyroxenite, talc-tremolite schist and chlorite schist + magnetite are the most favourable host rock units. Magnetite bands gave insignificant PGE values. The basemetal sulphides associated with the PGE minerals consist of pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, pentlandite, sphalerite and pyrite. Magnetite (at places chrome - magnetite) and ilmenite are the associated oxides. Textural studies indicate two generations of sulphides, namely (1) magmatic immiscible sulphide phases along with early magmatic oxide phases and (2) later hydrothermal sulphide phases. The PGM assemblage consists predominantly of Pt - Pd arsenide, antirnonide, bismutho-telluride, viz. sperrylite, michenerite, stibiopalladinite and arsenopalladinite. An alloy of Sn - Pb - Fe and an unnamed Pt - Pd - arsenide are also recorded. The PGE mineralisation of this area is of magmatic origin. PGM mostly occur as independent phases within silicates and sometimes as included phases within early-formed sulphides and oxides. The PGE mineralisation of this area, unlike that of Bushveld, Stillwater and Baula-Naushahi areas, is neither associated with chromite nor totally with the sulphides.

23 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

000258   Fotedar A;Tikoo V J;Verma R;Fotedar B K (Environmental Sciences Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu-180 001) : Water chemistry of Chenab river flowing from Diangarh to Ambaran Riasi area, Jammu and Kashmir. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4B), 2051-60.

Chemical analysis of water flowing in Chenab river was carried out for Si, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, Zn and Pb. The analysis revealed that all cations were present below the permissible limits except Fe, Mn, Ni and Pb which were above safer levels and hence toxic for human consumption. For agricultural use of this water, no element was at higher concentration to be considered hazardous for crops. Turbidity values are higher because of higher rate of erosion in the catchment areas. The different parameters, SAR (sodium absorption ratio), SSP (sodium soluble percentage), RSC (residual sodium carbonate), MR (magnesium ratio), CR (corrosivity ratio), EC (electric conductivity) and P1 (Permeability Index) were lesser than 6, 20, 2.5, 50, 1, 1 and 80 respectively and as such water of Chenab river is safe to be used for agricultural purposes. Total hardness places the waters in soft category ; TDS less than 500 ppm indicates waters safe both for human consumption and agriculture. Bicarbonates, sulfates, nitrates and chlorides indicate values lower than permissible limits and hence water is not harmful for human consumption and agriculture. The pH of waters is within the permissible limits. For bringing Fe, Mn, Ni and Pb down in the waters, the catchment areas need to be properly forested and vetiver grass technology used for the whole belt between Diangarh to Ambaran. Higher Pb values in the waters are partly due to bad sanitation existing in the whole belt along the banks of the river, which needs to be rectified.

1 illus, 3 tables, 46 ref

000257   Anil Kumar;Sachdev A;Joshi D (Soil and Water Conservation Engineering Dep, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand) : Derivation of synthetic unit hydrograph for predicting direct runoff from a mountainous watershed. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2008, 28(3), 23-9.

Synthetic unit hydrograph (SUH) for a mountainous watershed in Uttarakhand has been derived using the Snyder 's method with some modifications. The synthetic unit hydrograph works as an important tool to predict direct runoff hydrographs for a watershed without using the historical records of rainfall and runoff. This method is particularly useful for remotely located ungauged watersheds in hilly regions, where the records of rainfall and runoff are generally not available. The developed SUH was used to regenerate and predict the direct runoff for the various rainstorms with reasonably good accuracy.

3 illus, 5 tables, 8 ref

000256   Akhtar M P;Ahmad Z;Sharma N (Water Resources Development and Management Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee) : Prediction of flow resistance and bed profiles of river Brahamputra. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2008, 28(3), 14-22.

Flow resistance characteristics of an alluvial stream are highly complex due to wide variations in flow properties and its resistances in the main channel and the subsidiary channels. The morphological changes of rivers are deeply interrelated with the bed deformation and bank erosion. A better understanding of these processes is very important to prevent disasters due to flooding, to design and manage the hydraulic structures, and to maintain river ecosystems and the landscape for environmental engineering purposes. An analysis of flow resistance parameter has many potential avenues for monitoring and management of rivers like Brahamputra. The present study is an attempt to assess flow resistance parameter i. e. Manning's coefficient for varying discharges in the reach of Brahamputra from Jogighopa to Pandu for year 1993 and 1997. With increase in discharges, Manning's coefficient n decreases considerably. Further, Manning's coefficient significantly varies temporally as well as spatially. Average values of Manning's coefficient in upper, middle and lower sub reaches are 0.033, 0.029 and 0.024, respectively. Using estimated Manning's roughness coefficient and HEC-RAS software, the bed profile for year 1997 was predicted taking bed profile for year 1993 as input. The predicted bed profiles for year 1997 are in good agreement with the observed ones, which advocates fair estimation of roughness coefficient in the present study. In general, aggradations had occurred except some localized degradations from year 1993 to 2002.

9 illus, 1 table

023634   Prabhudesai R G;Joseph A;Mehra P;Agarvadekar Y;Tengali S;Vijaykumar (National Institute of Oceanograpy, , Dona Paula, Goa-403 004, Email: prabhu@nio.org) : Cellular-based and internet-enabled real-time reporting of the tsunami at Goa and Kavaratti Island due to M_w 8.4 earthquake in Sumatra on 12 september 2007. Curr Sci 2008, 94(9), 1151-7.

The tsunami at Goa (west coast of India) and Kavaratti Island (Lakshadweep archipelago) in the Arabian Sea, caused by the 12 September 2007 Sumatra earthquake, was reported from cellular-based sea-level gauges in real-time on the Internet designed and established by the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa. The tsunami arrived at Kavaratti Island and Goa after travelling nearly 5 h: 15 min and 8 h respectively, from the source region in Sunda trench. The maximum trough-to-crest wave height at Kavaratti and Goa was =5 and 29cm respectively, and the dominant period was about 43 min. Arrival of a detectable tsunami signal first at Kavaratti Island and 2 h: 45 min later at the shallower Goa coastal region (Verem jetty) of the mainland indicates the importance of having high-sensitivity real-time monitoring and Internet-accessible sea-level stations on India's island locations for effective tsunami-warning purposes for the mainland.

6 illus, 27 ref

023633   Pandey K K;Kaushal R P;Mishra A N;Rai V N (Agril Statistics Dep, N.D. Univ. of Agric. & Tech., Kumarganj, Email: kaushal_rajendra@india.com) : Impact of weather variables with different distributions. Int J agric statist Sci 2009, 5(1), 139-53.

Fisher (1924) studied the influence of rainfall on the yield of wheat and showed that it is total amount which influence the crop yields. Tippet (1929) subsequently applied the technique on sunshine distribution and found that sunshine has beneficial effect throughout the year on wheat. Normal, Lognormal and Pearson's type distributions were studied for each year separately for weather variables viz. maximum & minimum temperature, relative humidity, rainfall hour, wind velocity, pan evaporation and bright sunshine. We found that Normal Distribution fitted only in case of maximum temperature for the year 1990 & 1993. Lognormal distribution fitted only in case of pan evaporation for the year 1998 & 2003 and sunshine (hours) for the year 1992 & 1995. Pearson's type I distribution fitted in all the years for all the weather variables except in few of cases. Pearson's type IV for years 1992 in case of maximum temperature, 1994 in minimum temperature, 1994 & 1998 in case of rainfall. Pearson's type II distribution fitted for the year 1994 in case of maximum temperature and for all the years for minimum temperature. Whereas, Pearson's type VI distribution fitted for the year 1990 for pan evaporation and for all the years for rainfall.

1 table, 6 ref

023632   Nandargi S;Kulkarni B D;Mulye S S (NO, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteolorology, Pashan Road, Pune-411 008) : Water quality analysis of the Krishna basin in peninsular India. Indian J Pwr River Valley Dev 2008, 58(1-2), 16-23,12.

On the basis of available data (1972-1996) an attempt has been made to analyse 19 selected parameters on the quality of water and rainfall in the four sub-divisions of the Krishna basin. The study revealed that of all the sub-basins, the concentration of physical and chemical parameters are on the higher side. Ionic concentration decreases during the monsoon months and is high during the non-monsoon months of October-May.

5 illus, 3 tables, 6 ref

023631   Muthukumaravel K;Kumarasamy P;Murthy A;Raja Mohamed S (Zoology Dep, Khadir Mohideen College, Adirampattinam-622 001, Email: kumar_phd_2003@yahoo.co.in) : Hydrochemical characteristics of ground water in Pattukkottai area-Thanjavur district. J expl Zool 2008, 11(1), 197-8.

Water quality parameters of the ground water samples from Pattukkottai taluk of Thanjavur district were assessed. The values of water samples were well within the permissible limit presented by WHO, BIS and ICMR for drinking water (pH.7.4 to 8,0; EC 510-1340 mmhos/cin; TDS 357-938 mg/L; Alkalinity 140-280 mg/L; Chloride 0.5-152 mg/L ; Total hardness 128-240 mg/L; Calcium 35-80mg/L; Magnesium 10-11 mg/L; Sulphur 20-79 mg/L; Nitrate 0.38 mg/L; Phosphate 0-0.04 mg/L and Fluoride 0,2 to 0.5 mg/L).

2 tables, 6 ref

023630   Mona Lisa;Khwaja A A;Qasim Jan M (Earth Sciences Dep, Quaid-i-Azam Univ, Islamabad 45320, Email: lisa_qau@yahoo.com) : Eight october 2005 Muzaffarabad earthquake: preliminary seismological investigations and probabilistic estimation of peak ground accelerations. Curr Sci 2008, 94(9), 1158-66.

Study is based on data obtained from the USGS and observatories in northern Pakistan for 251 earthquakes of Magnitude ≥ 4.0 M for 8 October 2005 to 31 August 2006 period. Depth- and magnitude-based seismological characteristics and distribution pattern of the aftershocks define a 50 km wide NW-SE trending zone that extends for 200 km from the Main Mantle Thrust to the centre of the Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis. The focal mechanism solutions (FMS) of the main shock, and its two principal aftershocks having magnitude >6.0 M and located about 80 km NNW of the main shock, indicate thrusting to be the dominant mechanism with rupture planes having NW-SE trend and NE dip. This leads to the conclusion that the wedge-shaped NW-SE trending blind zone, referred to by earlier workers as Indus Kohistan Seismic Zone (IKSZ), has been activated. We propose that the IKSZ does not end at the nose of the syntaxis, but extends further into it. However, more FMS data are required to confirm this. Seismic hazard assessment, using probabilistic approach, for Muzaffarabad has also been carried out. Following the normal practice, peak ground acceleration (PGA) values with 10% probability of exceedance in the 50 years, i.e. the return period of 475 years, have been determined using two appropriate attenuation equations. The PGA values of 0.10 and 0.13 g obtained from two equations are not so high for the next 50 years, but the site (Muzaffarabad) has poorly constructed structures and can experience considerable damage as compared to other less populated sites in the surroundings.

10 illus, 2 tables, 40 ref

023629   Deshpande S M;Aher K R (P G Dep Geology, Government Institute of Science, Caves road, Aurangabad-431 004) : Evaluation of chemical quality of groundwater in golwadi urban conglomerate of Aurangabad Maharashtra. Bionano Front 2009, 2(2), 108-11.

Evolution of groundwater quality have been studied in and around Golwadi Urban conglomerate of Aurangabad for assessment of their suitability for drinking and agricultural purposes by collecting groundwater samples at 16 places, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, pH, Ga, Mg, hardness, chloride and alkalinity are analyzed in the laboratory. The study reveals that the groundwater is contaminated due to domestic waste and industrial discharges.'The total hardness, Ca, Mg and Cl contents are well above Indian standards for drinking water.

2 tables, 7 ref

023628   Bhardwaj K R (Botany Dep, M.L.N. College, Yamuna Nagar, Haryana) : Present status of water resources and their conservation. Eco Res J Biosci 2008, 7-8(1-2), 48-57.

Deals with evaluation of present status of water resources and conservation strategies by adopting a holistic approach for their management. Water is unique prime natural resource most essential for sustaining life hence it needs immediate attention. Survey of literature reveals that 1600 million cubic kilometer quantum of water is available at global level. Out of which 2.5 % is fresh water and 97.5% saline water mostly occurs in the oceans. Only a tiny portion of fresh water is available for the use of humans. The total average annual flow per year for Indian River systems is quantified as 1953 cubic km. Out of which annual utilizable surface water was estimated as 690 km³. The annual total replenishes able ground water resources are estimated as about 432 cubic km out of which the annual utilizable groundwater resources of India are reported as 396 cubic km per year. However the total utilizable Water resources of country were assessed 1086 km³ and more recently this figure reached to be 1123 km³. The population of India by the year 2025 is expected to be 1330 million and 1640 million is expected to reach by the year 2050. The food and feed demand would be 320 million by the year 2025 and 494 million by the year 2050. Per capita per year of surface water availability for the years 1991 and 2001 were 2309 and 1902 cubic m and these are projected to reduce to 1465 cubic m and 1235 cubic m by the years 2025 and 2050, respectively. Likewise per capita utilizable surface water will also be declined 816 m³ (1991) to 495 m³ (2025) and further 421 m³ (2050). It is likely to become scarce in the coming future decades because of continuous increase its demands due to rapid increase in population and expanding economy of the country.

2 tables, 27 ref

023627   Ajmal Khan S;Ramesh S;Lyla P S (Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annomalai University, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: s_ajmalkhan@rediffmail.com) : Diversity of coral reef fishes in cuddalore waters, south-east coast of India. Indian J Fish 2008, 55(3), 221-6.

Study was undertaken to obtain basic information on the diversity and species richness of coral reef fishes in Cuddalore waters. Based on collections made for a period of one year, the study has brought to light the occurrence of 25 species of colourful fishes belonging to 16 families. Among the 25 species, Upeneus vittatus was found to be the most dominant species (27.5%). The values of Shannon diversity (log) index, Margalef richness, Simpson richness and Pielou's evenness during the four seasons covered, varied from 3.3 to 3.9; 2.2 to 3.0; 0.8 to 0.9 and 0.8 to 0.84 respectively. The maximum diversity and richness were recorded during the pre-monsoon season and the lowest during the monsoon season. However, these conventional indices could not effectively bring out the differences in diversity between the seasons as the values ranged narrowly. The recently introduced taxonomic diversity index which ranged from 83.7 to 76.0 was found to be effective. But the difference between summer (76.8) and monsoon (76.0) seasons with 19 and 15 species respectively was not distinct. The variation in taxonomic distinctness index (range: 298.9-131.6) and total phylogenetic diversity index (range: 2033.3-1166. 7) effectively brought out the differences between the seasons underscoring the advantage of using these diversity indices for biodiversity assessment. Further, the present study underlines the need for making a detailed investigation on the biodiversity of fishes occurring in the reef patches reported off Cuddalore, Parangipettai and Pondicherry making use of visual census method.

3 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

022568   Yeasmin S;Kabir S;Asaduzzaman A T M (Geology and Mining Dep, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh) : Shifting of the Padma river in Shibganj Upazila of Chapai Nawabganj district, Bangladesh. J Geol Soc India 2007, 70(5), 793-800.

Eastern bank of the Padma River is shifting eastward at Shibganj Upazila of Chapai Nawabganj district of Bangladesh due to its rapid erosion. The shifting has continued for a length of about 50 kilometers from the point of entry of the Padma into Bangladesh up to the eastern part of Shibganj Upazila. The river shifting is gradual since 1776, which has created remarkable morphological changes. During the last 30 years major shifting took place at southwest margin of the Shibganj Upazila. The average rate of erosion in the study area during the period of 1973 to 2003 was 273 m/year with a minimum of 7 to maximum of 1100 m/year. The rate of bank erosion is high in the recent years. About 7 km of bank erosion has been observed from 1997 to 2003, south of Shibganj Upazila. Floods caused by tropical monsoon and changes in seasonal flow regime are mainly responsible for the shifting of the bankline. Besides, neotectonic activity in the Barind Tract plays an important role in the shifting of the river. Satellite imageries of 1997 and 2003 reveal that the channel has become more dynamic in recent times and shifting rates are much higher than that of the previous times due to huge onrush of sediments deposited on the riverbed and also perhaps due to the upliftment of the western side of the Padma River. Studying the recent geomorphic map and satellite imageries of the area along with the evidence from the old maps since 1776, it could be predicted that the Padma is likely to capture the Pagla River in the study area in near future.

4 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

022567   Wegehenkel M;Kersebaum K C (NO, Centre of Agricultural Landscape Research, ZALF e.V. Institute of Land, D-15374 Muncheberg/Germany, Eberswalder Strasse 84, Email: mwegehenkel@zalf.de) : First assessment of the impact of climate change on discharge and groundwater recharge in a catchment in northeastern Germany. J Agrometeorol 2008, 10(Pt 2), 274-81.

Future climate changes might have some impacts on the discharge regime regarding e.g. longer low flow periods due a decreased precipitation and higher evapotranspiration in summer months in many countries in Europe. An assessment of such impacts is required to derive adaptation strategies for future water resources management. For that purpose, in a case study, authors applied a hydrological catchment model in the Ucker catchment with an area 2415 km² located in the Northeastern German lowlands for a first assessment of the impact of climate change on discharge regime using meteorological time series from 1951-2055. These time series were generated by the Potsdam Institute of Climate Impact Research based on the A1BScenario with an increase of 1.4°C of the mean annual temperature in Europe. After model calibration, the comparison of simulated and observed daily discharge rates from 1989-2003 led to a Nash-Sutcliffe-Index NS = 0.63. The results of this simulation study indicated, that the amount of days with low flow conditions in the Ucker river will increase and groundwater recharge especially at forested areas will decrease in an order of magnitude of 44-94%.

5 illus, 16 ref

022566   Varshneya M C;Vaidya V B;Pandey V;Shekh A M; Karande B I (NO, Anand Agricultrual University, Anand-388 110) : Validation of astro-meteorological rainfall forecast for Gujarat. J Agrometeorol 2008, 10(Pt 2), 345-8.

Nakshatra -charan wise rainfall prediction based on astro-meteorological techniques for eight stations representing each agroclimatic zone of Gujarat was made in 2005. This technique was further extended to predict daily rainfall in year 2006 wherein qualitative rainfall predictions were made as no rainfall, low rainfall, medium rainfall and heavy rainfall. The rainfall prediction on daily basis was further extended to district levels in the year 2007. Qualitative rainfall was converted to quantitative values using low rainfall projection technique. These predicted rainfall were validated with actual rainfall recorded. The results revealed that the accuracy of forecast varied between 42 to 73% for various zones during 2005, 42 to 74% for various zones during 2006 and during 2007 accuracy of forecast varied between 59 to 73% for various regions with average accuracy of 66% for Gujarat state.

5 tables, 2 ref

022565   Vallinayagam G;Haresh Kumar (Geology Dep, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra-136 119, Email: gvallinayagam@rediffmail.com) : Volcanic vent in Nakora Ring Complex of Malani Igneous Suite, northwestern India. J Geol Soc India 2007, 70(5), 881-3.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

022564   Tiwari S;Tiwari S (NO, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, Varanasi) : Role of women in poverty alleviation in Indian villages. Indian J Prev Soc Med 2008, 39(3-4), 165-7.

Since time immemorial men and women have equally important role in the spcial life of Indian Society both are considered as two wheels of family society. After Vedic era some deterioration in the role of women was notice which continued to increase in Mugal and British period and the condition of women become deplorable and pathetic. Indian independent from British rule in 1947 ushered our women folk in new era of development and growth in every sphere of life. With the development in education and economy our women folk is now playing a major role in the progress of our nation. This situation is not confined to urban centre only even rural women are contributing substantially in the growth of community. They are politically active, they are earning independently. It is found that 40% of the respondent females were working for 8 hrs a day, 23% for 6 hrs, 20% for 10 hrs and 12% for 4 hrs in the villages. It is found that 60% of the females were really interested in the matter related to work place, 20% are not interested and 20% are least interested. It is found that 60% of the females were working with improved equipments available to them 33% of them were not well acquainted with improved techniques and 7% of them are not at all working with it. It is found that 67% of the respondents think that the support of spouse help in development, 23% think that only males are helpful while 10% of them believe that only females are responsible for development. It is found that 33% of the females were earning money from different types of self employment 27% of the females earn money by pottery farming and animal husbandry, 23% from stitching and embroidery and 17% of the females were earning money from clay modeling, candle making + basket making. On the basis of the study it is concluded that the females of the Indian villages contribute a lot in the family and society.

6 tables, 6 ref

022563   Tantrigoda D A;Geekiyanage P (Physics Dep, Univeristy of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka) : Preliminary crustal thickness map of Sri Lanka. J Geol Soc India 2008, 71(4), 551-6.

Variation of crustal thickness beneath Sri Lanka, where there is no deep seismic work has been carried out, is derived from its gravity anomaly map using an iterative technique of gravity data inversion and a preliminary crustal thickness map of the island is compiled. Results of the inversion show that the observed gravity anomaly can be best explained using a crustal model of average density 2840 kgm^-3 and average thickness 31.3 km. The model further shows that the crust is relatively thin beneath the central Highlands and northeastern part of the island and relatively thick beneath the Highland-Vijayan lithological boundary reaching a maximum of 37 km.

5 illus, 26 ref