014119   Manjare B S;Gadekar A G (Geology Dep, RTM Nagpur Univ, Nagpur, Maharashtra) : Delineation and characterization of geomorphological features and slope analysis in some part of wardha river basin of basaltic hard rock terrain using srtm dem data and gis techniques. Indian J Geomorph 2015, 20(2), 77-86.

Analysis of the remote sensing data with conventional studies and sufficient ground truth information makes probable to recognize and delineate the various ground features such as geology, structures, geomorphological features and their characters. This study is an attempt to delineate the geomorphology in and around Wardha and Amravati distracts Maharashtra, using integrated approach of Remote Sensing and GIS techniques especially SRTMDEM by observing the elevation and slope of images. DEM has been an excellent supplementary information database for interpretations in the present study area along with other data. DEM of study area is generated from SRTM DEM data of 30m resolution with using software ARC GIS 10.2. The analysis of the remote sensing data with conventional studies and sufficient ground truth information makes probable to recognize and delineate the various ground features such as geology, structures, geomorphological features and their characters. The integrated geomorphological and degraded lands analysis ensures better understanding of landform relationship and distribution to understand the status of at micro geomorphic unit for reclamation and geo-environmental planning and management. The analysis of the land degradation status in the study area reveals that the deciduous forests in the hilly catchment areas are being indiscriminately cleared for cultivation, which led to rill and gully formations in uplands.

4 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

014118   Kamra S K (NO, ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana) : Overview of subsurface drainage for management of waterlogged saline soils of India. Wat Energy int 2015, 58(6), 46-55.

Irrigated agriculture, contributing about two fifth of global agricultural production from one fifth cropped area is under stress due to associated waterlogging and soil salinity problems. Subsurface drainage, an effective technology practiced extensively for amelioration of waterlogged saline irrigated lands in United States, Pakistan, Egypt, China and Australia, is relatively new in India. Of the 6.74 million hectare salt affected lands in India, severely waterlogged saline soils occur in about 2 million hectare area in arid/semi- arid alluvial north western states and more than 1 million hectare each in coastal and black cotton heavy soil (vertisol) regions. Considering the wide range of climatic, physiographic, soil, geo-hydrological and outlet conditions, drainage problems and solutions are location specific. A number of pilot scale SSD projects, undertaken by CSSRI during 1980's, have slowly paved the way for mechanically installed large projects in the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. About 60000 ha waterlogged saline soils have been reclaimed with SSD in India with significant improvement in crop intensity, yields, land value and farmers' income. The cost of providing subsurface drainage is about Rs. 75000/ha in alluvial soils of northwest India and Rs. 100,000/ha for heavy textured soils of Maharashtra and Karnataka. Both the material and installation costs cover about half of the total cost. The paper presents an overview of the systematic research conducted in different agro-ecological regions of India on subsurface drainage technology including guidelines on drain spacing, drain depth, envelopes and management options for saline drainage water. Experience on monitoring and evaluation of drainage projects reiterates that high cost, environmental issues relating to disposal of saline drainage effiuent and continuous pumping requirement during post drainage phase are some of the deterrents to long term success of this technology. Involvement of farmers, sharing of construction and operating cost and government subsidy are also vital aspects. The technology is yet to be perfected for salt affected vertisols and sloping areas while regional plans are necessary for sustainable disposal and management of saline drainage water. Sustaining the productivity of irrigated agriculture without environmental degradation is a challenging task and demands a regional perspective for management of waterlogged saline soils.

4 tables, 10 ref

014117   Joji V S (NO, Rajiv Gandhi National Ground Water Training and Research Institute, Raipur-492 001, Email: jojivsdh@yahoo.com) : Development of a tectonic model to groundwater exploration in hard rock aquifers of Kerala, South India. Indian J Geomorph 2015, 20(2), 137-50.

Kerala is a tiny strip of land, located in the southwestern tip of India between North latitudes 8° 18'and 12° 48' and East longitudes 74° 52' and 77° 22', occupying only 1.2 percent of India's land area and can be described as an elongated strip of land, cushioned between the Western Ghats on the east and the sandy shores of the Arabian Sea on the west. Its land area is 38,863 sq.km, stretching 580 km in length and 30.130 km in breadth. Hydrogeological characteristics of Hard rock aquifers in Kerala, South India have been studied in detail. A tectonic model has been developed for hydrogeologic mapping of hard rock aquifers (comprising schistose formations, Charnockites, Khondalites, gneisses which are intruded by dykes of younger age) of the Kerala state. The analysis of exploratory bore well data resulted in the development of a tectonic model for the development of hard rock aquifers of Kerala.

9 illus, 8 tables, 15 ref

014116   Joji V S (NO, Rajiv Gandhi National Ground Water Training and Research Institute, Govt. of India, Raipur-492 001, Email: jojivsdh@yahoo.com) : Fragile groundwater resources in a small tropical coral island of Kavarati, u t of Lakshadweep, India. Indian J Geomorph 2015, 20(2), 87-107.

Fragile Groundwater Resources in the small Trapical coral Island of Kavarati, UT of Lakshadweep, India has been studied in detail. In the Island of Kavarati ground water occurs under phreatic condition and is seen as a thin lens floating over the saline water and coral sands and coral limestone form the principal aquifers. As the fresh water floats over saline water, it has got hydraulic continuity with sea water. Ground water is developed by small diameter open dug wells and to a limited extent through shallow filter point wells and the depth to the water level (DTW) in the Island varies from 2.82 to about 5.60 mbgl and the depth of the wells varies from less than a meter to about 6 mgbl. The DTW is highly influenced by the tides. The ground water in the Island is generally alkaline and EC varies from 260 to 1810 micromhos /cm at 25° C. The factors affecting the quality are rainfall, tides, ground water recharge and draft, human and animal wastes, oil spills and fertilizers. The majority of pre and post monsoon groundwater samples of different areas of Kavarati are Ca-HCO₃ Type with Alkaline earths and weak acidic anions exceed both alkali metals and strong acidic anions, (Ca+Mg)+(CO₃ +HCO₃) <62> (Na +K)+(Cl+SO₄) and are of Recharge Type. The groundwater of the area comes under Na+-SO₄^{2- type and deep meteoric percolation type and the hydro chemistry is mainly controlled by evaporation, partly influenced by water-rock interaction and aquifer material.}

6 illus, 8 tables, 28 ref

014115   Bundela D S;Sethi M;Meena R L;Gupta S K; Sharma D K (NO, ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana) : Remote sensing and GIS for performance assessment of the Western Yamuna canal system for sustainability. Wat Energy int 2015, 58(6), 54-65.

A huge investment in irrigation sector has been made in the country and the irrigation potential created was about 113.5 million hectares with the actual utilization of 87.9 Mha by the end of the XI Plan. This irrigation development has changed foodgrain production scenario to self-sufficiency for feeding the burgeoning population in the country. This spectacular achievement has accompanied by bumper agricultural performance and severe environmental degradation in several canal irrigation projects affecting the sustainability of irrigated agriculture. Therefore, major and medium canal irrigation projects in the country have come under criticisms for performance far below the expectations. This underlines a need for assessing the performance evaluation of canal projects using modern tools and techniques for water delivery, agricultural performance and environment degradation for project sustainability. In the study, satellite remote sensing and GIS was applied to the Western Yamuna Canal (WYC) System (Haryana) for assessing the irrigation projects on water delivery, agricultural productivity and environmental degradation. It was found that canal water delivery has met nearly half of crop water demand; agricultural productivity is excellent with wheat yield ranging from 3.51 to 4.75 t ha^{-1; and soil salinity is wide spread with the low productivity area in 7.24% of the WYC command. This information will help in devising improved irrigation management strategies for enhancing water delivery services and crop productivity and controlling waterlogging and salinity on long term basis.}

8 illus, 6 tables, 22 ref

014114   Basavarajappa H T;Manjunatha M C;Pushpavathi K N (Studies in Earth science Dep, Centre for Advanced Studies in Precambrian Geology, Mysore Univ, Manasagangothri, Mysuru-570 006, Email: basavarajappaht@gmail.com) : Mapping and reclamation of wastelands through geomatics technique in precambrian terrain of Mysuru District, Karnataka, India. Int J civ struct Engng 2015, 5(4), 379.

Wastelands are low-quality land from the agricultural point of view, often referred as degraded lands. The development of vast stretches of wastelands is caused by unscientific handling of land resources which causes ecological imbalance. The present work is undertaken to reclaim the wastelands of the study area through hi-tech tools of geomatics. This study aims to map and record the waste and unutilized lands using Survey of India (SoI) toposheets of 1: 50, 000 scale, IRS-1D PAN+LISS-III satellite and Google Earth images through GIS software's with limited Ground Truth Check (GTC). The database provides spatial baseline information in distribution, extent and temporal behavior of wastelands in planning and implementation of developmental reclamation strategies. The final results highlight the specific wasteland categories in Mysuru district using geomatics technique considering the environmental, biophysical and socio-economical factors.

9 illus, 24 ref

014113   Ahmad S (Geology Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002) : Application of google earth images for glacio-geomorphic studies in parbati river basin, Himachal Pradesh, India. Indian J Geomorph 2015, 20(2), 160-70.

Glacio-geomorphic units were identified in Parbati valley using Google earth images along with field campaign. Numerous glacio-geomorphic features were identified i. e., snout, Proglacial Lake, different type of the moraines, outwash plain, cirque glaciers. It is found that images taken in early winter snow cover period are best for proglacial water bodies' identifications in glaciated basin. In proglacial environment of glacier a well preserved terminal moraine occur at elevation of 4180 a.m.s.l. formed during last stable glacier climate period. After crossing the well preserved terminal moraine the occurrences of disoriented moraine material resulted in hummocky terminal upto snout of the glacier. This indicates rapid retreat of glacier in recent time. The glacier history of the valley has been attempt based on cross section at various locations along the valley. It is revealed that U-shape valley profile changes to V-shape profile at 2100 a. m.s. I. indicating that glacier descends up to this elevation in Parbati valley.

20 illus, 18 ref

013132   Yadav B P;Naresh Kumar;Rathore L S (NO, , India Meterological Dep, Lodi Road, New Delhi-110 003, Email: imbdpyadav@gmail.com) : Skill of operational forecast of heavy rainfall events during Southwest monsoon season over India. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 579-84.

To predict extreme weather correctly has always been a challenge for operational forecaster. Recent enhancement in observational network and development of new forecasting tools & techniques has helped in increasing the understanding of weather, eventually enabling the forecaster to provide better forecast services. In India, about 80% of its annual rainfall occurs during monsoon season (June to September) in which heavy rainfall (HR) events give major contribution in causing flood situations of varying severity in different parts of the country in almost every monsoon season. Therefore, the forecast and verification of HR events during monsoon season is of great importance due to their social & economic impact. The present study focuses on verification of operational HR forecast over India during monsoon season (June to September) using data of recent 12 years (2002 - 2013). A significant improvement in skill scores in recent years is observed for 24 hours HR events forecast over India. The improvement in the accuracy of the forecast is seen from various skill scores particularly critical success index (CSI), False Alarm Rate (F) and Heidke Skill Score (HSS), which has improved by 42%, 52% and 43% respectively since 2002.

9 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

013131   Sulekha;Rathore R (Extension Education and Communication Management, CCU HAU, Hisar, Haryana) : Effectiveness of developed training package regarding rain water harvesting. Indian J soc Res 2016, 57(1), 137-46.

Water is essential resource for sustaining life and environment. It serves in many ways to maintain life, health, vigour and social stability. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt the water management technology for utilizing the available resources. Rain water is the ultimate source of fresh water. The availability of collecting rain water is directly or recharging into the ground to improve ground water storage in the aquifer is called Rain Water Harvesting. In north western Rajasthan particularly In Bikaner district the quantity of available water from various sources such as surface water and ground water are not sufficient even for drinking purpose. People have been depending on Rain Water harvesting Structures in the form of small ponds (Nadis) reservoirs underground tank (TANKA), Kund etc. All the traditional rain water harvesting system was adopted by the people according to the specific needs and environment. Training is the best way of communicating information as all the senses are used which makes learning more effective.The present study was conducted in randomly selected two villages (Nal Badi and Naurangdesar) of purposively selected Bikaner panchayat samities 60 rural people constitute the sample size. The study was conducted in phases. In phase, training package consisting of variety of audio-visual aids like charts, flash cards, posters, phad, folders and video programme (CD) were developed along with literature with the guidance of Subject Matter Specialist. Developed training package along with literature was evaluated by experts and pre-tested with fifteen non-sample rural people. Data were collected through interview method.

5 tables, 13 ref

013130   Sharma K;Ashrit R;Ebert E;Iyengar G;Mitra A (NO, , National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting, A-50, Sector-62, Noida-201 309) : NGFS rainfall forecast verification over India using the contiguous rain area (CRA) method. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 415-22.

The real time medium range rainfall forecasts of NCMRWF's Global Forecast System (NGFS) are evaluated over India (land only) against 0.5 degree gridded rainfall (IMD-NCMRWF) observations during JJAS of 2010-2013 using the features-based Contiguous Rain Area (CRA) method. The model resolution is about °35 km in 2010 and 25 km during 2011-2013. The emphasis of this study is the spatial verification of model rainfall forecasts associated with the Bay of Bengal low pressure systems that cause wide spread rainfall over eastern and central parts of India. Based on IMD reports, 45 episodes of rainfall events related to low pressure systems were identified during JJAS 2010-2013. The CRA method of verification allows the decomposition of forecast errors in terms of error in the rainfall volume, pattern and location. The CRA statistics shows that the main contribution to the rainfall forecast errors is from the pattern error while contribution due to error in predicted rainfall volume is least.

5 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

013129   Satya Prakash;Mitra A K;Momin I M;Gairola R M;Pai D S;Rajagopal E N;Basu S (NCMRWF, Earth System Science Organization, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Noida-201 309, Email: spsharma_01@yahoo.co.in) : Review of recent evaluations of TRMM multisatellite precipitation analysis (TMPA) research products against ground-based observations over Indian land and oceanic regions. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 355-66.

Reliable information of rainfall over the Indian land and adjoining oceanic regions is crucial for various hydro-meteorological purposes. Multisatellite rainfall products provide global or quasi-global rainfall maps at regular interval and benefits from the relative advantages of infrared and microwave sensors onboard a constellation of Earth-observation satellites. The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) is one of the most widely used quasi-global high resolution rainfall products for a variety of applications. The existing version 6 (V6) of TMPA products underwent substantial changes with additional inputs and consequently version 7 (V7) data sets were formally released in late 2012. The extensive error characterization of this new version of TMPA data sets is a prerequisite for its widest applicability. This paper highlights the results of recent evaluations of TMPA-3B42 and 3B43 products over the Indian land and oceanic regions against ground-truth observations. Comparison of both the versions of TMPA data sets over the Indian Ocean using gauge observations from the Research Moored Array for African-Asian-Australian Monsoon Analysis and Prediction (RAMA) buoys at monthly scale shows that even though the error associated with higher rainfall is reduced in the V7, the new version shows overall larger bias and root-mean- (355) 356 MAUSAM, 66, 3 (July 2015) square error as compared to its predecessor V6. TMPA V7 product is further evaluated at daily scale for an eight-year period (2004-2011) against RAMA buoy observations which shows that TMPA V7 overestimates rainfall compared to observations. However, TMPA V7 underestimates light and heavy rainfall events and the error characteristics show a considerable seasonal variation. The comparison of both the versions of TMPA data sets against gridded gauge-based rainfall data sets over India for the southwest monsoon period of 1998-2010 shows a marginal improvement in V7 over V6, especially in terms of reduced bias. Moreover, TMPA V7 shows better skill than the other contemporary multisatellite rainfall products over India and can be used with higher confidence for monsoon-related studies. Finally, the potential of combined use of multisatellite and local gauge data sets for better rainfall estimation is discussed and the scope for optimal rainfall estimation over the Indian monsoon region in future perspective is recommended.

9 illus, 46 ref

013128   Sarmah K;Neog P;Rajbongshi R;Sarma A (Agrometerorology Dep, B.N. College of Agriculture, AAU Biswanath Chariali, Sonitpur-74 176, Email: kushalsarmah@gmail.com) : Verification and usability of medium range weather forecast for North bank plain zone of Assam, India. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 585-94.

Location specific multi-model ensemble (MME) weather forecast issued by IMD for Sonitpur, representing district of north bank plain zone of Assam during March, 2009 to February, 2014 has been analyzed and verified for its accuracy. Analysis of the verification of the forecast data, were carried on seasonal and annual (MarchFebruary) basis using various verification techniques, viz., ratio score, Hanssen and Kuipers (H.K) Score, probability of detection (POD), Heidke skill score (HSS), false alarm ratio (FAR), critical success index (CSI) and RMSE for rainfall, and RMSE for other parameters (viz., maximum and minimum temperature, wind speed, morning and afternoon relative humidity), usability analysis and correlation approach during March, 2009 - February, 2014. The ratio score of rainfall was higher during post monsoon and winter seasons as compared to pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons, indicating the performance of multi-model ensemble under Sonitpur worked better in post-monsoon and winter seasons than in the other two seasons. Very good performance was observed for rainfall and wind speed during pre-monsoon season. During monsoon season, performance of rainfall was found poor and other parameters were found excellent. During postmonsoon excellent performance was observed for rainfall and wind speed but poor performance was observed for minimum temperature forecast. In winter, the forecasting performance of rainfall was excellent during all years. Correlation-coefficients were derived between the forecasted and observed values during different seasons. Rainfall was highly correlated during all seasons except monsoon and annual basis. Hence, the forecast was found widely applicable among different user groups.

11 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

013127   Roy S S;Saha S B;Das A K;Bhowmik S K R;Kundu P K (NO, , India Meterological Dep, Lodi Road, New Delhi-110 003) : Diurnal cycle of rainfall as predicted by WRF model: verification using model evaluation tools software. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 433-44.

Quality of sub-daily rainfall forecast from the Weather Research and Forecasting model during June to September, 2013 is verified at three hourly intervals for forecasts up to 72 hours against the corresponding data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) dataset. The validation is done in two stages, in the first stage, the diurnal cycle of the 3 hourly accumulated seasonal totals of the verification rainfall dataset (TMPA) is compared with the corresponding 3 hourly accumulated seasonal totals of the rainfall forecasts from WRF model for forecast up to 72 hours. The discrepancy in the spatial and temporal maximum of model derived diurnal cycle of rainfall with respect to the TMPA dataset is then investigated quantitatively for every forecast-verification dataset pair using the MODE (Method for Object-based Diagnostic Evaluation) component of the Model Evaluation Tools (MET) software. The analysis demonstrates that the rainfall and convection is strongly forced by surface sensible heating in the model. This causes the diurnal peak of convection and rainfall over the entire subcontinent to be in phase with the diurnal peak of temperature. Hence, the diurnal cycle errors are highest over regions, where other forcing factors actually pre-dominate; especially along the coasts and the foothills of the Himalayas. The sensible heat forcing tends to increase the areas of convection in the WRF model, rather than the number of zones of genesis of convection, indicating that its influence is more towards cloud organization rather than genesis of new convection in the WRF model. There is a strong component of displacement error in the WRF model forecast, which may cause large errors in location specific forecasts. The increase in the object size in the model forecast close to the diurnal maximum of temperature, accompanied by a peak of the rainfall intensity range, suggests the dominance of parameterized convection in the model rainfall output.

6 illus, 25 ref

013126   Ray K;Bandopadhyay B K;Bhan S C (NO, , India Meterological Dep, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003, Email: kamaljit_ray@rediffmail.com) : Operational nowcasting of thunderstorms in India and its verification. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 595-602.

Thunderstorm is a severe weather phenomenon, which develops mainly due to intense convection and is accompanied by heavy rainfall, thunder, lightning, hail and often with the passage of a squall line. Usually, these thunderstorms have the spatial extent of a few kilometres and life span less than an hour. IMD implemented nowcasting of thunderstorm and associated weather for major cities of the country that come under their coverage of Doppler weather Radar network in December 2012. A total of 120 cities were covered for issue of three hourly thunderstorm nowcast. This paper discusses the nowcasting techniques and monthly and seasonal verification of the thunderstorm nowcast issued by various Meteorological centres and Regional Meteorological Centres of IMD for the Pre-Monsoon and Monsoon Period, 2013. The performance results for occurrence/non-occurrence of thunderstorm/squall/hail Nowcast are expressed in terms of Forecast accuracy (ACC),False alarm ratio (FAR), Probability of detection (POD), Critical Success Index or the threat score (CSI) and Equitable Threat Score (ETS). The results indicated that the average POD for all months remained above 0.6 and average FAR was below 0.5. Similarly ETS and CSI both were between 0.5 and 0.9 for all months. The convective scale events in pre-monsoon season had a higher probability of detection and lower False alarm ratio as compared to monsoon season. The Skill scores varied from one region to another depending upon the experience of the forecaster and the frequency of the event.

10 illus, 9 tables, 17 ref

013125   Rama Rao Y V;Nagaratna K;Joardar D;Sharma A; Anil Kumar (NO, , India Meterological Dep, New Delhi-110 003, Email: yvramarao.imd@gmail.com) : Evaluation of short range forecast for tropical cyclones over North Indian Ocean using TIGGE data. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 529-40.

Forecasts of tropical cyclone (TC) tracks from three global models ECMWF, NCEP and UKMO deterministic and ensemble forecasts based on TIGGE TC data during the years 2010 to 2014 were evaluated to study the capability of these models for track forecast guidance over the North Indian Ocean (NIO). To measure the performance of the global model forecasts, a series of statistical evaluations of track forecasts including the initial position errors, mean and cross track and along track errors bias up to 72 hr were carried out. The deterministic track forecast errors of NCEP and ECMWF models at 72 hr were 232 and 272 km, respectively. However the ensemble means track forecasts errors of NCEP, ECMWF, UKMO models at 72 hr were 252, 322, and 374 km respectively. It shows NCEP models had less error than ECMWF and UKMO. Compared to India Meteorological Department (IMD) operational track forecast errors, NCEP deterministic and ensemble forecasts have shown skills within ±15% and ECMWF deterministic forecasts have shown 4 to -19% from 24 to 72 hr forecast range. The ECMWF and UKMO ensemble forecasts showed large negative skills compared to IMD operational forecast track errors. However, IMD operational forecasts showed better skill upto 12 hr compared to all the models. In all the models it shows that NCEP deterministic and ensemble forecasts have better skills compared to ECMWF and UKMO models over NIO. Independent study of each basin Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea has shown that NCEP deterministic and ensemble track forecasts have shown better skills over both the basins compared to ECMWF and UKMO models. ECMWF forecasts have shown slight better skills over Bay of Bengal compared to Arabian Sea. The UKMO ensemble forecasts show large negative skill over both Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.

9 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

013124   Prakash A;Banarjee K;Puran B (Civil Engineering, KITT Univ, Graduate Trainee at Jharkhand Space Applications Centre(JSAC), Email: abhayprakash1991@gmail.com) : Sustainable watershed development of the Bandu village (India) watershed using advance geospatial techniques: A case study documenting the importance of remote sensing and GIS in developing nations. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2015, 6(1), 35-44.

India being a developing nation lacks the presence of an effective system for the built environment. There is inefficiency in the resource management sector and lack of proper planning has resulted in misuse of resources on a very large scale. In a developing nation like India, the major constraint that had hindered the sustainable usage of resources was the unavailability of state of the art facilities and spatial data and the subsequent processing tools. With the expansion and growth of the nation in the industrial and research front, emphasis is being laid on utilizing resources in an efficient and orderly way and this journal elucidates the significance of spatial data and data processing tools to help create a sustainable built environment. The study of water resources at the watershed scale is widely adopted as an approach to manage, assess and simulate these important natural resources. Watershed studies conducted using a GIS platform have demonstrated that the spatial analysis capabilities of GIS hold the key to improved watershed modeling techniques. The analytical muscle of GIS, combined with readily available digital elevation data, can be used to automate the watershed modeling process and provide a visual representation of the watershed's response to existing conditions and proposed improvement scenarios. In this context the objective of the study is to document the role of GIS and Remote Sensing for the development of the Bandu Watershed, located in Eastern India, in the Paschimi Singhbhum District in the state of Jharkhand. To do so, a merged image from CARTOSAT-1 and LIS-4 Sensor (obtained from the directory at the Jharkhand Space Applications Centre, Government of India) was digitized using ArcGIS and a digital elevation model (DEM) was prepared which gave us the idea of the slope of the region. The subsequent drainage pattern was then chalked out and the Geological Planning Map or the final map was prepared integrating results from all the maps.

8 illus, 6 ref

013123   Pattanaik D R;Pai D S;Mukhopadhyay B (NO, , India Meterological Dep, New Delhi-110 003, Email: drpattaniak@gmail.com) : Rapid Northward progress of monsoon over India and associated heavy rainfall over Uttarakhand: a diagnostic study and real time extended range forecast. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 551-68.

Unusual features of monsoon over India during 2013 was it's rapid progress northward from southern tip of India after normal onset on 1st June. The monsoon covered entire India by 16 June and it witnessed very heavy rainfall in June over many parts of northern India in general and Uttarakhand meteorological subdivision in particular, leading to large scale destruction of life and property. In the present study the diagnostic features associated with this unusual behaviour of rapid progress of monsoon is analysed. The performance of the real-time extended range forecasts based on coupled model outputs is also analysed. The latest coupled model from NCEP (the climate forecast system version 2; CFSv2) with 16 members, Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) Ensemble Prediction System (EPS) with 50 ensemble members and Multi-model ensemble (MME) forecasts are used for this purpose. The rapid progress of monsoon northward with unprecedented rainfall over north India and particularly over Uttarakhand was associated with the movement of low pressure area leading to the increase in moisture convergence over northern India and juxtaposition with upper level deep westerly trough. The rapid progress of monsoon to Northwest India and associated heavy rainfall over northwest India are captured by both models and MME with JMA model performed slightly better in terms of longer lead time of forecasting the coverage of monsoon to entire India. The JMA model performed better in terms of higher departure of rainfall over Uttarakhand compared to that in CFSv2 model, although, it was also underestimated compared to observation and it could be due to the fact that the interaction of upper level westerly trough with the low level convergence was not captured in the model. However, useful skill of monsoon forecast in the extended range is observed on all India level and also over the smaller domain of northwest India.

12 illus, 36 ref

013122   Pardowitz T;Kox T;Gober M;Butow A (Freie Universitat Berlin, Institut fur Meterologie, Berlin, Germany, Email: tobias.parsowitz@met.fu-berlin.de) : Human estimates of warning uncertainty: numerical and verbal descriptions. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 625-34.

Uncertainty of weather warnings is mostly expressed only in textual form (e.g., "thunderstorms are possible tomorrow afternoon"). Thus linguistic uncertainty might be added to the numerical uncertainty of the warnings. Two questions arise: can human forecasters estimate the uncertainty and how well is this done in verbal terms. Subjective and statistical forecasts of the probability of the occurrence of severe weather events for the city of Berlin were verified. Human estimates of the probability for the occurrence of thunderstorms and wind gusts <62> 14 m/s in Berlin were found to be reliable and possess significant skill in comparison to the statistical reference forecast. Additionally, the verbal description of warning uncertainty in an operational textual warning report was classified and objectively verified. Results indicate that forecasters actually are aware of the inherent uncertainty, yet express this by means of a multitude of verbal terms. In order to improve the communication and reduce confusions arising from linguistic uncertainty inherent to severe weather information, forecasts should thus contain few and well defined verbal phrases expressing forecast uncertainty. Relating numerical to verbal descriptions of uncertainty revealed a fundamentally different usage of wording when comparing warnings of thunderstorms and wind gusts <62>14 m/s, with "stronger" wording used in case of thunderstorms. This might indicate that risk information rather than probability information is communicated to the users of the considered warning information.

5 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

013121   Mujiasih S;Nuryanto D E (Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG), JL. Raya Tuban, Kuta-80362, Badung, Bali, Indonesia, Email: subekti.mujiasih@bmkg.go.id) : Utilization of categorical and continuous combination for wave model verification. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 617-24.

Windwaves model has been operating at BMKG since 2004. The model output information is highly desirable by marine users and supports the main marine forecasting product. To increase quality and public trust, this model should be verified and evaluated periodically. This study verified daily wave model output against altimetry satellite during 2012. The examined parameter was significant wave height from the model at lead times of 24 hours ahead (F24), 48 hours ahead (F48) and 72 hours ahead (F72). The data domain extends over Indonesian waters (19 waters) about 90°-141° East, 12°-15° South on a 1° x 1° grid. The verification considered the four conventional seasons, December-January-February (DJF), March-April-May (MAM), June-July-August (JJA), and SeptemberOctober-November (SON). The method used was a combination of categorical and continuous approaches. The categorical approach used the Relative Operating Characteristic (ROC) to measure how well the forecast can separate events from non-events based on three decision intervals of wave height (meter). The ROC score shows which wave categories can be well-detected. The continuous approach calculated the Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) for each wave category for which a good ROC score (≥ 0.7) was obtained. RMSE was useful to measure the accuracy of the forecast value. This study resulted in five main findings. First, many areas and seasons did not have any good ROC score values, and some had ROCA better at F48 or F72 than at F24. This is partly related to the limited altimeter data samples. Second, Windwaves model was more suitable for high seas prediction. Third, Windwaves model performed best in lead time F24, threshold (0-1.25) and DJF season. Fourth, some waters had good ROC scores for more than one wave category, which means that a variety of wave heights are predictable. Fifth, RMSE scores showed that Windwaves model was a good forecasting tool.

4 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

013120   Mohandas S;Singh H (NO, , NCMRWF, A-50, Sector-62, Noida, Uttar Pradesh-201 309, India) : Spatial verification of rainfall forecasts for very severe cyclonic storm 'Phailin'. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 387-402.

Current study demonstrates the utilisation of a tool for the comprehensive evaluation of model forecasts using both traditional and spatial diagnostic techniques. The fundamental idea is to provide additional and meaningful insight into the model weaknesses and strengths in terms of underlying physical processes especially for very high resolution models and observations. The traditional scores also suffer from the so called "double penalty" issue and hence alone cannot provide a measure of spatial and temporal match between the forecast and observed rainfall patterns. Method for Object-based Diagnostics Evaluation is a spatial verification technique in the category of displacement methods while wavelet analysis comes into filtering type of spatial verification. Former is a features based verification technique while the latter is based on scale-separation principle. The case of Very Severe Tropical Cyclone 'Phailin' is taken up for the study and the rainfall forecasts from Global Forecast System and Unified Model run at National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting are verified against gridded satellite-cum-raingauge-merged rainfall analysis. The traditional verification scores were computed using categorical and continuous measures and the spatial verification scores were computed against various thresholds. The results are presented to summarise the overall performance of both the global models with respect to the rainfall prediction.

9 illus, 26 ref

013119   Mohamed H F (Survery Research Institute, National Water Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt, Email: hoda.faisal@yahoo.com ) : Spatial analysis of sea level rise in Egypt's Northern coast and its influence on the geodetic vertical datum. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2015, 6(1), 45-55.

Globally, the rise of sea level has become a well-known accepted fact due to the global warming associated with the climate changes. The development of costal areas requires information on the sea level rise in terms of magnitude and rate. Additionally, the mean sea level is of a specific interest to the geodetic and surveying communities since it represents the vertical geodetic datum for heights. A tide gauge dataset has been built by the Egyptian authorities containing tide measurements at several locations in the northern coasts of Egypt. The data have been analyzed, both statistically and spatially, in order to estimate and map the lateral variations of sea level over the Egyptian coasts. It has been found that the mean sea level rises westward as moving from Port Said to Alexandria. Geographic Information System (GIS) technology has been applied for the spatial analysis of the sea level variations, and surface and contour maps have been developed. It is recommended that the developed maps should be applied in any future study for estimating sea level rise hazardous impacts. Such procedures will produce more reliable judgment of this phenomena of the climate changes. Additionally, the variations of mean sea level both in time and in space should be considered, and hence a new precise definition for the national vertical geodetic datum should be carried out. This re-definition is fundamental for accurate surveying and mapping activities in Egypt. Main tasks of this modernization process are proposed.

9 illus, 3 tables, 34 ref

013118   Mishra P;Panda G K (NO, , Odisha Space Applications Center, Odisha, Email: pradiptamishra60@gmail.com) : Use of geo spatial tools in catchement treatment planning- A case study of hidishing irrigarion project, Odisha, India. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2015, 6(1), 56-67.

In the present study, an attempt has been made to characterize the natural resources and terrain condition of the catchment of the proposed Hidishing irrigation project using geo spatial tools like satellite remote sensing, Global Positioning System and Geographic Information System. Merged satellite image of Cartosat-1 and LISS-IV sensors and limited ground observations have been utilized for generating the thematic layers. The spatial layers have further been integrated and analysed using different geo spatial tools in GIS platform to generate alternate sustainable land use plan and watershed based suitable soil and water conservation measures for the catchment. The logic developed in this study to generate the site specific action plan items are based on watershed management concept.

11 illus, 8 tables, 9 ref

013117   Menegbo E M;Doosu P (Surveying and Geo-informatics Dep, Rivers State College of Arts and Science, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Email: nenibarini@yahoo.com) : Vertical accuracy assessment of SRTM3 V2.1 and aster GDEM V2 using GPS control points for surveying & geo-informatics applications- Case study of river state, Nigeria. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2015, 6(1), 81-9.

This work investigates the vertical accuracy and relevance of two widely available digital elevation models (DEMs) in surveying and Geo-informatics using GPS (Global Positioning System) ground stations. The two DEMS assessed are SRTM3 (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission along with ASTER (Advanced Space borne Thermal Emission Reflectance Radiometer). These datasets are accessed using GPS ground control points in Rivers State, Nigeria. Assuming error (vertical) is distributed normally; the 1.9600 factor is used to calculate the linear error confidence statistical level of 95%. Vertical data accuracy with confidence level of 95% of the RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) is use as the standard measure of accuracy for Vertical Accuracy positioning. Their vertical accuracy with reference to GPS control station used in this study as true heights shows the RMSE for ASTER GDEM V2 and SRTM3 V2.1 is ± 8.861734m and ± 6.307187m, with vertical accuracy of ± 17.362089m and ± 12.362086m respectively. The SRTM3 and ASTER is suitable for mapping(topographic) within interval of contour of 14m and 18m interval in the region Other includes geomorphologic activities, and estimating the terrain corrections in quasi-geoid modelling in Rivers State.

7 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

013116   Matsudo C;Skabar Y G;Ruiz J J;Vidal L;Salio P (NO, , National Meterological Service, Argentina, Email: matsudo@smn.gov.ar) : Verification of WRF-ARW convective-resolving forecasts over Southeastern South America. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 445-56.

During November-December 2012, high-resolution (4 km-38 vertical levels), convection-allowing 48 hours WRF-ARW forecasts were produced at the National Weather Service of Argentina. The aim of this paper is to evaluate hourly quantitative precipitation forecasts to assess the model performance on representing its location, intensity, spatial variability and diurnal cycle. The focus is on the central-east region of Argentina and south of Brazil. The study is based on a combination of visual comparison of forecasted and estimates accumulated precipitation fields and objective scores calculated employing 8-km resolution CMORPH (CPC MORPHing technique) satellite rainfall estimations. Additional insight is gained by examining an organized convective event occurred during 6th and 7th December, 2012. As a complement, radar data is considered to evaluate convective features using simulated model reflectivity. Results show that WRF model forecast captures quite well the position and timing of the major convective events, even though the magnitude of events was underestimated. Total amounts averaged over the verification domain are underestimated as well as the areal coverage for small thresholds. In general, results suggest that convection-allowing WRF-ARW model has the potential to improve short range forecasts over the region although it should be evaluated over a longer period of time.

9 illus, 36 ref

013115   Masilamani P (Geography Dep, Bharathidasan Univ, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, Email: masilamani.ap@gmail.com) : Cropping pattern of Koraiyar watershed, Coimbartore district, Tamil Nadu. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2015, 6(1), 90-9.

In this paper an attempt has been made to analyses the cropping pattern at village level of Koraiyar watershed. The study area is covers around 660 sq.km. The study area consists of 93 villages and having 4, 22, 835 population in 2011 Census. This study is based on secondary data, collected from the District Statistical Office, Coimbatore for the year 2010-2011. Cropping pattern of the watershed data has been computed with the help of statistical and GIS techniques. For the calculation of crop concentration, location quotient method by Bhatia; crop combination analysis, Weaver's statistical method, diversification index, Gibbs-Martin method haven been followed. These results really helpful to the planners to prepare proper land use planning for the development of watershed.

4 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

013114   Laskar S L;Roy Bhowmik S K (NO, , India Meterological Dep, New Delhi-110 003, Email: drsebul@gmail.com) : Temporal and spatial characteristics of systematic errors of WRF predicted location specific maximum and minimum temperature over Indian region. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 467-78.

In this paper we have calculated the Mean Error (ME), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Correlation Coefficient (CC) of the surface maximum and minimum temperature predicted by WRF model for day1, day2 and day3 during winter (December and January) and summer months (April and May) based on two years of data, i.e., 2012 and 2013 by selecting seven stations, viz., Amritsar, New Delhi, Chennai, Guwahati, Kolkata, Mumbai and Nagpur in such a manner that they are well representative of the different temperature homogeneous regions of India. The aim of the paper is to analyze the behaviour of WRF model over different regions of India in terms of surface temperature forecast. In this study, a statistical bias correction algorithm has also been introduced to reduce the systematic bias in the day1 to day3 WRF model location specific forecast of maximum and minimum temperature for 7 selected synoptic stations. The statistical bias correction algorithm used for minimizing the bias of the next forecast is Decaying Weighted Mean (DWM), as it is suitable for small samples. The magnitude of Mean Error (ME) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) for Bias Corrected (BC) WRF forecast is lower than Direct Model Output (DMO) during both summer and winter seasons. It is concluded from the study that the skill of WRF statistical BC forecast improves over the WRF DMO remarkably. The method is found promising for operational use by weather forecasters to provide more accurate location specific forecast over India.

8 illus, 21 ref

013113   Kotal S D;Bhattacharya S K;Roy Bhowmik S K; Kundu P K (NO, , India Meterological Dep, Lodi Road, New Delhi-110 003, Email: sdkotal.imd@gmail.com) : Verification of forecasts of IMD NWP based cyclone prediction system (CPS) for cyclones over the North Indian seas during 2013. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 497-510.

As a part of our effort to meet the specific requirement of the operational forecaster, an objective NWP based Cyclone Prediction System (CPS) was developed and implemented for the operational cyclone forecasting work. The method comprises of five forecast components, namely (a) Cyclone Genesis Potential Parameter (GPP), (b) Multi-Model Ensemble (MME) technique for cyclone track prediction, (c) Cyclone intensity prediction, (d) Rapid intensification and (e) Predicting decaying intensity after the landfall. GPP is derived based on dynamical and thermo dynamical parameters from the model output of IMD operational Global Forecast System. The MME technique for the cyclone track prediction is based on multiple linear regression technique. A Statistical Cyclone Intensity Prediction (SCIP) model for predicting 12 hourly cyclone intensity (up to 72 hours) is developed applying multiple linear regression technique. For forecast of inland wind after the landfall of a cyclone, an empirical technique is developed. This paper describes the development strategy of the CPS and performance skill of the system during 2013 for seven cyclonic disturbances. The performance evaluation shows that the GPP analysis at early stages of development of a low pressure system was able to indicate the potential of the system for further intensification. The 12 hourly track forecast by MME (with error 68 km at 12 hr to 187 km at 120 hr), and intensity forecast by SCIP model (with error 5.9 kt at 12 hr to 19.8 kt at 72 hr) are found to be consistent and very useful to the operational forecasters. The probabilistic rapid intensification forecasts are found to be skillful compared to climatology. The error statistics (11 kt at 6 hr to 6 kt at 24 hr) of the decay model shows that the model could predict the decaying intensity after landfall with reasonable success. The performance statistics demonstrates the potential of the CPS for improving operational cyclone forecast service over the north Indian Seas.

20 illus, 6 tables, 12 ref

013112   Khole M;Sunitha Devi S (NO, Meterological Office, Pune-411 005) : Cyclones and depressions over the North Indian Ocean during 2014. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 337-54.

1 illus, 3 tables

013111   Khole M;Sunitha Devi;Kundale A P (NO, , Meterological Office, Pune-411 005) : Monsoon season (June-september 2014). Mausam 2015, 66(3), 657-74.

8 illus, 4 tables

013110   Jayakumar P D;Govindaraju;Lingadevaru D C (Applied Geology Dep, Kuvempu Univ, Shnakraghatta-577 451, Email: pd.jayakumar@gmail.com) : Synergistic approach towards sustainable land resources development in the catchment of Upper Tunga project, Karnataka-using remote sensing and GIS techniques. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2015, 6(1), 24-34.

Natural resources are the wealth of any region and its proper utilisation is utmost concern for future management and developmental activities. Considering the present day problems of watershed, an attempt has been made to prepare implementable land resource development plan for the catchment of Upper Tunga Project (UTP) in Karnataka. The study area lies between longitude 75° 25' 24.386" E -75° 36' 49. 296"E, and latitude 13° 51' 16. 145"N-13° 44'19.085" N with an aerial extent of 1041.89 Sq Km. The thematic maps like LU/LC, Geomorphology, Slope and Lineaments were prepared using SOI Toposheets D43P5, D43P6, D43P7, D43P9 and D43P10 and updated using IRS P6 LISS III (23.5 m) data of year 2009(Path/Row: 98/64). The drainage morphometric parameters were extracted by ASTER DEM (30m) using ArcHydro tools with in ArcGIS environment. From the analysis, out of 23 sub watersheds, Bailubadige, Heddur, Kakanahosudi, Muthinakoppa are high prone to erosion and Bailubadige, Hedduru, Kakanahosudi, Muttinakoppa, Sarigere are medium prone to erosion. Quantitative hypsometric analysis, shows concave shape of the curve, which represents the old stage of the catchment with Hypsometric Integral 0.50, indicates the significant fluvial and slope wash processes of landforms. Thus from the study, we realised optimal and sustainable development of resource is required to avoid any future problems. In this regard, site suitable soil conservation practice like Boulder check, Rubble check, Vegetative check, Contour bunds, Agro forestry, Afforestation, Social forestry, Silvipasture and Contour farming has been recommended according to Integrated Mission for Sustainable Development (IMSD) guidelines by using Remote Sensing and GIS techniques.

10 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

013109   Ibrahim S;Lawal D M (Geography Dep, Univ of Leicester, UK) : Assessment of the proposed impact of post-office closure in Leicestershire (UK) using GIS-based network analysis. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2015, 6(1), 1-10.

This paper reports the impact of the proposed Post-Office closure in Leicestershire due to the Network Change Program, initiated to close down up to 2,500 Post Offices across the United Kingdom (UK). The paper explores the spatial relationships between Post Offices and their accessibility to different socio-economic groups in the area under investigation. Network analysis (OD Cost Matrix) was used to denote output areas as the origin (demand) and Post Offices as the destination (supply). The results of this analysis reveal that the number of post offices targeted by the government for closure is not attainable in this particular English county. When the results were linked to the county's demographic profile and socioeconomic data, only the first (part a) and last criteria were met before and after the closure of the Post Offices in this county. Over 99% of the total population of Leicestershire is found within three miles of their nearest Post Office. The total rural population within three miles of their nearest Post Office was recorded at over 97%. Thus, Post-Office accessibility for people in urban areas was recorded at less than 70%, compared to the government minimum criteria of 99% and 95%, for deprived urban areas and the sum total urban areas, respectively. The paper also argues that, although the criterion for rural areas was met, the government minimum standard criteria create a serious imbalance in terms of providing post offices to many rural dwellers. The study concludes by recommending ways for alternatives that minimize the said impact of the proposed closure.

6 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

013108   George A J P;DasGupta M;Rajagopal E N;Basu S (NCMRWF, Eart System Science Organisation, MoES, A-50, Sector-62, Noida-201 309) : Verification of visibility forecasts from NWP model with satellite and surface observations. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 603-16.

Forecast of fog and visibility over most parts of Indo-Gangetic plains are becoming increasingly important in the winter season because of the high frequency of occurrence of dense fog and reduced visibility which has significant socio-economic impacts. The life cycle of fog is mainly controlled by different meteorological factors and the microphysical/chemical properties of the particulate matter in the atmosphere. The present day numerical weather prediction (NWP) models of high spatial resolution are able to forecast situations that are favorable for the occurrence of fog events with reasonable accuracy for few days in advance. NCMRWF has started producing visibility/fog forecasts using the Unified Model (NCUM), which has a diagnostic fog scheme. The visibility is computed in the model based on the extinction of light at visible ranges due to fog particles. The visibility/fog forecasts during the months of December, 2013 and January, 2014 obtained from NCUM over the Indo-Gangetic plains are verified using the surface as well as satellite observations in this study. Surface visibility observations from meteorological airport reports (METAR) and satellite based fog product from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) are used for the verification. NCUM short-range forecast shows good skill in indicating the occurrence of fog/no-fog events, based on two visibility categories defined in this study to represent the heavy and light fog events, over different locations over the Indo-Gangetic plains.

5 illus, 5 tables

013107   Fowler T L;Brown B G;Gotway J H;Kucera P (National Centre for Atmospheric Research, Research Applications Laboratory Boulder, CO USA, Email: tressa@ucar.edu) : Spare change: evaluating revised forecasts. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 635-44.

Question of consistency of revised forecasts through time often comes up in the context of weather events such as hurricanes or high wind days. For a single event, forecasts are made, and then revised as the time of the event nears. Hopefully, the revision reflects new and better information that will yield a better forecast. Nonetheless, if forecasts change frequently or by large amounts, a user may believe they are poor or uncertain. Over time, a user may lose trust in forecasts that are not consistent. This is particularly an issue for decision makers who create plans based on early forecasts (e.g., emergency managers), then must change their plans repeatedly as new forecasts arrive. Thus, for forecasts that are revised, the consistency in the revisions is an important aspect of forecast quality. Unfortunately, though everyone knows forecast consistency when they see it, the use of objective measures to evaluate consistency in forecast verification is very limited. A similar problem exists in economic forecasting, where some simple tests are applied to a single time series to measure the consistency. However, these measures do not easily extend to weather forecasts that may be multi-dimensional or a collection of many time series. For example, there is no simple way to measure the back and forth (or 'windshield wiper') effect of changing hurricane track forecasts. In this paper, some consistency measures of forecast revision time series are discussed. Extensions of these measures to more complex forecasts are examined using some preliminary examples from hurricane forecast tracks and accumulations of multiple time series. Particular attention is paid to comparisons of consistency measures between competing forecasts.

5 illus, 16 ref

013106   Faggian N;Roux B;Steinle P;Ebert B (Research and Development, Australian Bureau of Meterology, GPO Box 1289, VIC 3001, Melbourne, Australia, Email: n.faggian@bom.gov.au) : Fast calculation of the fractions skill score. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 457-66.

Forecast verification metric known as the Fractions Skill Score (FSS) is typicallycomputed using sliding window operators, which can be computationally expensive. A keycomponent of the score is the computation of fractional event frequencies, which is equivalent to a weighted summation of sub-grids (windows) commonly realized as a convolutionoperation. An alternative approach is to use "summed area tables", which have been used incomputer graphics as a means to quickly compute summations of sub-grids in texture fields.In this paper we describe how a summed area table can effectively reduce the computationtime of the FSS while also allowing the score to generalize to include the time dimension.We demonstrate the methodology on idealized cases from the Spatial Verification MethodsInter-comparison Project and explore the properties of the score on a high-resolution NWPdataset.

4 illus, 14 ref

013105   Ekpenyong R E (Geography and Natural Resources Management Dep, Uyo Univ, Nigeria, Email: robert_etim@yahoo.com ) : Assessment of the nature of urban growth and development in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2015, 6(1), 68-80.

The aim of this study was to assess the nature of urban growth and development in Akwa Ibom State. Using the Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technologies land cover maps of the area for the period 1986 and 2007 were produced. With these maps, the changes in the sizes, shapes and pattern of urban centres were modelled. The Remote sensing and Geographic Information System based analysis showed that, urban centres have grown by expansion and compaction. This growth pattern negates the concept of green city which planners the world over are trying to implement to make cities/urban areas sustainable. The approach is derived from theories and concepts such as sustainable development, sustainable cities, compact cities, green urbanism, sustainable urbanism, ecocities to mention just a few which came into existence in the twentieth century. The paper concludes that, the nature of urban growth in Akwa Ibom State still leaves much to be desired as far as the concepts of sustainable city, green city, smart growth and compact city are concerned. That immediate action needs to be taken to control urban expansion/sprawl and preserve sufficient green spaces within urban areas.

12 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

013104   Durai V R;Bhardwaj R;Roy Bhowmik S K;Rama Rao Y V (NO, , India Meterological Dep, New Delhi-110 003, Email: durai) : Verification of quantitative precipitation forecasts from operational ensemble prediction systems over India. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 479-96.

In this paper the performance of four operational Ensemble Prediction System (EPS) of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), the UK Met Office (UKMO), the US National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) available from "The Observing System Research and Predictability Experiment" (THORPEX) Interactive Grand Global Ensemble (TIGGE) database are studied over India in short to medium range time scale. The rainfall prediction skill of these EPS is examined in both deterministic and probabilistic senses. Results suggest that the ensemble mean forecast of all four EPS could reproduce the seasonal mean heavy rainfall belts along the west coast, over north east and central India reasonably well. The active rainfall (positive anomaly) and weak or break condition of rainfall (negative anomaly) activity is well captured by all EPS ensemble mean forecasts. The ensemble mean rainfall forecast from ECMWF EPS generally has the highest skill, followed by UKMO, NCEP and JMA EPS. For the probability forecast, the NCEP and UKMO EPS appeared to have more or less similar skill when measured using BSS, RPSS and ROC over India in the medium range.

11 illus, 44 ref

013103   Dube A;Ashrit R;Ashish A;Iyengar G;Rajagopal E N (NO, , NCMRWF, MoES, A-50, Sector 62, Noida-201 309) : Tropical cyclone forecast from NCMRWF global ensemble forecast system, verification and bias correction. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 511-28.

North Indian Ocean is one of the world's worst affected areas by tropical cyclones. It is because of its vast coastline and high population density in the coastal areas that the damage to life and property caused by a landfalling tropical cyclone is huge. Therefore, timely prediction of the cyclone track, landfall location and time is of critical importance for this region. In the present study a comparison is made between the relative skills of a deterministic model NGFS (NCMRWF Global Forecast System) and an ensemble prediction system (EPS) NGEFS (NCMWRF Global Ensemble Forecast System) in predicting the tropical cyclone track. Four cases of recent cyclones, i.e., Phailin (9-12 October 2013), Helen (19-23 November, 2013), Lehar (23-28 November, 2013) and Madi (6-12 December, 2013) are considered for this comparison. Except of Helen which was a Severe Cyclonic Storm (SCS), all the above cyclones were in the category of Very Severe Cyclonic Storms (VSCS). Further an attempt is made to correct the systematic biases in NGEFS model by using the method of moment adjustment. A comparison of the performance of the models is made on the basis of along track, cross track and direct position errors obtained from the forecast tracks from the three models and the IMD best track data. It is seen that for a cyclone like Phailin which did not show any sudden changes in the track the mean of NGEFS shows a lower track error as compared to NGFS and the bias corrected output from NGEFS shows a further improvement in the TC track forecast. However, in the case of Madi which showed a sudden change in the direction NGEFS showed a better forecast before the direction change as compared to both NGFS and the bias corrected NGEFS. But after the change in the direction NGEFS with bias correction is seen to be performing better than NGEFS and NGFS. On an average for the four cyclone cases of 2013 it is seen that the bias correction leads to an improvement of about 17% in the initial position error as compared to raw ensemble track forecast and about 38% when compared with the deterministic model. In the day 5 forecasts the improvement in the bias corrected ensemble forecast as compared to NGEFS and NGFS are 24% and 17% respectively.

13 illus, 29 ref

013102   Das A K;Bhowmick M;Kundu P K;Bhowmik S K (NO, , India Meterological Dep, New Delhi-110 003, Email: ananda.das@imd.gov.in) : Verification of WRF forecasts with TRMM rainfall over India during monsoon 2010: CRA method. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 403-14.

WRF model forecast during monsoon season 2010 have been verified with daily observed TRMM rainfall at 0.25° spatial resolution. Conventional grid-point verification technique has been deployed to calculate common scores like mean errors and root mean square errors. Widely used categorical skill scores have also been computed for seven different rainfall thresholds. The scores only could find the general nature of the model performance depicting the degradation of forecast accuracy exceeding moderate rainfall category with 7.5 mm threshold. Subsequently the object oriented contiguous rain area (CRA) method has been considered for rainfall forecast verification. The method also confirmed that the performance of the model deteriorates along with the increase in rainfall amount. At the same time, within CRA method, the decomposition of mean square error has clearly found out that the major error has been occurred due to displacement of rain object or event in the model forecast compared to observation. In general, volume error contributes less as compared to pattern error in day-1 forecasts of the model whereas they are comparable in day-2 forecasts. Applying statistically significant best-fit criteria, the forecast CRAs have been successfully matched to observed events more than 80% of the time for 35.5 mm threshold and 50% for 64.5 mm thresholds respectively during whole monsoon season. The percentage of match further increases when 10 different active spells of the season has been considered separately.

11 illus, 4 tables, 28 ref

013101   Cattani D;Faes A;Gaillard M G;Matter M (NO, , Meteo Swiss, Forecast Div, 7Bis Ave.de la Paix, CH-1211 Geneva 2) : Global forecast quality score for adminsistrative purposes. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 645-56.

Since 1985, MeteoSwiss uses a global score for systematically assessing the general weather forecasts issued by the regional forecasting centers. This assessment is done for the following two main reasons: it is used for administrative purposes, as the weather centers are expected to communicate to the general public and to the government the evolution of the quality of their forecasts. On the other side, the forecasters need to know the performance of their predictions, in order to can improve them. In 2013, we developed a new verification scheme which allows to take more benefits of the evolution of the forecasting system as well as of the current automated observation networks. This verification system, called COMFORT (for CONtinuous MeteoSwiss FORecast qualiTy), was designed for communication purposes and aims to provide the management, but also external entities such as policy makers, media, etc. with a measurement of the quality of general forecasts provided by MeteoSwiss. The score COMFORT was developed within the MeteoSwiss operational forecasting system. In spite of its apparent specificity, COMFORT is based on general ideas that might be directly transposable to other weather forecasting services. An important part in the development of COMFORT was to perform simulations in order to test with real data different properties of the score such as its robustness against hedging or its ability to reflect a global improvement of the forecasts.

11 illus, 5 tables, 9 ref

013100   Bouallegue Z B (Deutscher Wetterdienst, Offenbach, Germany Meterological Institute, Bonn Univ, Germany, Email: zied.ben-bouallegue@dwd.de) : Assesment and added value estimation of an ensemble approach with a focus on global radiation forecasts. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 541-50.

Assessment of the high-resolution ensemble weather prediction system COSMO-DE-EPS is achieved with the perspective of using it for renewable energy applications. The performance of the ensemble forecast is explored focusing on global radiation, the main weather variable affecting solar power production, and on quantile forecasts, key probabilistic products for the energy sector. First, the ability of the ensemble system to capture and resolve the observation variability is assessed. Secondly, the potential benefit of the ensemble forecasting strategy compared to a single forecast approach is quantitatively estimated. A new metric called ensemble added value is proposed, aiming at a fair comparison of an ensemble forecast with a single forecast, when optimized to the users' needs. Hourly mean forecasts are verified against pyranometer measurements over verification periods covering 2013. The results show in particular that the added value of the ensemble approach is season-dependent and increases with the forecast horizon.

7 illus, 34 ref

013099   Assie W T H;Tsidu G M (NO, , National Meterological Agency, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Email: wonde721@gmail.com) : Empirical statistical modeling of march-may rainfall prediction over Southern nations, nationalities and people's region of Ethiopia. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 569-78.

Statistical predictive models were developed to investigate how global rainfall predictors relate to the March-May (MAM) rainfall over Southern Nations, Nationalities and People's Region (SNNPR) of Ethiopia. Data utilized in this study include station rainfall data, oceanic and atmospheric indices. Because of the spatial variations in the interannual variability and the annual cycle of rainfall, an agglomerative hierarchical cluster analyses were used to delineate a network of 20 stations over study area into three homogeneous rainfall regions in order to derive rainfall indices. Time series generated from the delineated regions were later used in the rainfall/teleconnection indices analyses. The methods employed were correlation analysis and multiple linear regressions. The regression modes were based on the training period from 1987-2007 and the models were validated against observation for the independent verification period of 2008-2012. Results obtained from the analysis revealed that sea surface temperature (SST) variations were the main drivers of seasonal rainfall variability. Although SSTs account for the majority of variance in seasonal rainfall, a moderate improvement of rainfall prediction was achieved with the inclusion of atmospheric indices in prediction models. The techniques clearly indicate that the models were reproducing and describing the pattern of the rainfall for the sites of interest. For the forecast to become useful at an operational level, further development of the model will be necessary to improve skill and to determine the error bounds of the forecast.

5 illus, 28 ref

013098   Ashrit R;Sharma K;Dube A;Iyengar G;Mitra A; Rajagopal N (NO, , NCMRWF, MoES, A-50, Institutional Area-II, SECTOR-62, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Email: raghu@ncmrwf.gov.in) : Verification of short range forecasts of extreme rainfall during monsoon. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 375-86.

The daily rainfall over India during the monsoon season (June-September) is governed by the interplay of the large-scale, synoptic and mesoscale disturbances, many of which are sporadic rainfall spells and extremely intense. These spells often bring extreme amounts of rain over only a few days, which can have sizable impacts on the estimated seasonal mean rainfall. The record rainfall of over 100 cm/day in Mumbai on 26th July, 2005 is an outlier/extreme at over 20 standard deviations for activity of typical June-September average rainfall of 18 mm/day with daily standard deviation of 28 mm/day. While such outliers are not uncommon in India during the monsoon season, they pose serious challenge to even the high resolution forecast models. The statistics of these outlier events are examined both for observed and model-forecast daily rainfall for recent seven monsoon seasons (2007-2013). Some of the extreme one day rainfall events (over the plains of eastern India) contribute up to 30% of the seasonal total rain. This study presents rainfall verification over India using traditional verification scores such as Probability of Detection (POD), Equitable Threat Score (ETH), Critical Success Index (CSI) etc. for various categories. Further, the statistical challenges associated with the verification of the extreme events are discussed. A brief review of the new methods suggested in literature for verification of the extreme events, such as Odds Ratio (OR), Extreme Dependency Score (EDS), Symmetric Extreme Dependency Score (SEDS), Extremal Dependence Index (EDI) and Symmetric EDI (SEDI) is provided with example application to Indian context.

10 illus, 18 ref

013097   Ansari M I;Madan R;Bhatia S (NO, , India Meterological Dep, Lodi Road, New Delhi-110 003) : Verification of quality of GPS based radiosonde data. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 367-74.

Most of the verification techniques and results reveal that timely and accurate observations and the data quality thereof is the most important factor for an accurate and reliable weather forecast. With the augmentation of GPS based radiosounding in IMD, the data quality has been improved to a great extent leading to removal of black tag by ECMWF on upper air data of IMD, and putting large impact on improvement in weather forecast. An attempt has been made to verify the quality of GPS based radiosonde data in comparison to non-GPS IMD radiosonde data. December 2013 upper air data quality report of NCMRWF indicates that model has accepted all the data received from 16 GPS based stations being within the tolerance limits of the first guess, whereas the data received from non GPS radiosondes has a rejection rate of 16% to 85%. The standard deviation of quality data are within a range of 9.4 Geopotential Meter (gpm) to 28.6 gpm, whereas for non GPS standard deviation is of the order of 7.3 gpm to 115.9 gpm. The bias in GPS based temperature data at 100 hPa level are within a range of 0.1 ° to -1.0 °, whereas for non GPS the values are of the order of 2.6 ° to 5.0 °. The RMSE values of GPS based 100 hPa Geopotential heights are within a range of 14.0 gpm to 81.8 gpm, whereas for non GPS RMSE values are of the order of 31.8 gpm to 209.5 gpm. Thus, it is inferred that GPS based radiosondes are able to provide quality data which is the backbone for a good quality weather forecast system.

1 illus, 10 tables, 6 ref

013096   Agnihotri G (NO, , Meterological Centre, Palace Road, Bangalore, Email: g.agnihotri@imd.gov.in) : Evaluation of operational forecasts from weather research and forecasting model during Southwest monsoon 2011 using MET 3.0. Mausam 2015, 66(3), 423-32.

This study discusses the skill of rainfall forecasts during monsoon 2011 from the state-of-art Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model run real-time at the Meteorological Centre Bangalore. The WRF is run for the limited domain of 9-22° N / 74-87° E covering the southern peninsular India. Rainfall verification is performed using continuous and categorical approaches. It's verified using India Meteorological Department's gridded and point rainfall by Model Evaluation Tools package. The results show that model is capable of reproducing seasonal picture of rainfall; maxima over west coast and eastern India and minima over inland peninsular India. Time series of area averaged daily accumulated observed and forecasted rainfall shows that forecast trend matches observed trend on most of the days. However, quantitative forecast amount is less than the observed. The mean error, mean absolute error and root mean square error of rainfall are found to be 3.1 & 1.4, 11.6 & 10.9 and 26.8 and 24.9 mm/day for 24 and 48 hours forecasts. The categorical scores like probability of detection, false alarm ratio, frequency bias, critical success index and Heidke skill scores are calculated for various thresholds. The Heidke skill score is found to be positive and is 0.38 and 0.37 in the lower thresholds up to 10 mm for 24 and 48 hour forecasts. These scores indicate that model's performance is good for lower rainfall threshold but degrades considerably for higher rainfall thresholds. Hence, an operational forecaster can accept model forecast of a rainy day with confidence but not the intensity.

7 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

012210   Yadav P K;Pradhan U K;Mukherjee A;Sar R N; Sahoo P;Das M (NO, Geological Survey of India, State Unit, Odisha, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar-751 012, Email: pawankumaryadavgsi@gmail.com) : Basic characterization of Kapili Komatiite from Badampahar Gorumahisani Schist Belt, Singhbhum Craton, Odisha, India. Indian J Geosci 2015, 69(1), 1-12.

This paper reports an occurrence of spinifex-textured peridotitic komatiite near Kapili (22°21'10.6" N: 86°14'36.5" E) in the northern part of the Badampahar-Gorumahisani schist belt of Odisha, where cumulate zone, platy zone and spinifex zone are well preserved. Petrographic data suggest that the primary mineralogy is completely altered due to post-magmatic processes associated with metamorphism. The studied komatiites contain olivine (altered to serpentine and secondary magnetite), augite, tremolite, chlorite, talc and glass. Compositionally, these komatiites are enriched in SiO₂ (37.81-47.57 wt %), MgO (19.04-36.97 wt %), TiO₂ (0.13-0.59 wt %) and depleted in A1₂O₃ (2.34-5.66 wt %), with significantly higher Al₂O₃/TiO₂ (8.2-30.2) and elevated CaO/Al₂O₃ (0.26-2.34) ratios. In concurrence with the earlier findings of the Archean spinifex-textured peridotitic komatiite (STPK) occurring in the Badampahar-Gorumahisani Schist Belt, Kapili komatiite occurrence is no exception and suggests its derivation from the mantle source under extensional tectonic regime.

6 illus, 3 tables, 48 ref

012209   Singh R J;Sharma M K;Ghosh T;Pankaj Kumar (NO, Geological Survey of India, Chandigargh-160 033, Email: milankumar.sharma@gmail.com) : Tectonic architecture of the Paleogene belt and adjoining lithostratigraphic units in Parwanoo-Subathu sector of the Himachal Himalaya, India. Indian J Geosci 2015, 69(1), 31-44.

The north-northwest- to south-southeast-trending Paleogene belt between the Krol Thrust/Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) in the north and the Bilaspur Thrust/Main Boundary Fault (MBF) in the south comprises the Paleocene to Lower Miocene marine to fluvial recks of the Sirmur Group, in Parwanoo-Subathu area of the Himachal Himalaya, India. The Sirmur Group of rocks is divisible into the Subathu, Dagshai and Kasauli formations in chronological order. The northerly-dipping Krol Thrust demarcates the footwall rocks of the Paleogene belt from the hanging wall pre-Tertiary lithostratigraphic units except outliers of the Paleocene to Lower Eocene age, the shallow marine Kakara Formation equivalent to lower Subathu Formation. The Paleogene rocks overlie the various pre-Tertiary/Proterozoic rocks of the Simla Group, Baliana Group, Krol Group and Shali/Deoban Group with an unconformable contact having thin layer of laterite. The Paleogene rocks override the Middle Miocene to Middle Pleistocene fluvial molasse deposits of the Siwalik Group in the south along the northerly-dipping MBF. Besides regional/megascopic thrusts/faults, many mesoscopic faults/thrusts have traversed the Paleogene belt. Three phases of folds in pre-Tertiary rocks, two phases of folds in the Paleogene rocks of the Sirmur Group and fault/thrust-related folds in the rocks of the Siwalik Group have been observed in the area. The overall geometry and NW-SE to NNW-SSE orientation of the thrusts, folds and b-c extensional joints within the Paleogene and Siwalik belts suggest southward translation of the Himalayan rock mass as thrust sheets under almost NE-SW-trending sub-horizontal maximum compressive stress (σ₁). This paper describes the structural elements of the Paleogene belt and their geological relationships with the adjoining pre-Tertiary and Neogene lithostratigraphic units.

4 illus, 3 tables, 38 ref

012208   Singh P K;Kainthola A;Singh T N (Earth Sciences Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400 076, Email: ashuddn@live.com) : Risk analysis of high slopes- A case history. J Rock Mech Tunnelling Technol 2015, 21(2), 101-13.

Recent cloud burst and subsequent landslides in Kedarnath caused huge destruction to life and property. The incident demonstrates that the engineering practices are not utilized judiciously in such regions before the construction of any civil structures. Construction of several civil structures like dams, tunnels and transportation corridors requires excavation of several tons of earth material on a daily basis. This disturbs the natural equilibrium of the hill slopes and causes huge amount of stress relief leading to slope failure. The external triggering factors like rainfall and earthquake further accelerate the failure processes. Joints in a rock mass significantly reduce the stability of the entire structure. Planar, wedge and toppling are the most common mode of failure in jointed rock slopes. Therefore, slope stability analysis becomes very important in such types of construction activities, as there is an immediate threat to the travellers and local human settlement. In this study, cut slope sections along the right bank of river Sutlej, Luhri, and Himachal Pradesh have been taken to emphasize the influence of rock mass parameters on their stability. Field and laboratory study was incorporated with high end numerical simulation to analyze the stability of the area of interest. Later on, risk analysis was also done to account for the variability in rock mass parameters and to assess the probability of failure.

8 illus, 36 ref

012207   Sharma E;Shrestha A B (NO, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, GPO Box 3226, Kathmandu, Nepal, Email: eklabya.sharma@icimod.org) : Nepal 2015 Earthquake: uncertainty prevails in the Himalayan Arc. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 2015, 81(3), 557-60.

At the junction of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, an immense amount of energy builds up as the Indian plate continuously moves under the Eurasian plate. This buildup of energy has given rise to the highest mountains in the world; however, it also makes the Himalayan region seismically hazardous. As a result of this tectonic process, which began between 40 and 50 million years ago, the Himalayas have seen many great earthquakes, and seismic risks persist in many areas along the Himalayan arc, including in Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan. In many parts of the region, seismic events are often accompanied by secondary geological hazards, such as landslides, avalanches and floods. The impacts of the Nepal earthquake on 25 April 2015 and subsequent aftershocks have been devastating, killing over 8,600 people, damaging 780,000 houses, and triggering numerous secondary geohazards. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is providing technical support and scientific information to the Government of Nepal to meet challenges in the aftermath of the earthquake. This disaster highlights the importance of cooperation and coordination among countries in the Himalayan region to improve understanding of seismic risks in the region and prepare for earthquakes and their subsequent impacts in the future.

2 illus, 3 ref

012206   Ravi Kumar Ch;Ramachandrappa;Rajesh Kumar;Rao N B;Singh L N (Geological Survey of India, Geophysics Div, Northern Region, Dong Lumshangain, Rynjah,Shillong-793 006) : Delineating structural features and deciphering radiometric concentration zones along the West Coast of India using aerogeophysical data. Indian J Geosci 2015, 69(1), 57-14.

A regional multi-sensor airborne geophysical survey was carried out with 2.5 km line spacing and flight altitude of 150 m above ground level (AGL) over an area of 36,900 km^{2 employing magnetic and spectrometric sensors in Hosdurg-Vengurla area of western offshore of India. The objective of the airborne geophysical survey was to delineate the continuity of magnetic lineaments and structural features in the continental shelf region and to identify the spectrometric elemental concentration zone along the west coast. The area is occupied by rocks of Peninsular Gneissic Complex (PGC) intruded by basic dykes and granites. The southeastern part of the area is occupied by granulites represented by charnockites and khondalites. In the northern part, the PGC is overlain by metabasalts / schistose rocks and phyllites, variegated phyllites, argillite and metagreywackes belonging to the Neoarchean Bababudan Group of Dharwar Supergroup of the Western Dharwar Craton. The results of aeromagnetic surveys have brought out clearly the contacts between the different lithological units. The granulite group of rocks exposed in the southeastern part is well-delineated in the form of high-intensity magnetic anomalies trending NNW-SSE around Hosdurg, Kasargod, Manjeswar and Srinivasa Nagar, which extend further west in the offshore region up to 15 km. The aeromagnetic anomaly map shows the extension of the magnetic lineaments that are interpreted from high-altitude data in to the offshore region. Prominent NNW-SSE- to NW-SE-trending magnetic discontinuities were found to be associated with west coast fault system, besides E-W- to ENE-WSW- and NE-SW-trending discontinuities. In addition, two large prominent and circular-shaped anomalies of high magnetic intensity, disposed towards west of St Mary's Island and west of Gokarna are likely to be associated with basic intrusive bodies within PGC. The spectral analysis of magnetic data reveals that the magnetic interface over the land area is deeper than that in the offshore region. The estimated depth of magnetic interface over offshore is relatively shallow and is in good agreement with free-air gravity data. The ternary image of spectrometric data (K, Th and U) shows the distribution and relative abundance of elements and correlates well with the geology of the area. The spectrometric maps (K, U and Th) helped in delineating the element concentration zones. Moderate concentrations of thorium are found along the coast near Hosdurg and Mangalore and few moderate concentration zones of uranium are observed over granulites.}

11 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

012205   Khetaurova V S;Yurievna I I;Brykhanova G A; Denikaeva E A;Tolbuxina T V (NO, Russian State Social Univ, The Russian Federation, 129 226, Moscow, Wihelm Pieck Street, 4,1) : Erosion-structural analysis of Pamir. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(2), 1821-33.

Article considers possibility of using and main concepts of erosion-structural analysis using as an example mountainous territory - Pamir. Due to synthesis of the experience of previous investigations, search of new ways of the data generalization about structural peculiarities of the river network pattern a complex of sequential methodical approaches of the river network pattern analysis has been formed, which was named technique of erosion-structural analysis. Long-term experimental investigations of the authors are based on detailed study of vast cartographic material, including physical-geographical maps of various scale, geological and tectonic maps and schemes; metallogenic maps of Pamir, and satellite images. Place of the erosion-structural analysis in solution of the problem of cognition of connection between forms of the relief, geological structure, and tectonics is determined. Results of the erosion-structural zoning of Pamir are presented.

4 illus, 30 ref