012204   Ige O O (Geology and Mineral Sciences Dep, Univ of Ilorin, P.M.B 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria, Email: vickyige2002@yahoo.com ) : Use of migmatite-derived residual soil as barrier in sanitary landfills. Indian J Geosci 2015, 69(1), 75-80.

Barriers are natural clayey soils or artificial impermeable materials used in sanitary landfills to prevent migration of waste leachate into groundwater body. This study investigates the geotechnical properties of a migmatite-derived soil from southwestern Nigeria for its potential use as barrier in sanitary landfill. The required parameters for soils to be considered as barrier were determined. Results obtained show that hydraulic conductivity ranges between 1 x 10^{-7 cm/s-l x 10-9 cm/s while volumetric shrinkage potential shows little volume change behaviour of less than 4%, which is typical maximum permissible limit for compacted clay soil barrier. The particle size analysis shows initial grain distribution of 33% clay, 26% silt, 23% sand and 6% gravel. Also, results of Atterberg limits revealed that the liquid limit is 68%, plastic limit is 35% and the plasticity index is 33% which classify the sample as inorganic clay of high plasticity. These properties suggest the suitability of the soil as barrier in sanitary landfill for disposal of waste material since they satisfied recommendations of agencies and regulatory bodies after comparison.}

4 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

012203   Goswami S;Bhattacharjee P;Bhagat S;Suresh Kumar;Zakaulla S (Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Atomic Energ, Goverment of India, Bengaluru-560 072, Email: sukantagoswami.amd@gov.in) : Petrography of chert nodules in stromatolitic dolostone of vempalle formating along Tummalapalle Motnutalapalle, Cuddapah Basin, India. Indian J Geosci 2015, 69(1), 13-24.

Nodular cherts in Vempalle dolostone of Papaghni Group within Cuddapah Supergroup, Andhra Pradesh, India, indicate mixed meteoric-marine coastal systems. The field relations of the chert nodules with the host dolostone and evidence on polished hand-specimens clearly demonstrate that the cherts are of secondary origin as they cross cut bedding, laminations and other structures within the host carbonate sediments. The thin sections also reveal floating relict dolomite fragments on chert, dolomite rhombs in various stages of progressive replacement. Chertification has also resulted in neomorphic recrystallization of dolomicrite into dolomicrospar which rims the dislodged floating fragments of dolomite. The cherts are clearly secondary and have originated by progressive replacement of the host dolomite. The preservation of primary structures in nodular cherts strongly suggests that most nodular cherts are secondary and form by the replacement of pre-existing, shallow-water carbonates during diagenesis.

12 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

012202   Birendra Pratap;Hari Dev;Singh R (NO, Central Soil and Materials Research Station, New Delhi, Email: bpcsmrs@gmail.com) : Use of appropriate geophysical technique for subsurface assessment. J Rock Mech Tunnelling Technol 2015, 21(2), 89-99.

Use of appropriate geophysical technique is generally a two-step approach. In step-1, potentially useful geophysical techniques are identified on the basis of the nature of the engineering problem. This is summarized in update reference table and provides initial high grading of application. In step-2, the most appropriate geophysical technique is selected based on site-specific criterion such as the depth of the target, required resolution, site accessibility and cost. This is an aid to the geo-scientists about commonly employed geophysical techniques and provides information for evaluating their utility as geotechnical site characterization. The aim of this paper is to provide the guidance for use of appropriate geophysical techniques in geotechnical site characterization based on geophysical survey conducted at some project sites and the published literatures.

8 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

012201   Bahadur Ram;Mukherjee K K;Selinraj A;Bhowmic M K;Mukherjee R;Singh O P;Chakrabortty G K;Saha D K (Seismo-Geodetic Data Receiving and Processing Centre, Geological Survey of India, Central Headquarters, GN-40, Dharitri Building, Salt Lake Sector-V, Kolkata-700 091, Email: drbram-bhu@yahoo.co.in) : The 18th September 2011 Sikkim Earthquake(Mw 6.8) and its after recorded in Adampool Seismic Observatory. Indian J Geosci 2015, 69(1), 45-56.

On 18th September 2011, an earthquake of magnitude Mw 6.8 occurred 84 km northwest of Adampool Seismic Observatory near Gangtok, in the mountainous region of northeast India in Sikkim-Nepal border region. The source parameters for this earthquake have been estimated using record of the event in the observatory. The spectral analysis of waveform on transverse component of the three-component seismograms is performed. The estimated seismic moment (Mo), source radius (R), stress drop (Δσ) and magnitude (Mw) for this earthquake are 1.99x 10^{19 Nm, 10.17 km, 83.24 bar and 6.8 respectively. The present study elucidates the seismicity of the region before and after the occurrence of mainshock with recorded earthquakes especially also with those events (M≤ 3.0) that are not recorded by distant observatories of the national network and local seismic network. The data recorded in the observatory for the period before the occurrence of this earthquake do not show any noticeable or anomalous precursory activity close to the mainshock except the background seismicity. To show the variation of seismic moment with corner frequency, source radius and stress drop, 19 well-recorded aftershocks (5.0 ≥ Mw ≥ 2.7) are selected in this study. The estimated seismic moment, source radius and stress drop of these aftershocks range from 1.58 x 1013 Nm to 4.27 x 1016Nm, 0.24 km to 0.98 km and 0.9 bar to 294.2 bar respectively.}

6 illus, 2 tables, 46 ref

012200   Adhikary D (NO, Geological Survey of India, State Unit, Andhra Pradesh, Bandlaguda, Hyderabad-500 068, Email: debapriya.adhikary@gmail.com) : Sedimentation history of the Talchir Formation in the basal part of Godavari Valley Basin in Yellandu outlier, Khammam District, Telangana. Indian J Geosci 2015, 69(1), 25-30.

The Gondwana sediments which show a glaciofluvial sedimentation history in and around Yellandu area are represented by fine-grained greenish sandstone belonging to Talchir Formation. These rocks are exposed in the Yellandu area, Khammam District, Telangana. The Talchir conglomerate and greenish sandstone occur in the basal part of the Gondwana Basin. The basal part of Talchir contains boulders of Pakhal metasediments and granitoids which form the basement for the basin. Clasts of deformed Pakhal phyllites are reworked in the basal part of Talchir sequence. The attitude of bedding in Talchir sandstone is NE-SW dipping gently towards southeast. The Talchir sediments of the Yellandu area were not studied in detail previously. Talchir sedimentation may be explained by glaciofluvial model according to present study. The unit described as 'basal boulder bed' in the area is actually represented by a matrix-rich conglomerate with pockets of normally graded clay. The study shows glaciofluvial depositional imprints which are preserved in this part of the sedimentary succession. Further they also indicate emplacement of successive debris flows generated through remobilization of pre-existing unconsolidated sediments.

2 illus, 11 ref

011024   Zacharia S;Seshasayanan R;Gowthaman V; Muthukumararavel S;Sudhakar T;Atmanand M A (NO, National Institute of Ocean Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Pallikaranai, Chennai-600 100, Email: zacharia@niot.res.in) : Initial set of oceanographic data from Bay of Bengal using an underwater glider as mobile sensor node. Curr Sci 2015, 109(5), 918-29.

Underwater gliders measure high-resolution spatiotemporal oceanographic data. However, glider operations have not been carried out in the Indian Ocean region so far. In September 2013, the National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai introduced a mobile sensor node, the underwater glider 'Barathi', for observation in the Bay of Bengal (BoB). Here we report ballasting procedure of the glider operated in highly variable density waters of BoB. The temperature and conductivity data collected are strongly correlated with commercially available instrument with coefficient of determination R₂ <62> 0.97. We report results from a long-duration (127 days) mission in 2014. The variation of temperature, salinity, density, sound velocity, mixed layer depth, sonic layer depth and lower cutoff frequency of surface duct along 13°N lat. and between 80.76°E and 86.28°E long. are also presented. The results show a trace of the East Indian Coastal Current. The glider operations demonstrate a new in situ observation platform in BoB.

25 illus, 7 tables, 56 ref

011023   Taghi L M;Hamid J (Geography Dep, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Mashhad, Iran) : Artificial feeding of Qanat: an approach toward satisfaction and the reduction of villagers' migration motivations (case study: Bakhazr County), Iran. Ecol Envir Conserv 2015, 21(Suppl-June), 65-9.

In Iran, the reduction of Qantas water supplies has encountered most villagers' social and economic activities with challenges. Due to water shortage, they leave their home and village and migrate to large cities to work as workers or do other activities. In some villages of Bakhazr County, Khorasan-e Razavi Province, earthen dams have been constructed to feed qanats and springs since 65 years ago. The main objective of this study is to see how these earth dams affect rural development including villagers' satisfaction and the reduction of their migration motivation. Objective-wise, this study is an applied research. Yet, in nature and method, it is a descriptive-analytical research. This is carried out using document (library) research and filling out questionnaire (survey). Results show that feeding qanats through constructing earth dam leads to villagers' satisfaction and reduction of their migration motivations.

2 illus, 5 tables, 17 ref

011022   Singh V B;Ramanathan A L;Kuriakose T (Glaciology, Hydrogeochemistry & Biogeochemistry Laboratory, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Univ, New Delhi-110 067) : Hydrogeochemical assessment of meltwater quality using major Lon chemistry: a case study of Bara shigri glacier, Western Himalaya, India. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2015, 38(2), 147-51.

Hydrogeochemical assessment of meltwater quality draining from Bara Shigri glacier was carried out in the year 2011. The concentration of cations varied as Ca^{2+ <62> Mg2+ <62> K+ <62> Na+. Whereas, anions concentration followed the pattern HCO₃ - <62> SO₄ 2- <62> Cl- <62> NO₃ - <62> PO₄ 3-. High values of Ca+Mg/TZ+ and (Ca+Mg)/(Na+K) indicate that carbonate weathering is the most dominant mechanism controlling the major ions chemistry of the study area. However, the low ratio of (Na+K)/TZ+ also shows relatively smaller contribution of dissolved ions in the meltwater by silicate weathering as compared to carbonate weathering. The ratios of Na/Cl and K/Cl are higher than marine aerosols, indicating relatively small contribution from atmospheric precipitation to the chemical composition of meltwater of the study area.}

20 ref

011021   Saha S K (Jhargram Div, West Bengal Forest Service, Paschim Medinipur District, West Bengal) : Approach towards reduction, rehabilitation and reclamation of degraded land within 2030. Wat Energy int 2015, 58(5), 54-7.

Land is a precious limited natural resource on the earth. Our lives, livelihoods and existence of all the life forms on the earth is based on the holistic approach of the land, if land becomes degraded it will affect our existence and here lies the importance to conserve and restore it from degradation. Land degradation is defined as "the reduction or loss in the biological or economic productivity of the land (UNCCD 1994) .... by human activities .... often magnified by the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss"(14). So we have to learn lesson and have to take immediate measure to achieve land degradation neutrality by the means of (a) Prevention/Reduction of land degradation, (b) Rehabilitation of partly degraded land, (c) Reclamation of degraded, desertified land (UNCCD).

7 illus, 16 ref

011020   Reddy D V;Madhav T;Chandrakala P; Nagabhushanam P (CSIR, National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: dvreddy.ngri@gmail.com) : Perspective of alkaline Lonar lake, Maharashtra, India with reference to its hydrochemistry. Curr Sci 2015, 109(5), 965-75.

Inland Lonar Lake, encompassing a circular area of about 1 sq. km is situated in Buldhana district, Maharashtra state, India. The lake is part of the Lonar crater believed to have formed due to meteoric impact. It is third largest natural salt-water lake in the world. The lake water is not only saline, but also highly alkaline. In recent years, it is believed that the alkalinity and salinity of the lake water is being diluted with increased lake water level due to external inputs like seepage of water into the lake from nearby surface reservoirs. Studies on hydrochemical and isotopic signatures of lake water, and also lake water levels were carried out for one year to understand the lake dynamics. The generated data were compared with those available in the literature. This comparison showed that the water level and hydrochemistry of lake water are controlled by the local rainfall and evaporation, and that there are no other external water inputs to the lake.

6 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

010002   Sahu B K (Earth Sciences Dep, , Bombay, Mumbai-400 076, Email: bas_sahu@yahoo.co.in) : Optimal mining and marketing of lean grade ores. SGAT Bull 2015, 16(1), 1-6.

Mineral resources deposits comprise high grade (marketable) and low grade (non-marketable) ores together with high proportion of waste materials of little economic value. These are generally Non-renewable but ultimately exhaustible in finite time (Terminal time of mine), although this time may be extended a little by further exploration efforts and research and development (R&D) activity to find new substitutes. Here, we do not consider augmentation of reserves by exploration efforts or by R & D efforts to find substitutes as these are highly risky and cannot be considered to succeed in finite time with any certainty. Hence, optimal mining and marketing of mineral resources with suitable treatment and disposal of ensuing waste materials to cause minimum damage to ecology and environment, and minimum health hazard is required. Ores from mines must be extracted at optimal rates so the industry remains economically sound and viable with benefits accrued to both owners and public. This would ensure good national economic and social growth as well as continued good health of people.

15 ref

010001   Patel S (Head-Mining, Grand Mart Group, , Doha, Qatar(Myanmar Operations), South Africa, Email: orangeminingconsultants.com) : Geotectonic environment and mineralization of Zambian -dr congo copper-cobalt belt with special emphasis on the etoile copper & cobalt deposit, Katanga, DR Congo, Central Africa. SGAT Bull 2015, 16(1), 14-21.

Neoproterozoic-Lower Palaeozoic (Pan-African) Lufilian arc forms the central segment of a major Pan-African orogenic system crossing central and southern Africa. It straddles the border between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo and deforms the Katanga Supergroup, which was deposited between 880 and 500 Ma and represents one of the main sedimentary accumulations of this age in the world. Parts of the succession host the greatest known stratiform copper-cobalt deposits, including half the world's cobalt reserves. Zambian Copper belt is related to a Proterozoic intracratonic rift and that the source of the metals is best explained in terms of movement of hydrothermal solutions up rift fractures. Central Africa experienced a period of extension and fracturing associated with a major episode of cratonic basic magmatism in between 1.4 and 0.9 billion years ago. During this period a network of mobile belts formed (e.g. Kibaran and Irumide) together with structures along which the Atlantic and Indian oceans were later able to form. A `hotspot' is suggested at the south-eastern margin of the Congo Craton at which a triple junction developed and thus began a period of subsidence, sedimentation and metallogenesis. Etoile near Lubumbashi is a very well-studied deposit of Copper & Cobalt in different period right from 1907. Post opening up of DRC economy for Private sector that's too International investment threw open the doors for influx of latest world class exploration technology which resulted in reopening of abandoned mines like Etoile in a big way. Katanga possesses huge potential for Copper Cobalt mineralization a tiny fraction of which has been explored so far.

2 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

010000   Pandey V;Mishra S S;Mishra A (GIPL, Energy Div, , 5th Floor, Orbit Plaza, New Prabhadevi Road, Prabhadevi, Mumbai-400 025, Email: vinay78pandey@gmail.com) : Climate change, natural disaster and hydro electric projects in Satluj basin Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh, India. Res Envir Life Sci 2015, 8(2), 137-42.

Climate change is a major challenge facing our planet today. There is scientific evidence that many mountain regions have become increasingly disaster-prone in recent decades, and that a disproportionally high number of natural disasters occur in mountain areas. Mountains are more frequently affected than other environments by destructive natural processes including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, dam bursts or glacial lake outbursts, Flash flood, Flood. Global warming reduces snow cover, melts away glaciers, and degrades permafrost areas. The rapid release of melt water and rainfall may combine to trigger debris flows and flash flood in higher ranges, including the formation of potentially dangerous lakes. These lakes may breach suddenly, resulting in discharge of huge volume of water and debris. The Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh had experienced a large number of incidences of flood since its inception in 1971. Though the state has also faced severe flood disaster in 1975 and 1988 but the last decade (1997-2005) has proved one of the worst decades as both the magnitude and frequency of floods have gone up. Flash flood of March 1975, Dec 1988, Satluj flash flood of August 2000, July 2001, June 2005, Flash flood of July 2005 and Cloud burst in June 2013 are the major natural calamities in Kinnaur. Cloudburst leads to flashfloods, landslides, uprooting of trees, house collapse, dislocation of traffic & bridges and human causality on large scale over the area and brought heavy toll to the state as the loss was estimated in several thousand millions of rupees and also killed several hundreds of people besides large number of cattle heads. In this study we try to find out the best mitigation solution through study of past Hydrometerological disaster (HMD) in Satluj basin Kinnaur district and concluded that these disaster are by their nature difficult to predict and control but it is possible to reduce the risk to lives and property through structural measures such as construction of dam which provide a range of economic, environmental, and social benefits, including recreation, flood control, water supply, hydroelectric power, waste management, river navigation, and wildlife habitat.

2 illus, 3 tables, 45 ref

009999   Mohanty A;Hota R N (P. G. of Geology Dep, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar-751 004, Email: anketikamohanty@gmail.com) : Quality of postmonsoon groundwater of Anandapur subdivision, Keonjhar district, Odisha, India. SGAT Bull 2015, 16(1), 29-40.

Groundwater samples collected from fifty eight tube wells from Anandapur subdivision of Keonjhar district, Odisha are examined for their quality and suitability for different purposes. The groundwater is faintly acidic to feebly alkaline in nature. The chemical parameters are well within the limits set by World Health Organisation and Bureau of Indian Standards and thus are suitable for drinking. At some places, the waters are hard and need softening treatment. Chemical parameters like sodium absorption ratio, residual sodium carbonate, permeability index, sodium percent, potential soil salinity, Kelley's ratio and magnesium ratio of most of the groundwater samples of Anandapur subdivision are well within the tolerable limits and thus are suitable for irrigation. The corrosive ratio and other chemical parameters of groundwater suggest their non-incrustative nature. Some of the groundwater are unsuitable for industrial use.

1 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

009998   Das P K;Das M (NO, Stewart Science College, Cuttack-753 001, Email: daspradip444@gmail.com) : Geomorphic appraisal of the coastal processes and their associated landforms along the Balasore coastal plain, Odisha, Northeast coast of India, based on satellite data. SGAT Bull 2015, 16(1), 52-8.

Sixty five km stretch of the Balasore coastal region from the mouth of the Budhabalanga river estuary to the Subarnarekha river estuary is greatly influenced by both fluvial and marine processes. These act as natural determinant on the coastal configuration and eventually affect social structure of the region. The present study deals with the assessment of the development of coastal processes along the Balasore coast. A huge amount of sediments is carried by river Subarnarekha throughout the year which is responsible to develop the depositional coast. Many landforms have evolved as well as many landforms and other land features have been diminished. The formation of sand spits found along the tract are the results of longshore deposition of the river sands to the south and north depending upon the shoreline orientation and directions of dominant wind patterns in the deltaic coast. The beach has been eroded particularly in the Chandipur coastal tract due to various coastal processes that has taken place. Such variations in the coastal processes are recorded by LISS-II and LISS-III images and true colour image (Google Earth) and also by repetitive field survey at different coastal sectors.

2 illus, 12 ref

009997   Chatterjee K K (Indian School of Mines, , , Email: kkchatterjee@yahoo.co.in) : Commercial approach to exploration. SGAT Bull 2015, 16(1), 7-13.

Exploration now is not a stand-alone activity for stand-alone exploration companies. It is a link in a chain starting from investment decision and ending in mining and post-mining business activities. The legislative And administrative architecture guiding exploration in India has been discussed. The importance of availing of the monetary incentives provided for in the system have also been emphasized with a view to minimizing the cost and maximizing the price of the output report -the only source of income for an otherwise zero-return activity namely exploration. Besides, different costs and benefits involved have also been discussed.

009996   Charkha S (NO, Mechatronics Systems Pvt. Ltd, Pune) : Success story monitoring/control of Indira Gandhi canal. Wat Energy int 2015, 57(11), 49-53.

If the system is designed, installed, commissioned, fine tuned and installed properly, considering all the local conditions, the system works fine far years together. Monitoring/Control of Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojana is the ideal example. The system is used for monitoring and control of canal system every day, for decision support system and corrective action. We are proud to confirm that the system is useful even today. It is really a great achievement to keep the Canal Real Time Monitoring and Control with SCADA running for more than Four (4) years. It is because of the basic interest of the Water Resource Department, Government of Rajasthan, and the reliability of design, manufacture, installation and commissioning, even remote locations. The use of Solar Power and VSAT communication made it possible. Indira Gandhi Nahar is about 660 Km. Long canal and is life line of Western Rajasthan. It not only delivers water for Irrigation, but also caters drinking water requirements to very thirsty parts of barren Rajasthan. Canal originates from Hari-Ka-Barrage, and flows through Punjab and Haryana before reaching Rajasthan Border. There are more than 53 Head and / or Cross Regulators. Since the canal is too long, it was very difficult to regulate, from one central location. It was a major hurdle to know the discharges of all the Head / Cross Regulators at the same time. Siltation and vegetation, particularly at the tail of the canal, due to sand storms is another problem. The siltation and vegetation reduces the cross sectional area, effecting the discharge, and must be dealt immediately. It is difficult to construct any flow measuring structures in the main canal, discharge measurements, since it runs all 24x7x365. The SCADA system was installed consisting of, Two Master Control Centres, (MCC) Three Regional Control Centres, (RCC), Eleven Field Control Centres, (FCC), and Fifty Three Measuring Centres, (MC), and remotely controlled Cross Regulator gates at six locations, by Water Resources Department, Government of Rajasthan in February 2010. The discharge and cumulative discharge is measured with Side Looking Acoustic Doppler Current Meters (ADCM) and upstream Level by Ultrasonic Level Sensor, in stilling well, at each measuring location. The discharge measured by ADCM was crosschecked with Down Looking Acoustic Doppler Profiler (ADCP), which not only calculates the discharges, but measures the actual cross sectional area also. This measurement is carried out by moving the ADCP across the canal. One centimetre position accuracy is achieved with the help of Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS). The actual area calculations, was substituted for discharge measurements using side looking Doppler, as, As-built dimensions may be slightly different than the design dimensions, generating errors. Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) type of communication is being used for this application, making it possible to pass control commands remotely for operation of the gates. The data at measuring stations is logged every 15 minutes interval, and transmitted hourly. Solar Power Supply with two sunless days autonomy, powers all the measuring stations. The SCADA system uploads this received data at www.ignp.co.in website every hour and can be surfaced from anywhere. Since the discharge and levels of every measuring location is available on line, at a glance, at all MCC and RCCs, and FCCs, it is very easy to schedule and reschedule the discharge in any reach of the canal. Since the canal is checked with ADCP every 15 days, any siltation and vegetation is reported immediately, for appropriate action, and correct discharge is reported every time. It was because of the regular maintenance of the complete system, and monitoring of the data every day, the system is operational till today. It is really a great achievement to keep the Canal Monitoring Real Time SCADA running for more than Four years.

5 illus

009010   Nweke O M;Igwe E O;Nnabo P N (Geology Dep, Ebonyi State Univ, Abakaliki, Nigeria, Email: nwaekeoby@yahoo.com) : Geotechnical studies on the suitability of abakaliki clay for industrial uses as drilling mud.. Int J appl Sci Engng Res 2015, 4(3), 376-87.

The characteristics of Abakaliki clays from southeastern Nigeria were characterized to establish its suitability as drilling mud when compared with Wyoming bentonite. The chemical, mineralogical and geotechnical properties were employed in assessing the suitability of Abakliki clay as drilling mud. Mineralogically, the clays were all characterized as dominantly Illite as well as montmorillonite with low percentages of kaolinite. The chemical composition of the clays indicates low percentages of Na₂O when compared with that of Wyoming bentonite with fairly higher percentages of CaO and K₂O than are required for drilling mud clays. The clays are plastic; with liquid limit (LL) of 58 8 to 72.8, plastic limit (PL) of 25 to 30 and plasticity index (API) of 26 to 45.8. They classify as inorganic clays of high plasticity (CH) according to Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) and as A-7-6 according to American Association of State High and Transportation Official's (AASHTO) classification systems. The natural pH values are greater than 8.10, while the viscosity values varied from 5.9 centipoises to 8.0 centipoises for 10 g clay per 350 ml water. Some of these natural properties (Na₂O and CaO contents, LL, PI and viscosity) of these Nigerian clays failed to satisfy the required specifications outlined for clays used as drilling mud when compared with the properties of Wyoming bentonite. This clay will possibly yield low plastic viscosities but with additives such as Sodium Carbonate and Carboxymethyl Cellulose, the rheological properties for Abakaliki clay will remarkably improve.

5 illus, 5 tables, 27 ref

009009   Najmudeen T M;Sathianandan T V;Zacharia P U (NO, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Ernakulam North P.O., Kochi-682 018, Email: najmudeentm@yahoo.com) : Fleet optimization of trawl fishery along southwest coast of India using surplus production model. J Mar Biol Ass India 2014, 56(2), 74-80.

Impact of trawl fisheries on the multi-species fishery resources, along the southwest coast of India, was studied by applying surplus production model and genetic algorithm approach using 23 years of time series data on catch and fishing effort during the period 1990-2012. The annual trawl landings varied from 0.282 million tonnes (t) in 1990 to 0.570 million t in 2012 with average annual landing of 0.357 million t. Though the effort in number of fishing units has been reduced from 0.756 million units in 1990 to 0.408 million in 2012, the effort in actual fishing hours has increased substantially (142%) during the last two decades. The catch rate of high value groups such as large pelagics, penaeid prawns and cephalopods have gradually declined whereas low value groups such as small pelagics and miscellaneous groups have been caught in higher rate. The average biomass, yield, fishing mortality and fishing effort of the resources harvested by trawlers during the last three years were compared with the maximum sustainable yield (MSY), biomass at MSY level (BMSY), fishing mortality at MSY level (FMSY) and fishing effort corresponding to MSY (fMSY), which are estimated using genetic algorithm approach based on Schaefer's non-linear surplus production model. Assuming the last three years fishing effort as the current level of effort, the optimum level of exploitation was found marginally lower (99%) than the current level of exploitation to keep the annual average yields just below MSY.

8 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

008158   Singh R S;Roy D (Geography Dep, Faculty of Science, BHU, Varanasi-221 005, Email: ravish.geog@gmail.com) : Water in India: A conceptual outflow. Trans Inst Indian Geogr 2015, 37(1), 67-79.

There has been considerable brainstorming on a suitable model of water resourc management in India. We are frequented with debates on issues like water policy vs. wate law, the ideal institutional designs for an integrated resource appropriation, the community perception of the resource usages, and so. Progressively these debates have acquired a fon of major policy challenge for the nation. Scholars from a variety of academic discipline have expressed their opinion in this regard. As our understanding suggests, no individuc discipline and no single specialization is good enough to tackle all these current issues water constraint or overuse. And, hence, it calls for integration among various streams knowledge supported by strong and sensitized societal actions. The present paper attempt to provide a figurative detail of the current water use scenario in India to add a piece brick for that foundation.

57 ref

008157   Sharma R S;Sagar M P (General and Applied Geography Dep, School of Applied Science, Dr. Harisingh Gour Central Univ, Sagar) : Impacts of hydropower construction project on Economically important plants in the Upper beas Valley, Himachal Pradesh. Trans Inst Indian Geogr 2015, 37(1), 121-32.

Hydropower is one of the extremely important energy sources. This renewable source of energy has some serious negative impacts on its ambient environment especially during construction period. These negative impacts have mainly been reflected in both biotic and abiotic environment. The present study was carried out to know the impacts of hydropower construction activities on forest ecosystem. The surrounding area of Parbati Stage II (800 MW) and Stage HI (520 MW) hydropower projects near to the Great Himalayan National Park, (World Heritage Site) were taken into account under present study. The present study shows that deforestation and loss of land and plants are increasing continuously due to ongoing construction activities. While adoption of different ecological techniques such as afforestation, check-walls, retaining-walls, reuse of disposal debris, grass plantation in landslips and landslide affected areas, and metalling roads, etc. can minimize forest losses.

3 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

008156   Sharma B;Tyagi S;Singh P;Dobhal R;Jaiswal V (NO, Uttarakhand Science Education and Research Centre (USERC), Dehradun-248 006) : Application of remote sensing and GIS in hydrological studies in India. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2015, 38(1), 1-8.

Geo informatics has emerged as a powerful tool to monitor the natural resources of Earth. Remote sensing gives the detailed information in space and time not only from accessible areas but also from inaccessible areas whereas GIS helps in storing, interpreting and retrieving the spatial data. Different types of remotely sensed images either air-borne and space borne or active and passive microwave images have become significant in the monitoring of surface and ground water quality. Moreover, specific satellite sensors with various spatio-temporal and spectral resolutions are also much useful in water quality monitoring. Attempts have been made to explain the basic principles of RS and GIS as well as their role in hydrological studies including water quality monitoring of water resources in India.

51 ref

008155   Saha A;Das M (Gauhati Univ Institute of North East India Studies, (GUINEIS), Guwahati-781 014, Email: ashis.ma07@gmail.com) : Dynamics of Bilateral trade Dawki: Indo-Bangla experience. Trans Inst Indian Geogr 2015, 37(1), 47-57.

Main purpose of the study is to highlight the pattern of trade in the Dawki Land Customs Station (LCS) along the Indo-Bangladesh border of Meghalaya which possesses nine LCS and two border haats. Dawki is the oldest and most prominent trade point of the state. The region has vast potentiality, but infrastructural drawback restricts the region from emerging as the major trading block. The NH-40 is the major route connecting Shillong town, Dawki and Sylhet; but its condition is pitiable. The pattern of trade here is such that export from India is always higher than the import from Bangladesh. The study is based on both primary and secondary data. While the primary data has been collected by the direct field observation on the Dawki LCS with a well designed questionnaire cum schedule, the secondary information has been gathered from various related books and journals and also from the Dawki Customs office, Commissioner office, Shillong and NEDFi. The collected data has been analysed to derive a clear exposition.

008154   Ray P K (NO, Indian Toxicological Institute (CSIR), Lucknow, Bose Institute and Chittaranjan National Cancer Research Institute, Kolkata, Email: pkay2000@yahoo.com) : Bhopal and other disasters revisited. Sci Cult 2015, 81(3-4), 85-8.

1 llus, 10 ref

008153   Paul O J;Emmanuel W S (NO, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Univ of Science and Technology, Kenya) : Delineating wetlands using remote sensing and Geographic information systems in Nyando River area, Kenya. Int J Adv Remote Sens GIS 2015, 3(2), 21-36.

Study made use of remote sensing and GIS techniques to map Nyando River wetlands with a view to propose sustainable methods for Nyando wetlands conservation and Management. It was conducted in Nyando River Wetlands area comprising Nyando, Lower Nyakach and Kadibo divisions in Kisumu County, Kenya. Primary and secondary data were used where the primary data were obtained from remotely sensed data and field survey. Secondary data were obtained from published and unpublished materials. The data obtained were analyzed using GIS based techniques to illustrate the results. From the study, it emerged that the only 26% of the mapped area is still a wetland. The rest has been taken over by human encroachment, especially agricultural activities involving rice, cotton, and cereal among other crops. Residential homesteads have also taken over a major part of Nyando River wetland. The study also revealed that constraints to wetlands management emanated from lack of clear policy control method used, land use and ownership conflicts, and high poverty levels, among others The many values of wetlands should be appreciated by providing workable solutions to this wetland conservation. National wetlands conservation and monitoring and enforcement of comprehensive wetland management policy at national levels should be initiated. National wetland conservation and monitoring body should be formed to enforce comprehensive wetland management policies.

1 table, 6 ref

008152   Pandey A C;Singh S K;Saha D (Centre for Land Resources Management, Central Univ of Jharkhand, Brambe, India) : Geological and hydrogeomorphological control on iron arsenic contamination in ground water in part of Gangetic plain, India. Int J Adv Remote Sens GIS 2015, 3(2), 55-63.

Study in parts of Bihar state in the middle Ganga plain was carried out to determine arsenic contamination in groundwater. Inter-relationship of various chemical constituents of groundwater in relation to the hydro-geomorphology and geology of the region was studied. Remote sensing based hydrogeomorphological map derived through visual interpretation technique was performed. The chemical parameters data was analyzed graphically as well as by generating correlation matrix in order to establish relationships between various groundwater chemical parameters. The chemical parameters taken into consideration include calcium, magnesium, PH, TDS, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, flouride, iron, total hardness as CaCo₃ and arsenic along with electric conductivity as the one physical parameter. Study revealed that in relation to hydrogeomorphology, most of the Arsenic contamination has been concentrated in the areas of deep and shallow flood plain. This clearly depicts occurrence of arsenic minerals in and around the areas of paleochannels of the shifting Ganga river. Arsenic is present in Holocene deposits and shallow aquifer within the depth of 50-60 meters below ground where sand beds are susceptible for arsenic contamination. The correlation of Arsenic with calcium, magnesium, PH, TDS, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, flouride, total hardness as CaCo₃, electric conductivity was insignificant whereas a positive correlation with iron.

5 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

008151   Osano P O (Natural Resources Dep, Gusii Water and Sanitation Company (GWASco), Egerton and Kisii Univ, Kenya) : Morphometric characterization and hydrological assessments of river Njoro watershed using system for automated geoscientific analysis (SAGA) and Shuttle radar topographic mission (SRTM) digital elevation model. Int J Adv Remote Sens GIS 2015, 3(2), 37-44.

Growing demand for water from increasing human population and industrialization, along with increasing intensity of quality and quantity challenges as a result of rapid urbanization, call for scientific approaches to water resource management. Drainage basins, catchments and sub catchments are the hydrological units ideally suited for planning purposes focused on conserving land and water resources. For this study, Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) digital elevation data and System for Automated Geoscientific Analysis (SAGA) were used for morphometric analysis. The availability of remote sensing data and enabling GIS platform lend scope for understanding the morphometric properties of the catchment area and surface drainage characteristics of many river basins in different parts of the globe. The aim the study is to assess and understand the morphometric and Terrain characteristics of the Njoro river watershed through the analysis of the linear and the areal aspects. In stream ordering, Strahler's method which is the most commonly used method of stream ordering has been followed for the present study. The linear aspects considered for the study include stream order, stream number, stream length, bifurcation ratio and length ratio while areal aspects include catchment area, drainage density and stream frequency. From the analysis, the total length of River Njoro under the present study was 190 km. The total length of stream segments is maxima under first order streams and this length decreases as the stream order increases. It is also observed that there is a decrease in stream frequency as the stream order increases. It is also noted that, according to available literature, Njoro River catchment area has decreased from the widely quoted 300 Km^{2 to approximately 250 Km2.}

2 illus, 5 table, 18 ref

008150   Mammen R (Centre for Community Organsation and Development Practice, School of Social Work, TISS, Mumbai, Email: r_mammen@tiss.edu) : Evolution of a Hinterland: The case of Uran in North Konkan. Trans Inst Indian Geogr 2015, 37(1), 81-92.

This article undertakes a phase-wise historical analysis of transformations in a peri-urban region of Mumbai before India's Independence. Relationships between local communities, traders, religious establishments and rulers through ancient, medieval, and colonial times are traced. The evolution of different forms of land use, patterns of exchange and settlements that developed in the region as a result of people-environment interaction is outlined.

2 illus, 18 ref

008149   Kalota D (Elementary Education Dep, NCERT, New Delhi) : Assessment of urban sprawl using landscape metrics: A temporal analysis of Ludhiana city in Punjab. Int J Adv Remote Sens GIS 2015, 3(2), 45-54.

Developing world is being transformed by urbanization rapidly. The increasing population has transformed agricultural land into industrial, administrative or cultural urban centers. This has ultimately resulted in increasing environmental problems and degrading quality of life in urban centers. Ludhiana city in Punjab, a major cultural and industrial urban centre in the region, has urbanized considerably with time. The city is struggling with different environmental and urban problems due to sprawl and unplanned development. The present paper attempts to study sprawling of the city using landscape metrics. The research has been conduct with the help of satellite imageries/toposheet from 1955-2009, which has been used for extracting thematic layers related to urban surface. On the basis of extracted built-up area, annual growth rate and landscape metrics are measured and analyzed. Subsequently, impact of urban sprawl on environment of the city is also assessed.

3 illus, 3 table, 26 ref

008148   Ghosh S;Guchhait S K (Geography Dep, The Univ of Burdwan, Burwan-713 1046esandipanghosh19@gmail.com) : Characterization and evolution of Laterites in West Bengal: Implication on the Geology of Northest Bengal Basin. Trans Inst Indian Geogr 2015, 37(1), 93-120.

It is quite impossible to travel far in India without observing the remarkable ferruginous crust to which F. Buchanan in 1807 gave the name of laterite. In Indian peninsula it is a post-Cretaceous stratigraphic succession with polycyclic nature of evolution which marks the unconformity with Recent Quaternary Alluvium. There are perennial problems and research gaps in the investigation of laterites in India as well as West Bengal - (1) defining, indentifying and classifying lateritic materials, (2) mode of formation of laterite and its other horizons, (3) determining the ages of laterites, (4) reliability of laterites as palaeoclimatic indicators, (5) identifying topographic requirements and pedo-geomorphic processes for laterite formation and (6) reconstructions of former lateritized landscapes. The formation of north - south laterite cover (i.e. Rarh Bengal) on the Rajmahal Traps, Archaean granite - gneiss, Gondwana sedimentary, Tertiary gravels and Old Deltaic Alluvium is analyzed here to resolve the aforesaid problems and to depict the variable characteristics of laterites with special reference to its tectono - climatic evolution in northwest marginal part of the Bengal Basin. This paper reveals that the low-level secondary laterites (probably Pliocene - Early Pleistocene age) of Rarh Bengal are composed of heterogeneous iron - aluminum rich gravelly materials which were derived from the high-level primary laterites (probably Eocene - Miocene age) of Plateau since Tertiary Period by the peninsular river system, following the underlying structure of the Bengal Basin. Alongside the roles of drifting of Indian Plate, establishment of monsoon climate, neo-tectonic uplifts and re-lateritisation of ferruginous shelf deposits are determined here to unearth the palaeogenesis of primary and secondary laterites in West Bengal.

1 illus, 8 tables, 62 ref

008147   Deka N;Bhagabati A K (Geography Dep, Gauhati Univ, Guwahati, Assam-781 014) : Wetlands in a village environment: A case from Brahmaputra floodplain, Assam. Trans Inst Indian Geogr 2015, 37(1), 35-46.

This is an attempt to investigate the pattern of distribution of different types of wetlands and their utility in a village located in the floodplain of the Brahmaputra, Assam. Popularly known as 'khal-beel 'among the villagers, the wetlands comprising natural beels and ponds, dead channel, marshes, water loggings, man-made ponds, etc. provide aquatic resources highly diverse in nature, occurrence and use. The wetlands of various types and sizes cover an area of 21.44 ha accounting for 7.33 percent of the total operational area of the village. The wetlands act as one of the components of the livelihood support system by providing scope for fishing, collecting edible plants and flowers, bathing, washing and irrigating the agricultural fields and water and fodder for the cattle. They also function as micro-habitats for a variety of aquatic flora and fauna within the agroecological setting of the village. The study is based on an intensive field work carried out during 2006-2008 with a survey schedule covering all the 408 households of the village. The nature and distribution of different types of wetlands have been mapped and analysed on the basis of the updated cadastral map (dag map) of the village and the ground survey made at household level. A study of this kind is found to be very important in formulating strategies for sustainable use and conservation of the micro-ecosystems within the human habitats in the context of growing scarcity of fresh water and loss of aquatic biodiversity.

008146   Anandan R;Premakumar K;Nagarathinam S R (Geography Dep, Govt. Arts College, Coimbatore) : Spatio-temporal changes in land use of Chittur taluk. Int J Adv Remote Sens GIS 2015, 3(2), 11-20.

Present paper analyses the spatio-temporal variation in different types of land use in Chittur taluk of Palakkad district, Kerala. It is an agriculturally well-developed region. The utilization of land for different purposes indicates the relationship between the prevailing environmental conditions and human society. The socio-cultural and technological development of human societies directly influences the types of land use in an area. The data on general land use in 200land 2011 were collected and processed by using simple statistical techniques. The analysis of land use in the taluk reveals that these are mainly controlled by the nature of the surface, economic and cultural set up of the study area. The expansion of settlements and other cultural activities in the taluk have caused major changes in the land use of forest, fallow land, and cultivable waste and net sown area.

2 illus, 9 tables, 25 ref

007227   Vishwajit K P;Sahu P K;Noman Md;Dhekale B S; Narasimhaiah L (Ag. Statistics Dep, BCKV, Mohanpur-741 252) : Clustering of the districts of West Bengal based on spatial and temporal distribution of groundwater table depth towards effective monitoring and management of the valuable water resources. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2015, 14(3), 501-8.

Fluctuations of groundwater table (GWT) has great role in agriculture through assured supply of irrigation in industry and other fronts. As such, probability of possible GWT also plays an important role in terms of efficient usages of this valuable resource. An attempt has been made to find probability distributions taking seasonal (January, May, August and November for 2005 to 2013) information on GWT for the districts under five agro-climatic zones of West Bengal. The study reveals that 17 districts of West Bengal, India, can be categorised into 6 probability model groups: Weibul, Normal, Weibul (3P), Log Logistic (3P), Log Normal (3P) and Gamma (3P). These models can be used to ascertain the probability of occurrences of GWT in specific district. Cluster analysis, using GWT figures for various seasons over the period of study reveals that the districts could be grouped into four clusters, which in-turn may facilitate clusterwise strategy for restricting the depletion of GWT depth or maintenance of the same. These techniques can be used for intra-district GWT analysis for efficient monitoring of GWT.

6 table, 1 ref

007226   Vidhya G S;Kumar R B Binoj (Geology Dep, Kerala Univ, Karivattom Campus, Trivandrum) : Delineation of groundwater potential zones in Vettikavala block, South Kerala, India using geospatial technology. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2015, 14(3), 621-6.

Geospatial technology was utilized in this study to specifically delineate groundwater potential zones. IRS-LISS III data in conjunction with Survey of India toposheet (1:50,000) and extensive field data were used for the preparation of various thematic maps. Various thematic maps have been prepared for geology, geomorphology, slope, relative relief, land use, drainage density, lineament density, transmissivity, storativity and water table fluctuation. Thematic maps have been integrated in GIS by assigning suitable rank and weightage to each parameter based on their respective significance. Integrated groundwater potential map is a genuine tool decidedly resourceful for sustainable groundwater development and management. The charisma of this innovative method is that, this model can be used in any other area to functionally demarcate groundwater potential zones, and hence will be of immense societal significance.

2 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

007225   Varghese S;Dinesh A C;Karthikeyan M;Drishya G;Shareef N M (OPEC-1, M and CSD, ER, Geological Survey of India, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700 091, Email: saajuvarghese@gmail.com) : Andaman accretionary prism: A probable locale for different mineral deposit types. Curr Sci 2015, 109(3), 529-35.

Crustal growth and stabilization in the Andaman accretionary prism (AAP) occur via accretion of allochthonous crust, fragments of oceanic plateaus, and dismembered juvenile arc and ophiolite sequences. Multiple sutures developed in the AAP, as evidenced from multibeam, magnetic and seismic studies, are envisaged as the first-order structures that determine its distinct metallogenic signature. Furthermore, development of Andaman Back Arc Spreading Centre (ABSC) is attributed to a change from compression to more transgression stress regime as the AAP evolves. This stress regime change generates the first-order conduits for episodes of extensive metalliferous fluid flow via the pathways created by significant lateral displacements along the terrane-bounding multiple sutures. Hence, like many other accretionary orogens, complex association between subduction of the Indian plate and associated accretion, deformation, crustal thickening and melting, metamorphism, burial and exhumation may result in a wide variety of magma types, metal source regions and hydrothermal conduits. In conclusion, the expected deposit types in the AAP are volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits, seafloor massive sulphide deposits, rare earth elements and yittrium deposits and podiform chormite deposits.

7 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

007224   Thakur V C;Jayangondaperumal R (NO, Wadia Institute of Himalaya Geology, Dehradun-248 001, Email: thakurvc12@gmail.com) : Seismogenic active fault zone between 2005 Kashmir and 1905 Kangra earthquake meizoseismal regions and earthquake hazard in Eastern Kashmir seismic gap. Curr Sci 2015, 109(3), 610-17.

The 2005 Kashmir earthquake of magnitude Mw 7.6 produced 75 km surface rupture showing 3-7 m vertical offset. The surface rupture nearly coinciding with the bedrock geology-defined Balakot-Bagh Fault (BBF) indicates reactivation of the fault. The BBF extends SE with right-step to the Reasi Thrust in Jammu region. Further SE extension of the Reasi Thrust has been mapped with different nomenclature to the 1905 Kangra earthquake meizoseismal region, suggesting linkage between the earthquake and the active fault. There is no historical record of a large magnitude Mw <62> 7 event for the last <126>1000 years in the eastern segment of the Kashmir seismic gap, may imply <126>12 m slip deficit in the region.

6 illus, 41 ref

007223   Sikka D R;Ray K;Chakravarthy K;Bhan S C;Tyagi A (NO, , 40, Mausam Vihar, New Delhi-110 051, Email: raykamaljit@gmail.com) : Heavy rainfall in the Kedarnath valley of Uttarakhand during the advancing monsoon phase in june 2013. Curr Sci 2015, 109(2), 453-61.

During the monsoon season of 2013, the advance of [ monsoon over northwest (NW) Indian region showed large abnormality as arrival of rainfall over Punjab, Himachal Pradesh (HP), Uttarakhand, Haryana and Delhi occurred between 13 and 16 June 2013, nearly twice the standard deviation earlier than normal. Such an early arrival by mid-June has been exceptional. The event was marked by unprecedented very heavy rainfall between 14 and 18 June 2013 over different meteorological sub-divisions of NW India. The event also led to human tragedy in Uttarakhand, in which many local people and pilgrims lost their lives. This heavy rainfall in fact moved from Punjab and HP during 14 and 15 June 2013 to Uttarakhand. The rainfall between 14 and 18 June 2013 over NW India was highly organized and it was continuously sustained with mesoscale enhanced intensity over Uttarakhand, which dispels the opinion about cloudburst. The present communication is aimed to study the observational aspects of the vigorous and rapid advance of monsoon rainfall over NW India and its intensification during 15-17 June 2013 over Uttarakhand.

5 illus, 4 tables, 9 ref

007222   Samanpreet Kaur;Aggarwal R;Jalota S K;Sood A (Soil water Engineering Dep, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: samanpreet1974@gmail.com) : Estimation of fluxes across boundaries for groundwater flow model using GIS. Curr Sci 2015, 109(3), 607-10.

The present study aims at using GIS hydrology tool for calculating inflow/outflow fluxes across the boundary of a study area in a situation where physical boundaries in the vicinity of the study area cannot be identified. This approach has an edge over the simplest approach of no flow or constant head boundaries alone, which may be far from reality. The reported methodology will improve groundwater modelling in the areas where the hydrological cycle is predicted because of climate change.

5 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

007221   Roy A B;Chatterjee A (Geology Dep, Presidency Univ, Kolkata-700 073, Email: ashitbaranroy@gmail.com) : Tectonic framework and evolutionary history of the Bengal basin in the Indian subcontinent. Curr Sci 2015, 109(2), 273-9.

Bengal Basin evolved as a rift-controlled exten-sional basin along the NNE-SSW trending Basin Margin Fault coevally with the 85° East Ridge in the Bay of Bengal during the short-lived hotspot activity south of Bhubaneswar. The basin opening post-dated the Kereguelen Plume magmatism (at <126>116 Ma), but predated the phase of continental collision that triggered the rise of the Himalaya in the north. Supply of sediments in the initial stages of basin opening was from the west, mainly through the denudation and erosion of the uplifted Precambrian Shield. Following virtually similar tectonic and depositional pattern in the entire basin, an abrupt change in depositional pattern was recorded during the Oligocene with the emergence of easterly source of sediments derived from the uplifting of Indo-Myanmarese Ranges. Between the Oligocene and Late Pleistocene different parts of the Sylhet Trough (the best-studied region in the deeper part of the Bengal Basin) received huge volumes of sediments, which resulted in deposition measuring between 10 km and over 17 km in thickness. This was followed by an equally sudden drop in the sediment supply from the east due to the basin inversion concurrently with the westward advance of the Indo-Burmese mountain front during early and mid-Pleistocene. Followed by a short hiatus, the depositional scenario changed completely with the arrival of thick volumes of sediment during the late Pleistocene-Holocene, which covered the entire Bengal basin with the sediments brought by the Ganga and Brahmaputra from the Himalayan sources.

^iia7 illus, 4 tables, 25 ref

007220   Mohamadi B;Xie Z;Liu F (China Univ of Geosciences, 388 Lumo Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan) : GIS based oil spill risk assessment model for the Niger delta's vegetation. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2015, 14(3), 545-52.

Frequent oil spills in the Niger Delta have severely influenced the environment in oil production and transportation areas. Vegetation degradation is one of the remarkable results of oil spills in the region. Hence, GIS was used to build an Oil Spill Risk Assessment Model for Vegetation (OSRAMV) in the southern part of the Rivers state, mainly in the Bonny district to define areas under high levels of oil spill hazard and vegetation areas under high oil spill risk. Oil Spill Hazard Model (OSHM) was examined to ensure its accuracy by recorded oil spill impacted areas; 71.6% of impacted areas pixels were in severe hazard areas. Whereas none of impacted areas were located in very low, or low oil spill hazard areas. The final OSRAMV showed that 66.5% of the examined oil spill sites were located in high risk areas.

8 illus, 2 table, 33 ref

007219   Mir R A;Jeelani G (Earth Sciences Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee-247 667, Email: riyazgsi@gmail.com) : Hydrogeochemical assessment of river Jhelum and its tributaries for domestic and irrigation purposes, Kashmir valley, India. Curr Sci 2015, 109(2), 311-22.

Fifty water samples were collected during high flow (June 2008) and low flow (January 2009) periods from River Jhelum and its tributaries located in Kashmir valley, Western Himalaya, to carry out hydrogeo-chemical assessment for domestic, livestock and irrigation purposes. The high flow period represents the summer season, and the low flow period represents the winter season. In general, water was alkaline in nature. Ca^{2+ among the cationic budget, and HCO₃- among the anionic budget, dominate the chemical quality of water. The higher annual average discharge (<126>1124.6 m3/s) during high flow period resulted in lower ionic concentration in water through the effect of dilution than during the lower annual average discharge of <126>406.4 m3/s during low flow period. The water classification suggested the water to be of fresh category (100% <1000 mg/1 TDS), which is therefore desirable for drinking purposes. Moreover, the mean values of major ions were within the permissible limits of WHO and ISI standards, suggesting that the water is suitable for domestic and livestock purposes. For irrigational practices, the calculated indices show that the water is of 'excellent to good quality'.}

7 illus, 2 tables, 53 ref

007218   John B;Saheed P P;Franca C;Vethamony P;Campos E J D (NO, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa-403 004) : COHERENS: a hydrodynamic model validated for the west coast of India. Curr Sci 2015, 109(2), 288-300.

COHERENS (COupled Hydrodynamical and Ecological model for REgioNal and Shelf seas), a 3D hydro-dynamic multi-purpose model, has been implemented for the coastal and shelf seas of eastern Arabian Sea to study the flow characteristics. The model has been tested and verified with one month measurements of surface and bottom currents collected off Mangalore, Ratnagiri, Mumbai and Dwarka on the west coast of India (WCI). After calibration, the model was allowed to perform under tide and wind forcings. The flow characteristics at these select locations have been well reproduced by the model. A shift in current direction from south to southeast has been observed at several occasions, and this could be attributed to shamal events. The low amplitudes of the residual currents in the measurements off Mumbai and Dwarka suggest that the influence of the West India Coastal Current is weak or negligible in the northern part of the WCI and the currents are mainly tide-dominant. Certain discrepancies are noticed especially in the southern domain, off Mangalore, where the shallow water dynamics is not only driven by the local wind forcing and tides, but also by the remotely driven currents. In order to get a comprehensive picture of the prevailing dynamics, the model domain has to be extended to the entire Indian Ocean.

11 illus, 4 tables, 42 ref

007217   Ghosh N C;Khatania S K;Indwar S P;Sandhu C S S;Jain C K;Mittal S;Goel R (NO, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee-247 667, Email: ncg@nih.ernet.in) : Performance evaluation of riverbank filtration scheme. Curr Sci 2015, 109(2), 301-10.

This article presents an analytical method to determine the distance of a bank filtration well from a river in commensuration with the desired percentage of bank filtrate and removal of pathogenic compounds. Applying least squares optimization technique using Marquardt algorithm, the unknown parameter, distance of the well from the river has been estimated. The travel time in commensuration with the desired percentage removal of pathogenic compounds has been ascertained using the first-order decay equation. For evaluating effectiveness of the technique, the physico-chemical and biological parameters of extracted bank filtrate from 22 wells located in the vicinity of the River Ganga and the Upper Ganga Canal network at Haridwar have been analysed for the non-monsoon and the monsoon periods. The physico-chemical parameters of the extracted water showed concentration much below the acceptable limits, except turbidity. The percentage removal of turbidity in the extracted water was found about 98 and 76 during the monsoon and non-monsoon periods respectively, in comparison to water from the river/ canal. The count of biological parameters, viz. total coliform and faecal coliform in the extracted water is removed considerably (65% to 85%), but is found above the acceptable limit. The reason could be mixing of bank filtrate with the rich constituents in the groundwater. It is suggested that bank filtration dilutes groundwater quality and can be regarded as a technique to conjunctive management of surface and groundwater quality.

4 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

007216   Bapat A (NO, , 111, Tara Residency, 202, Kothrud, Pune-411 038, Email: arunbapateq@gmil.com) : Earthquake early warning system and its implementation in India. Curr Sci 2015, 109(3), 405-6.

13 ref

007215   Assaf H (NO, American Univ of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), P O Box-100 021) : Analysis of an anomalous flooding event in the peace river in Canada. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2015, 14(3), 557-62.

This paper provides an analysis of a major river ice breakup on the Peace River in Canada, which led to the flooding of the Town of Peace River on February 28, 1992. The event is unique, as it occurred in the mid-winter under regulated river conditions with no clear explanation of its cause, and despite the implementation of extensive mitigation measures. Investigative analysis of weather and river flow conditions in the Peace River region, prior to and during this flooding event, provides clues to the possible causes of the breakup. These clues could be used to predict similar events in the future with sufficient lead time to avert the occurrence of the ice jam flooding.

7 illus, 12 ref

007214   Adarsh Kumar (Physics Dep, Amity Institute of Applied Science, Amity Univ, Noida-201 303) : Aerosols cloud properties in dynamic atmosphere over Kedarnath sub-Himalayan region of India: A long term study from MODIS satellite. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2015, 14(3), 493-500.

Present long term study deals with the aerosol-cloud optical properties carried out during 2003-2012 over Kedarnath (30.73°N, 79.07°E) of the sub-Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India with a resolution of 1°x1° grid in magnitude. The study was conducted using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor onboard NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites. Interannual and seasonal variations of Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) are examined in the light of regional synoptic climatic meteorology. Aerosol optical depths have found to be increased <62>28% across Kedarnath region of India during the study period of 2003-2012. Annual mean Terra/Aqua AOD values at 550 nm displayed an increasing trend at a rate of <126>0.0045/0.0089 per year respectively. Further, seasonal winter means Terra/Aqua AOD values exhibit an increasing trend at a rate of <126>0.013/0.006 per year respectively. The results extracted in the present study are compared with the earlier studies as well as with the AOD values over various other Indian regions.

8 illus, 53 ref

006109   Veena Kumari;Sherring A (Soil Dep, Water, Land Engineering and Management, SHIATS, Allahabad-211 007) : Development of autoregressive time series model to predict rainfall and runoff for ohan watershed of Chitrakoot district. Allahabad Fmr 2015, 71(1), 23-8.

Study was conducted with the prime objective to develop a stochastic time series model to predict rainfall and runoff of Ohan watershed of area is located on the bank of Balmeeki river of Chitrakoot district. The area of the watershed is 474 sq.km and the data of 13 years from 1997 to 2009 were used to develop the model. Autoregressive (AR) models of orders 0, 1 and 2 were tried to develop a autoregressive time series model for annual rainfall and runoff. The various parameters of model were estimated by the general recursive formula proposed by Kottegoda (1980). The goodness of fit and adequacy of models were tested by Box-Pierce Portmonteau test, Akaike Information Criterion and by comparison of measured and predicted correlogram of rainfall and runoff. The AIC value for AR (1) model (128.8872) is lying between AR (0) (133.2072) and AR (2) (129.0538) which is satisfying the selection criteria. The mean prediction error is less in case of runoff by AR (1) model. The Graphical representation between measured and generated correlogram shows that there is close agreement between rainfall and runoff. The comparison between the measured and predicted rainfall and runoff by AR (1) model, clearly shows that the developed model can be use efficiently for the prediction of rainfall and runoff for the Ohan catchment which is beneficial for the farmers and research workers for water harvesting, ground water recharge, flood control and development of their water management strategies.

4 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

006108   Shahat A A;Ibrahim A Y;Alsaid M S (Pharmacognosy Dep, College of Pharmacy, King Saud Univ, PO Box 2457, Riyadh, Email: aashahat@hotmail.com) : Antioxidant capacity and polyphenolic content of seven Saudi Arabian Medicinal herbs traditionally used in Saudi Arabia. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2015, 14(1), 28-35.

Using of plants of Saudi Arabia for the cure of many ailments is ancient and still available among the tribal and local people and medicinal healers. In this study, alcoholic extract of seven plants from Tanhat protected area, Saudi Arabian, were studied for their antioxidant properties. The antioxidant properties were evaluated using different antioxidant tests, including inhibition of lipid peroxidation, reducing power, metal ion chelation, scavenging of free radical, superoxide anion radical, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide as well as total antioxidant capacity. Trigonella hamosa and Ducrosia anethifolia had powerful antioxidant activity, had 100% inhibition on peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion at 200 μg/ml while Cleome ambliocarpa was the most efficient as scavenger. The presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the extracts, which were detected by Folin-Ciocalteu may be responsible for the antioxidant activities of Heliotropium ramosissimum which exhibited the highest reduction capability with highest polyphenolic content (48mg/100mg extract as chlologenic acid). Moreover, Trigonella hamosa and Convolvulus prostates had effective metal chelating activity (100% ion chelation at 100μg/ml). Those various antioxidant activities were compared to standard antioxidants such as butylatedhydroxytoluene (BHT) and vitamin C.

3 illus, 4 table, 22 ref

006107   Sengupta S;Sarkar S;Syed R (Geology Dep, Calcutta Univ, 35 Ballygaunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 084, Email: ssggeol@gmail.com) : Ultrastructures in the lateral part of Nummulites Vredenburgi Prever (foraminiferida). Curr Sci 2015, 109(1), 22-5.

2 illus, 23 ref

006106   Rawat M S;Uniyal D P;Dobhal R;Joshi V;Rawat B S;Bartwal A;Singh D;Aswal A (NO, Uttarakhand State Council for Science & Technology, Vigyan Dham Jhara, Dehradun-248 007, Email: manmohansinghrwt@gmail.com) : Landslide hazard zonation in Mandakini valley, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand using remote sensing and GIS. Curr Sci 2015, 109(1), 158-70.

Mandakini Valley of Rudraprayag district, Utta-rakhand witnessed unprecedented damage to life, property, infrastructure and landscape on 16 and 17 June 2013 due to torrential rains. Run-off discharge data indicate that antecedent rainfall exceeded the limit and the overflow of rivers led to landslide in the region and flash floods in the downstream areas. Fragile geology of the area, close to Main Central Thrust (MCT), degradation processes and torrential rains are responsible for triggering landslides and flash floods. A landslide inventory was carried out in the affected areas based on pre- and post-flood high resolution satellite data (LISS-IV and Cartosat-2). A total of 290 landslides were identified from pre-flood satellite LISS IV (2011) imagery and 1665 were identified in post-flood satellite imagery along major rivers. Using remote sensing and geographic information system techniques, thematic layers were generated. Using the weightage rating system, a landslide hazard zona-tion map of the area was prepared. Each class within a thematic layer was assigned an ordinal rating from 1 to 9. Summation of these attribute values was then multiplied by the corresponding weights to yield different zones of landslide hazard. A landslide hazard zonation map having five different zones ranging from very low hazard zone to very high hazard zone was prepared with the objective to create a reliable database for post-disaster management and for planning developmental activities in the district.

13 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref