001246   Merev A;Dedeoglu S;Gulnihar K (NO, TUBITAK UME (National Metrology Institute of Turkey), Gebze Yerleskesi, P.O.Box 54, 41470 Kocaeli) : Erratum to: evaluation of the performance of portable new design high dC voltage measuring system up to 40 kV. MAPAN 2014, 29(3), 163.

001245   Meganathan S;Sivaramakrishnan T R (Srinivasa Ramanujan Centre, SASTRA Univ, Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu-612 001, Email: vsmnathan@gmail.com) : Technique for spot weather forecsting. Mausam 2015, 66(1), 33-42.

Emphasis of present work is to provide some guidance to the operational forecasters for indicating the possible occurrence of rainfall (wet day) before 24 hours and 48 hours during Northeast and Southwest monsoon season over the inland station Trichirappalli (Latitude 10°46' N / Longitude 78°43' E) of south India. The interesting aspect of the methodology is that it is based only on the "in situ" data of meteorological parameters. Data mining technique is used. The weather patterns of hot day and cold day for April and May months during summer and January, February and March months during winter respectively have also been extracted using the same method. The study shows that the proposed data mining model can predict the occurrence of rainfall, hot day during summer and cold * day during winter with the help of local weather parameters.

14 tables, 29 ref

001244   Maji B;Karmakar S;Dutta R K (NO, Rabindra Bharati Univ, 56A, B.T. Road, Kolkata-50, Email: rupam_2007bijoy@rediffmail.com) : Geomorphological impact on river associated hazards of the kosi fan. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2014, 37(1), 248-53.

River Kosi has formed one of the world largest alluvial fan (25°2 " to 26°48" and 86°26" to 87°28") covering an area of about 10000 sq km, extending in both Nepal and India. An alluvial fan is a cone shaped depositional feature formed at the topographical break of mountain front or a high land. There are various natural hazards, like river bank erosion, flood, avulsion, channel migration etc occurs in the Kosi fan area. Analysis of these hazards have been done in GIS environment using topographical map, satellite images, geological map and SRTM Dem. Field investigation have been done, in some selected parts of the fan mainly near the confluencing area of Kosi and Ganga for ground truth verification. Study reveals that besides the role of climatology, hydrology; geology and tectonics geomorphology in terms of topography and drainage characteristics of both the upper catchment and fan surface is a major contributing factor for the origin of the hazards. Researchers have also identified three broad physiographic zones over the fan surface, i.e. active zone, abandoned zone and relic zones depending on drainage characteristics. Among these zones, active and abandoned zones are more susceptible to different types of hydro geomorphic hazards like; flood, shifting of channel, avulsion etc..

3 illus, 11 ref

001243   Kundal M P (Geology Post Graduate Dep, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur Univ, Law College Square, Nagpur-440 001, Email: milind.kundal@gmail.com) : Foraminifera from the late middle eocene to early middle miocene sequence of the kachchh offshore basin, western India: palaeoenvironmental significance. J Palaeont Soc India 2014, 59(2), 219-28.

The present paper documents 7 foraminifera from the Fulra Limestone (late middle Eocene), 5 foraminifera from the Godhra Formation (early Miocene) and 13 foraminifera from the Chhasra Formation (early middle Miocene) from the Kachchh Offshore Basin. Out of 7 foraminifera discovered from the Fulra limestone, 2 foraminifera Linderina and Lockhartia broadly support the late middle Eocene age of this formation; out of 5 foraminifera recorded from the Godhra Formation, only Miogypsina broadly supports the Early Miocene age of this formation and out of 13 foraminifera documented from the Chhasra Formation, only 2 foraminifera, Austrotrillina howchini and Pseudotaberina malaberica precisely reinforce early middle Miocene age of this formation. Based on presence of foraminifera, it is surmised that the core samples of limestone belonging to these three formations (Fulra limestone, Godhra and Chhasra formations) were deposited in inner shelf environment with a water depth of not more than 50m in low energy condition.

3 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

001242   Khole M;Sunitha Devi S (NO, , Meteorological Office, Pune-411 005) : Cyclones and depressions over the North Indian ocean during 2013. Mausam 2014, 65(3), 299-18.

1 illus, 3 tables

001241   Jaiswal R S;Neela V S;Fredrick S R;Rasheed M; Zaveri L;Sowmya V (Centre for Study on Rainfall & Radio wave Propagation, Sona College of Technology, Salem-636 005, Email: crrp.official@yahoo.com) : Identification of convective/stratiform dominance over surface rainfall. Mausam 2014, 65(2), 219-32.

In order to find out the characteristics of stratiform/convective dominance over surface rainfall, upper-air meteorological elements like cloud liquid water (CLW), precipitation water (PW) and latent heat (LH) have been analysed from the surface to a height of 18 km, for a few selected stations in India and a few other global locations. The data required for the study are the CLW, PW, LH and rainfall data from the data product 2A12 of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI) for the period 1999-2002, 2007 and 2008; bright band height (BBH) and freezing level height (HFL) data from 2A23 of the Precipitation Radar (PR) onboard TRMM for the period 1999 - 2002. Vertical profiles of PW, LH and CLW have been presented. Two new parameters, called height of peak cloud liquid water (HPCL) and precipitation water at HPCL have been introduced. HP.CL is defined as the height where CLW shows its peak. It is found that absorption and evolution of LH along the vertical column, PW values at HPCL and the level of LH absorption peak are able to explain stratiform/convective dominance over surface rainfall.

2 illus, 4 tables, 37 ref

001240   Jain S;Desai B G (NO, , DG-2, Flat No. 126C, Vikas Puri, New Delhi-110 018) : Biostratigraphic implications of teh discovery of late Bathonian Indonesian ammonite Macrocephalites CF. Mantataranus Boehm [M] from the core of Jara dome, Kachchh, Western India. J Palaeont Soc India 2014, 59(2), 169-80.

Age of the basal sediments at Jara (Kachchh, Western India) has been a matter of debate due to the absence of time diagnostic fossils (notably of ammonites and nannofossils). Previous nannofossil records from these basal beds indicate an Early Callovian age, whereas ammonite records (largely noted in passing), point to either a Latest Bathonian or an Earliest Callovian interval. Now, for the first time, from the core (basal marl and marlstone intercalations) of the Jara Dome, discovery of a typical Latest Bathonian Indonesian ammonite Macrocephalites of. mantataranus Boehm [M] is recorded. A similar find is now also documented from coeval Latest Bathonian strata (the Sponge beds) of the Jumara Dome, <126>12 km east of Jara. Previous nannofossil assemblage data from Jara is also critically reviewed with updated biochronology and it suggests that the nannofossils assemblage is not exclusively Early Callovian age, as has been suggested but is of late Middle Callovian age (late part of the Middle Callovian Tethyan Gracilis Zone). Additionally, based on morphological similarity, coeval stratigraphic distribution and statistical analyses, the present study reaffirms the close affinity of the Indonesian M. mantataranus Boehm [M] with the Kachchh Bathonian zonal index Macrocephalites triangularis Spath [M].

8 illus, 2 tables, 38 ref

001239   Hegde R;Natarajan A;Meena R S;Niranjana K V; Thayalan S;Singh S K (NO, National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (ICAR), Hebbal, Bengaluru-560 024, Email: rajendrahanagar@gmail.com) : Status of soil degradation in an irrigated command area in Chikkarasinakere hobli, Mandya district, Karnataka. Curr Sci 2015, 108(8), 1501-11.

Of late, the crop productivity levels in many irrigated command areas have plateaued or started declining rapidly due to the deterioration of soil health. Unscientific and excessive irrigation, growing crops not compatible with the soils and unscientific management of soils are the main causes for the present situation. Waterlogging, increased salinity/sodicity, nutrient imbalance, shrinking diversity of micro-flora and fauna have become major constraints limiting the choice of crop and crop productivity. We present a study on this issue from the Cauvery command area. Detailed cadastral-level survey taken up to study the status of soil and other resources occurring in Chik-karasinakere block of Mandya district, Karnataka during 2010 has brought out the alarming state of land degradation observed in the area. Nearly 59% of the area is suffering from various degrees of chemical and physical degradation. The situation becomes alarming because the area had well-drained red soils highly suitable for irrigated agriculture when irrigation was introduced during 1930s. The process of degradation will accelerate if appropriate interventions/investments are not undertaken on priority. Continuation of present management practices can rapidly damage the soil health. As the command area is one of the important rice bowls of Karnataka, there is an urgent need to reverse the process of degradation by adopting site-specific interventions as indicated in the study. The present study reveals that the Cauvery command are in Karnataka is losing Rs 1000 crores every year due to this problem.

12 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref

001238   Hazra A;Bhattacharya S;Banik P (Agricultural Ecological Research Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata-700 108, Email: sabyasachi@isical.ac.in) : Modelling nakshatra-wise rainfall data of the eastern plateau region of India. Mausam 2014, 65(2), 264-70.

6 tables, 13 ref

001237   Hayu R;Purnomo D (NO, KIM LIPI Research Center, Kompleks PUSPIPTEK G 420, Serpong, Tangerang 15314, Indonesia, Email: renanta_hk@yahoo.com) : Effect of heat treatment to magnetic susceptibility on SS 304 a material for OIML weight standard. MAPAN 2014, 29(3), 151-5.

Changes in the value of magnetic susceptibility of SS 304 due to heat treatment effect were examined in this research to observed its possibility to be used as material for OIML weight standards. Five samples of 100 g from SS 304 were prepared and their magnetic susceptibiity were measured based on the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures method following different heat treatment to each sample. Heating temperature points were selected at 800 and 1,100 °C, each of them followed by slow and rapid cooling method. Change in the value of magnetic suceptibility was confirmed with X-ray diffraction (XRD) method to examine the change in the amount of ferrite on each sample. The initial value of magnetic susceptibility measured on the sample without heat treatment was (0.0064 ± 0.0007), and the lowest value obtained from the different samples was (0.0040 ± 0.0004) measured on the sample with heat treatment at 800 °C. The lowest magnetic susceptibility value obtained in this research met the requirement of the international recommendation and the measured change of the value of magnetic susceptibility was consistent with the amount of ferrite that contained in the sample obtained based on XRD pattern.

5 illus, 8 tables, 10 ref

001236   Hamza G G (NO, National Institute for Standards (NIS - Egypt), Tersa St., Elharam, Giza, Egypt, Email: gihan_gomah@yahoo.com) : EURAMET comparison of time interval measurement. MAPAN 2014, 29(3), 207-12.

At April 2003 there were 25 National Metrology Institutes in 25 countries that are members in the European Association of National Metrology Institutes (EURAMETs) agreed to participate in an inter-laboratory comparison for time interval measurement (TIM). The main target of this comparison, as mentioned by EURAMET, was to support the current calibration measurement capabilities for TI and to gain better understanding of the TIM. Cable delay measurement was taken as an example. The time delay of three different length coaxial cables (short, medium, and long) was measured. The majority of the laboratories used the Counter Method. There was a large span between the measurements for all cables (about 1 ns). Consequently, the measurement results that had been published at 2007 were not satisfied for the participant laboratories. In this article, we study the probable reasons for this considerable span between the different measurements for the same artifact.

6 illus, 2 tables, 121 ref

001235   Gusain H S;Mishra V D;Bhutiyani M R (Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment, Research and Development Centre, Chandigarh, Email: gusain_hs@yahoo.co.in) : Winter temperature and snowfall trends in the cryospheric region of north-west himalaya. Mausam 2014, 65(3), 425-32.

Aim of the present study is to investigate the temperature and snowfall trends in the cryosphere region of north-west Himalaya during winter season. 37 observation stations of North-West Himalaya have been considered for the study and these stations receive snowfall during winter season. The snow meteorological data period of the parameters maximum temperature, minimum temperature and snowfall varied from one observation station to other observation station between 1970 to 2011. Monthly and seasonal trends of these parameters during winter have been studied. Linear regression analysis was used for trend analysis. Parametric t-test was used to test the significance of the regression coefficient. Altitude effect in the trends of the meteorological parameters has been noticed. It was observed that more than 75% of the observation stations in the altitude range < 4000 m a.s.l. showed increasing trend in maximum temperature and minimum temperature during winter season, out of which around 25% trends were statistically significant. Most of the observation stations in the altitude range > 4000 m showed decreasing trend of maximum and minimum temperature. Decreasing snowfall trend was observed at most of the stations in the altitude range < 4000 m out of which around 20% trends were statistically significant. Significant decrease in snowfall was observed for the months March and April below 4000 m altitude.

4 illus, 7 tables, 4 ref

001234   Goyal S;Sikka D R;Tyagi A (NO, , India Meteoroligical Dep, New Delhi-110 003, Email: suman_goyal61@yahoo.co.in) : Morphology of long lasting mesoscale convective system under weak synoptic forcing over the gangetic plain in may 2010 during the STORM-2010 campaign. Mausam 2014, 65(3), 333-52.

Case study of long-lasting cloud cluster with embedded severe thunderstorms is conducted using the satellite data to demonstrate the efficacy of tracking such systems for help in nowcasting severe weather. The system had some unique features as it originated over Uttarakhand region (6 May 2010, 1300 UTC), travelled all across the Indo-Gangetic plains and reaching up-to Odisha/Bangladesh 24 to 36 hrs after its origin. The signature of the satellite information is analyzed in terms of cloud top temperature (CTT) from Kalpana-1 and associated rainfall from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) data. Intensity of the system is determined with the analysis of meteorological observations, automatic weather station (AWS), airport weather reports, autographic data and the meteorological tower data at Ranchi and Kharagpur. The use of satellite data provided one of the primary information for determining the intensity of the system and its areal dimensions. The paper discusses the evaluation of the convective system through its life history in some detail. In its long life, the convective system becomes intense in two phases. The first phase was over western Uttar Pradesh (UP) and the second phase was over Bihar, Jharkhand West Bengal belt. Radar information is used for the second phase of intensification as the system came under surveillance of Kolkata radar.

14 illus, 4 tables, 5 ref

001233   Gore P G;Jamadar S M (NO, , India Meteorological Dep, Pune-411 005, Email: gore_prabhavati@rediffmail.com) : Role of Indian ocean temperatures on droughts over Andhra Pradesh. Mausam 2014, 65(3), 385-92.

Analysis of drought over a smaller scale region is requirement of many users, mainly planners. In the present study an attempt has been made to see the impact of Indian Ocean temperatures on the droughts over Andhra Pradesh state by considering correlation between sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies over Bay of Bengal during different months and area affected by drought over Andhra Pradesh state during the period 1950 - 2000. The study would be useful in the early warning of drought over Andhra Pradesh by monitoring of sea surface temperatures over Bay of Bengal in different grids and would be beneficial for planners.

2 illus, 6 tables, 21 ref

001232   Ghosh K G;Mukhopadhyaya S (Research Scholar, Geography Dep, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal, Email: k.g.ghosh@india.com) : Downstream variation of channel hydro-morphology a study on Bakreshwar river channel, Eastern India. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2014, 37(1), 267-75.

There are several empirical study which demonstrates downstream variation of channel hydro-morphological parameters like, average slope of the bank, channel width, channel depth, cross sectional area, flow velocity etc. As per those studies there are definite trends of increase or decrease of those variables. In the present study an attempt has been taken to detect the downstream trend of the selected parameters, variation or deviation of those with the previous study and how they are related to each others with particular reference to 24 cross sectional sites across Bakreshwar river channel of eastern India. Results at shows that, cross sectional area and wetted width of post monsoon coinciding with the normal principle (parameter value increases downstream). Bankful width, wetted width (Monsoon) and maximum wetted depth (post monsoon) marginally match with the theoretical principle. Average velocity, velocity in post monsoon, velocity in monsoon, average bank side slope, left bank slope, right bank slope, maximum wetted depth in monsoon and maximum channel depth is reverse to the normal principle. Some significant relationship between pair of morphological parameters are bankful width and wetted width (monsoon), maximum wetted depth (monsoon) and velocity (monsoon), bankful width and cross sectional area, bankful width and wetted width (post monsoon) etc. In fine it can be said that, this river channel is not exactly resembled with theoretical principles in all the parameters.

9 illus, 4 tables, 9 ref

001231   Geetha B;Raj Y E A (NO, Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, Email: geethab67@gmail.com) : One forty year data archive of dates of onset and withdrawal of northeast monsoon over coastal Tamil Nadu : 1871-2010 (re-determination for 1901-2000). Mausam 2015, 66(1), 7-18.

Dates of onset and withdrawal of northeast monsoon (NEM) over Coastal Tamil Nadu (CTN) are determined for the 140 year period of 1871-2010 using daily rainfall data of 25 coastal stations of Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh. For the period 1901-2000, these dates are actually re-determined as they had earlier been determined by the second author using a coarse dataset of daily rainfall data of 4-6 coastal stations of Tamil Nadu. The methodology adopted is the same as the one adopted in the earlier study. The re-determined dates are compared with the ones determined earlier. For the period 1901-2000, the mean date of NEM onset and its standard deviation remain unchanged at 20 October and 8 days respectively, but, the mean date of NEM withdrawal is extended by three days, from 27 December to 30 December. For the periods 1871-1900 and 2001-2010, the mean dates of NEM onset are 17 October and 18 October respectively and the mean date of NEM withdrawal is the same for both the periods at 23 December. In the decadal scale, the mean date of NEM onset over CTN varies between 16-25 October and that of withdrawal, between 19 December to 9 January. Time series analysis of dates of NEM onset and withdrawal indicate that there is no significant trend in both the series. Also, there is no significant correlation between the two series and hence, for a given year, the dates of NEM onset and withdrawal are independent of each other. However, there are indications of existence of significant cross / lag / cross-lag correlations within and amongst the two series. Analysis of dates of NEM withdrawal on a sub-regional scale indicates that withdrawal of NEM from CTN occurs in a phased manner, with the withdrawal from the northern parts (mean date: 17 December) occurring about two weeks prior to the withdrawal from the central and southern parts of CTN (mean date : 31 December).

5 illus, 5 tables, 8 ref

001230   Geetha B;Raj Y E A (NO, , India Meteorological Dep, Chennai-600 006, Email: geetha67@gmail.com) : Spatial patterns of northeast monsoon rainfall over sub-regions of southern peninsular India and Sri Lanka as revealed through empirical orthogonal function analysis. Mausam 2014, 65(2), 185-204.

Spatial variability of northeast monsoon (NEM) rainfall of peninsular India and Sri Lanka is studied using Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis based on monthly / seasonal rainfall data for the months of October, November, December, January and for the season October-December (OND) for the 107 year period of 1900-2006 over nine sub-regions defined for the study based on climatology and geography. Monthly / seasonal rainfall series over these nine sub-regions are subjected to EOF analysis and 2-3 significant Principal Components (PCs) are identified for each case. Each PC is then linked to physical modes known to be associated with NEM using correlation and compositing techniques. For the OND season and for all the four individual months, the first PC explaining maximum variance of 49-64% in the spatial rainfall distribution is identified with the overall NEM strength. The second and the third PCs are identified with rainfall due to passage of synoptic scale systems such as cyclones and depressions (explaining 11-20% variation) and southwest monsoon (SWM) rainfall prior to onset of NEM in October (15% variance explained). PCs representing NEM strength and SWM contribution exhibit contrasting nature of relation with the major climate index Southern Oscillation Index. Relation between the PCs and important regional circulation features, viz., the subtropical ridge at 200 hPa level and the equatorial trough at 850 hPa are used to delineate the PCs associated with SWM and NEM rainfall during October. The study also reveals that the sub-region of north coastal Andhra Pradesh is not benefitted by the over NEM strength but, receives rainfall due to passage of cyclonic disturbances and SWM prior to NEM onset.

3 illus, 4 tables, 23 ref

001229   Das S;Bhattacharjee K;Hazarika G C;Ali P; Luitel M P;Choudhury A;Shaw S O;Awadesh Kumar (NO, Regional Meteorological Centre, Guwahati, India, Email: das.sunit@rediffmail.com) : Quantitative precipitation forecast for the Brahmaputra and the Barak basins by synoptic analogue technique. Mausam 2015, 66(1), 43-76.

Paper formulates a model for issuing quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) by Synoptic Analogue Technique (SAT) for the Brahmaputra basin and the Barak basin of North East Region of India (NER) comprising fifteen sub-catchments of the river Brahmaputra and a single catchment of the river Barak. Ten years data (2001-2010) during the flood season (15 May to 15 October) have been used in developing the model. The results so * obtained were verified with the realised Average Areal Precipitation (AAP) for the corresponding synoptic situations during the flood season 2011 for each sub-catchment. Based on 2 x 2 contingency table; different skill scores were calculated and found that the model so developed can produce QPF with reasonable higher accuracy and has good forecast skill.

22 tables, 8 ref

001228   Das G;Chakraborty P (Folklore Dep, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani-741 235) : Folk tourism at Araku valley in Andhra Pradesh. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2014, 37(1), 23-9.

Folk tourism is one of the emerging branches of tourism industry. It is a form of ethnotourism involving indigenous communities and attracts cultural tourists who are concerned about the way of life of primitive people as well as the people of the country living within forests, hills and remote villages, far from the influence of modern civilization. Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh is one of the popular ethnotourism hubs of India, frequently visited by international tourists. This paper is an attempt to evaluate the status of folk tourism in the area with a planning appraisal.

3 tables, 11 ref

001227   Choudhary U K;Singh G P;Singh O P;Srivastava A K (India Meteorological Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi, Email: gpsinghbhu@hotmail.com) : Impact of eastern equatorial Indian ocean during positive tropical dipole on regions over Tamilnadu and coastal Andhra Pradesh. Mausam 2014, 65(3), 407-16.

Main objective of the present work is to investigate the influence of eastern Sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies during the Positive Tropical Indian Ocean dipole (PTIOD) events on regional summer monsoon rainfall especially over Tamilnadu and Coastal Andhra Pradesh (A. P.) for the period of 1980-2009. There were 7 strong PTIOD events recorded during the period of study which are accompanied by significant increase in the seasonal summer monsoon rainfall over India. Averaged SST anomalies (SSTA) over the EQ.ESIO (Equatorial Eastern South Indian Ocean) during AMJ (April, May, June) shows that colder (warmer) EQ.ESIO during AMJ and positive TIOD events were associated with the decreasing (increasing) tendency of summer monsoon rainfall over Tamilnadu and coastal A.P. The statistical analysis shows the correlation coefficient of 0.59 and 0.79 between AMJSST anomalies and the rainfall over Tamilnadu and Coastal A. P. respectively. Wind anomalies during PTIOD years with negative AMJSSTA, transports the cold upwelled oceanic current off Sumatra-Java towards the South West Bay of Bengal (SWBOB) and caused anomalous SST cooling in the region. Thus, the low level southerly wind reaching over the SWBOB during AMJ enforced the colder oceanic surface temperature of the region during the month of maximum solar insolation and thereby weak thermal gradient was observed with the shifting of the convective activity towards the southeast/northern Bay of Bengal (BOB). Moreover, less moisture advection with less convective activity in SWBOB region during pre-monsoon season may be the caused of the below-normal rainfall over Tamilnadu and coastal A. P. subdivisions during June, July, August and September (JJAS). Higher outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) in this region was associated with the weak low level convergence and cloud formation. The wet years have large negative OLR Indices whereas dry years have relatively higher values. Due to ocean-atmosphere thermal coupling in the lower troposphere, thickness anomalies developed over the SWBOB region with the same sign as the underlying SST anomalies. The lowest negative thickness anomaly during July-August has been found in 1994 (dry year). Anomalous cold (warm) SST leads to negative (positive) thickness anomalies over the SWBOB, extending over the lower eastern coast of India in dry (wet) cases. Thermal winds associated with the weakening (intensifying; of thermal gradient have greater impact on seasonal winds over the SWBOB leading to decrease (increase) in the latent heat loss. On analyzing the variations in the heat budget component latent heat flux (LHF), positive LHF anomaly in the range of 20-40 w/m^{2 was found during May in the driest year of 1994 over the domain of the SWBOB. Warm AMJSSTA over the EQ. ESIO during PTIOD years, like 2007, low level enhanced westerly wind reached over the central ESOB due to thermal contrast caused strong convection in the region and resulting huge band of convective cloud formation leads to high rainfall over the Eastern Ghats of India.}

6 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

001226   Chinchorkar S S;Sayyad F G;Vaidya V B;Pandye V (NO, Anand Agricultural Univ, Anand, Email: sachin_chinchorkar@yahoo.com) : Trend detection in annual maximum temperature and precipitation using the Mann Kendall test - a case study to assess climate change on Anand of central Gujarat. Mausam 2015, 66(1), 1-6.

Study of rainfall characteristics changes is critical for agricultural, environmental and water resources projects. Generally, trend test performs for evaluation of direction and magnitude of changes, but the test is not able to demonstrate abrupt change in time series if it occurs. The trends of maximum atmospheric temperature, rainfall are analysed for meteorological data of Anand district in Central Gujarat India. The long-term change in temperature, rainfall (Seasonal & Annual) has been analysed by correlation and linear trend analysis. The increasing trend in MMAX temperature and decreasing trends in TMRF, TMRF (J-S), is observed and is confirmed by Mann-Kendall trend test. It is observed that annual MMAX temperature has increased and annual TMRF decreased during the last 41 years in Anand of Central Gujarat., the TMRF (J-S) shows statistically significant decreasing trend shows statistically insignificant decreasing trend during the last 41 years and is confirmed by Mann Kendall trend at 5% level of significance. The Maximum temperature, rainfall during period 1970 to 2011 obtained from Department of Agricultural Meteorology, Anand were analysed. It is observed that Mean of maximum temperature shows increasing trend, total monthly rainfall and total monthly rainfall in the rainy season days shows decreasing trend in Anand of central Gujarat.

4 illus, 5 tables, 10 ref

001225   Chan P W (NO, , Hong Kong Observatory, 134A Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China, Email: pwchan@hko.gov.hk) : Observation and numerical simulation of terrain-disrupted wavy motion in the boundary layer with minor temperature inversion/isothermal at the hong kong international airport. Mausam 2014, 65(2), 233-44.

Wavy motion in the boundary layer with minor temperature inversion (less than 1 degree Celsius)/isothermal for terrain-disrupted airflow at the Hong Kong International Airport is documented in the present paper. Wave magnitude of about 3 m/s near the ground increasing to 5 to 6 m/s at 200 m has been observed from the vertical velocity measurement from a minisodar on 13 April, 2012. The wavy motion is not observed from other meteorological measurements, such as conical scan of the radial velocity from a Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) system. It is studied in more detail using high-resolution numerical weather prediction model. It is shown in the model simulation results that the wavy motion appears to be associated with airflow disruption of the prevailing south to southwesterly winds by a mountain to the south of the airport.

12 illus, 5 ref

001224   Calla O P N;Sharma R;Gadri K L;Agrahari S K; Kalla A;Rathore G (NO, International Centre for Radio Science, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Email: opnc06@gmail.com) : Microwave remote sensing application for monitoring of floods. Mausam 2014, 65(2), 147-52.

Many times heavy and continuous rains give rise to flooding in the rivers. Devastating floods occurred in rivers Ganga and Kosi in Bihar (India) and in Damodar and Hooghly rivers in West Bengal (India) during 2011. In the present paper, passive microwave remote sensing data is utilized for detection and monitoring of floods that occurred in Darbhanga (Bihar) and Midnapore (West Bengal) India, in the year 2011 during monsoon season. Special Sensor Microwave Imager Sounder (SSMIS) brightness temperature (Tb) data at 19 GHz & 91 GHz in both vertical and horizontal polarisations and Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) Tb data at 1.4 GHz are used to detect and monitor the flood occurrences. An attempt has been made to detect and monitor the flood events using 19 GHz Tb, difference of. 19 and 91 GHz Tbs, and 1.4 GHz Tb, with both horizontal and vertical polarizations. Highest sensitivity to flood occurrence is observed for (19 GHz - 91 GHz) Tbs in horizontal polarization. Flood affected areas are mapped using (19 GHz - 91 GHz) Tbhs (Brightness temperatures with horizontal polarisation) values and compared with the Radarsat-1 images to show a general agreement between passive and active microwave remote sensing data. The comparison also shows an over-estimation of flooded area from passive microwave data.

7 illus, 13 ref

001223   Bhaskar V V (NO, , India Meteorological Dep, Pune, Email: vvvbhaskar@yahoo.com) : Hydro-climatic characteristics of hill stations of India. Mausam 2015, 66(1), 129-38.

Hydro climatic characteristics of 18 hill stations selected from all regions of the country is taken up in the present investigation. Climatic shifts and stability, normal as well as extremities of water budget elements at all the 18 selected stations for the 1961-2010 period are obtained through study of inter annual variation of humidity, aridity and moisture indices. Decadal frequency of climatic shifts, influence of ENSO and La Nina events on moisture index and extremities of water budget elements at individual stations is another aspect that is studied. It is appropriate that frequency of occurrence and intensities of humid (Flood) and drought events are studied during southwest monsoon season rather on annual basis, as 75% of annual rainfall occur during southwest monsoon season. Also several studies concluded that performance of southwest monsoon has teleconnection to the ENSO and La Nina phenomena. Frequency of occurrence and intensities of humid (Flood) and drought events have been obtained through study of inter seasonal variation of humidity and aridity indices during southwest monsoon season. Trend in seasonal humidity index and the influence of ENSO and La Nina events, in the study period, on the humidity and aridity indices: is also presented. Region-wise and decadal frequency of occurrence of humid / drought events is brought out. Percentage occurrence of total humid events over all 17 moist climate hill stations put together, category wise as well as total, along with their trend is also brought out. Potential evapotranspiration and precipitation are computed on a monthly basis to force the revised Thronthwaite and Mather water balance model to derive the basic water budget elements and thereby other parameters.

3 illus, 6 tables, 17 ref

001222   Bhaskar V V (NO, , Meteorological Office, Pune-411 005, Email: vvvbhaskar@yahoo.com) : Aerosol optical thickness over Indian Antarctica station Maitri. Mausam 2014, 65(2), 261-3.

10 ref

001221   Bhan S C;Devrani A K;Sinha V (NO, , India Meteorological Dep, New Delhi-110 003, Email: scbhan@yahoo.com) : Analysis of monthly rainfall and the meteorological conditions associated with cloudburst over the dry region of Leh (Ladakh), India. Mausam 2015, 66(1), 107-22.

Catastrophic landslide induced by intense rainfall occurred near Leh in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir in western Himalayas (34.09° N/77.34° E) around 0130 - 0200 hours 1ST of 6 August, 2010. The region is a low rainfall zone on the leeward side of the Zanskar Range and is not known to experience weather event of this magnitude. Analysis of daily and monthly precipitation of Leh showed that July and August are the rainiest months. Also the analysis of annual extreme rainfall events shows that 40% of all the annual extreme events have occurred during the monsoon months of July, August and September. This analysis has established, contrary to the general belief, that southwest monsoon of India does not reach Ladakh. The two recent heavy rainfall events of 5 August, 2010 and 25 July, 2011 have been found to be associated with westward moving cyclonic circulations in middle troposphere (<126> 500 hPa) over the Tibet-Ladakh region during active monsoon conditions suggesting that such systems are crucial to produce heavy to very heavy rains over this region. Also the effect of orographic features of the region, which generally are considered to act as obstruction to rainfall, has been discussed and shown that these features may, in fact, be enhancing the rainfall associated with westward moving cyclonic circulations in the middle troposphere embedded in large scale favorable environment.

17 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

001220   Banerjee S;De D (NO, Majdia Rail Bazar High School, Majdia, Nadia, Email: snbnrj580@gmail.com) : Alteration of land use/land cover and level of sustainability local pathways to global wellbeing Kanchrapara, West Bengal. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2014, 37(1), 118-25.

Multifarious demand of land in the 21st century has made land use / land cover change inevitable. Most of these changes mainly the irreversible changes are unchecked and they put an urgent question mark on the sustainability level of the concerned biosystem. 'Biologically Productive Land and Water' (BPLW) area is an effective sustainability indicator. It represents the amount of biologically productive land and water area needed to regenerate the resources a human population consumes and to absorb and render harmless the corresponding waste. This concept empirically studied in Kanchrapara, a railway town of Greater Kolkata in West Bengal. Urban developmental activities reduce its BPLW area and put an urgent question on the level of sustainability of the town. The paper has investigated whether the urban ecosystem and the quality of environment or the total developmental scenario remain within the limit of tolerance or not.

21 illus, 12 ref

001219   Arthi Rani B;Manikandan N;Maragatham N (NO, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu-641 003, Email: arthiagrimet@gmail.com) : Trend analysis of rainfall and frequency of rainy days over Coimbatore. Mausam 2014, 65(3), 379-384.

Rainfall is very crucial for the economic development, disaster management, hydrological planning for the country. In the context of climate change, it is pertinent to ascertain whether the characteristic of Indian rainfall is also changing. Using daily rainfall data for the period of 1907-2012 analysis were carried out, to find out the change in rainfall and frequency of rainfall intensity. Results indicated that the annual rainfall is not dependable. Contribution of NEM to the total rainfall is 50.3 percent which was followed by SWM (26.3%). Contribution of NEM during every 30 years of periods was constantly increasing and the increasing trend was statistically significant at 95% confidence level. Total number of rainy days (very light, light, moderate, rather heavy, heavy, very heavy rainy days) during the study period was 80.2 days, in which the frequency of very light rainy days (35.0 days) was highest followed by light (20.7 days) and moderate rainy days (20.8 days). Trend analysis was done for all categories of rainfall to find out the presence of increasing or decreasing trend. Total number of rainy days slightly gets decreasing in all the seasons except NEM where the rainy days are increasing but the changes were not statistically significant. The results showed that there is no change in long term of monthly, seasonal, annual rainfall and frequency of rainy days. Hence, it can be concluded that there is no climate change observed over Coimbatore.

3 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

001218   Ansari M L;Madan R;Bhatia S (NO, , India Meteorological Dep, New Delhi, Email: mohimran.ansari@gmail.com) : Comparison of temperature and humidity profiles obtained from radiosonde and satellite over Delhi. Mausam 2014, 65(3), 437-40.

8 illus, 4 ref

001217   Amrender Kumar;Chattopadhyay C;Singh K N; Vennila S;Rao V (NO, Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (ICAR), New Delhi-110 012, Email: akjha@iasri.res.in) : Trend analysis of climatic variables in pigeonpea growing regions in India. Mausam 2014, 65(2), 161-70.

Trend analysis of the climate variables at different locations (Kanpur, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pusa, Pantnagar, Parbhani, Varanasi and Pune) in India were studied. These locations are very important for growing of pulses especially pigeonpea. Trend in these locations were analyzed for the maximum temperature (MaxT), minimum temperature (MinT), rainfall (RF) and bright sunshine hours (BSH) on seasonal (summer, kharif or rainy season and rabi or post-rainy season), monthly (January to December), and weekly (1-52 standard meteorological week) time scales for the period 1970-2010. Significant trends were identified using the Mann-Kendall test and the Sen's slope estimator. Maximum and minimum temperature series showed a rising trend at most of the stations. Some stations located in the north and northeastern India showed a falling trend in temperature. At most of the stations in the south, central and western parts of India a rising trend was found in various climatic variables except rainfall. Most of the data used in trend analysis pertained to the stations located in urban areas considered as heat islands.

8 tables, 25 ref

001216   Ahmad S;Kumar S (NO, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53-Univ Road, Lucknow-226 007, Email: shamimfragrence@gmail.com) : Trace fossil assemblage from the Nagaur group, Western India. J Palaeont Soc India 2014, 59(2), 231-46.

Nagaur Group represents the youngest group of the Marwar Supergroup which has yielded a good assemblage of trace fossils of Lower Cambrian age. Eighteen ichnospecies, five burrows along with two types of arthropod scratch marks have been identified. Out of this assemblage, only scratch marks and burrow structures are described from the youngest horizon of the Marwar Supergroup, i.e. the Tunkliyan Sandstone, while the other described trace fossils are from the Nagaur Sandstone exposed in the Dulmera area, Bikaner district. The present assemblage in the Nagaur Sandstone is represented by Rusophycus carbonarious, Rusophycus didymus, Cruziana fasiculata, Cruziana cf. salomonis, cf. Isopodichnus isp, Diplichnites gouldi, Planolites beverleyensis, Planolites annularis, Bergaueria perata, Monocraterion isp, Skolithos isp, Monomorphichnus lineatus, Monomorphichnus multilineatus, Dimorpkichnus obliquus, Chondrites isp, Treptichnus pedum, Palaeophycus tubularis, cf. Lockeia, scratch marks and burrow forms. The assemblage suggests a Lower Cambrian age (Stage 2 and Stage 3) to the Nagaur Group, which has a close resemblance with the Tal Formation of the Lesser Himalaya of Tommotian-Lower Atdabanian age.

3 illus, 2 tables, 81 ref

001215   Agnihotri G (NO, , Meteorological Centre, Palace Road, Bangalore, Email: g.agnihotri@imd.gov.in) : Objective forecast of thundery and non-thundery days using conventional indices over Bangalore during pre-monsoon season. Mausam 2014, 65(2), 205-14.

Prediction of thunderstorms is a challenging task for a forecaster as their spatial scale is small and lifespan is short. This study aims at evaluating the skill of stability indices with specific thresholds in relation to forecasting thundery and non-thundery days over Bangalore. A total of nine indices derived from radiosonde/radiowind data of Bangalore during 1991-2003 are treated as predictors and their statistical parameters were computed. The Z test (Z_xy) was applied to find out significant predictors and the skill score method was used for finding the threshold value amongst the significant predictors. The threshold value of selected predictors is obtained by maximising normalised skill score. The results show that significant indices K (<62> 33 °C) and SHI_m (<60> 3 °C) are most efficient predictors for 0000 UTC while SLI (<60> - 4 °C) and DCI (<62> 44 °C) are most efficient predictors for 1200UTC. These results were verified for pre-monsoon period of 2004-2006 over Bangalore.

2 illus, 3 tables, 28 ref

001214   Abdel-Wahah M;Essa K S M;Embaby M;Elsaid S E M (Meteorology and Astronomy Dep, Faculty of Science, Cairo Univ, Egypt) : Derivation of the schemes of lateral and vertical dispersion parameters: application in Gaussian plume model. Mausam 2014, 65(2), 253-60.

Main objective of this paper is to estimate the plume dispersion parameters in lateral (σ_y and vertical (σ_z) direction by using power law of wind speed and the scheme of eddy diffusivity in unstable condition. Comparison among our model and algebraic (Lidiane Buligon et al., 2008) and integral (Pasquill and Smith, 1983) formulations were made. We find that besides our model two other models are in agreement with observed data.

2 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

000155   Shreshtha M;Jain A K;Singh S (Earth Sciences Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee-247 667, Email: himalfes@gmail.com) : Shear sense analysis of the higher Himalayan crystalline belt and tectonics of the South Tibetan detachment system, Alaknanda Dhauli Ganga valleys, Uttarakhand Himalaya. Curr Sci 2015, 108(6), 1107-18.

In the central parts of Uttarakhand Himalaya, more than 20 km thick homoclinally NE-dipping Higher Himalayan Crystalline (HHC) Belt is thrust over the Lesser Himalaya Sedimentary Belt along the Main Central Thrust (MCT), and is almost continuously exposed between Helang and Malari along the Alaknanda and Dhauli Ganga valleys. The upper con- 1 tact of this belt with the Martoli Formation of the Tethyan Himalayan Sequence is demarcated by the South Tibetan Detachment System (STDS). The belt is ubiquitously marked by small-scale asymmetrical structures like S-C and S-C' foliation, porphyroclasts and porphyroblasts, mineral fishes, intrafolial folds, duplex structures, ductile-brittle shear zones, and asymmetric shear boudins. Sense of ductile to brittle-ductile shearing has been determined from these structures across the whole belt, the MCT and the STDS, and reveals two phases of shear deformation: (a) an older top-to-SW upwards phase throughout the HHC, having an overall thrust geometry (DS1), and (b) a younger superposed top-to-NE downwards phase with normal fault sense from the middle to upper parts (DS2). These shear senses provide invaluable constraints on various tectonic models currently in use for the evolution of the Himalayan metamorphics.

12 illus, 58 ref

000154   Scholz R W;Hellums D T;Roy A A (NO, Global TraPs Project, Fraunhofer IGB, Stuttgart, Nobelstrasse 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany, Email: roland.scholz@igb-extern.fraunhofer.de) : Global sustainable phosphorus management: a transdisciplinary venture. Curr Sci 2015, 108(7), 1237-46.

Phosphorus (P) is a key human, animal and plant nutrient and an important ingredient of many non-agricultural products. However, phosphorus is also a critical pollutant and is unequally used and distributed in the world. The Global Transdisciplinary Phosphorus Management (Global TraPs; 2010-2015) project organizes a multi-stakeholder discourse involving key actors at all stages of the supply-demand chain with differing viewpoints, knowledge and concerns to guide and optimize future P use. Focusing on the sustainability of future phosphorus use, Global TraPs will bring together 'practice' (producers, traders, users of phosphorus, sewage-plant operators, recycling companies, public agencies, NGOs etc.) along with those facilitating their efforts (such as policy makers and development organizations) and 'science' (researchers from various disciplines with an interest in phosphorus) to work towards a common aim, expressed in the guiding question of the project: What new knowledge, technologies and policy options are needed to ensure that future phosphorus use is sustainable, improves food security and environmental quality, and provides benefits for the poor?

6 illus, 2 tables, 38 ref

000153   Rathore D P S (Atomic Energy Dep, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Jaipur-302 033, Email: dpsr2002@yahoo.com) : Anomalous silver concentration in volcano-plutonic rocks. Curr Sci 2015, 108(6), 1030-1.

8 ref

000152   Rathore B P;Singh S K;Bahuguna I M;Brahmbhatt R M;Rajawat A S;Thapliyal A;Panwar A;Ajai (NO, Space Applications Centre (ISRO), Ahmedabad-380 015, Email: rathorebp@sac.isro.gov.in) : Spatio-temporal variability of snow cover in Alaknanda, Bhagirathi and Yamuna sub-basins, Uttarakhand Himalaya. Curr Sci 2015, 108(7), 1375-80.

Advance wide field sensor (AWiFS) data of RESOURCESAT-1 and 2 satellites of IRS series were used to produce snow cover products at 10-day interval from 2004 to 2012 covering October to June of consecutive years for Alaknanda, Bhagirathi and Yamuna sub-basins of Ganga basin in the Himalayan region. The snow products were generated using Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI) at a spatial resolution of 56 m using green (B2) and SWIR (B5) channels of AWiFS sensor. Minimum and maximum snow cover was found to be 998, 669, 141 sq. km, and 7874, 5876, 3068 sq. km for Alaknanda, Bhagirathi and Yamuna sub-basins respectively. The areal extent of snow was higher than the mean during the years 2004-2005, 2007-2008 and 2011-2012 for all sub-basins. Mean of monthly fluctuations between maximum and minimum snow cover were recorded as 3105, 2305, 1235 sq. km corresponding to variation in snow line altitude of 1613, 1770, 1440 m respectively. A subtle increase in the snow cover has been observed in these three sub-basins during 2004-2012. The results matched well with the variations in temperature taken from nearby ground weather stations. Snow cover products were analysed to understand spatio-temporal variability of accumulation and ablation of snow in the three sub-basins. Monthly fluctuations in snow cover were high during accumulation period than in ablation. This work also attributes in generation of long-term database which will be useful for understanding climatic variations over Himalayan region.

10 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

000151   Nazzal Y;Zaidi F K;Ahmed I;Ghrefat H;Naeem M; Al-Arifi N S N;Al-Shaltoni S A;Al-Kahtany K M (Mathematics and Applied Sciences Dep, College of Arts & Sciences, Abu Dhabi Univ, PO Box 59911, Abu Dhabi, UAE, Email: yousef.nazal@gmail.com) : Combination of principal component analysis and geostatistics as a technique in assessment of groundwater hydrochemistry and arid environment. Curr Sci 2015, 108(6), 1138-45.

Central Saudi Arabia is one of the most arid regions of the world with very little precipitation and extreme climatic conditions. In the absence of available surface water supplies, the non-renewable groundwater resources stored in the Palaeozoic and Mesozoic sedimentary formations form the most important source for irrigation and domestic water requirements. The present study deals with 97 groundwater samples collected from Saq aquifer, which is the major aquifer in the region. The study involves the use of principal component analysis (PCA) and variogram analysis for groundwater quality mapping. PCA helped in establishing a series of factorial variables that summarize all the hydrochemical information. Efforts have been made to identify the spatial development of the principal process acting on groundwater quality by mapping it using factorial variables and ordinary kriging techniques. Two principal components (PCs) were extracted revealing that the chemical characteristics of groundwater in the region were acquired through rock-water interactions and anthropogenic influences. Finally, by applying kriging interpolation technique on the factor distribution values for the two PCs in the area under investigation, the factor distribution maps were prepared. The results concluded that both natural and anthropogenic processes contribute to the groundwater quality, but anthropogenic impacts are more important and may result in further deterioration of groundwater quality if relevant protection methodologies are not adopted.

7 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

000150   Nag A;Adamala S;Raghuwanshi N S;Singh R; Bandyopadhyay A (Civil Engineering Dep, K L Univ, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Email: anita.nag05@gmail.com) : Estimation and ranking of reference evapotranspiration for different spatial scales in India. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2014, 34(3), 35-45.

In this study, an attempt was made to estimate the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) from long term mean monthly climatic data for 155 climatological stations. The climatic data were accessed from the CLIMWAT 2.0 database and ETo was estimated by 14 applicable (combination, radiation and temperature based) methods. Out of total 155 stations situated in 19 states, 96 stations come under 5 major river basins of India. The FAO-56 PM ETo is considered as the standard estimate to rank other methods based on their standard error of estimates (SEE). Mean and variability of ETo for all 19 states and 5 river basins were also calculated and finally a 'correction factor' was determined for each station and method. The determined correction factor can be used to convert ETo estimates of other methods to the equivalent of the FAO-56 PM ETo. Among the combination based methods, the Penman Monteith method performed best and the performance of temperature and radiation based methods was not satisfactory as compared with the FAO-56 PM. May month was found as the peak ETo month and December and January months were found as the off peak months for most of the states and the basins.

5 illus, 9 tables, 14 ref

000149   Mishra S K;Singh P K;Siddiqui S A (Water Resources Development & Management Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand) : SCS-CN methodology: recent research trends and advanced hydrological applications. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2014, 34(4), 28-40.

The Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) method is widely used for predicting direct surface runoff from a given rainfall amount. It is a conceptual model of hydrologic abstraction and requires basic descriptive inputs that are smoothly converted into numeric values (called as curve number, CN) which reflect the runoff potential of the watersheds. The method accounts for the major runoff producing watershed characteristics, viz., soil type, land use/treatment, surface condition, and antecedent moisture conditions (AMCs). The method has witnessed myriad applications all over the world through the spectrum of the hydrology, and even for the range of the hydrologic problems not originally intended to solve such as long-term hydrologic simulation, erosion and sedimentation, water quality, and sub-surface drainage, potential evapo-transpiration & infiltration, and hydrograph simulation. Recently, at the same time, the methodology has undergone through a number of structural & architectural modifications dealing with potential maximum retention (S)/CN vs AMC, initial abstraction (1_a) vs storm duration ft), NEH-4 Table vs AMC statistics, and CN conversion methodologies. Therefore, looking into recent advancements, improvements and vast applications since its inception, this paper presents an advanced hydrological and diagnostic review on the different aspects of the SCS-CN methodology in the field of hydrology.

1 illus, 3 tables, 82 ref

000148   Mishra S K;Kansal A K (WRD&M Dep, IIT Roorkee, Roorkee-247 667, Email: akkansalt18@gmail.com) : Procedure for determination of design runoff curve number for a watershed. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2014, 34(3), 46-55.

Employing the long-term daily rainfall-runoff data of three hydro-meteorologically different watersheds, viz. Ramganga watershed in Uttarakhand (India), Maithon watershed in Jharkhand (India), and Rapti watershed in Mid-Western Region (Nepal), a simple approach has been suggested for derivation of (he design runoff curve numbers (CN) for different durations, AMCs, and return periods for use in the Soil Conservation Service methodology (SCS) (SCS, 1956), The derived design CN values are tested for their validity using the design runoff computed from observed data conventionally. The match between the CN-generated design runoff and the conventional one is found to be satisfactory for return periods up to 10-year, 50-year, and 50-year for Maithan, Ramganga, and Rapti watersheds, respectively.

11 illus, 22 ref

000147   Mazumdar A;Banerjee D M (NO, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa-403 004, Email: maninda@nio.org ) : Genesis of early cambrian phosphorite of krol belt, lesser himalaya. Curr Sci 2015, 108(7), 1247-52.

Early Cambrian phosphogenesis in the lesser Himalaya is represented by a well-developed sequence of phosphorite, black shale and black chert with inter-bedded phosphatic dolomite in the Krol Belt. Prevalence of shallow marine depositional structures support shallow subtidal to intertidal depositional environment. Similar shallow marine character for Late Vendian and Early Cambrian phosphorites have been recorded from Yangtze Basin (South China), Khub-shugul Basin (Mongolia), Karatau Basin (Kazakhstan), Soltaniah Basin (Iran), Tal Basin (Lesser Himalaya, India), Hazara Basin (Pakistan) and Georgia Basin (Australia). We have characterized the Tal Phosphorites of Krol Belt, Lesser Himalaya in terms of mineralogy and petrography. The phosphogenic model for the modern Peru-Chile shelf-slope phosphorite is inadequate to explain the genesis of Cambrian phosphorite. Physicochemical characters of the Cambrian phosphorites demand a shallow marine phosphorous source. Based on the available early Cambrian oceanographic models, we envisage a repeated influx of P and ^{12C rich water on to the shallow platform. Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) precipitated from the shallow water column overlying the sediment water interface and subsequently modified to microsphorite (micritic phosphorite). Influx of P resulted in proliferation of algal mat and stromatolites, which are found in abundance in Tal phosphorites. The algal and mudstone phosphorites were the parent material for granular phosphorites.}

2 illus, 1 table, 38 ref

000146   Kshirsagar D Y (Civil Engineering Dep, SSVPS's College of Engg. Dhule, Maharashtra-424 002, Email: dysagar@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of variation of earthquake intensity on stability of gravity dam. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2014, 34(3), 1-6.

Construction of dam for creating reservoirs for irrigation (and water supply etc.) is essential for agro-based nations like India. Stability of dam in regions of high earthquake intensity is of prime importance. Hence effect of various earthquake intensities on stability of gravity dam is studied. For analysis, data of existing dam on Tilari river in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra State is considered. The analysis is carried out by gravity method which involves a two dimensional approach for normal operating condition "E" as per I.S. 6512-1984. Various forces due to earthquake are calculated for values of seismic accelerations ranging from 0.05g to 0.20g; according to equations given in I.S. 1893-1984; by developing computer program in "C" language and running it on Turbo-C3 compiler. Various stresses developed in the dam section and factors of safety have been calculated. Sixteen combinations of horizontal & vertical seismic coefficients, ranging from 0.05 to 0.20 are considered and results are presented in one table (no.3).

2 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

000145   Khatua S K;Panigrahi B;Panigrahi K (Soil and Water Conservation Engineering Dep, Orissa Univ of Agril. & Tech., Bhubaneswar-751 003, Email: kajal_bp@yahoo.co.in) : Probability analysis of maximum daily rainfall for hydrological design of soil and water conservation structures. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2014, 34(4), 9-16.

Annual daily maximum rainfall data of 24 years (1986-2009) for Kherlikani watershed of Bolangir district of Odisha were analysed to find out the best fit probability distribution function to them. Total 12 numbers of probability distribution functions were studied. These 12 probability distribution functions are (i) Normal, (ii) Log Normal (2-p), (iii) Log Normal (3-p), (iv) Gamma (v) Extreme value (maximum), (vi) Extreme value (minimum), (vii) Exponential, (viii) Pearson, (ix) Log Pearson, (x) Extreme value type HI, (xi) Generalised extreme value and (xii) Generalised Pareto distribution were studied to find out the best fit distribution to the hydrologic values of annual daily maximum rainfall data. The above mentioned 12 probability distribution functions were fitted to the data using "FLOOD" software and the values of daily maximum rainfall were predicted at different probability of exceedences (PE) ranging from 10 to 90 percent. Chi-square and Mean Absolute Relative Error test was employed to ascertain the best fit distribution function out of the twelve tested. The analysis indicated that Generalised Pareto distribution was the best fit distribution that can be used to predict the annual maximum daily rainfall at different probability levels. The theoretical annual daily maximum rainfall at 10 to 90 percent PE levels were predicted by this best fit distribution which ranged from 200.8 to 70.5 mm, respectively. Since most of the small soil and water conservation structures are designed at 5 years return period (20 percent PE, the value of the maximum daily rainfall at this return period by the best fit distribution was predicted as 183.3 mm. The above value of the daily maximum rainfall was considered for the prediction of daily surface runoff from the watershed by Soil Conservation Service -Curve Number (SCS-CN) method both for upland and medium land condition of the watershed. The values of the surface runoff for upland and medium land of the study watershed were predicted as 140.2 and 128.4 mm, respectively which can be used for effective design of soil and water conservation structures.

4 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

000144   Khandelwal S S;Dhiman S D (Civil Engineering Dep, Faculty of Technology, Dharmsinh Desai Univ, Nadiad-387 001, Email: sskddu@gmail.com) : Estimating net ground water recharge in the limbasi branch command area of Mahi right bank canal project, Gujarat. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2014, 34(4), 17-27.

Accurate estimation of the groundwater recharge is essential for efficient and sustainable groundwater management in arid and semi-arid regions, as water resources are critical to economic development in these areas. Various methods and techniques are available to quantify groundwater recharge from rainfall and other sources. The hydrological budget model proposed herein for the study area is unique, simple, and easy to apply and is used in the present study to estimate the net average groundwater recharge in the Limbasi branch command of Mahi Right Bank Canal (MRBC) project in Gujarat State, India, The analysis is performed for the period of 8 years from 2002 - 2003 to 2009 -2010 (June to May). Detailed calculations are shown for the data of the year 2009- 2010. The results are analyzed to provide an overview of the hydrological process dynamics that led to an imbalance of the system. Results of groundwater recharge studies reveal that return flow from canal irrigated areas is the main recharge component with about 45.23% contribution to the total recharge. An average net annual ground water recharge of 21.67MCM (million cubic meter) has been estimated during the study period causing an average net groundwater table rise of 0.92m per year. Several water management strategies suitable for the study area are suggested to reduce the recharge and to mitigate waterlogging effects.

5 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

000143   Guru P;Jaiswal R K;Devakant;Mishra K L (NO, , ) : Reservoir operation and irrigation management using mike basin model for rangawan reservoir (M.P.). J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2014, 34(4), 1-8.

Reservoir operation is a complex problem that involves many decision variables, multiple objectives as well as considerable risk and uncertainty. In addition, the conflicting objectives lead to significant challenges for operators when making operational decisions. The Rangawan reservoir project is an inter-state project between Madhya Pradesh (M.P.) and Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) having design cropping pattern of 5600 ha wheat and 878 ha gram in rabi and 10500 ha soybean and 107 ha paddy in kharif season in M.P. part. The reservoir is operated under water sharing agreement between M.P. and U.P. which stated that M.P. can utilized 56.63 Mm^{3 water in kharif season up to 31s' October and remaining water as on 1st November will be distribute in the ratio of 15:36 between M.P. and U.P. The allocation pool reservoir which distributes water as per share rights among the users cannot compute irrigation demands if connected with command node in MIKE BASIN model. To overcome this problem, two separate models have been setup in which first model compute irrigation demand of command in M.P. part using information of crops, soils, irrigation system, rainfall and climate. The outputs from first model were used as inputs in the second model where Rangawan reservoir was operated as per water sharing agreement between M.P. & U.P. For irrigation management and operate reservoir efficiently, twelve scenarios have been generated under variable conditions of reservoir storages, field efficiencies and application of groundwater etc for irrigating design cropping pattern (DCP-l to DCP-I2). The irrigation water requirement for design cropping pattern in the Rangawan command of M.P. part has been estimated as 37.81 Mm3 during average/wet rainfall years that increased to 45.16 Mm3 in dry years due to less rainfall, low soil moisture and higher temperature. The demand deficit was estimated of 14.39 Mm3 in average/wet rainfall years with 60% conveyance and 70% application efficiencies (DCP-l). The demand deficit can be reduced to 1.51 Mm3 by improving the conveyance and application efficiencies to 70% and 80% respectively and using 20% groundwater (DCP-4). The results of analysis indicated that in the dry years, reservoir could not be filled completely, which led to deficit of 34.48 Mm3 (DCP-5) which demands transfer of water from other sources or change of cropping pattern during drought/dry years. The developed model can be used for efficient operation of reservoir for actual cropping pattern under water sharing agreement between the states.}

3 illus, 5 tables, 15 ref

000142   Ghodpage R N;Taori A;Patil P T;Siingh D; Gurubaran S;Sharma A K (Medium Frequency Radar, Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Shivaji Univ Campus, Kolhapur-416 004, Email: rupeshghodpage@gmail.com) : On the vertical wavelength estimates using the krassovsky parameters of OH airglow monitoring. Curr Sci 2015, 108(7), 1362-9.

Photometric measurements of mesospheric OH and O(^{1S) emission, carried out from Kolhapur (16.8°N, 74.2°E), Maharashtra during January-April 2005 are used to study the wave characteristics. The nocturnal variability reveals the dominant long-period wave signatures with significant amplitudes of embedded short-period waves. We carry out a sensitivity study on the vertical wavelength (VW) derived with the help of Krassovsky parameters (η= |η|eiΦ) of the OH data, which reveals VW to vary from 38.9 to 110.2 km. This was compared with the VW estimates using the phase difference of the simultaneously observed waves in both OH and O(1S) emission intensities. Results reveal that in the absence of attitudi-nally resolved measurements, the VW estimated using Krassovsky method can be used.}

5 illus, 1 table, 48 ref

000141   Dwivedi S N;Singh R K (NO, Central Ground Water Board, Mid-Eastern Region, Patna-800 001, Email: snathdwivedi@gmail.com) : Inter-aquifer water transfer through combination well for artificial recharging of the deeper aquifer system in Patna urban area. Curr Sci 2015, 108(7), 1219-21.

4 illus, 9 ref

000140   Durbude D G;Jain C K;Singh O (NO, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee-247 667, Email: dgdurbude@yahoo.com) : Assessment of E-flows for a river in southern India using hydrological index methods. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2014, 34(3), 26-34.

Assessments of environmental flows (e-flows) are emerging trends and new practices, especially in developing country like India. The river Cauvery which is one of the important east flowing river of Southern India having a lot of potential for the development of hydro power projects to satisfy the present demand of power in the Karnataka State. A number of dams have been constructed on this River and its tributaries, which is affecting the downstream ecosystem of river. Therefore, a need arises to regulate the reservoirs for releasing the adequate water in the river throughout the year for maintaining downstream ecosystem as well as a flushing flaw once in a year to ensure spawning/regeneration of fish and other species in the river/flood plains. Accordingly, it is essential to estimate e-flows for this river. The e-flows assessment (EFA) method used in the various countries such as France, USA and UK are area specific and the same may not suitable for Indian condition. Hence, in the present study, the e-flows have been assessed using hydrological index methods such as Look-up tables, EMC-FDC approach, Tennant and modified Tennant method, etc. The range of minimum and maximum values of flow computed using these methods were recommended as e-flows with the remarks that the minimum value should be ensured at any circumstances to avoid further degradation of river ecosystem.

2 illus, 8 tables, 22 ref

000139   Dhanya V;Renoy G (NO, National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS), Thiruvananthapuram-695 011, Email: vdhanyageo@gmail.com) : Drainage development in Achankovil shear zone, South India. Curr Sci 2015, 108(6), 1151-6.

The WNW-ESE trending Achankovil Shear Zone (ASZ) in southern India is a major crustal discontinuity of Proterozoic age which separates Kerala Khon-dalite Belt (KKB) in the south from the Charnockite massif in the north. The Achankovil river drains this structural valley. Although the river bears imprints of various geologic events, including neotectonic activities, it could maintain a straight course even in the lowland indicating its antecedent nature. The present communication is an attempt to study structural controls on drainage development and evolution within ASZ based mostly on geomorphological evidences and also on some geological indicators.

8 illus, 19 ref