010625   Mahalakshmi R;Syed Shabhudeen P S;Rathina K; Jalajaa D;Saravanan S V (Chemistry Dep, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore-641 049, Email: mahalnet@gmail.com) : Limnological studies on water resources in Coimbatore city. Pollut Res 2011, 30(3), 419-22.

Present study examined the physico chemical characteristics of five fresh water lakes in and around Coimbatore namely Perur kulam, Muthannan kulam, Sengulam, Periakulam and Selvapuram kulam for a period of five months from January 2010-May 2010. The parameters studied were pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, chlorides, available chlorine and residual chlorine. The observed values were computed, analysed and presented as mean + standard deviation and the differences were regarded to be significant at 95% confidence level and the significance was determined by f-test. Acoustical parameters like Ultrasonic velocity, compressibility, free length, density were also determined to confirm the pollution level of lakes.

8 illus, 1 table, ref

010624   Mahalakshmi R;Syed Shabhudeen P S;Jalajaa D; Saravanan S V (Chemistry Dep, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore-641 049) : Comparative studies of physico-chemical parameters of lakes in and around Coimbatore city. Pollut Res 2011, 30(3), 423-6.

In the process towards the creation of better opportunities and better comforts for living man does knowingly or unknowlingly the greatest damage to the ecosystem. The water quality in the form of physico chemical characteristics was studied to assess the lake water suitability for various purposes. Sampling was done in five different lakes in and around Coimbatore city and subjected to water quality assessment. Results revealed that there was a lot of fluctuation in the physico chemical parameters of water samples. The implication on public health and aquatic organisms were also determined.

11 illus, 8 ref

010623   Gupta D;Chander S;Sisodia C P;Kirmani I R (GSITI, Zawar Centre, 15-16 Jhalana Doongri, Jaipur-04) : Aero-electromagnetic signatures over a zinc-nickel prospect in Umarvaniyan block, Udaipur district, Rajasthan. J Geophys 2012, 33(1-2), 15-9.

Aero-geophysical surveys have been carried out in the study area by BRGM-CGG of France during 1971-72 using INPUT system comprising electromagnetic, magnetic and radiometric methods. Several anomalous zones for sulphide mineralization have been identified in Sanjela-Manpur-Lohagarh metallogenic belt of Udaipur District, Rajasthan. The study area, Umarvaniyan block forms the part of Manpura-Lohagarh zone of Sanjela-Manpur-Dugocha belt, Udaipur district, Rajasthan. Six channel aero electromagnetic intercepts have been recorded over the study area. Decay curve has been prepared to assess qualitatively the type of six channel intercepts from the mineralization point of view. Result are presented in this paper and correlated with the mineralization. Decay curve plots of the six channel aero-em intercepts falling over the Umarvaniyan area are showing slow decay with strong curvature indicative of poor conductor with depth persistence. Poor conductivity is attributable to zinc mineralization. Systematic litho geochemical surveys in Umarvaniyan brought out an anomalous zone in phyllitic dolomite over a strike length of 400m. Anomalous zinc values between 820ppm and 2400ppm with corroborative nickel values between 100ppm and 410ppm have been recorded. Exploration by drilling in Umarvaniyan block has brought out low grade zinc(± nickel) mineralization for a strike length of about 500 m, which is broadly in agreement with the aero em signatures.

4 illus, 6 ref

010622   Gopalakrishnan S;Kalaielvan A;Elangovan K (Civil Engineering Dep, K.S. Rangasamy College of Technology, Thrichengode-637 215) : Influence of ground water in earthquake prediction. Pollut Res 2011, 30(3), 405-7.

Ground water fluctuation plays a vital role in the earthquake prediction since ancient days. Many researches emphasised the ground water fluctuation may be due to the pressurisation of earthquake processes which occurred in the vicinity. Ground water level reflects the ground response considerably. Sudden variation of water level in well may be due to the fault rupture movement, which causes the earthquake, mean time one cannot neglect the influence of rainfall. The ground water fluctuation map is created and compared with rainfall data to study the possible fault movement. From this we can identify the sudden change of subsurface profile which may be induced by the earthquake force.

6 illus, 10 ref

010621   Dushiyanthan C;Jeyavel Raja Kumar T; Karthikeyan K;Davidraju D;Thiruneelakandan B;Manoharan K (Earth Sciences Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar-608 002, Email: tjeyavel@rediffmail.com) : Hydrogeochemical characterisation of a sedimentary terrain in and around Bhuvanagiri, Chidambaram taluk, South India. Pollut Res 2011, 30(3), 331-7.

Major ionic chemistry of groundwater was studied in and around Bhuvanagiri town to understand the ionic source and its suitability for irrigation. Geologically the area consist of crystalline rocks of Archaean age, older sedimentary rocks of the Cretaceous age and younger sedimentaries of the Mio-Pliocene age. 20 bore well samples were collected at different locations and the analyses were carried out for the major cations and anions. The data were analysed using software WATCLAST and interpreted with Piper and Gibb's diagrams. The range of chemical concentration of cations such as Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺ and anions like HCO₃^-+, Cl^-, S0₄^2- are 12.0 to 64.0 mg/L, 14.4 to 67.2 mg/ L, 21.0 to 1103.0 mg/L, 0.1 to 2.0 mg/L and 189.10 to 585.60 mg/L, 62.9 to397.60 mg/L, 6.5 to 21.0 mg/ L respectively. The result shows that most of the sample locations are not exceeding the maximum permissible limit of WHO standard. The data interpreted with Piper Trilinear diagram and Gibb's diagrams to understand the facies and source. The geochemical facies is Ca<62>Na and C1<62>SO₄<62>HCO₃. Host rock contribution is the main source for ionic concentration of the groundwater. The hydrogeochemical attributes not detrimental to soil and agriculture activities of the study area.

5 illus, 5 tables, 33 ref

010620   Das S;Roy Choudhury M;Das S;Nagarajan M (Civil Engineering Dep, SRM Univ, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur-603 203, Email: sumanta.das@marwadieducation.edu.in) : Integrated geospatial technologies for soil salinity assessment (a case study of south 24 Pargana dist., West Bengal, India). Int J Geosci Technol 2013, 1(2), 41-85.

Salinity is the parameter analyzing the soil condition through the accumulation of the salt over the land or soil by natural process like water table fluctuation and transporting of salt to the ground through capillary action, water logging or by human induced process of landuse practice and over fertilization over the land. This study accounts for identification and mapping of salinity zone over the Basanti, Gosaba Island (808.314sq. km) of South 24 Pargana District of West Bengal through analysis of Remote Sens-ing and CIS Technique. The parameters like pH (<60>8.2, IS),Electrical Conductivity(EC) and Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) were derived by ground sampling of soil over the study area along with GPS positions. The collected samples were tested in laboratory method and later were checked with the with Remote Sensing based Indices analysis over the satellite images over 1975,2000, 2010 to find out the changes in the due to over salinization. The Weighted overlay Analysis procedure were followed to assign the weighted according to the importance of parameters taken into account for salinity zone identification and mapping to produce zones of higher, moderate, lower salinity zones over the study area.

30 illus, 10 ref

010619   Das S;Das S (Civil Engineering Dep, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Univ, Kattankulathur-603 203, Email: sumanta.das@marwadieducation.edu.in) : Characterization and mapping of inland wetlands using remote sensing and GIS (a case study on the selected sites of Nadia district, West Bengal). Int J Geosci Technol 2013, 1(2), 19-31.

Sustainable management of wetland ecosystem is necessary as it serves the impor-tant functions such as food storage, water quality maintenance and providing habitat for different species of wildlife. Hence, an inventory of wetlands in any given area is a pre-requisite for their conservation and management A study has been carried out to delineate the wetlands of Nadia district of West Bengal, India, using IRS ID LISS III data of the year of 2000. The data have been analysed and the wetlands have been qualitatively characterized based on the turbidity and aquatic vegetation status. The two categories of wetlands (ponds/lakes, and oxbow lakes) have been identified. From the analysis, it has been observed that the inland wetlands constitute 3.5% of the study area, of which 2.8% is subjected to Ox-bow lake which is locally called as bils. Thus, this study highlights the usefulness of remotely sensed data for wetland mapping, seasonal monitoring and characterization.

9 illus, 14 ref

010618   Bandyopadhyay M (Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Atomic Energ, , Hyderabad-500 016) : Airborne magnetic data- a source of subsurface geological information for uranium exploration: a few case studies over some proterozoic sedimentary basins of India. J Geophys 2012, 33(1-2), 27-33.

Airborne survey was first used in India by AMD in the year 1956 for exploration of uranium. At the initial stage it was aimed to locate near surface Uranium anomalies. Acquisition of magnetic data along with radiometric data started from the year 1972. So far, AMD has acquired valuable aeromagnetic data amounting to nearly 5.2 lakh sq km area, spread over important Uranium Provinces of India. Quality of the aeromagnetic data has improved through the ages with the application of new technologies. The most recently collected aeromagnetic data collected by heliborne survey over parts of Vindhyan basin accurately sampled subtle magnetic anomalies at the basement. Aeromagnetic survey is an effective tool for studying basement features of Middle Proterozoic sedimentary basins. Nonmagnetic (low susceptibility) sediments overlying the basements of distinctly higher susceptibility makes this possible. Study of Aeromagnetic maps over Bhima, parts of Chhattisgarh, Bijawar, Gwalior and Vindhyan basins has deciphered many important geological features viz. basement morphology, movements of basement blocks along faults and continuation of fracture/fault associated with higher value of uranium below the sediment. AMD will continue to cover more and more areas by airborne surveys in future days to meet the exploration challenges imposed on it with better quality airborne multi parameter geophysical data.

7 illus, 19 ref

009630   Setia B;Bhatia U K (Civil Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, Email: setia_b@rediffmail.com) : Scour protection by a slot through a model bridge pier. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2013, 33(1), 9-14.

Laboratory investigation has been carried out to determine the scour depth reduction for cylindrical pier models of 80mm and 82mm diameter provided with rectangular slots through them and located in two separate water flumes A and B with sediment 1 (d₅₀ = 0.16 mm, σ_g = 1.38) bed and sediment 2 (d₅₀=0.60mm, σ_g = 1.72) bed respectively. The types of slots investigated upon were: 0° to 180° (Parallel slot), 0° to +120° (Y-slot), 0° to +90° (T-slot) and 0°to +45° (Sigma slot). Various parameters varied included height of slot, bifurcation angle and some modifications of the slot. Results suggest that a parallel slot and a Y-slot with optimum dimensions as 0.25D wide, ID above and 0.75D below the sediment bed are able to reduce scour by 50% and 40% respectively. Some better found results were investigated on an oblong pier and in combination with a group of piles as well.

6 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

009629   Rajaraman J;Thiruvenkatasamy K (Harbour & Ocean Engineering Dep, AMET University, Kanathur, Chennai-603 112, Email: rajaraman.usha44@gmail.com) : Model calculation and geotechnical interpretation of the correlation coefficient between finite and incremental strain path of a formation. J Innovative Res Solut 2013, 1(2), 101-6.

Measure of strain compares the initial and final configuration is called the finite strain, is independent toward the final configuration. When these intermediate strain steps are determined they are called incremental strains. Incremental strain may be more crucial for unraveling the deformation history of a formation than finite strain. Two different strain sequence are considered for correlation and interpretation and both the finite strains reached are the same. The initial and final configuration are identical. Steps or strain increments by which these final shapes were reached, are very different. Means the strain path of two examples is different, but the finite strains are the same. In one example the incremental strains reflect a strain ellipse that becomes increasingly elliptical [the ratio of the long over the short axis [X/Y] becomes greater. In the second example the path shows that the orientation of the X and Y axis was perpendicular to those of the finite strain ellipse during part of the history. Between these two examples the correlation co-efficient [r] is calculated. Geotechnically the two paths would represent very different strain histories of the formation, yet their finite strains would be identical. If the strain path is not followed accurately, many such important piece of information is lost. Geotechnically means the over consolidation ratio for each strain path is different because the geo fatigue experienced by each strain path is different.

2 illus, 3 tables, 3 ref

009628   Nayak T R;Narulkar S M (NO, Institute of Hydrology Regional Centre, Walmi Complex, Bhopal, Email: trnnca@gmail.com ) : Suitability of distributed SCS-CN model for Narmada basin: a case study of Uri river sub-basin. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2013, 33(1), 30-9.

Estimation of watershed runoff accurately has been a challenge for water resource managers and planner especially for large river basins. Inflow forecasting in the series of multipurpose reservoirs constructed in Narmada river basin shall be useful for maximization of hydropower generation to its optimum capacity. The accuracy in predicting the surface runoff becomes more imperative in case of large watersheds like river Narmada basin. In the present study, alternate options of spatially distributed SCS-CN model and modified SCS-CN model have been applied in the Uri river basin. The daily runoff has been computed under three conditions; (i) by considering area weighted average CN and rainfall, (ii) spatially distributed CN and rainfall with la/S ration as 0.2 and (Hi) considering average CN and rainfall with la/S ratio as 0.05. The analysis shows that the computed runoff are more close to the observed runoff, if runoff is computed by considering area weighted average CN and average rainfall in lower Narmada river basin.

1 illus, 5 tables, 23 ref

009627   Kazmi A A;Bhatia A;Shaida A;Sharma M;Starkl M;Trivedi R C (Civil Engineering Dep, IIT, Roorkee, Email: kazmifce2iitr.ernet.in) : Short screening study on water quality of Indian rivers and lakes. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2013, 33(3), 28-33.

As a crucial subsystem of urban environment, urban rivers and lakes offer many kinds of ecological services which benefit the city dwellers. However, with the growing pace of urbanization and rapid development of economy, urban water pollution problems are becoming critical every hour. In order to get an overview of the current water quality, a short screening study on various urban rivers and lakes has been carried out across the country. The aggregate pollution index was assessed in terms of NSF WQI. The condition of most of the urban rivers and lakes are not satisfactory, mainly due to pollution by untreated wastewater. Therefore, it is need of the hour to make provisions for wastewater treatment to meet required water quality targets. A watershed management approach is suggested as most suitable instrument to achieve such an objective. This is a significant task for India, which cannot be achieved in a short period of time, henceforth, a mixed approach comprising of short term (Advanced on-site systems) and medium term (decentralized systems) along with long term (centralized systems) targets need to he adopted for 100% wastewater treatment in urban and peri-urban areas.

2 tables, 14 ref

009626   Kale M U;Nagdeve M B;Bagade S J (Irrigation and Drainage Engineering Dep, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra-444 104, Email: kale921@gmail.com) : Estimation of evapotranspiration with ANN technique. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2013, 33(1), 23-9.

To identify the best alternative method to estimate reference evapotranspiration (ETo), performances of various ANN architectures and two climate based methods namely Penman- Monteith (P-M) (FAO-56) and Hargreaves-Samani (H-S) model, were compared with FAO-24 Pan evaporation model. Practical based pan evaporation method (FAO-24) was taken as standard method. The ANN architectures formulated using varied input combinations of climatic variables, were trained using backpropagation algorithm i.e. Levenberg-Marquardt with sigmoid function. Performances of these methods were evaluated using the statistical indices i.e. mean standard error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE) and the coefficient of determination (r). The results confirmed that when all climatic data is available, Penman-Monteith method is the best indirect method for daily ETo estimation. The ANN (2-2-1; input parameter - air temperature and wind speed only) with an r of 0.94 and RMSE of 0.48 mm day^-1 estimated fairly accurate ETo. The climate based Hargreaves-Samani model overestimated the ETo by about 112%. Hence, ANN (2-2-1) topology should be used to estimate fairly accurate ETo when data pertaining to climatic parameters is insufficient to apply standard ETo estimation methods.

2 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

009625   Jaiswal S K;Verma M K;Gupta M (Civil Engg. Dep, B.I.T. Durg, Chhattisgarh-491 001, Email: skjaiswal67@yahoo.com) : Planning for optimum use of water resources of MRP complex using Mike basin. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2013, 33(1), 15-22.

Paper deals with the application of simulation software "MIKE BASIN" (2009) for optimum utilization of water resources of MRP Complex. Mahanadi Reservoir Project (MRP) Complex is a multipurpose multi-reservoir system. It consists ofMahanadi basin and Pairi basin. This project comprises of four reservoirs. There is inter-basin transfer of water from Sondur reservoir in Pairi basin to Dudhawa reservoir in Mahanadi basin through a feeder canal. MIKE BASIN has extensive reservoir modeling capabilities, and accommodate multi-purpose reservoirs and multiple reservoir systems. The philosophy behind MIKE BASIN is to keep modeling simple and intuitive, yet provide in-depth insight for planning and management. In this paper, an attempt has been made to decide the strategies for optimum use of water available in the reservoirs of MRP Complex. There are three possible ways of supplying water from the two upstream reservoirs to the Ravishankar reservoir. These three ways of supplying water has been simulated in MIKE BASIN and designated as three models. The simulation has been run for twenty one years (1975 to 1995) historical data. To check the efficiency of models the annual deficit between demand and supply has been computed for each model. The results of these three models have been compared with the results of earlier reported optimization model. The total deficit for twenty one years was found minimum in the first model hence this is the efficient model. First Model is then run for recent data (1996-2008). The model is working well for the recent data (1996-2008).

2 illus, 9 tables, 15 ref

009624   Dubey A;Kant D;Singh O;Pandey R P (NO, College of Agricultural Engineering, J.N.K.V.V, Jabalpur, Email: dubey.alpna@gmail.com) : Comparative study of environmental flow requirement approaches using hydrological index methods. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2013, 33(3), 20-7.

Narmada is the largest west-flowing peninsular river ranks seventh in India in terms of water discharge. A number of dams have been constructed on the Narmada River and its tributaries. As such, 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 flow once in a year to ensure spawning/regeneration of fish and other species in the river/flood plains. Accordingly, it is essential to estimate environmental flows for this river. In the present study, the environmental flow requirement at four gauging sites located in upper part of Narmada river have been carried out using Lookup Tables, Tennant and Modified Tennant method (Tessman method). Modified Tennant method is found to be preferred to estimate the environmental flow requirements, which is more acceptable for allocating EFR on monthly basis. Further, intensive investigations would be necessary to obtain data on ecological needs of the river in order to recommend the realistic values of EFR for this river.

6 illus, 6 tables, 11 ref

009623   Dhami B S;Pandey A (Water Resources Development and Management Dep, IIT, Roorkee-247 667) : Comparative review of recently developed hydrologic models. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2013, 33(3), 34-42.

Present study is focused on a comparative evaluation of some recently developed, regularly updated and well documented hydrologic models namely: AnnAGNPS, GSSHA, HYPE, Hec-HMS, MIKE-SHE, PRMS, SWAT, WetSpa, and WinSRM. All these models are public domain (freely available) except MIKE-SHE. AnnAGNPS, HYPE, SWAT and WinSRM are continuous simulation models while GSSHA, Hec-HMS, MIKE-SHE, PRMS and WetSpa have both long-term and single event simulation capabilities. In this study, models are evaluated based on: (I) Hydrological processes that the model can simulate, (II) Governing equations used to simulate the hydrologic processes, (III) Minimum data required to run the model and (IV) spatial and temporal scale of the model. This study can be helpful in the selection of suitable model as per the problem at hand and save lots of time required just to know whether the model is suitable or not.

4 tables, 47 ref

009622   Chaudhary A;Mishra S K;Pandey A (Water Resources Development and Management Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee-247 667) : Experimental verification of the effect of slope on runoff and curve numbers. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2013, 33(1), 40-6.

Study investigates experimentally the effect of watershed (i. e. field plot of 22mx5m) slope on rainfall-generated runoff and resulting curve numbers (CN) for a given soil (Hydrologic Soil Group C) and land use of sugarcane. As expected, the plot of 5% slope yielded the largest runoff and, in turn, CN compared to those due to the plots of 3% and 1% grades, for the Same rainfall, soil, and land use. The derived CN values are fairly close to those from NEH-4 CN-values, supporting the applicability of NEH-4 CN values to Indian watersheds.

8 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

009621   Burele S A (WRDM Dep, IIT Roorkee & R.O., Central Works & Power Research Station, Pune, Email: burelesanjay@rediffmail.com) : Model studies for evolving hydraulic design of bridge across braided river. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2013, 33(3), 12-9.

Bridge construction requires careful planning and in-depth study as no undue risk should be taken in its design and construction. Constructing a bridge across braided river is still a challenging task. Hydraulic aspects of bridge design mainly consists of selection of site, optimum orientation and waterway, location of abutments, design of guide banks, approach banks, and design of piers.. Hydraulic Model Studies were carried out at CW&PRS for the Rail and Road Bridges across river Kosi near Nirmali, Bihar, (about 38 km. upstream/downstream of Kosi Barrage). Various alternatives were analysed on physical model to arrive at optimum waterway, guide bunds and afflux bunds. Studies were undertaken under existing conditions as well as with proposed bridges for discharges of 22375 m³ /s and 26900 m³/s. For waterwa of 1.875 km. an afflux of 1.35 m was observed at the bridge site. For a discharge of 22375 m³/s. various trials on the physical model to improve the flow conditions at the bridges and distribute the flow more uniformly through the spans of the bridges by adjusting both guide bund. Construction of Road Bridge has been completed and functioning very well. Construction of Rail Bridge is under progress. The present paper describes the hydraulic aspect of various components of the bridges.

9 illus, 6 ref

008593   Wahab Mohamed M A E;Madkour H A;El-Taher A (NO, National Institute of Oceanography & Fisheries, Red Sea Branch, Egypt, Email: atef_eltaher@hotmail.com) : Recent foraminifera in the saline pool and its surrounding areas at Ras Shukier and Gulf of Suez, Egypt. Indian J Geomar Sci 2013, 42(3), 293-9.

Fifty two species belonging to twenty one benthic foraminiferal genera have been recorded from seventeen samples collected from three localities; 12 samples from saline pool and its surrounding Sabkha at Ras Shukeir area and 5 samples from the Gulf of Suez. Their taxonomy, ecology and the main factors controlling their distribution are discussed. The frequency of fauna in Gulf of Suez, evaporatic sabkha and saline pool are (59.27%), (32.78%) and (7.95%) respectively, which reflect abnormal salinity and temperature. All identified species were previously recorded from Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea.

2 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

008592   Sujatha K;Ramamoorthy K;Sivasubramaniam K (Seed Science and Technology Dep, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai-625 104) : Organic hydration-dehydration with seaweed extracts for vigour and viability of redgram Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp. cv. APK 1. Seaweed Res Utilis 2012, 34(1-2), 114-9.

Experiments were conducted on hydration-dehydration with seaweed extracts to identify the vigour and viability of redgram cv. APK 1. The treatments were given through hydration-dehydration with seaweed extracts. The seeds were subjected to accelerated ageing. Treated seeds exhibited higher germination percentage, dry matter production and enzyme activities and lower electrical conductivity and lipid per oxidation.

3 tables, 31 ref

008591   Srivastava V K;Giri D N;Bharadwaj P (Applied Geophysics Dep, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, Email: ismkvinay@gmail.com) : Study and mapping of ground water prospect using remote sensing, GIS and geoelectrical resistivity techniques - a case study of Dhanbad district, Jharkhand, India. J Indian Geophys Union 2012, 16(2), 55-63.

Water is an important natural resource, which is available both on surface as well as in recharge ,zone of weathered layer and in various other suitable water reservoir formations/structures below the surface. As the availability of surface water is erratic and irregular one needs to study and map the underground water reservoirs. Dhanbad district of Jharkhand state is in general part of hard rock terrain, which is mainly covered by Chottanagpur Granite Gneissic Complex and has no perennial river sources for water supply. In view of the upcoming industrialization in the region there is need to exploit groundwater resource, which is limited and confined to fractured and weathered zones. The region receives copious rain, the terrain and soil condition allows little storage of water. Hence, the region faces shortage of water in dry seasons. It is necessary to explore and study the ground water resources effectively using suitable techniques. Various workers have successfully applied Remote Sensing technique in exploration, evaluation and management of ground water resources in an area as a whole and the results have been published and also mapping and management strategies for ground water resources have been studied, by analyzing IRS LISS II multi band remote sensing data along with geological as well as geophysical resistivity sounding data carried out at places in GIS environment. Based on the integrated thematic maps, weighted analysis in Arc GIS ground water resource prospect map of the area has been prepared and discussed. Study has brought out that the high groundwater potential zones are confined along lineaments and in pediment areas. Also alluvial fills, valley fills form potential zones. The other geomorphic units like buried pediplain, peniplains and denundational hills form zones of moderate to good groundwater prospects.Dissected pediments, inselberg complex, undulating upland & buried pediment with intermontane vale are zones of poor prospects.

8 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

008590   Sethubathi G V;Sivakumar K;Thangaradjou T; Kannan L (CAS in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: oceanactino@gmail.com) : Ecology and population density of the marine actinobacteria of little Andaman island, India. Indian J Geomar Sci 2013, 42(3), 390-401.

In Little Andaman Island Water nutrient levels of silicate (0.19 - 5.88 μM); inorganic phosphate (0.02 - 0.93 μM); nitrate (0.103 - 4,91 μM); nitrite (0.004 - 0.130 μM) and POC (1.13- 4.95 mg C 1-1) were comparable to those recorded in the other reef environments of India. Sediment macronutrients viz. nitrogen (15 kg/ha to 43.0 kg/ha), phosphorous (1.0 kg/ha to 10.0 kg/ha) and potassium (45.0 to 137.0 kg/ha) recorded from the different locations of the Little Andaman island showed significant variation among the stations (0.05%). Sediment trace elements viz. iron (5.24 - 10.2ppm), manganese (1.85 - 5.69ppm), zinc (0.67 - 2.55ppm) and copper (0.19 - 1.17ppm) showed significant variation (ANOVA 0.05%) among different locations. Higher population density of actinobacteria in the water samples was recorded at station 4, Chandra Nallah coast (17 x 10^-3 CFU/g) and the lower density in the waters of station 10, South Bay (1.2 x 10^-3 CFU/g). In the sediments, maximum population density (9.7 x 10^-4 CPU g^-1) was recorded in Capel Rock (station 9) while the minimum (0.8 x 10^-4 CFU g^-1) was recorded in Antegeleda (station 12).

26 illus, 4 tables, 42 ref

008589   Sathe B K;Birajdar C A;Dhumal H T (NO, Centre of Studies in Resource Engineering, IIT-Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Email: bksathe@yahoo.co.in) : Flood control for sustainable development in upper Krishna river basin. Asian sci 2012, 7(1), 67-72.

Ecologically, Krishna is one of the disastrous rivers in the India, flowing fast and furious, often reaching depths of over 23 m, causing heavy soil erosion during the monsoon season. The Krishna and its river systems potentially store tremendous wealth for the region, and yet, at the same time, this very same potential turns destructive with fatal regularity in the form of floods. The upper basin of Krishna, Koyna, Warna, and Panchganga receives enormous amount of rainfall during the monsoon every year and has a very profound impact on the ultimate quantum of water resources in downstream areas causing a devastating flood. A large number of human lives and property are lost in the district in Maharashtra and the adjoining districts of upstream and downstream of the Alamatti dam in the state Karnataka. The Central Water Commission has classified river basins in this region (Sangli and part of Solapur) as Upper Krishna (NW) 15A, Upper Krishna (East Yerala) 16A, Upper Krishna East Agrani (16B), and remaining Bhima (downstream of Ujani including Man (18B)). This paper focuses on study to divert abundant water from sub-basin 15A to Sub-basin 18B by gravity (diverting water from upper river Krishna to sub-basin of Man to Jath, Atpadi, Talukas of Sangli district and Sangola taluka of Solapur district.) through tunnels. It is proposed to divert water only in flood situations, and to feed existing water resources and small storages in Man sub-basin, which will help to minimize flood hazards and loss of property. This study was carried out by field survey, remote sensing and GIS techniques. In field survey actual ground levels, high flood levels and topography were studied to locate flood tunnel inlet and outlet. Satellite imagery substantiated to calculate areas under benefits and economic aspect of the proposal.

4 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

008588   Prasad O;Singh O P (NO, , 43, Ritu Apartments, Ritu Apartments, A-4 Paschim Vihar, Email: onkariprasad06@yahoo.com) : South Indian convergence zone model: a new approach to seasonal forecasting of summer monsoon rainfall in India Part II: forecast for India as a whole. J Indian Geophys Union 2012, 16(1), 1-10.

Evolution of South Indian Convergence Zone (SICZ) and its close relationship with the activity of southwest monsoon over Indian subcontinent had been discussed in Pt I of this paper by Prasad, Singh and Prasad (2010). This part of the paper aims at developing a technique to use this relationship in seasonal forecasting of summer monsoon rainfall. The method of assigning South Indian Convergence Zone (SICZ) Activity Index (SAI) using mean cloudiness and mean cloud anomalies has been discussed. SAI, ranked from 1 to 20, is inversely related to Indian Summer Monsoon rainfall (ISMR) and it is highly correlated (CC <62> .9) with it. Linear regression equations between SAI and ISMR, rainfall for India as a whole during monsoon months of June, July, August and September and bi-monthly periods of June + July, July+ August and August+ September have been developed using data for a period of 25 years (1972-1997, except 1978 when cloud data were not available after 16th March). Data for a period of 13 years (1998-2010) have been used for verification of forecasts. Forecast verification has shown that the model is capable of producing reasonably good forecast of ISMR, rainfall in individual months and bi-monthly periods during southwest monsoon season.

2 illus, 5 tables, 5 ref

008587   Nwankwoala H O (Geology Dep, Port Harcourt Univ, Nigeria) : Investigation of geotechnical engineering properties of subsurface soils in Bonny island, Eastern Niger delta. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2012, 11(4), 527-34.

Purpose of the investigation was to evaluate the subsurface lithologies as well as to examine the properties of the soils in the area, especially with respect to their strengths and bearing capacities, with a view to determining the suitability or otherwise of the subsoil as bearing media for a shallow foundation system. Borings for subsurface exploration in the area were made at three (3) well spaced locations with a hand auger to a maximum depth of 30m each below the existing ground level and the execution of two (2) Cone Penetrometer Tests (CPTs) to maximum depth or refusal. The study is aimed at determining the suitability of the location prior to the design and construction of foundations in the area. Results of the study reveal that BH 1 is characterized by soft, dark grey peat with a thickness of 2.0m. This layer of peat is underlain to 9.0m by medium dense, dark grey fine sand and in turn overlies medium dense to dense, grey fine to medium sand to the terminal depth at 30.0m, and becoming light grey at 24.0m. In BH 2, the topsoil is soft, dark grey peat to 0.50m. Underlying the above layer of peat to 1.0m is loose, light brown fine sand with plant roots. From 1.0m to 3.0m is a layer of soft, grey sandy silt which is underlain by medium dense, grey fine sand of 3.0m thickness. From 6.0m to 9.0m is dark grey, fine sand with intercalation of silty clay at 9.0m and from 10.0m to 22.0m is medium dense, grey fine to medium sand. From 23.0m to the terminal depth at 30.0m is medium dense to dense, brown fine to medium sand. The study shows that the topsoil in borehole 3 is similar to borehole 2. However, underlying the peat in BH 3 is brown fine sand to 1.0m and underlying the fine sand to 3.0m is medium dense, light brown fine sand. From 3.0m to 14.0m is medium to dense, light grey fine sand which in turn is underlain by medium dense to dense, fine to medium sand of 8.0m thickness. From 22.0m to the terminal depth at 30.0m is medium dense to dense, grey fine medium sand. Generally, the sand layers in all the boreholes exhibited high SPT values at deeper depths. The results obtained from this study have emphasized the usefulness of geotechnical studies in establishing variation in lithology accompanied by variation in the allowable bearing pressure of foundation soils.

9 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

008586   Nammalwar P;Satheesh S;Ramesh R (NO, Institute for Ocean Management, Anna Chennai Univ, Chennai-600 025, Email: drnrajan@gmail.com) : Applications of remote sensing in the validations of potential fishing zones (PFZ) along the coast of North Tamil Nadu, India. Indian J Geomar Sci 2013, 42(3), 283-92.

Fish catch in the Potential Fishing Zones is 3-4 times higher when compared to non-PFZ area. PFZ validations and feedbacks were undertaken through selected group of active fishermen identified at the major selected fish landing centres along the coast of North Tamil Nadu, India from April 2007 to March 2011. With a view to validate the advisories and to qualify the potential benefits of the technology, concurrent validations have been taken up. Results of the PFZ validations and feedbacks data obtained during the present studies are highlighted in this paper.

16 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

008585   Mathevan Pillai M;Sukumaran M;Joanita J R; Prabavathy H (Botany Dep, P.G. and Research Centre S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoli-629 009) : Impact of tsunami on the planktonic diatoms of Manakudy estuary, South India. Seaweed Res Utilis 2012, 34(1-2), 167-73.

Temporal variations of the diversity and density of Planktonic diatoms were investigated from March to August 2005 at four stations in Manakudy estuary, Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu. The main physical and chemical parameters and the impact of tsunami waves which occurred prior to the study period and affected species composition and density were also studied. During the study period, a total of 86 species of pelagic diatoms belonging to 38 genera were recorded from the four stations. A total number of 48 species were recorded at Station-I and at Station-II, III and IV, 41, 38 and 28 species respectively were recorded. The result indicated that the distribution of diatoms taxa in the four stations were alike and the species of the genera Amphora, Coscinodiscus Navicula, Pinnularia, Grammatophora and Thalasssionema were found to be dominant in terms of frequency and density. The exotic species of the genera Actinocyclous and Trigonium have been reported to occur in the estuary for the first time. The physicochemical parameters showed spatial and temporal variation. The sudden increase in nutrients in water due to Tsunami waves might have effected in the proliferation of these diatom species indicating eutrophication of Manakudy estuary, tilting the fragile ecological balance.

2 tables, 25 ref

008584   Manna S;Mondal P P;Mukhopadhyay A;Akhand A; Hazra S;Mitra D (NO, School of Oceanographic Studies, Jadavpur Univ, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700 032, Email: sudipmarine@gmail.com) : Vegetation cover change analysis from multi-temporal satellite data in Jharkhali island, Sundarbans, India. Indian J Geomar Sci 2013, 42(3), 331-42.

Present study intends to quantify change of natural vegetation cover (mainly of mangrove forest) in Sundarbans Island between the time span of 2004-2010, when sustained efforts of a forestation and conservation has been in vogue. Vegetation indices like Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Global Environmental Monitoring Index (GEMI), Optimized Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (OSAVI) and Transformed Difference Vegetation Index (TDVI) have been used to decipher the measure of vegetation cover in this island and its changes during the period. Radiometric normalization technique is used to nullify various imaging condition anomalies while comparing multi-temporal data for change detection analysis. TDVI has been found to be more effective in vegetation cover change detection in such deltaic environment. Present study shows an overall net increase of vegetation cover in the island as a result of sustained conservation and plantation efforts.

5 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

008583   Kazmi A A;Bhatia A;Shaida A;Sharma M;Starkl M;Trivedi R C (Civil Engineering Dep, IIT, Roorkee, Email: kazmifce2iitr.ernet.in) : Short screening study on water quality of Indian rivers and lakes. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2013, 33(3), 28-33.

Hydraulic structures such as weirs and barrages are generally designed on the basis of Khosla theory. The Khosla (CBIP, 1936) theory is based on the assumption that the depth of permeable stratum below the foundation is infinite. However, in reality the depth of permeable stratum is generally of limited depth and foundation strata varies with depth. The seepage conditions in such situations can be worked out by using the electrical analogy, the finite difference or finite element methods. With the available computing facilities, finite element analysis can be carried out in such cases. The results of this study obtained by Finite Element Method have been compared with results available from Khosla theory and from electrical analogy method.

2 tables, 14 ref

008582   Jaswal A K;Singh V;Bhambak S R (India Meteorological Dep, , Shivajinagar, Pune-411 005, Email: jaswal4@gmail.com) : Relationship between sea surface temperature and surface air temperature over Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. J Indian Geophys Union 2012, 16(2), 41-53.

Climatology and relationship of Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and Surface Air Temperature the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean north of 15°S are examined on annual and seasonal time scales using the Voluntary Observing Ships data for a period of 40 years (1961-2000). Seasonally, spatial patterns of climatological SST indicate large northward spread of temperatures greater than 28°C from winter to summer in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. During monsoon season, there is appreciable cooling in the western half of the Arabian Sea while the entire Bay of Bengal still remains warm (<62> 28°C). The SST and SAT correlation coefficients are quite high over the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean as compared to the Bay of Bengal, providing a good justification for using SST as an indicator of SAT variability over these regions. Relationship between SST and SAT indicates same variance over the Arabian Sea and large parts of the north Indian Ocean. But variance ratios of SST and SAT over the Bay of Bengal are quite high for all seasons, indicating a less energetic atmosphere causing smaller SAT variance as compared to SST variance over the area. The striking feature of the mean SST and SAT difference field is the change from strong winter patterns to weak monsoon patterns for sensible heat exchange over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

7 illus, 22 ref

008581   Jacob B;Revichandran C;Naveen Kumar K R (NO, National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre, Cochin-682 018, Email: binzy.jacob@yahoo.co.in) : Salt intrusion study in Cochin estuary- using empirical models. Indian J Geomar Sci 2013, 42(3), 304-13.

Intensive measurements of salt intrusion are taken at high and low waters during spring and neap tide for each month respectively from June 2007 to May 2008. Salt intrusion length at high water varied from 10 km in monsoon 2008 to more than 40 km in pre monsoon 2007. Salinity intrusion mostly depends on the fresh water discharge rather than spring-neap tidal oscillations. Stratification parameter of salinity varied with the distance along the estuary, tide and freshwater discharge indicating that the Cochin estuary experiences a transition from partially or well mixed estuary during post and pre monsoon to a strongly stratified estuary during the monsoon season. Instead of undergoing the entire process of data collection of all the parameters, for a prolonged period, which is quite expensive and time consuming, certain predictive models are preferred. A predictive model uses parameters which are measurable and quantifiable variables and determined through empirical relations. Four empirical models have been applied to the Cochin estuary in the present study to identify the most suitable model for predicting the salt intrusion length. Comparison of the obtained results indicate that the model of Van der Burgh (1972) is the most suitable empirical model for prediction of the salinity intrusion length in the Cochin estuary with the least RMS error of (6.1) and MAE of (4.8).

5 illus, 3 tables, 38 ref

008580   Ganda S C;Midya S K (Atmospheric Science Dep, University of Calcutta, 51/2 Hazra Road, Kolkata-700 019) : Comparison of long term rainfall trends in urban and nonurban regions of Indian Land Mass and its probable implication. J Indian Geophys Union 2012, 16(2), 37-40.

Paper presents a comparison of the rates of rainfall in fourteen Indian meteorological subdivisions, with fourteen major Indian cities located in those subdivisions. These comparisons of the rates have been done for both the monsoon period as well as annual rainfall. The long term trends of monsoon and annual rainfalls in fourteen major Indian cities have been reported earlier. Using WMO procedure the trends of rainfall on the meteorological subdivisions, consisting of fourteen Indian cities are calculated. The Indian cities having population more than 1 million are considered as urban. The meteorological subdivisions are considered as nonurban though a small part of it is occupied by the city. Quantitative analysis of the rainfall data over the Indian land is done and following important results are obtained. (i) the rainfall rates in most of the urban areas are higher than the corresponding subdivisional rates since the later part of the last century. (ii) even with the same economic trend some cities are showing reverse trend of rainfall compared with the corresponding subdivisions. (iii) subdivisional rainfalls, monsoon as well as the annual, are showing decreasing trend for the same period for more than 70% cases.

1 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

008579   Dubey A;Kant D;Singh O;Pandey R P (NO, College of Agricultural Engineering, J.N.K.V.V, Jabalpur, Email: dubey.alpna@gmail.com) : Comparative study of environmental flow requirement approaches using hydrological index methods. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2013, 33(3), 20-7.

Knowledge of long term wave climate is of utmost importance for the planning, designing, construction and maintenance of marine structures. Especially for design of coastal structures wave heights with a return period of SO or 100 years or more is required. Ideally, the determination of extreme waves should be based on the statistical analysis of long term measurements. Since the long term measurements of waves, which occur during the storm, are seldom available, the extreme value analysis for the waves is carried out using extrapolation methods. India Meteorological Department (IMD) provides the record of storms in the form of synoptic charts (pressure distribution) and storm tracks for the moving storm. Storm hind casting analysis were carried out for a site near Mumbai on the West coast and near Puducherry on the East coast of India. A comparative study has been done for the prediction of significant wave heights for these storms using parametric and empirical approaches for both the sites. Extreme wave analysis was done using Gumbel, Weibull and log-normal distribution methods. The source of data, methodology adopted for analysis and the prediction of extreme waves along with analysis are described in this paper.

6 illus, 6 tables, 11 ref

008578   Dhami B S;Pandey A (Water Resources Development and Management Dep, IIT, Roorkee-247 667) : Comparative review of recently developed hydrologic models. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2013, 33(3), 34-42.

Paper deals with the study of effect of cost elements on optimal canal design i.e. the effect of cost of lining of curve, sides and base of canal section on the cost of optimal canal design. The dimensions of an optimal canal section are determined by microeconomic theory the value of b/y ratio is determined by trial and error method. Influence of various parameters on the design of the lining has been studied, which is achieved by using computer 'C' programming. The graph is plotted total cost of canal section of different values against b/y ratio of the section. The effect of cost of lining of curve, cost of lining of sides, cost of lining of base for different values has been seen from the graph when r = f (y) the b/y ratio increases & total cost increases after the optimal value of cost and similarly b/y ratio decreases the total cost of section increases after the optimal value and when r - constant after optimal value of the section b/y ratio increases, total cost of section increases and b/y ratio decreases the total cost of section increases.

4 tables, 47 ref

008577   Burele S A (WRDM Dep, IIT Roorkee & R.O., Central Works & Power Research Station, Pune, Email: burelesanjay@rediffmail.com) : Model studies for evolving hydraulic design of bridge across braided river. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2013, 33(3), 12-9.

In this study, a GIS based hydrological model, SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) was applied for modeling the Xebangfai watershed in center part of LAO PDR. The water balance modeling was performed on annual, monthly and daily basis using spatial and temporal data of surface runoff. The climatic data required by the SWAT i.e., daily precipitation, maximum/minimum air temperature, solar radiation, wind speed and relative humidity was used as input for the model to simulate runoff. Besides these data, meteorological data, topographical map, DEM map, soil map, and land use map of the watershed were used as input to the model. Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was successfully calibrated and validated for the years 1997-2002 and 2003-2008 respectively. Coefficient of determination (R²), Nash and Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), Index of agreement (d) and relative error (RE) were adopted to evaluate model performance during calibration and validation period. Study indicated that due to high magnitude of precipitation and good water retention capacity, the study area has high potential for agricultural activities.

9 illus, 6 ref

008576   Ansar S;Dhanya C R;Thomas G;Chandran A;John L;Prasanthi S;Vishnu R;Zachariah E J (Atmospheric Sciences Division, Centre for Earth Science Studies, PB 7250, Thuruvikkal P O< Thiruvananthapuram-695 031, Email: shareekul@gmail.com) : Urban/Rural cooling rates in Thiruvananthauram, Kerala. J Indian Geophys Union 2012, 16(1), 29-36.

Inhomogeneous cooling rates in the urban centre and adjoining suburban area and its effect on the Urban Heat Island (UHI) in Thiruvananthapuram city in peninsular South India was investigated. Air temperature variations across the study area were recorded by mobile traverse method. Cooling and warming rates in the urban centre and suburban area were deived from stationary air temperature recorders installed at these locations. The UHI intensity at this location was 2.4°C. Significant difference in the urban and rural colling rates was observed. The maximu colling rate in the city centre was 1.5±C/hr and 3.4°C/hr in the rural area.

6 illus, 7 ref

008575   Akilan A;Balaji S;Malaimani E C;Ravikumar N; Abilash K (NO, National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR), Hyderabad-500 606, Email: akilan 123@yahoo.com) : Current scenario of crustal deformation and strain distribution around the equatorial Indian Ocean region using GPS-Geodesy. J Indian Geophys Union 2012, 16(1), 21-8.

Crustal dynamics, strain distribution and the cause and effect of the geological processes in the equatorial Indian Ocean region were analysed using the Mahendragiri GPS data along with the network of stations around this region. Mahendragiri GPS station is in the southern tip of the Indian Peninsula and forms a shorter baseline length with other nearby gps stations. This led to provide greater accuracy and lesser errors. The GPS data were processed using the Bernese 5.0 software which revealed that the baseline length changes from station Mahendragiri (MADG) to stations such as Maldives (MALD), Diego Garcia (DGAR), Seychells (SEY1), Cocos (COCO) are 0.0028145>0.0009 m/yr, 0.0050±0.0008 m/yr, 0.0352±0.0019 m/yr and -0.0086±0.0.0020 m/yr respectively and the corresponding strain rates per year are 4.41102 x 10^-9, 2.76637 x 10^-9, 1.25036 x 10^-9 and -2.79168 x 10^-9 respectively. Further, the horizontal velocity of the MADG station is 0.0418 m/yr, moving towards N53°E. Baseline length changes in negative values indicated the convergence & the positive values indicated the divergence of plate boundaries. Between Indian and Capricorn plates, north to south slow diergence in the western side of the Capricorn plate and north to south slow convergence in the eastern side are taking place. Propagation of strain rate differs from place to place which may be due to the asymmetry of the spr eading rates of Mid-oceanic ridges. Stress generated by the plate driving forces at the Mid-oceanic regions was transferred through the southern India to te northern part of India as evidenced by the visible creation of the Himalayas and the rise of Himalaysa in recent times. It also revelaed that there is very less deformation between MALD and MADG and it is not significant. Very less deformation exists between Chagos ridge and the Southern tip GPS station of Indian Peninsula viz Mahendragiri.

4 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

008574   Abhilash K R;Gireeshkumar T R;Venu S; Raveendran T V (NO, National Institute of Oceanography (Council of Scientific & Industrial, Regional Centre, Dr. Salim Ali Road, Kochi-682 018, Email: tvravi@nio.org) : Bioconcentration of trace metals by Saccostrea cucullata (von Born 1778) from Andaman waters. Indian J Geomar Sci 2013, 42(3), 326-30.

Assessment of trace metals (Zn, Cu, Fe, Pb and Ni) in water, sediment and an oyster, Saccostrea cucullata, was carried out in five stations around Port Blair. Concentration of these metals in water, sediment and the oyster exhibited wide variations. Among the selected locations, Fisheries Jetty exhibited the highest concentration of trace metals, as a consequence of the numerous fishing vessels harboured at this station. Zinc was the highest bioconcentrated trace metal (BCF_mw, 460.39 - 2474.72; BCF_ms, 24.60 - 641.96) in all the five stations, probably due to the role of several zinc metalloenzymes in shell mineralization of oysters. Unlike this, the bioconcentration factor of Pb was very low in spite of its relatively high concentrations in both, water as well as sediment.

5 tables, 40 ref

007461   Wijitkosum S (NO, Environmental Research Institute, Chulalongkorn Univ, Bangkok, Thailand, Email: i_am_saowanee@hotmail.com) : Evaluation of impacts of spatial land use changes of soil loss using remote sensing and GIS in Huay Sai Royal Development Center, Thailand. J Envir Res Dev 2012, 6(3), 487-93.

By rising two period remote sensing images and with the support of GIS and RS, spatial pattern of land use change of Huay Sai Royal Development Centre, Thailand in recent 10 years is interpreted and extracted, and elucidated that human activities are the driving force for changes of cultivated land. The impacts of land use changes on soil loss have been assessed by applying the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). The change of land use types in the study area over the period of 2000 - 2010 was investigated by applying remote sensing technique and field survey for interpreting the satellite image taken by Lansat-5 TM. The study revealed that the change of land use types over 2000 - 2010 period affect the protective function of the land. The increase of forest area and the decrease of opened land led to the reduction of soil loss risk by raising the protective function of the land. During 2000 to 2010, the area with soil loss more than 125 Mg ha^-1 per year decreased obviously from 44.12% to 0.19% of the total area.

2 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

007460   Tamilenthi S;Baskaran R;Chandra Mohan K (Earth Science Dep, Tamil Univ, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, Email: rst_geo2011@yahoo.com) : Triangulated irregular network (tin) model for water resource management for the sustainable development of Kottakarai Aru Water shed, Tamil Nadu, India. J Envir Res Dev 2011, 6(2), 312-8.

Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) model used for the identification landscape to determine the objectives such as to establish the dam or related to water resource studies are useful and effective method. Scattered hydrological models clearly suggest (reveal) the spatial variability of the physical properties of basins and it allows spatial assessment of modelled hydrological variables. TIN model for net work analysis of the stream, Hot spot analysis, existing and proposed dams were identified in this study. In this study, indentifying the characteristics of the Kottakarai Aru Water shed in the lower Vaikai river -basin is located in Ramanathapuram district and it is closer to Bay of Bengal. Conclusion were drawn by use of spatial technology by pointing out the hot spot analysis and Proposed dam.

5 illus, 11 ref

007459   Si S K (NO, Vivekananda Institute of Biotechnology, Sri Ramakrishna Ashram, P.O. Nimpith Ashram, South 24-Parganas (Sundarban)-743 338, Email: sisirkrsi@gmail.com) : Effect of cyclonic disaster "AILA" on Sundarban soils. J Indian Soc Soil Sci 2012, 60(4), 309-11.

^ssc3 tables, 14 ref

007458   Gurumayum S D;Goswami U C (NO, Estuarine Biology Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, Gopalpur on Sea, Ganjam-761 002) : Physico-chemical characteristics of rivers Imphal, Thoubal and Khuga of Manipur. J Inld Fish Soc India 2012, 44(1), 87-93.

^ssc4 tables, 13 ref

007457   Biswas P;Vardia H K;Ghosh A;Biswas P (Fisheries Dep, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur-492 006) : Water quality of Budha talab, Chhattisgarh. J Inld Fish Soc India 2012, 44(1), 94-7.

^ssc1 table, 15 ref

007456   Bante R R;Srivastava R;Nagaraju M S S;Jagdish Prasad (NO, National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Nagpur-440 010, Maharashtra, Email: nraju@nbsslup.ernet.in) : Characterization and evaluation of land resources for watershed management in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra using RS and GIS. J Indian Soc Soil Sci 2012, 60(4), 261-8.

Characterization and evaluation of land resources of Taroda watershed was carried out using IRS-1D LISS-III and IRS-P6 LISS-IV data. Five major physiographic units namely plateau (1-3% slope), escarpment (8-15% slope), isolated hillock (15-30% slope), pediment (1-3% and 3-8% slope) and valley (0-1% slope) were identified. Visual interpretation of satellite data indicated that 54.8% of the total geographical area (TGA) is under cultivation followed by wasteland with scrub (22.7%) and degraded forest (21.1%). Nine soil series were tentatively identified. The soils of plateau, escarpment and isolated hillock are very shallow (Lithic Ustorthents/Typic Ustorthents), soils of pediment are shallow (Typic Ustorthents/Typic Haplustepts) whereas, soils of valley are moderately deep to very deep (Vertic Haplustepts/Typic Haplusterts). Higher finer fractions of soil separates with concomitant higher moisture retention, available water capacity and cation exchange capacity were observed in soils of lower reaches compared to that of upper reaches of the watershed. The soils of valley are moderately to highly suitable whereas, soils of plateau and pediments are marginally to not suitable for growing cotton and sorghum. An action plan has been prepared with suggested land use and appropriate interventions which might help in better management of land resources for sustained productivity.

3 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

006447   Zeng R;Li Z (NO, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China, Email: lizhilong108@yahoo.com) : CO₂-EOR and geological storage option in the Bohaiwan basin, East China. J Petrol Engng Technol 2013, 3(2), 13-7.

Geological assessment of the Bohaiwan Basin in eastern China for the COACH (Cooperation Action within CCS China-EU) project is introduced. The results indicated that storing carbon dioxide in this region will be technically challenging and require a flexible storage solution. A pilot is suggested in Dagang for simultaneous injection with both enhanced oil recovery and storage. The analysis offers valuable reference in simultaneous injection of CO₂ into a nearby larger oil field and adjacent aquifers. A potential storage option by combining the larger storage space anticipated for aquifers with the possible future financial incentives of CO₂-EOR is also considered.

1 illus, 15 ref

006446   Yadav R K;Rupa Kumar K;Rajeevan M (NO, Indian Institute of Tropical meterology, Pune, Maharashtra) : Characteristic features of winter precipitation and its variability over Northwest India. J Earth Syst Sci 2012, 121(3), 611-23.

Northwestern parts of India receive considerable amount of precipitation during the winter months of December-March. Although, it is only about 15% of the annual precipitation, the precipitation is very important for rabi crops and to maintain the glaciers extend in the Himalaya, which melt and supply water to the rivers during other seasons. The precipitation is mainly associated with the sequence of synoptic systems known as 'western disturbances'. The precipitation has considerable spatial and temporal variability, with maximum precipitation occurring particularly over northern hilly regions, with decreasing influence southwards. The spatially coherent winter precipitation series has been prepared for the largest possible area comprising nine meteorological subdivisions of northwest India, which constitute about 32% of the total area of the country, having similar precipitation characteristics. The precipitation series has been statistically analysed to understand its characteristics and variability. The seasonal precipitation series is found to be homogeneous, Gaussian (normal) distributed and free from persistence. The precipitation variability has increased during the most recent three decades with more excess and deficient years.

10 illus, 6 tables, 23 ref

006445   Takahashi H;Horiuchi R (NO, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 1-1-1 Umezono, Tsukuba 305-8563, Japan, Email: h.takahashi@aist.go.jp) : Minimizing the effects of reflections by using a virtual pulse method, for free-field reciprocity calibration. MAPAN 2012, 27(4), 191-8.

National Metrology Institute of Japan has developed a free-field reciprocity calibration system for type WS3 microphones as acoustic standards in the airborne ultrasonic range between 20 and 100 kHz, because numerous instruments radiate airborne ultrasound. Precise calibration of these microphones requires minimizing the influence of sound reflected from the objects such as absorbing wedges and supporting rods within the acoustic chamber. To minimize this influence, we applied the virtual pulse method, which is a signal processing technique used in the audible frequency to airborne ultrasonic range. Experimental and analytical results validated this method. Use of this method in the calibration of type WS3 microphones will decrease the calibration uncertainty in the free-field sensitivity level.

8 illus, 11 ref

006444   Singh V B;Ramanathan A;Pottakkal J G;Sharma P;Linda A;Azam M F;Chatterjee C (NO, School of Environmental Sciences Jawaharlal Nehru Univ, New Delhi-110 067, Email: alrjnu@gmail.com ) : Chemical characterisation of meltwater draining from Gangotri glacier, Garhwal Himalaya, India. J Earth Syst Sci 2012, 121(3), 625-36.

Detailed analytical study of major cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺) and anions (SO₄^2-, HCO₃^-, Cl^-, NO₃^-) of meltwater draining from Gangotri Glacier was carried out to understand major ion chemistry and to get an insight into geochemical weathering processes controlling hydrochemistry of the glacier. In the meltwater, the abundance order of cations and anions varied as follows: Ca²⁺ <62> Mg²⁺ <62> K⁺ <62> Na⁺ and SO₄^2- <62> HCO₃^- <62> Cl^- <62> NO₃^-, respectively. Calcium and magnesium are dominant cations while sulphate and bicarbonate are dominant anions. Weathering of rocks is the dominant mechanism controlling the hydrochemistry of drainage basin. The relative high contribution of (Ca+Mg) to the total cations (TZ⁺), high (Ca+Mg)/(Na+K) ratio (2.63) and low (Na+K)/TZ⁺ ratio (0.29) indicate the dominance of carbonate weathering as a major source for dissolved ions in the glacier meltwater. Sulphide oxidation and carbonation are the main proton supplying geochemical reactions controlling the rock weathering in the study area. Statistical analysis was done to identify various factors controlling the dissolved ionic strength of Gangotri Glacier meltwater.

7 illus, 4 tables, 60 ref

006443   Sengupta P (Geology and Geophysics Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, Email: probal@gg.iitkgp.ernet.in) : Stochastic finite-fault modelling of strong earthquakes in Narmada south fault, Indian shield. J Earth Syst Sci 2012, 121(3), 837-46.

The Narmada South Fault in the Indian peninsular shield region is associated with moderate-to-strong earthquakes. The prevailing hazard evidenced by the earthquake-related fatalities in the region imparts significance to the investigations of the seismogenic environment. In the present study, the prevailing seismotectonic conditions specified by parameters associated with source, path and site conditions are appraised. Stochastic finite-fault models are formulated for each scenario earthquake. The simulated peak ground accelerations for the rock sites from the possible mean maximum earthquake of magnitude M_w 6.8 goes as high as 0.24 g while fault-rupture of magnitude M_w 7.1 exhibits a maximum peak ground acceleration of 0.36 g. The results suggest that present hazard specification of Bureau of Indian Standards as inadequate. The study is expected to facilitate development of ground motion models for deterministic and probabilistic seismic hazard analysis of the region.

7 illus, 3 tables, 33 ref

006442   Sardar N;Singh A K;Nagar A;Mishra S D;Vijay S K (NO, Govt. Geetanjali Girls P.G. College, Bhopal-462 026) : Latitudinal variation of ionospheric parameters-a detailed report. J Indian Geophys Union 2012, 16(3), 113-33.

The ionospheric slab thickness is the ratio of ionospheric electron content (IEC) to the F-region peak electron density (NmF2). This has been analyzed during low solar activity period from January 2006 to December 2010. Hourly value of IEC and NmF2 by ionosonde technique is collected at Kwajelin (9°N-167°E), Learmonth (22°S-114°E); low latitude, Athens (38°N-24°E), Sanvito (40°N-17°E); mid-latitude and Chilton (52°N-359°E), Port Stanley (52°S-302°E) high latitude location in the present study. The data and analysis method are classified in to 3 seasons including equinox (March, April, September and October), winter (January, February, November and December) and summer (May, June July and August). A detailed analysis of derived results is presented to bring into focus the latitudinal variations and utility of variations ionospheric parameters.

10 illus, 1 table, 92 ref