002313   Rajendran K;Rajendran C P;Thulasiraman N; Andrews R;Sherpa N (Centre for Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: kusala@ceas.iisc.ernet.in) : The 18 spetember 2011, North Sikkim earthquake. Curr Sci 2011, 101(11), 1475-9.

The 18 September 2011, magnitude Mw 6.9 earthquake close to the Nepal-Sikkim border caused significant damage due to ground shaking and caused several landslides. Observations from the post-earthquake surveys in the affected areas within Sikkim suggest that the poorly engineered, multistoried structures were relatively more impacted. Those located on alluvial terraces were also affected. The morphology of the region is prone to landslides and the possibility for their increased intensity during the forthcoming monsoon need to be considered seriously. From the seis-motectonic perspective, the mid-crustal focal depth of the North Sikkim earthquake reflects the ongoing deformation of the subducting Indian plate.

5 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

002312   Pramanik P (NO, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012) : Long term changes in weather at Karnal, Haryana. Bioinfolet 2013, 10(3A), 907-8.

2 illus, ref

002311   Pandey A (Geography Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Landsatetm<. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2012, 35(2), 440-9.

Urban areas have become increasingly important drivers of local and regional climatic and environmental changes with many adverse consequences for social and ecological processes. Urban expansion leads to phenomenal alternation in land covers as natural land cover is replaced by artificial built up surfaces resulting in increased temperatures in urban centers as compared to their rural surroundings. Urban heat island (UHI) has emerged as a grave and irreversible condition causing environmental discomfort that has adverse affect on health. Search for strategies focusing mitigation of UHI effect has become very important in context with urban planning. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of vegetation with respect to reducing air temperature, therefore mitigating the heat island effect. LANDS AT-ETM+ data was used to extract different land covers and to derive Land Surface Temperatures (LST) after which role of vegetation in modifying the urban thermal environment was investigated. Supervised fuzzy technique for land cover classification was used so that the percentage of different land covers in form of membership images was retrieved that was used in analyzing relationship between vegetation and Land Surface Temperature (LST). It was observed that large homogeneous patches of vegetation covers were even cooler than the rural areas while at other locations the role of vegetation in mitigating the UHI effect was modified due to presence of other land covers.

4 illus, 59 ref

002310   Pan S (Geography Dep, , Krishnapur Adarsha Vidyamandir, Dum Dum Park, Kolkata-700 055) : Cloudburst disaster in India and its management. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2012, 35(2), 162-7.

Cloudburst, localized heavy rainfall event is now a very common phenomenon particularly in the Himalyan region during monsoon season which is leading to devastating, triggering of landslides causing enormous loss of life and property and environmental degradation. In this paper an attempt has been made to find out the mystery of this extreme event in general. As there is a little scope to predict it and we are not able to prevent this disaster, the author has tried to highlight the management strategy. The paper suggests that much of the damage and destruction must be avoided by proper planning. Practicing for rapid response including evacuation, setting up of monitoring and early warning systems and technologies, with full people's participation, are immediate measures. Sustainable rehabilitation work after the disaster also is of great importance in this regard.

10 ref

002309   Mukhopadhyay S C (Geography Dep, UGC Emritus Fellow in Geography, Calcutta Univ, Kolkata) : Hints on role of tectonic geomorphology of the Hindukush-Himalaya India and surroundings with reference to drainage patterns. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2012, 35(2), 459-76.

Tectonic movements especially Neotectonics which are found to be active in recent years play an important role particularly in determining the drainage pattern and landform including the soil-vegetation types of the Hindukush - Himalaya, India and its surroundings. The multitier terraces, flood plains and almost flat planes, fans or alluvial fans, scarps -fluvial scarps and fault scarps, fault - line scarps, breaks or nicks in the profiles of the long of profile of the rivers etc. are some of the examples. Different drainage patterns and channel patterns influenced by Structure, Glacials Nival, Peri Glacial, Glacio-fluvial, Fluvial and associated exogenetic geomorphic processes, and hazards or disaster like the seismo-tectonics, river bank erosions, river piracy or capture, shifting of the river causes change of soil erosions including accelerated soil erosions, landslides, recent humain interference like deforestations, landuse patterns etc., are found river along and together course in the study area. Now a days socio-economic issuess, recent urbanisation, health and educational attainment. The population dynamics are also added. These are responsible for creating the Hindukush-Himalayan environment.

8 illus, 15 ref

002308   Mukherjee M K (Civil Engineering Dep, Jalpaiguri Government Engineering College, Jalpaiguri-735 102, Email: manaskmukherjee@rediffmail.com) : Application of flood model of Damodar basin, India, to Subernarekha basin, India-a critical study. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2012, 35(2), 34-8.

An empirical flood model between Peak Discharge (QP) and corresponding Return Period (T), has been developed for the rivers of Damodar Catchment, India, by Central Water & Research Station, Poona. In the present study, it has been successfully showed that the suggested model for the rivers of Damodar Catchment is also applicable to the rivers of Subarnerekha catchment. In order to established the above statement the author has used Least Square Principle, Computer Programing and Software Packages. The suggested model for river Damodar, has been found to be highly satisfactory as the values of percentage deviation and standard deviation of percentage deviation are too low i.e. 6.32 and 6.26 respectively. High positive correlation has been identified between parameters involved in the study with value of Correlation Co-efficient lying always above 0.71. For any desired Return Period (T), the corresponding Peak Discharge (QP) can be computed readily from the Suggested model. The corresponding Stage (G) can also be ascertained from the rating curve [Mukherjee, M,K., Sarkar, S., 2007]. The Stage (G) values will be extremely helpful to the exsisting flood warning system and for the construction of different hydraulic structures.

2 tables, 17 ref

002307   Marvin Herndon J (NO, , Transdyne Corporation, 11044 Red Rock Drive, San Diego, CA 92131, USA, Email: mherndon@san.rr.com) : Geodynamic basis of heat transport in the earth. Curr Sci 2011, 101(11), 1440-50.

Dynamic processes of the Earth are based upon heat transport concepts derived from ordinary experience. But, ordinary experience can be misleading, especially when underlain by false assumptions. Geodynamic considerations traditionally have embraced three modes of heat transport: conduction, convection and radiation. Recently, I introduced a fourth, 'mantle decompression thermal tsunami' that, I submit, is responsible for emplacing heat at the base of the Earth's crust. Here I review, from the standpoint of geodynamics, energy, heat and thermal transport within the Earth that are connected in a logical, causally related way, and speculate that there might be a fifth mode: 'heat channelling', involving heat transport from the core to 'hotspots' such as those that power the Hawaiian Islands and Iceland.

10 illus, 2 tables, 90 ref

002306   Mandal S;Mondal M;Bej S (NO, Thoara High School, Thoara, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal) : Trend analysis of long term surface temperature in Sagar island, West Bengal, India. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2012, 35(2), 272-8.

Sagar island, the largest island in the deltaic complex of Sundarbans is vulnerable to climatic hazards, despite this, little attention has been given to detect the trend and magnitude of surface temperature. In the, present paper we tried to estimate the trend and magnitude of surface temperature during 1982-2010 for Sagar island using Mann-Kendall trend test and Sen's slope estimator. The trend statistics revealed that the monthly maximum temperature significantly increased for all months at an increasing rate of 0.04 oC year-lto 0.11 oC year-1, aside, the minimum temperature decreased significantly at the decreasing rate of 0.01 oC year-1 to 0.83 oC year-1. Significant increasing trend was observed in mean monthly temperature (at the. rate of 0.04 oC year-1 to 0.11 oC year-1) during last three decades. Mean annual maximum temperature reflected increasing trend with 0.07 oC year-1 while, the mean annual minimum temperature exhibited decreasing trend with an decreasing rate of 0.03 oC year-1 and mean annual temperature revealed a increasing trend at the rate of 0.03 oC year-1. While seasonal temperature was concerned the summer (AMJJASO) and winter (NDJFM) exhibited increasing trend with the rate of 0.045 oC year-1 and 0.01 oC year-1 respectively. The findings must help the policy makers and agricultural scientist to workout cropping system options under various climatic conditions of the island.

6 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

002305   Mallik A;Singh A K;Mondal M K (NO, Govt. P.G. College, New Tehari, Uttarakhand) : Existing and future landuse pattern of Barasat city, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2012, 35(2), 369-76.

Land is a primary natural resource that fulfills our basic needs as well as secondary needs with ever increasing population. The number of claimer of land is also rapidly increasing. Land use is the surface utilization of development and vacant land on a specific point, at a given time and space. It is the use actually made of any parcel of land for any purpose. The study of land use is an urgent need for resource planning. Cultural advancement as, well as over all economic development of a ration. Present study is concerned with the identification and analyses of existing and future land use pictures, will also try to provide guidelines for sustainable development.

2 tables, 12 ref

002304   Magnus O O (Geography and Regional Planning Ambrose Dep, Alli Univ, P.M.B. 14, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria) : Assessment of rain water harvesting facilities in Esanland of Edo state, Nigeria. J hum Ecol 2011, 34(1), 7-16.

This paper examines the structural and environmental aspects of the use of underground wells in Esanland of Edo State. The structural aspects dealt with the structural condition of the wells which was observed to be poor because many wells had cracks and leakages, surface peelings, bad channels and coverings. The environmental aspects described the conditions of dust, smoke, household effluents, waste dumps, bushy surroundings, flooding and erosion affecting the wells. Due to these conditions, it was observed that water needs from the wells were not met adequately in the study area. To be able to meet with the demand, other sources of supply were sort and this affected the finances of the people. Data used for the study were obtained from primary and secondary sources. Analysis was simply descriptive statistics using tables.

10 tables, 17 ref

002303   Kiamehr R;Abrehdary M;Salkhordeh S (Surveying Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Zanjan Branch, Zanjan, Iran, Email: kiamehr@kth.se) : Combination of satellite altimetry data and EGM2008 model for evaluation of the height datum in Iran. Ecol Envir Conserv 2011, 17(4), 653-9.

The repetitive periodic coverage from Topex/Poseidon altimetry satellite during 1992-2003 from the Oman Sea and Persian Gulf were used to prepare time series covering the study area. The linear portion of series were analyzed to calculate mean sea level as its temporal changes using the least-squares method. Due to the significance of sea level topography in oceanographic studies a new model proposed using the combined altimetry satellite data and the EGM2008 global geoid model in order to determine and equalize the current height datum for Iran. The maximum and minimum of sea surface topography vary within the range of -0.7 to 1.1 m in the study area. Adjustment of the current precise network for Iran established based on the Bandar Abbas tide gauge station, which its corresponding SST estimated up to -0.5 m. Effect of such large systematic error in national height system cannot be ignored in geodynamical and engineering researches.

7 illus, 20 ref

002302   Khonde N;Maurya D M;Singh A D;Chowksey V; Chamyal L S (Geology Dep, The M.S. Baroda Univ, Vadodara-390 002, Email: dmmaurya@yahoo.com) : Environmental significance of raised rann sediments along the margins of khadir, bhanjada and kuar bet islands in great Rann of Kachchh, Western India. Curr Sci 2011, 101(11), 1429-34.

5 illus, 28 ref

002301   Karmokar S;Dutta R K (NO, , Rabindra Bharati Univ, Email: shuvasish07@gmail.com) : Quantitative analysis of Balasan basin geomorphology Darjeeling, West Bengal. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2012, 35(2), 250-56.

In the present paper, an attempt has been made to study in detail the morphometric characteristics of the geomorphology of Balasan basin. Morphometry is the quantitative technique to define the relationship between landforms and the geomorphic processes which act upon them. The drainage basin of Balasan, a sixth order stream, located in Darjeeling Himalaya, West Bengal, was quantitatively analyzed using modern morphometric techniques. The area under study falls in the Eastern Himalaya, a prominent physiographic region of the North east India. Humid sub tropical climate with the influence of monsoon prevails in this pan of the world. Darjeeling gneiss of Archaeans era, Gorubathan formation, Siwalik group and the alluvial formation of recent to sub recent of Quaternary period are the major rock formations present in the area under study. Geologically the basin exposes glacio-fluvial and fluvial surfaces. The study identifies three distinct hydro-morphological units in the basin: a) Mountainous zone of Darjeeling Himalaya, b) Tarai and Bhabar area in the foothills, c) The plain zone.

1 table, 5 ref

002300   Gupta S (Geography Dep, PCMM, Kolkata) : Basin morphology and land use with special reference to Panchanoi river basin, a micro watershed of Mahananda river system, India. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2012, 35(2), 100-04.

Micro watershed is defined as a small watershed, in which a certain number of families live, make use and manage the resources of the area, mainly the soil, water, vegetation, including crops and native vegetation, and fauna, including domestic and wild animals. From the operational point of view, the micro watershed has an area that may be planned by a technician counting on local resources and a number of families that may be treated as a social nucleus that shares some common interests and here the use of land is very much associated with the local physiography and that is why the study about land use should give emphasis on the relief characteristics. The present paper is based on a small river basin and its changing land use. So here it is very important to study about the drainage morphology as a whole or especially on that particular area where the changing tendency of land use has already been recognized. At the same time it is also to be noticed that the land use pattern may also be affected by the anthropogenic effect. So it is also very necessary to give stress on the anthropogenic factors associated with the basin area.

6 illus, 6 ref

002299   Guha S;Dey A (Geography Dep, Rammohan College, Kolkata-700 009) : Morphological changes in and around nayachara tail. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2012, 35(2), 174-80.

Nayachara Island, an Island of Hooghly estuary, located at the confluence of the Hooghly River and the Haldi River at the northern extent of the Bay of Bengal. It is a small island, have accreted from unconsolidated alluvium. The island is prone to earthquake, cyclone and even tsunami. Because of its proximity to the coastal area, it faces the risk of tidal effects. It is also known as Fish Island because the area is directly in the vicinity of one of the richest fisheries and fish breeding grounds of our country. All these have made Nayachar an ecologically sensitive area. The visual interpretation after geometric and radiometric correction is applied for understanding the recent morphological changes arising out of rapid growth of small islands just downstream of southern tip of Nayachara Island generally known as Nayachara tail. The present study has analyzed the change in area in and around the Nayachara tail through erosional as well as depositional activities during the last four decades using multi-temporal satellite images. LANDSAT MSS (1973), LANDSAT ETM+ (2000) and LANDSAT TM5 (2010) satellite imageries have been used for this study. Current meter, Sieve Shaker and Salinity meter have also been used to analyze the hydrological parameters. From the evaluation of the study it is clear that the part of the land area has been changed through time by erosion, deposition, emergence or submergence. The result shows that the land area of the study is gradually increasing which depicts that heavy deposition has taken place during this period.

2 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

002298   Gour J (Geography Dep, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, Email: jayantagour@yahoo.com) : Laskarpur- a village under the threat of geomorphic processes in the active deltaic floodplain of Sundarbans. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2012, 35(2), 39-44.

Deltas have always been attractive to the human civilizations during different historical periods. Obviously, the basic objectives of those civilizations in these particular geomorphic regions of the world were not other than to exploit the annually renewed fertile floodplains for different modes of livelihood like- agricultural and piscicultural and navigational activities. Search for new and new place to allot the increasing population and to meet the unending agricultural demands for that increasing population slowly looted the mangrove islands from Sundarbans. Snatching out the free roaming niche from the wild beasts in the mangroves though reduced the Governments 'political burden but it adversely affected the entire drainage system and ongoing geomorphic processes in Sundarbans. Village Laskarpur of Jharkhali GP in 24 Pgs. (S), at the fringe of Herobhanga RF, may be put forth as a model one in the active deltaic region of Sundarbans where people are now a days suffering from intangible bank erosion and chronic land use problems. This article has mainly focused on the present geomorphic processes in the early reclaimed juvenile floodplains in Sundarban region and the recent evil effects of the past mal-utilization of the immature delta.

2 illus, 1 table, 3 ref

002297   Dey S;Dutta R (NO, Rabindra Bharati Univ, , Email: geo.souravdey@gmail.com) : Hydrogeomorphic mechanism of channel shifting of Bhagirathi river with special emphasis of karkaria and jagannathpur mouza, Nadia district, West Bengal. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2012, 35(2), 94-100.

Channel shifting is a common phenomena generally observed in flood plain areas. The present paper is concerned with analysis of hydrogeomorphic causes of channel shifting of Bhagirathi river and its impact on land resources of Karkaria and Jagannathpur Mouza, Nadia district, West Bengal. The study area extends from 23°30' N to 23°35' N latitude and 88°20' E to 88°25' E longitude. Analyzing the satellite image (Google and LISS-II1) and toposheet (SOI) of the Bhagirathi river of Nadia and Burdwan district through the year 1968 and 1996, it is found that, there is distinct channel shifting of Bhagirathi river towards its left bank which is administratively in Nadia district. The right bank of the river is part of Burdwan district. Stream energy, Geo-lithological characteristics, Geomorphological characteristics, Climatic condition, Channel configuration, Sedimentation and Channel aggradation and Bank stratification are the major controlling factors of channel shifting of Bhagirathi river in this area. The local people of Karkaria and Jagannathpur village facing various problems such as damage of land resources, agricultural lands, orchards, roads, mango groves and also settlement areas. As a result of shifting of river channel many villagers have migrated from this area.

8 illus, 5 ref

002296   De U S;Jamadar S M (Environmental Science Dep, Visiting Faculty, Maharashtra Institute of Technology, Pune Univ, Pune, Email: udayshankarde@gmail.com) : Extreme hydro-meteorological events and urban development. J Indian Geophys Union 2012, 16(4), 175-8.

Extreme weather events in particular heavy rains and floods cause huge losses to economic growth of the country. India receives nearly 4000 billion M3 water from rains and snowfall annually. However, it shows great seasonal and spatial variability and is concentrated in the summer monsoon season. Even during the summer monsoon season, short (1-2 days) spells of extreme rainfall can exceed even monthly normal rainfall (of the station), and cause natural hazards, which can turn into a disaster. These disasters are increasing affecting adversely major urban areas. The area and persons affected by floods may increase due to reasons such as deforestation, urbanization and population growth (IPCC AR-4). An analysis of recent data (1998-2007) of Disastrous Weather Events (DWE) (IMD) indicated 34 cases of heavy rains, 71 cases of severe floods, 70 cases of moderate floods, 30 cases of cloud bursts, 88 cases of flash floods over the Indian region. We discuss the important features reported in the recent decade- damage, economic losses and lives lost in these disastrous events. The paper presents some of these aspects and stresses the need for a sustainable way of development for cities, balancing the needs of various stake holders vis-a-vis the environment.

1 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

002295   Chatterjee S;Deyasi S (Geography Dep, , Burdwan-713 103) : Ecotourism prospects and sustainable rural development under BSPS, Bolpur, Birbhum district of West Bengal. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2012, 35(2), 360-4.

Ecotourism included the conservation of biological and cultural diversity through ecosystem protection, share of economic benefits with local communities, increase environmental and cultural knowledge, affordability and reduce wastes and minimization of its own environmental impact. It contributes long-term benefits to both the environment and local communities. The present paper tries to concentrate the entire project of Amarkutir. Sagarbithi, Sonajhuri areas, its problems and prospects in different aspects related to environment and local rural communities, especially over the tribal villagers. Its concluded with the benefits and more future possibilities of the project and provide some measures to fulfill the project more economically and environmentally viable.

5 ref

002294   Basu M (Geography Dep, Directorate of Distance Education, Rabindra Bharati Univ) : Cause and effect of shifting channel position, middle Subarnarekha basin, a case study, Ghatsila area. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2012, 35(2), 318-25.

Like most rivers, Subarnarekha also meanders and keeps changing its position every year as a part of natural river dynamics governed by fluctuating sediment and discharge flow, sediment load, tectonic changes, other geomorphic factors and human factors. These leads to the occurrence of various natural hazards such as flood, river bank erosion, soil erosion and formation of badlands. The area surveyed in the recent past shows that once a mighty river of the area, today has not only modified its position but has also brought changes in the life and activities of the people of Ghatsila. After long investigation it is now possible to identify the main causes responsible for the changing course of the river and its associated hazards. The study of this part of the south-east Chota-Nagpur plateau fringes are of particular applied geo-morphological interests in the analysis of the dynamic fluvio-morphological landforms on one hand and the related geomorphic hazards on the other. The root cause of hazard problems when investigated carefully with intensive field work, manual data analysis and with computer techniques pointed to the fact that these were caused mainly due to the river dynamics which is responsible for the constant changing, shifting and modification of its channel position over time and space by rigorously keeping parity with the various hydro- geo-morphological processes. Thus it is the duty of the Government and the local people to take proper measures in controlling and combating hazards caused due to changing channel position of the Subarnarekha.

2 illus, 11 ref

002293   Basu A (NO, Women's Christian College, Kolkata) : Tolly's nala: present and future. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2012, 35(2), 405-12.

The Adi-Ganga, a paleo-distributary channel of the Bhagirathi which served as an important navigational channel, is intertwined with South-Bengal's history and culture. During 1775-77, Major William Tolly excavated a 15.5 km long canal popularly called Tolly's Nala' to provide an effective waterway for trade; from Hastings to Samukpota following the decayed course of Adi-Ganga upto Garia and then connecting it with Bidyadhari river in the east. Till early 20th century the route was navigable by motor launch but with the silting up of Bidyadhari due to sluice gate construction for regulating tidal influx, the canal lost its prior importance. Various natural and anthropogenic causes are involved behind its gradual decay. The quality and flow of the canal water is adversely affected by sediment accumulation, eutrophication due to various point and non-point polluting factors, uncontrolled effluent flow, changing landuse pattern, illegal encroachments, unplanned metro-railway expansion. These factors are also responsible in creating ordeals like water-logging, sanitation problems and health-scares. Multifarious development projects and schemes by various authorities have been undertaken over the years for reviving the vitality of the canal which have been analyzed. Before it's too late, this important waterway has to be revitalized as the lifeline of South Bengal. It can act as an efficient storm-water-flow channel and navigational route, if active co-operation to execute the action plans is taken up by all the stakeholders.

9 ref

002292   Bandyopadhyay M (NO, Gontar B.M. High School, Gontar, Memari, Burdwan-713 146, Email: mahuya.bandyopadhyay@gmail.com) : Utilisation of land in Debpur village. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2012, 35(2), 365-8.

Debpur is a small village in Memari, block I. It is an old village. The name of village is derived from the word dev - devi-meaning god. There are a number of temples in this village. Of which some of them are a hundred years of old. It is agriculture-based village. So the study of landuse is mainly based on agriculture classification. Primarily the type of agricultural land use is based on types of crops grown but in a wider context it includes crop production, forestry, types of grazing etc. In this study regional differences in agricultural production and some non-agricultural or social use of land and causes behind this discrepancy are studied vividly. Utilization of land judiciously, and more profitably with proper tackling of growing problems are also discussed in this study.

6 ref

001317   Wei L;Pengfei C;Jinzhong B;Hanjiang W;Hua W (School of Geodsey and Geomatics, Wuhan Univ, Wuhan-430 079, China, Email: wewelww_c@163.com) : Calibration of regional ionospheric delay with uncombined precise point positioning and accuracy assessment. J Earth Syst Sci 2012, 121(4), 989-99.

New method for the calibration of regional ionospheric delay based on uncombined precise point positioning (U-PPP) is proposed in this study. The performance of the new method was comparatively validated in terms of its accuracy and robustness with respect to the phase-smoothed pseudorange (PSP) method through two short-baseline experiments. Accuracy of the PPP-derived ionospheric delays was further assessed by interpolating them to a user station to perform single-frequency simulated kinematic PPP. Two 24-hr period datasets of four continuous operation reference system (CORS) stations were analyzed, collected during calm and disturbed ionospheric conditions, respectively. The single-frequency GPS observables from a user station, that were a-priori corrected by the interpolated ionospheric delays, were utilized to implement single-frequency PPP (SF-PPP). The results show that interpolation accuracy is better than 1 dm and, with the proposed method, is less affected by the ionospheric activity; meanwhile, positioning accuracy of SF-PPP was 4-5 cm (horizontal) and better than 1 dm (vertical). For comparison, two reference SF-PPP solutions were also obtained, in which the ionospheric delays are eliminated either by forming semi-combination observations or by using global ionosphere maps (GIM) model values; in both cases the positioning accuracy was only 4-7 dm (horizontal) and 1 m (vertical). These results provide a further demonstration of the performance of PPP-based regional ionospheric calibration in the parameter domain.

6 illus, 2 tables, 48 ref

001316   Vijaya;Tripathi A;Roy A;Mitra S (NO, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53 Univ Road, Lucknow, Email: bsip_vijaya@yahoo.co.in) : Palynostratigraphy and age correlation of subsurface strata within the sub-basins in Singrauli Gondwana Basin, India. J Earth Syst Sci 2012, 121(4), 1071-92.

In the study area, changes in the facies of sediments and spores-pollen content appear to be all causally linked with the depositional set-up. Here, the qualitative and quantitative changes observed in the spores-pollen assemblages have led to recognize 10 Assemblage-zones representing from that earliest Permian in the Talchir Formation to that latest Late Triassic in the Parsora Formation. These spores-pollen assemblages are obtained from the wider parts in the Singrauli Gondwana Basin that includes (i) Moher sub-basin (boreholes SSM-1 and 2), and (ii) Singrauli main sub-basin (boreholes SMJS-2, 3 and SMBS-1). The progressively changing spores-pollen content infer the hiatuses of varied magnitude in the sedimentary sequences during the extended time interval of Permian and Triassic.

12 illus, 5 tables, 14 ref

001315   Srinivas N;Tiwari V M;Tarial J S;Prajapti S; Meshram A E;Singh B;Nagarajan B (NO, National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR), Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500 606, Email: srinarakula@gmail.com) : Gravimetric geoid of a part of South India and its comparison with global geopotential models and GPS-levelling data. J Earth Syst Sci 2012, 121(4), 1025-32.

Precise information of geoid undulations is essential for obtaining the orthometric heights from Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements over any region; apart from providing the information of subsurface density distribution. This paper presents computation of geoid undulations over a part of southern Indian region from terrestrial gravity and elevation data using remove-restore technique that involves spherical Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to compute 'Stokes' coefficients. Computed geoid undulations are compared with geoid obtained from global geopotential models such as EGM2008 and EIGEN-GRACE02S and measured GPS-levelling records at 67 locations. Statistical analysis of comparison suggests that the computed gravimetric geoid model has a good match with the geoid determined from GPS-levelling with rms of 0.1 m whereas EGM2008 has 0.46 m. The differences of GPS-levelling with EGM2008 at majority of stations fall in the range of ±0.5 m, which indicates that EGM2008 may be used for orthometric height determination with an accuracy of <60>0.5 m in the south Indian region and offers a reasonably good transformation platform from ellipsoid to local datum. However, local determination of geoid is necessary for better accuracy of orthometric height from GPS. The gravimetric geoid calculated from the available gravity data shows considerable improvement to the global model and can be used to achieve orthometric height with an accuracy of 0.1 m.

6 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

001314   Roy P N S;Mondal S K (Applied Geophysics Dep, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad-826 004, Email: pns_may1@yahoo.com) : Multifractal analysis of earthquakes in Kumaun Himalaya and its surrounding region. J Earth Syst Sci 2012, 121(4), 1033-47.

Himalayan seismicity is related to continuing northward convergence of Indian plate against Eurasian plate. Earthquakes in this region are mainly caused due to release of elastic strain energy. The Himalayan region can be attributed to highly complex geodynamic process and therefore is best suited for multi-fractal seismicity analysis. Fractal analysis of earthquakes (mb ≥ 3.5) occurred during 1973-2008 led to the detection of a clustering pattern in the narrow time span. This clustering was identified in three windows of 50 events each having low spatial correlation fractal dimension (D_c) value 0.836, 0.946 and 0.285 which were mainly during the span of f998 to 2005. This clustering may be considered as an indication of a highly stressed region. The Guttenberg Richter b-value was determined for the same subsets considered for the D_c estimation. Based on the fractal clustering pattern of events, we conclude that the clustered events are indicative of a highly stressed region of weak zone from where the rupture propagation eventually may nucleate as a strong earthquake. Multifractal analysis gave some understanding of the heterogeneity of fractal structure of the seismicity and existence of complex interconnected structure of the Himalayan thrust systems. The present analysis indicates an impending strong earthquake, which might help in better hazard mitigation for the Kumaun Himalaya and its surrounding region.

10 illus, 2 tables, 63 ref

001313   Reddy K K;Naja M;Ojha N;Mahesh P;Lal S (NO, Yogi Vemana Univ, Kadapa, Tirupati) : Influences of the boundary layer evolution on surface ozone variations at a tropical rural site in India. J Earth Syst Sci 2012, 121(4), 911-22.

Collocated measurements of the boundary layer evolution and surface ozone, made for the first time at a tropical rural site (Gadanki 13.5°N, 79.2°E, 375 m amsl) in India, are presented here. The boundary layer related observations were made utilizing a lower atmospheric wind profiler and surface ozone observations were made using a UV analyzer simultaneously in April month. Daytime average boundary layer height varied from 1.5 km (on a rainy day) to a maximum of 2.5 km (on a sunny day). Correlated day-to-day variability in the daytime boundary layer height and ozone mixing ratios is observed. Days of higher ozone mixing ratios are associated with the higher boundary layer height and vice versa. It is shown that higher height of the boundary layer can lead to the mixing of near surface air with the ozone rich air aloft, resulting in the observed enhancements in surface ozone. A chemical box model simulation indicates about 17% reduction in the daytime ozone levels during the conditions of suppressed PBL in comparison with those of higher PBL conditions. On a few occasions, substantially elevated ozone levels (as high as 90 ppbv) were observed during late evening hours, when photochemistry is not intense. These events are shown to be due to southwesterly wind with uplifting and northeasterly winds with downward motions bringing ozone rich air from nearby urban centers. This was further corroborated by backward trajectory simulations.

10 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

001312   Rakesh Ranjan (P.G. Chemistry Dep, M.S. College, Motihari, Bihar) : Analysis of abiotic parameters of river Sikrahana, near Motihari, Bihar, India. Asian J expl Chem 2011, 6(2), 93-5.

The present study concerns with the abiotic parameters of sikrahana river water, located near motihari, the district head quarter of east champaran. The exact location of the spot is 84°43'48"E and 26°46'48"N. This analysis was carried out from January 2010 to December 2010. The abiotic parameters such as water temperature, turbidity, hardness, pH, alkalinity free CO₂, DO, BOD, COD, CHLORIDE, PHOSPHATE, SULPHATE etc. were analyzed during the present investigation. The data obtained from the analysis were compared with the data recommended for water quality standard by WHO and BIS.

1 table, 7 ref

001311   Purushotham D;Lone M A;Rashid M;Narsing Rao A;Ahmed S (NO, CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad-500 606) : Deciphering heavy metal contamination zones in soils of a granitic terrain of Southern India using factor analysis and GIS. J Earth Syst Sci 2012, 121(4), 1059-70.

Soil contamination by heavy metals has been a major concern for last few decades due to increase in urbanization and industrialization. The main objective of this research was to identify the heavy metal contaminated zones in the study area. Twenty five soil samples collected throughout the agriculture, residential and industrial areas were analysed by X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF) for trace metals and major oxides. These metals can affect the quality of soil and infiltrate through the soil, thereby causing groundwater pollution. Based on the chemical analysis of major oxides (SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, MnO, MgO, CaO, Na₂O, K₂O, TiO₂, and P₂O₅) and their distribution: it is observed that these soils are predominantly siliceous type with slight enrichment of alumina component in the study area. Correlation matrix (CM) and factor analysis (FA) is employed to the heavy metal variables, viz., Ba, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, Y, Zn and Zr of the soil, to determine the dominant factors contributing to the soil contamination in the area. In the analysis, five factors emerged as significant contributors to the soil quality. The total contribution of these five factors is about 90%. The contribution of the first factor is about 45% and has significant positive loadings of Co, Cr, Cu. Ni and Zn. The contribution of second factor is 22% and has significant positive loadings of Rb, Sr and Y. The contribution of third, fourth and fifth factors is 10, 8 and 5% and show positive loadings for lead, molybdenum and barium respectively to the soil contamination. The spatial variation maps deciphering different zones of heavy metal concentration in the soil were generated in a GIS (geographic information system) based environment using ArcGIS 9.3.1. The results reveal that heavy metal contamination in the area is mainly due to anthropogenic activities.

5 illus, 6 tables, 25 ref

001310   Palit D;Mukherjee A (Botany Dep, Durgapur Govt. College, Durgapur-713 214, Email: debnath_palit@yahoo.com) : Characterization of physico-chemical properties of water and soil in Lalbandh, a freshwater wetland in Birbhum district, West Bengal, India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2011, 17(3), 557-62.

Deals with the physico-chemical properties of water and soil in Lalbandh, a freshwater wetland in Birbhum District of West Bengal. Water and soil samples collected from the wetland during the pre-monsoon monsoon and post-monsoon period (2001-2003) were analyzed for studying as many as 10 and 8 important parameters respectively. The study revealed seasonal variation in water and soil characteristics.

2 illus, 18 ref

001309   Negi H S;Thakur N K;Ganju A;Snehmani (Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment, Him Parisar, Sector-37A, Chandigarh-160 036, Email: hs.negi@sase.drdo.in) : Monitoring of Gangotri glacier using remote sensing and ground observations. J Earth Syst Sci 2012, 121(4), 855-64.

In this study, Gangotri glacier was monitored using Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) LISS-III sensor data in combination with field collected snow-meteorological data for a period of seven years (2001 2008). An overall decreasing trend in the areal extent of seasonal snow cover area (SCA) was observed. An upward shifting trend of wet snow line was observed in the beginning of melt period, i.e., in May and dominant wet snow conditions were observed between May and October. Snow meteorological parameters collected in the Gangotri sub-basin suggest reduction in fresh snowfall amount during winter, increase in rainfall amount during summer, decrease in snowfall days, increase in rainfall days and rising trend of average temperature. The prevailing wet snow condition on glacier has caused scouring of slopes which led the excessive soil/debris deposition on the glacier surface. This was observed as one of the major factor for activating fast melting and affecting the glacier health significantly. Apart from climatic conditions, terrain factors were observed for changing the glacio-rnorphology. The significant changes on the glacier surface were observed in the regions of abrupt slope change. The above factors affecting the Gangotri glacier health were also validated using high resolution satellite imageries and field visit. A deglaciation of 6% in overall area of Gangotri glacier was observed between the years 1962 and 2006.

13 illus, 2 tables, 48 ref

001308   Naik S S;Godad S P;Naidu P D (NO, National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa-403 004, Email: sushant@nio.org ) : Does carbonate ion control planktonic foraminifera shell calcification in upwelling regions?. Curr Sci 2011, 101(10), 1370-5.

Planktonic foraminifera shell weights have been recognized as possible proxy for surface water carbonate ion concentration [CO₃] and atmospheric CO_2.- However, to utilize this proxy, it is important to understand whether shell weights truly reflect surface water [CO₃^-]. Author utilized shell weights of Globigerina bulloides and Globigerinoides ruber in the size range of 300 to 355 μm from a sediment core recovered from above the lysocline in the upwelling region of western Arabian Sea. Shell weights of G. ruber and G. bulloides show significant correlation with their shell size from recent to 16 kyr, which suggests that shell calcification was controlled by optimum growth conditions. On the other hand, during 16 to 22 kyr, there is no correlation between shell weights and shell size. However, shell weights of G. bulloides exhibit significant negative correlation with annual sea surface temperature which suggests that G. bulloides calcification might have been controlled by surface water [CO₃⁼]. Therefore it is suggested here that shell weights of G. ruber and G. bulloides cannot be utilized to reconstruct surface water [COs] in this region.

5 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

001307   Memon M;Akhtar M S;Memon K S;Stuben D (Soil Science Dep, Sindh Agriculture Univ, Tandojam, Hyderabad, Pakistan, Email: msakhtar@uaar.edu.pk) : Phosphorus forms in the Indus river alluvial and loess, shale and limestone derived residual soils. Asian J Chem 2011, 23(5), 1952-62.

Phosphorus (P) fractionation helps to understand the soil processes related to its agronomic efficiency and contribution to environmental quality. Distribution of P in various forms in the slightly weathered calcareous soils of the Indus plain (Pakistan) has not been investigated which limits understanding of long-term P chemistry trends. Several alluvial and residual soils were sampled at genetic horizon depths and the soil inorganic P forms were sequentially extracted by the Jiang and Gu scheme along with their mineral and chemical parameters. Two highly weathered soils from Germany were included for comparison. Apatite was 500-600 mg kg^-1 in the alluvial soils, 200-300 mg kg^-1 in the loess and shale derived soils and a major contributor to total P. With strong loss of apatite from the surface, the highly weathered soils had almost equal contribution to total from the pools: (a) P desorbed from and released by iron oxide dissolution, (b) occurring as apatite and (c) occurring as organic-P. The dicalcium phosphate and octacalcium phosphate accumulated in surface horizon of the fertilized alluvial soils and below 75 cm in strongly structured silty clay and massive loamy sand soils. NaOH-Na₂CO₃ appeared to be an in effective treatment for desorbing P from the well crystallized goethite found in the alluvial soils. CBD and extractable iron (Fe_d), oxalate extractable iron (Fe_o) and aluminum (Al_o), goethite (Gt), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), CaCO3 and clay kaolinite explained 75-99% of variability in the soil P forms. This study demonstrates role of soil parent material, weathering and land use in distribution of soil P forms and their relationships to soil-test P.

7 illus, 4 tables, 48 ref

001306   Masoudi M;Zakeri Nejad R (Desert Region Management Dep, Agricultural College Shiraz Univ, Iran, Email: masoudi@shirazu.ac.ir) : New model for assessment of erosion using desertification model of IMDPA in Mazayjan plain, Fars province, Iran. Ecol Envir Conserv 2011, 17(3), 489-594.

The entire land of Southern Iran faces problems arising out of various types of desertification of which erosion forms a major type. The Mazayjan plain, located centrally to this zone, has been selected as a test area to assess the hazard of this kind of desertification. The present paper attempts to use a new model for assessing hazard of desertification, namely, IMDPA by considering various indicators of desertification for finding areas with higher hazard of erosion in the study area. The different kinds of data gathered from the records and published reports of the different governmental offices of Iran have been used for this purpose. The thresholds for the severity classes of indicators of two types of water and wind erosion have been considered and then the hazard map for each indicator of these types of desertification has been prepared in a GIS. The hazard maps of water erosion and wind erosion have* been produced for the study area. The hazard classes of different hazard maps are calculated on the basis of classification of hazard scores derived by cumulative effect of all the attributes of indicators after overlying them in the GIS. Hazard maps of two erosion types show almost equal per cent for different hazard classes. Results show that the areas under moderate hazard are the most extensive class in both the erosion maps. The final map of erosion is produced by overlaying the both maps. Results show that again the areas under moderate hazard are the most extensive class in the final map of erosion.

4 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

001305   Mane V G;Sayyed Hussain;Gurme B R (Chemistry Dep, Mahatma Gandhi Mahavidyalaya, Ahmedpur, Latur, Maharashtra) : Physico-chemical analysis of selected municipal water samples of Ahmedpur and Latur town in Maharashtra. Asian J expl Chem 2011, 6(2), 102-4.

Study was carried out by collecting two municipal water samples during July -10. The results were compared with standards prescribed by WHO and ISI 10500. Total 10 parameters were analyzed. In the present investigation, observed physico-chemical parameters are within the water quality standards and it is fit for drinking purpose.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

001304   Lin J W (Earth Science Dep, National Cheng Kung Univ, No.1 Road Univ, Tainan City, Taiwan, Email: pgjwl1966@gmail.com ) : Ionospheric anomalies due to impact of typhoon using principal component analysis and image processing. J Earth Syst Sci 2012, 121(4), 1001-10.

Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and image processing are used to determine Total Electron Content (TEC) anomalies in the F-layer of the ionosphere relating to Typhoon Nakri for 29 May, 2008 (UTC). PCA and image processing are applied to the global ionospheric map (GIM) with transforms conducted for the time period 12:00-14:00 UT on 29 May, 2008 when the wind was most intense. Results show that at a height of approximately 150-200 km the TEC anomaly is highly localized; however, it becomes more intense and widespread with height. Potential causes of these results are discussed with emphasis given to acoustic gravity waves caused by wind force.

13 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

001303   Krishnan P;Ramanujam K S;Balaji C (NO, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai-600 036, Email: balaji@iitm.ac.in) : Artificial neural network based fast radiative transfer model for simulating infrared sounder radiances. J Earth Syst Sci 2012, 121(4), 891-901.

First stop in developing any algorithm to retrieve the atmospheric temperature and humidity para-meters at various pressure levels is the simulation of the top of the atmosphere radiances that can be measured by the satellite. This study reports the results of radiative transfer simulations for the multichannel infrared sounder of the proposed Indian satellite INSAT-3D due to be launched shortly. Here, the widely used community software k Compressed Atmospheric Radiative Transfer Algorithm (kCARTA) is employed for performing the radiative transfer simulations. Though well established and benchmarked, kCARTA is a line-by-line solver and hence takes enormous computational time and effort for simulating the multispectral radiances for a given atmospheric scene. This necessitates the development of a much faster and at the same time, equally accurate RT model that can drive a real-time retrieval algorithm. In the present study, a fast radiative transfer model using neural networks is proposed to simulate radiances corresponding to the wavenumbers of INSAT-3D. Realistic atmospheric temperature and humidity profiles have been used for training the network. Spectral response functions of GOES-13, a satellite similar in construction, purpose and design and already in use are used. The fast RT model is able to simulate the radiances for 1200 profiles in 18 ms for a 15-channel GOES profile, with a correlation coefficient of over 99%. Finally, the robustness of the model is tested using additional synthetic profiles generated using empirical orthogonal functions (EOF).

11 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

001302   Konwar M;Maheskumar R S;Das S K;Morwal S B (NO, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune-411 008, Email: mkonwar@tropmet.res.in) : Nature of light rain during presence and absence of bright band. J Earth Syst Sci 2012, 121(4), 947-61.

This paper reports the evolution of rain drop size distribution (DSD) during bright band (BB) and no-BB (NBB) conditions of low intensity rainfall events as observed by a vertically pointing Micro Rain Radar (MRR) over Pune (18.58°N, 73.92°E), India. The BB is identified by enhanced radar reflectivity factor Z (dBZ) at the 0°C isotherm. The gradient of hydrometeor fall velocity is found to be a good indicator in identifying the melting layer when enhanced radar reflectivity at melting layer is not prominent. The storm structures as observed by the MRR are compared with CloudSat observations that provide evidence of ice hydrometeor at <126> - 60° C with clear indication of BB at 0°C. Storm heights at warmer than 0°C are evident during NBB conditions from CloudSat. This suggests that warm rain processes are responsible for producing rain during NBB conditions. During BB conditions, bimodal DSDs below the melting layer are observed at lower altitudes. The DSDs of shallow warm precipitating systems of NBB conditions are monomodal at all the altitudes. Significantly, normalized DSDs are found to be bimodal for BB conditions, and monomodal for NBB conditions which confirm different dominant microphysical processes. It is found that the observed bimodal DSDs during BB conditions are mainly due to the collision, coalescence and break-up processes. During NBB conditions, number and size of large raindrops grow while reaching the ground without much breakup. The radar reflectivity and rainfall intensity R (mmh^-1) relationship of the form Z=aR^b are found out for BB and NBB conditions. Existing different microphysical processes lead to large coefficient in the Z-R relationship with small exponent during BB conditions while during NBB conditions the coefficients are small with large exponents.

13 illus, 3 tables, 49 ref

001301   Dimri A P (School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Univ, New Delhi, Email: apdimri@hotmail.com) : Atmospheric water budget over the Western Himalayas in a regiona climate model. J Earth Syst Sci 2012, 121(4), 963-73.

During winter months (December, January, February - DJF), the western Himalayas (WH) receive precipitation from eastward moving extratropical cyclones, called western disturbances (WDs) in Indian parlance. Winter precipitation-moisture convergence-evaporation (P-C--E) cycle is analyzed for a period of 22 years (1981-2002: 1980(D) 1981(J, F) to 2001(D)-2002(J, F)) with observed and modelled (RegCM3) climatological estimates over WH. Remarkable model skills have been observed in depicting the hydro-logical cycle over WH. Although precipitation biases exist, similar spatial precipitation with well marked two maxima is simulated by the model. As season advances, temporal distribution shows higher precipitation in simulation than the observed. However, P-C-E cycle shows similar peaks of moisture convergence and evaporation in daily climatologies though with varying maxima/minima. In the first half of winter, evaporation over WH is mainly driven by ground surface and 2 rn air temperature. Lowest temperatures during mid-winter correspond to lowest evaporation to precipitation ratio as well.

7 illus, 1 table, 53 ref

001300   Dharmaraj T;Patil M N;Waghmare R T;Ernest Raj P (NO, Indian Institute of Tropical Meterology, Pune-411 008, Email: dharam@tropmet.res.in) : Carbon dioxide and water vapour characteristics on the west coast of Arabian sea during Indian summer monsoon. J Earth Syst Sci 2012, 121(4), 903-10.

Carbon dioxide, water vapour, air temperature and wind measurements at 10 Hz sampling rate were carried out over the coast of Arabian Sea, Goa (15°21'N, 73°51'E) in India. These observations were collected, in association with the surface layer turbulent parameters for the Arabian Sea Monsoon Experiment (ARMEX). In the summer monsoon period, concentration of CO₂ was in the range of 550-790 mg m^-3 whereas the water vapour was in the range of 17.5-24.5 g m^-3. The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis has been performed on these observations to investigate the spectral behaviour of C02 and water vapour. The relation between CO₂ and water vapour on various atmospheric scales has been proposed. CO₂ and water vapour observations confirmed the existence of periodicities of large (11, 8 days), meso (5 days) and micrometeorological (20 min) scales.

2 illus, 23 ref

001299   Deo R G;Kulkarni A V;Giriraj A;Aung K S; Shrestha B (NO, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, GPO Box 3326, Dhapakhel, Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Nepal, Email: drgurung@icimod.org) : Monitoring of seasonal snow cover in Bhutan using remote sensing technique. Curr Sci 2011, 101(10), 1364-9.

All major rivers in Bhutan depend on snowmelt for discharge. Therefore, changes in snow cover due to climate change can influence distribution and availability of water. However, information about distribution of seasonal snow cover in Bhutan is not available. The MODIS snow product was used to study snow cover status and trends in Bhutan. Average snow cover area (SCA) of Bhutan estimated for the period 2002 to 2010 was 9030 sq. km, about 25.5% of the total land area. SCA trend of Bhutan for the period 2002-2010 was found to decrease (-3.27 ± 1.28%). The average SCA for winter was 14,485 sq. km (37.7%), for spring 7411 sq. km (19.3%), for summer 4326 sq. km (11.2%), and for autumn 7788 sq, km (20.2%), mostly distributed in the elevation range 2500-6000 m amsl. Interannual and seasonal SCA trend both showed a decline, although it was not statistically significant for all sub-basins. Pho Chu sub-basin with 19.5% of the total average SCA had the highest average SCA. The rate of increase of SCA for every 100 m elevation was the highest (2.5%) in the Pa Chu sub-basin. The coefficient of variance of 1.27 indicates high variability of SCA in winter.

6 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

001298   Chandrasekar R;Balaji C (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai-600 036, Email: balaji@iitm.ac.in) : Sensitivity of tropical cyclone jal simulations to physics parameterizations. J Earth Syst Sci 2012, 121(4), 923-46.

In this study, the sensitivity of numerical simulations of tropical cyclones to physics parameterizations is carried out with a view to determine the best set of physics options for prediction of cyclones originating in the north Indian Ocean. For this purpose, the tropical cyclone Jal has been simulated by the advanced (or state of science) mesoscale Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model on a desktop mini super computer CRAY CX1 with the available physics parameterizations. The model domain consists of one coarse and two nested domains. The resolution of the coarse domain is 90 km while the two nested domains have resolutions of 30 and 10 km, respectively. The results from the inner most domain have been considered for analyzing and comparing the results. Model simulation fields are compared with corresponding analysis or observation data. The track and intensity of simulated cyclone are compared with best track estimates provided by the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre (JTWC) data. Two sets of experiments are conducted to determine the best combination of physics schemes for track and intensity and it is seen that the best set of physics combination for track is not suitable for intensity prediction and the best combination for track prediction overpredicts the intensity of the cyclone. The sensitivity of the results to orography and level of nesting has also been studied. Simulations were also done for the cyclone Aila with (i) best set of physics and (ii) randomly selected physics schemes. The results of the Aila case show that the best set of physics schemes has more prediction skill than the randomly selected schemes in the case of track prediction. The cumulus (CPS), planetary boundary layer (PBL), and microphysics (MP) parameterization schemes have more impact on the track and intensity prediction skill than the other parameterizations employed in the mesoscale model.

9 illus, 23 tables, 13 ref

001297   Bodruddozamia M;Fujimitsu Y (Earth Resources Engineering Dep, Graduate School of Engineering Kyushu Univ, Kyushu, Japan, Email: bodruddoza@mine.kyushu-u.ac.jp) : Mapping hydrothermal altered mineral deposits using landsat 7 ETM+ image in and around Kuju volcano, Kyushu, Japan. J Earth Syst Sci 2012, 121(4), 1049-57.

To evaluate the conventional methods for mapping hydrothermal altered deposits by using Landsat 7 ETM+-image in and around Kuju volcano is the prime target of our study. The Kuju volcano is a mountainous composite which consists of hornblende-andesite lava domes and associated lava flows. We used the colour composite, band ratio, principal component analysis, least square fitting and reference spectra analysis methods. The colour composite and band ratio methods showed very clearly the hydrothermal altered deposits of clay minerals, iron oxides and ferric oxides around the fumaroles. The principal component analysis using the Crosta technique also enabled us to represent undoubtedly the altered hydroxyl and iron-oxide mineral deposits of this region concentrating around the fumaroles. Least square fitting method illustrated the goethitc, hematite and clay alteration region. Finally the target detection method for reference spectral analysis by using ENVI 4.3 detected the representative hydrothermal altered minerals around Kuju volcano fumaroles area. Therefore, all the methods showed high efficiency for mapping hydrothermal altered deposits especially iron-oxide minerals such as hematite, goethite and jarosite, which are alteration products of hydrothermal sulfides around the fumaroles.

9 illus, 4 tables, 25 ref

001296   Behera M D;Borate S N;Panda S N;Behera P R; Roy P S (Centre for Oceans Rivers Atmosphere and Land Sciences (CORAL), Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur-721 302) : Modelling and analyzing the watershed dynamics using cellular automata (CA)- Markov model- a geo-information based approach. J Earth Syst Sci 2012, 121(4), 1013-24.

Improper practices of land use and land cover (LULC) including deforestation, expansion of agriculture and infrastructure development are deteriorating watershed conditions. Here, we have utilized remote sensing and GIS tools to study LULC dynamics using Cellular Automata (CA)-Markou model and predicted the future LULC scenario, in terms of magnitude and direction, based on past trend in a hydro-logical unit, Choudwar watershed, India. By analyzing the LULC pattern during 1972, 1990, 1999 and 2005 using satellite-derived maps, we observed that the biophysical and socio-economic drivers including residential/industrial development, road-rail and settlement proximity have influenced the spatial pattern of the watershed LULC, leading to an accretive linear growth of agricultural and settlement areas. The annual rate of increase from 1972 to 2004 in agriculture land, settlement was observed to be 181.96, 9.89 ha/year, respectively, while decrease in forest, wetland and marshy land were 91.22, 27.56 and 39.52 ha/year, respectively. Transition probability and transition area matrix derived using inputs of (i) residential/industrial development and (ii) proximity to transportation network as the major causes. The predicted LULC scenario for the year 2014, with reasonably good accuracy would provide useful inputs to the LULC planners for effective management of the watershed. The study is a maiden attempt that revealed agricultural expansion is the main driving force for loss of forest, wetland and marshy land in the Choudwar watershed and has the potential to continue in future. The forest in lower slopes has been converted to agricultural land and may soon take a call on forests occurring on higher slopes. Our study utilizes three time period changes to better account for the trend and the modelling exercise; thereby advocates for better agricultural practices with additional energy subsidy to arrest further forest loss and LULC alternations.

7 illus, 8 tables, 22 ref

001295   Bagiorgas H S;Mihalakakou G;Rehman S; Al-Hadhrami L M (Environmental and Natural Resources Management Dep, Ioannina Univ, Seferi 2, 30100 Agrinio, Greece, Email: chbagior@cc.uoi.gr) : Offshore wind speed and wind power characteristics for ten locations in Aegean and Ionian seas. J Earth Syst Sci 2012, 121(4), 975-87.

This paper utilizes wind speed data measured at 3 and 10 m above water surface level using buoys at 10 stations in Ionian and Aegean Seas to understand the behaviour of wind and thereafter energy yield at these stations using 5 MW rated power offshore wind turbine. With wind power densities of 971 and 693 W/m² at 50 m above water surface level, Mykonos and Lesvos were found to be superb and outstanding windy sites with wind class of 7 and 6, respectively. Other locations like Athos, Santorini and Skyros with wind power density of more than 530 W/m² and wind class of 5 were found to be the excellent sites. Around 15-16% higher winds were observed at 10 m compared to that at 3 m. Lower values of wind speed were found during summer months and higher during winter time in most of the cases reported in the present work. Slightly decreasing (<126>2% per year) linear trends were observed in annual mean wind speed at Lesvos and Santorini. These trends need to be verified with more data from buoys or from nearby onshore meteorological stations. At Athos and Mykonos, increasing linear trends were estimated. At all the stations the chosen wind turbine could produce energy for more than 70% of the time. The wind speed distribution was found to be well represented by Weibull parameters obtained using Maximum likelihood method compared to WAsP and Method of Moments.

8 illus, 4 tables, 30 ref

001294   Ameh E G (Earth Science Dep, Kogi State Univ, Anyiba, Nigeria, Email: enewin@yahoo.com) : Geochemistry and distribution of heavy metals from itakpe Iron-ore mine tailings on soils. Asian J expl Chem 2012, 7(2), 91-9.

Eight dry season soil samples were collected around the tailings dam in order to evaluate the impact of tailings on the soils. The mean concentrations of cations and heavy metals observed are: K(94.66)<62>Ca(75.92)<62>Na(l 8.47)<62>Mg(5.24) and Fe(29714.13)<62>Cd(1.51)<62>Cu(1.30)<62> Zn (1.20)> Ni (0.64) <62>Pb(0.55), respectively. Moderate to strong correlation relationship exist between cations and heavy metals.Among the heavy metals, fewer cases of moderate to strong correlations were observed. The factor and cluster analyses reveal both natural and anthropogenic influences on the variables. Three indices were used for heavy metal evaluation. Contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF) and index of geo-accumulation (Igeo). The degrees of heavy metal impact were also evaluated using pollution load index (PLI). Among the three indices, CF and EF recorded this order: Fe<62>Pb<62>Cu<62>Zn<62>Ni<62>Cd and Igeo recorded this order: Fe<62>Pb<62>Cu<62>Zn<62>Cd<62>Ni among the heavy metals. The pollution load index suggests that all sites have experienced various degrees of deterioration with locations 1TK12, ITK21, ITK23, ITK11 and ITK22 severely deteriorated. This study has revealed the need for statistical and quantitative data evaluation and presentation. From these indices used, Fe, Pb, Cu and Zn are the most impacted of the heavy metals. While long term treatment methods such as phytostabilization, phytoextraction and rhizofiltration are recommended, there is also the need to treat the soil and put monitoring measures in place to forestall further contamination.

7 illus, 8 tables, 30 ref

000235   Tiwary A M;Shukla J (Geology Dep, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi) : Impact of mining on geohydrological setup: a case study of Raniganj coalfield, district-Burdwan, West Bengal, India. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect F 2011, 31(1-2), 23-34.

Recent expansion of mining activity in the Raniganj Coal-Field of Burdwan district has caused major fluctuations of ground-water level. The impact of mining operations has not only lowered the water quality, but has also resulted in fall of the ground-water table. As a result, wells, and ponds have been dried up in surrounding villages of the region, as well as, the river morphology has also changed at various places. The rainfall pattern has not revealed any significant fluctuations in the Raniganj Goal-Belt during the last twenty-five years. Man-made factors such as rapid industrialization and deforestation are aggravating the situation with regard to ground-water availability. The surface of the region is undulating where we find various parts of it were formerly covered with forests and cultivated land. Such a surface encourages surface-runoff and little groundwater recharge. This paper tries to focus on the impact of mining on the groundwater regime and the resultant imbalance of the ecosystem of the area.

7 illus, 6 tables, 8 ref

000234   Singh A K;Jayashree B;Sinha A K;Rawat R; Pathan B M;Dhar A (NO, Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Kalamboli Highway, New Panvel (W), Navi Mumbai-410 218, Email: singhaaks@gmail.com) : Observations of near-conjugate high-latitude substorms and their low-latitude implications. Curr Sci 2011, 101(8), 1073-8.

Geomagnetic substorms are triggered on the nightside of the earth's magnetosphere and the most dramatic effect is observed at the auroral latitudes (60°-70° magnetic). Magnetic field disturbances observed at a set of longitudinally distributed auroral stations are used to derive auroral electrojet (AE) indices being widely used to monitor substorm activities. We present observations of magnetic substorms having more prominent effect poleward of the standard auroral oval. Magnetic data from the third Indian Antarctic station, Bharati (BHA; corrected geomagnetic (CGM) coordinates: 74.7°S, 96.6°E) in conjunction with IMAGE chain data (near conjugate station Hornsund (HOR; CGM coordinates: 74.3°N, 108.5°E) have been subjected to detailed examination to study such sub-storms. The substorms presented in this study were mainly localized to high latitudes and hence the standard AE indices failed to monitor such substorm activities. Nevertheless, typical low-latitude features of substorm, for example, positive bay and Pi2 burst on the nightside were distinctly evident.

7 illus, 30 ref

000233   Rao M V M S;Prasanna Lakshmi K J;Nagaraja Rao G M;Vijayakumar K;Udayakumar S (NO, National Geophysical Research Institute (Council of Scientific and Ind, Hyderabad-500 606, Email: mvmsrao@gmail.com) : Precursory microcracking and brittle failure of latur basalt and migmatite gneiss under compressive loading. Curr Sci 2011, 101(8), 1053-9.

Microcracking activity which occurs in a phased manner in deforming rock under stress has been monitored successfully in the laboratory using acoustic emission (AE) as a tool. The rock samples tested include a massive basalt and a migmatite gneiss that are obtained from the top and bottom portions respectively, of a very deep borehole (KLR-1) drilled at Latur near the surface rupture zone of the Latur-Killari earthquake. The rock samples were subjected to fracture at a constant stress rate under uniaxial compression. The AE statistical parameters used for the analysis include event and energy release rate, amplitude distribution (b-value), cumulative energy and ring down count. The results show that dilatancy occurs early in migmatite gneiss and the rock suffers more damage on account of early crack growth during the pre-peak stress regime compared to the massive basalt which is stronger and showed extensive damage only at the peak stress. However, both the rocks show three distinct phases of microcracking activity, namely primary, secondary and nucleation prior to the extensile brittle failure. The AE statistical behaviour of each individual phase is controlled by the size and density distribution of microcracks in rock as inferred from the AE signatures.

8 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

000232   Prasad J;Bhattacharya D K (Geology Dep, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi-834 008, Email: jugnuprasad3476@gmail.com) : Geochemical characteristics of komatite-thoelite association in parts of Daltonganj, Palamau district, Jharkhand. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect F 2011, 31(1-2), 1-9.

In the southern and southwestern part of Daltonganj town, number of ultramafic intrusives (represented by komatiites) and mafic dykes (represented dominantly by amphibolites) are encountered. The komatiites exhibit typical spinifex texture whereas amphibolites retain imprints of igneous texture and chemistry. Chemically, amphibolites exhibit characteristically high Mg-thoeliitic nature. Spatial association of these two rock types suggest that they are genetically linked although they fall in two different geochemical fields. On the basis of various chemical variation diagrams it can be assumed that there is distinct geochemical hiatus between the two groups. High Mg- komatiites are followed by low K-thoeliites.

1 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref