021159   Satish Prakash;Giri R K;Adesh (Meerut College, , Meerut-250 004, Email: rk.giriccs@gmail.com) : Rainfall and convective instability. Invertis J Sci Technol 2013, 6(1), 20-31.

Convection and rainfall association is very old and sounding of the atmosphere either remote sensing or conventional methods can help to know the possibility of it. In this article author describes the brief about the various thermodynamic indices by conventional methods and utility of other tools like T-Phi gram to measure the convective instability in the atmosphere. The Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) and Convective Inhibition Energy (CINE) of the year 2002 and 2006 obtained from radiosonde data (0000 and 1200 UTC) for Delhi and Chennai. The contrasting behavior of the South West Monsoon season with the help of CAPE and CINE is also highlighted.

021158   Santhy K S;Vijayalakshmi A (Zoology Dep, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Wo, Coimbatore-641 043) : Water quality of river and riverine ground water along Bhavani basin. Res Highlight 2012, 22(3), 211-16.

Most of the physico-chemical parameters analysed in S₂ and S₃ were observed to exceed the maximum permissible limits prescribed by ISI 1991 which naturally affected the water quality seriously. Results of the present study revealed that, with regard to river water samples, most of the physico-chemical parameters analysed were high in the S₂ and S₃ when compared to S₁ and were found to exceed the standards prescribed by ISI 1991. With regard to parameters analysed for ground water samples, though they were relatively high in S₂ and S₃ when compared to S₁ they were found to be within the safe levels.

7 ref

021157   Saha A;Ray J;Ganguly S;Chatterjee N (Geology Dep, Calcutta Univ, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019, Email: asaha.geocal@gmail.com) : Occurrence of melanite garnet in syenite and ijolite-melteigite rocks of samchampi-samteran alkaline complex, Mikir hills, Northeastern India. Curr Sci 2011, 101(1), 95-100.

The Samchampi-Samteran alkaline complex constitutes a part of the ultramafic-mafic-alkaline-carbonatite complexes of Shillong Plateau and Mikir Hills and represents one of the differentiation centres of Sylhet Trap magmatism which manifests the initiation of Kerguelen plume activities on the Indian subcontinent. A detailed petrographic study reveals that Ti-rich andradite garnets occur in syenite and ijolite-melteigite rocks of the Samchampi-Samteran alkaline complex, Mikir Hills, northeastern India. The Ti-rich garnets have formed at the expense of clinopyroxene in both syenite and ijolite-melteigite rocks due to alkali metasomatic reactions between earlier formed mafic mineral and late-stage fluids. Distinct mineral-chemical characters supported by electron microprobe data classify the Ti-rich andradite garnets as melanite. Melanite garnets from the Samchampi-Samteran alkaline complex are chemically akin to those from different alkaline complexes from India and abroad, and their unique compositional parameters clearly reflect the effects of alkali metasomatism on the mineral paragenesis of an alkaline complex like Samchampi-Samteran.

5 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

021156   Ray S K;Acharyya A (Geology Dep, Presidency Univ, College Street, Kolkata-70 073, Email: skray45@yahoo.co.in) : Coseismic uplift, slow plant mortality and ecological impact in North Andaman following the December 2004 (M_w > 9.2) earthquake. Curr Sci 2011, 101(2), 218-22.

Presents here the phenomenon of gradual decay leading to plant mortality in vast stretches (measuring several square kilometres) of vibrant mangrove forests in the coastal wetlands of North and Middle Andaman. We interpret the phenomenon as an effect of static ground uplift following the 26 December 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake. The decimetre to metre scale uplift has cut-off tidal water flow into those parts of the wetlands that were elevated from intertidal to supratidal levels. The consequent thermal shock, desiccation and gradual depletion of soil salinity affected the plants in the elevated parts. However, desiccation due to lack of tidal-water inflow caused the plant mortality which took the proportions of an ecological disaster about three to four years after the earthquake. The voluminous forest debris produced by the withered plants is likely to be preserved in the coastal sedimentary sequences as peat beds and serve as palaeoseismic indicators.

5 illus, 18 ref

021155   Rajendran C P (Centre for Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: cprajendran@ceas.iisc.ernet.in) : Post-mortem of the Japanses earthquake provides new insights. Curr Sci 2011, 101(1), 13-15.

1 illus, 10 ref

021154   Pravendra Kumar (Soil & Water Cons. Engineering Dep, G.B. Pant Agriculture and Technology Univ, Pantnagar-263 145) : Prediction of annual maximum weekly rainfall using frequency analysis for tarai region of Uttarakhand. New Agric 2012, 23(1), 15-20.

Frequency analysis is the statistical tool to estimate the probability of recurrence of an event of given magnitude. In the present study an effort has been made to find out the goodness of fit of the observed annual maximum weekly rainfall with the predicted values of rainfall computed by using four probability distributions namely, Gumbel's, Log Pearson Type III, Log Normal and Van Te Chow distributions for the selected return periods for Tarai region of Uttarakhand. The daily rainfall data of 36 years (1970-2005) were collected from Crop Research Centre, Pantnagar, located at 29°N latitude and 79.3°E longitude with an altitude of 349.84 m above mean sea level. The best theoretical distribution was adjudged by using three criteria viz. Chi-Square test, Per cent Absolute Deviation (PAD) and Integral Square Error (1SE). The average values of sum of Chi-Square. Per cent Absolute Deviation (PAD) and Integral Square Error (ISE) for Gumbel's, Log Pearson Type III. Log Normal and Van Te Chow distributions were found to be 2.307, 2.543. 2.217, 1.440; 9.849, 8.248, 7.489, 6.159 and 0.0280, 0.0272, 0.0270, 0.0219, respectively. The Van Te Chow-distribution was observed to be the best fit for the prediction of annual maximum weekly rainfall values based on the above criteria for Tarai region of Uttarakhand.

1 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

021153   Prasad L V;Vineetha V;Shaik K A;Khan Y;Ravi Kumar A (Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Assurance Dep, Nova College of Pharmacy, Jangareddygudem-534 447, Email: averineniravikumar@rediffmail.com) : Drinking water quality and fluoride content in effected area of Nalgonda district of Hyderabad. Int J chem Sci 2012, 10(1), 213-20.

Detailed studies have been made for testing the drinking water quality of the Nalgonda district area in Hyderabad. In this study, twenty spots were selected and samples of water were collected from open wells and public wells and tube-wells in the area. The various parameters such as pH, total dissolved solids, total hardness and magnesium hardness, calcium hardness, alkalinity, chlorides, flourides, nitrates, sulphates, carbonates and bicarbonates etc. were determined. Fluorides contents are high in Nalgonda district causing flurosis present in villages of Kamaguda, Yedavalli and Yellareddyguda. The hygienic conditions are very poor and were monitored and compared with different standard parameters. The analysis revealed that the water is not suitable for domestic and drinking purpose. Water of almost all the sampling area were highly contaminated with total dissolved solids (TDS) and nitrate. Total dissolved solids may cause gastro intestinal irritations and high concentration of nitrate in drinking water gives an immediate health concern for infants and pregnant women because nitrate in drinking water has been linked to methamoglobinamea or blue baby syndrome, in which the oxygen carrying capacity of an infant blood is greatly reduced, sometimes leading to death. Fluoride also causes florosis, irregular patches of black pigmentation on teeth, exostoses of skull. The findings have been discussed here.

4 tables, 13 ref

021152   Mullick M;Mukhopadhyay D (NO, Raman Centre for Applied and Interdisciplinary Sciences, 16A, Jheel Road, Kolkata-700 075, Email: mallika_xav@yahoo.co.in) : Analysis of GPS-derived velocities in the Bengal basin and the neighbouring active deformation zones. Curr Sci 2011, 101(3), 423-6.

The Bengal basin, the largest fluvio-deltaic sedimentary system in the world, located in an area covering Bangladesh and three eastern states of India (West Bengal, Assam and Bihar) has been formed by sediments brought by the Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers. This complex foreland basin originally emerged on a trailing margin of the Indian continental crust and was later complicated by convergence with Eurasia to the north and oblique convergence with Burma to the east. Apart from these tectonic events, another major source of crustal deformation in the vicinity of the Bengal basin was the formation of the Ninety East Ridge (NER) in the Indian Ocean. The Bengal basin, which is in the near vicinity of these three active boundaries, needs to be studied thoroughly for assessing seismic hazard in this region. A brief discussion of the tectonics of the neighbouring active zones is given here. The GPS-derived velocities of stations located in these zones and that at Kolkata, located in the Bengal basin show that the Kolkata Coco Island baseline crossing the NER shortens at 18.5 ± 1.3 mm/yr, whereas the baseline between Kolkata and Aizawl, Mizoram shortens at 10.5 ± 1.5 mm/yr. The Kolkata-Siliguri baseline shortens at 8.1 ± 1.5 mm/yr and the Kolkata-Baradighi baseline shortens at 5.2 ± 1.4 mm/yr. The difference in shortening rates of these two stations located in the North Bengal foothill Himalayan zone relative to Kolkata is due to the presence of a highly active transverse zone lying between them.

1 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

020052   Shrivastava P K;Asthana R;Beg M J;Nath A K; Dharwadkar A;Swain A K;Roy S K;Mandal A (Polar Studies Div, Geological Survey of India, NH 5P, NIT, Faridabad-121 001, Email: pks.shri@gmail.com) : Latitudinal shift in iceberg distribution as observed along the voyage route of Indian Antarctic expeditions. Indian J Geosci 2012, 66(2-3), 149-58.

Synthesis of observations on iceberg data collected during Indian Antarctic Expeditions (1982-2009) along the voyage route indicate a bimodal distribution pattern and a general northward shift in the position of first-sighted iceberg. This northward shifting of first-sighted iceberg appears to follow the general trend of rising surface air temperature in this region. The icebergs are found to be concentrated in two well-defined zones between 49°S and 69°S latitudes, separated by an iceberg-free area. These two zones have also shown shifting of their positions over the years. Majority of large-size (<62>500 m) tabular icebergs are concentrated in the area close to Antarctic ice-shelf whereas weathered icebergs falling in <60> 500 m size class (pinnacled, domed/pyramid and other disintegrated forms) are found further away from the shelf edge. The movement of these icebergs in the Southern Ocean is largely governed by Antarctic Circumpolar Current.

9 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

020051   Shekhar M S;Ajay Kumar;Gangu A (NO, , Chandigarh-160 036, Email: a.gangu@sase.drdo.in) : Weather forecast over specific location. Mausam 2012, 63(3), 475-8.

In North India, due to the geomorphology, high altitude and different orientations of Western Himalayan mountain ranges, prediction of weather parameters becomes a complex problem. During winter, a large amount of precipitation is received in this region due to Western Disturbances (WDs). This area is also avalanche prone. The information of the site specific weather plays an important role in the prediction of avalanche. In the present study, we have used the Model Output Statistics (MOS) technique to develop a Statistical - Dynamical Model (SDM) to better predict three weather parameters (ambient temperature, wind speed and precipitation) of 11 SASE surface observatories situated in the Western Himalayan mountainous region in North India. We have used 26 parameters from MM5 model output and observed surface weather data from 11 surface observatories for the winter months of three consecutive years from 2004 to 2006 to develop this model. The performances of the model have been assessed using the independent data set from the winter months for the year 2007. This assessment shows that model output statistics (MOS) technique improves the forecast over specific station locations.

4 ref

020050   Sengupta S;Mandal B K;Pradhan D (India Meteorological Dep, , Kolkata, Email: ssengupta09@rediffmail.com) : Exceptional heavy rainfall over Ajoy, Mayurakshi and Kansabati catchments and QPF verification during flood season of september 2009. Mausam 2012, 63(3), 479-88.

Ajoy, Mayurakshi, Kansabati are three important river catchments of West Bengal and Jharkhand state, received very heavy rainfall during two consecutive days of flood season in the month of September 2009. The contribution of heavy rainfall & combined discharges from Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) reservoirs during the period of heavy rainspells over these catchments enhanced flood situation in some districts of West Bengal. The synoptic features based on weather charts, cloud imageries of satellite and radar pictures have been taken to analyse. The realized areal average precipitation (AAP) as per rainfall recorded at 0300 UTC of next day have also been taken to verify the quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) of 6&7 September 2009.

^ssc6 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

020049   Sarmah P C;Singh K D (Electronics and Instrumentation Dep, CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat, Assam, Email: pratap_sarmah@yahoo.com) : Landslide monitoring and early warning- special reference to NE region of India. Sci Cult 2011, 77(11-12), 496-8.

Landslide hazard is a major natural disaster in India. Out of the total landslide occurrences in the country, nearly 20% are found in NE region of India. Conventional method of monitoring landslide is not reliable. A real time monitoring of landslide has been under research stage. Some important technologies under studies are wireless monitoring, GPS system, optical fiber sensing etc. The wireless monitoring of landslide has been undertaken by NEIST, Jorhat The place selected for this purpose is at Karsingsa in Arunachal Pradesh. It is located in a particular section of NH-52(A) and is identified as potentially dangerous landslide hazard area in the National highway. Geophysical study of the region reveals that, mass sliding due to heavy rainfall during rainy season (June-July) is the main cause of landslide. Basically, grained siIty-clayey-sand layer of colluvium nature contributes to the landslide hazard. This process due to flow of land masses may be termed as static liquefaction. To get a proper monitoring method an attempt has been made in that area by using wireless network of sensors. The hardware embedded software for these sensors are used and altogether five different sensors are placed in a network. This system of sensors is then wirelessly connected using RFID technology to a server for monitoring and collection of data for prediction of landslide.

6 illus, 22 ref

020048   Purkait B (Geology Dep, Calcutta Univ, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019, Email: baren_purkait@yahoo.co.in ) : Impact of wave dynamics and monsoon on coastal processes of South Bengal. Indian J Geosci 2012, 66(2-3), 159-72.

Impact of wave dynamics on the coastal plain of south Bengal covering parts of Sagar Island, Bakkhali-Fraserganj of the Sunderban delta and the Digha-Junput coasts has been studied. The morphodynamic aspects of the coastal belt due to effect of monsoon have been critically analysed. Wave parameters were measured during spring-tide days in two transects at Sagar Island during pre- and post-monsoon periods of 2004. A comprehensive picture of erosion and deposition is provided. High rate of erosion in the eastern part (Dublat area) of Sagar Island with as much as half- a- km of inland shift of high-tide level has been observed.

6 illus, 5 tables, 25 ref

020047   Pradhan D;De U K (Doppler Weather Radar, New Secretariat Building, Kolkata-700 001, Email: pradhandev1960@gmail.com ) : Doppler weather radar analysis of short term cyclonic storm. Mausam 2012, 63(3), 459-68.

On the east coast of India, during South-West monsoon period severe cyclonic storms are very rare and if they are short term cyclones then their prediction becomes very difficult due to rapid change in the intensity of the system. Though synoptic observations failed and satellite observations also cannot give decisive picture about such systems, in that case timely warning can not be issued by the weather agencies. Such a system was formed on 19 September, 2006 at about 250 km South-East of Kolkata (India). Very heavy rainfall associated with the system caused several human casualties and extensive damage to the property. According to news agencies, more than 100 people died and a million people became homeless due to heavy rainfall and strong winds associated with the cyclone during 19 September -21, 2006. At 0600 UTC, Doppler Weather radar (DWR) at Kolkata observed initial signatures of the system like a depression. Subsequently at 0900 UTC the observations indicated that the intensification of the system has taken place to a higher stage of deep depression and at about 1200 UTC clear spiral bands with a circular eye recorded by DWR confirmed for a fully developed severe cyclonic storm. The system weakened in to a deep depression at 1630 UTC after the landfall but again became a cyclonic storm at 2100 UTC of 19 September, 2006. Present study establishes that DWR is very useful for prediction of this short term cyclonic storm, its direction of movement and heavy rainfall associated. The maximum radial winds of the magnitude 32 m/s (64 knots/115 km/h) were also recorded by DWR at an altitude of 2.5 km in the eye wall region of the system. The high wind speed and the well defined structure of the cyclone observed by DWR confirmed that the system was a Severe Cyclonic Storm of T number 3.5. Records are available with surface observatories in the region for strong winds of the order of 110 km/h. This study also revealed that an early warning for strong winds and heavy rainfall could have been issued for development of such a short duration tropical cyclone using DWR data well in advance.

16 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

020046   Pattanaik D R;Tyagi A;Arun Kumar (India Meteorological Dep (IMD), , New Delhi, Email: pattanaik_dr@yahoo.co.in) : Dynamical-empirical forecast for the Indian monsoon rainfall using the NCEP coupled modelling system- application for real time monsoon forecast. Mausam 2012, 63(3), 433-48.

The performance of the National Centre for Environmental Prediction's (NCEP) operational coupled modeling system known as the Climate Forecast System (CFS) is evaluated for the prediction of all India summer monsoon rainfall (AISMR) during June to September (JJAS). The evaluation is based on the hindcast initialized during March, April and May with 15 ensemble members each for 25 years period from 1981 to 2005. The CFS's hindcast climatology during JJAS of March (lag-3), April (lag-2) and May (lag-1) initial conditions show mostly an identical pattern of rainfall similar to that of observed climatology with both the rainfall maxima (over the west-coast of India and over the head Bay of Bengal region) well captured, with a signification correlation coefficient between the forecast and observed climatology over the Indian monsoon region (bounded by 50°E-110°E and 10°S-35°N) covering Indian land mass and adjoining oceanic region. Although the CFS forecast rainfall is overestimated over the Indian monsoon region, the land only rainfall amount is underestimated compared to observation. The skill of the prediction of monsoon rainfall over the Indian land mass is found to be relatively weak, although it is significant at 95% with a correlation coefficient (CC) of 0.44 with April ensembles. By using CFS predicted JJAS rainfall over the regions of significant CCs, a hybrid dynamical-empirical model is developed for the real time prediction of AISMR, whose skill is found to be much higher (CC significant above 99% level) than the raw CFS forecasts. The dynamical-empirical hybrid forecast applied on real time for 2009 and 2010 monsoons are found to be much closer to the observed AISMR. Thus, when the hybrid model is used there is a correction not only to the sign of the actual forecast as in the case of 2009 monsoon but also to its magnitude and hence can be used as a better tool for the real time prediction of AISMR.

8 illus, 46 ref

020045   Mittal S K;Satish Kumar (Geo-Scientific Group, CSIR-CSIO, Chandigarh-160 030, Email: skmskm1@rediffmail.com) : Disaster mitigation through instrumentation. Sci Cult 2012, 78(9-10), 432-9.

Natural hazards such as earthquake, landslides, snow avalanches, cyclones, floods etc which may appear at any time and damage the property & life of masses in no time, have been of major concern in India since long. The group at CSIR-CSIO is engaged in the design, development and batch production of instruments related to seismological, snow avalanche, landslide monitoring, railway safety and other geotechnical applications for the last three decades. Calibration facility for seismic instruments and sensors has also been set up in the laboratory. A network of three Seismological observatories <126> at Chandigarh, Nauni (Solan) and Sunder Nagar (H.P.) are operational round the clock for monitoring Seismicity in & around Chandigarh. The technologies developed by CSIO in this area are being used by various academic, research and meteorological departments.

020044   Mitra S K;Adhikary D (Geological Survey of India, State Unit: Andhra Pradesh, Southern Region, Hyderabad-500 068, Email: sumit0224@rediffmail.com) : Polyphase deformation of the rocks of pakhal supergroup around Tekulapalli, Khammam district, Andhra Pradesh. Indian J Geosci 2012, 66(2-3), 133-40.

The metasedimentary rocks (phyllite, quartzite and impure marble) belonging to Pakhal Supergroup of Mesoproterozoic age, occurring north/around Tekulapalli, have been involved in folding of four generations, hitherto, not described. The four generations of folding are uniquely exhibited in impure marble. The earliest structure is very tight to isoclinal folds (F₁) on bedding plane (So),with a pervasive axial planar cleavage (S₁). They have been affected by co-axial, open to tight, upright F₂ folds with axial plane striking NNE-SSW. As a consequence, the F₁ folds range from recumbent/recline through inclined to upright attitude at different places. Both F₁ and F₂ folds are of buckling origin. Open recumbent folds (F₃) affecting S₁ cleavage and S₁ axial planes, at places F₂ axial planes, represent structure of third generation. The latest structures in the area are upright, conjugate folds and kink bands (V4) with axial plane striking N-S, E-W and chevron folds with NW-SE-striking axial planes. The V4 structure has formed due to longitudinal shortening in the horizontal direction during the last stage of deformation.

7 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

020043   Mani V K;Prabhakaran Nayar S R (India Meteorological Dep, , Thiruvananthapuram-695 033, Email: minijayalal@yahoo.co.in) : Analysis of monthly and synoptic scale variation of radio refractive index during pre-monsoon and monsoon onset phase. Mausam 2012, 63(3), 508-10.

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020042   Mane A;Santosh D T;Satiskumar U;Madhusudhan M S;Shivanand H K (SWCE Dep, College of Agril. Engg. UAS, Raichur, Email: dtsantosh@gmail.com) : Ground water status and its augmentation with surface storage under the Julamigera tank system of Karnataka. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2012, 5(2), 133-9.

In the prevailing weather conditions of Karnataka, the tanks are not able to meet the increasing demand for irrigation due to the erratic nature of the monsoon rains, cultivation of paddy in non-localized areas and uncontrolled operation of the conveyance and application systems. A study was conducted about Julamigera tank irrigation system, which is situated in Raichur taluk and is the part of lower reaches of Tungabhadra sub catchment in Krishna river basin. The investigation was carried for assessing existing tank and ground water usage status and to develop the optimized plans for irrigation in the command area using both tank and ground water conjunctively. Net crop water requirement and losses like seepage through bund, transit and percolation were found out to estimate the gross water requirement in each month. The CRIWAR model was used to estimate the crop water requirement of the crops grown in the Julamigera tank command area. The irrigation water requirement was found to 0.619100 M Cum (1047 mm) during rabi season. Considering the net crop water requirement and losses average monthly demand was calculated during rabi season. Depending on the availability of water in tank in each month of the year and their possible deviation in the quality over the year's alternative plans of conjunctive usage of ground water and tank water were proposed. When the available water is 100 per cent i.e., up to full tank level (FTL) then whole command area is kept under cultivation and gross demand was estimated which was found to be 693268.0 Cum and corresponding supply in positions were found to be 764191.0 Cum. When the tank water availability is 75 per cent of live storage gross demand was found to be 650119 Cum and the corresponding estimated supply was 657843 Cum. When the tank receives water about 50 per cent of its live storage, gross demand estimated which was found to be: 416799.0 Cum and the corresponding estimated supply was found to be 421614 Cum.

4 tables, 5 ref

020041   Khole M;Sunitha Devi S;Mande M V (NO, Meteorological Office, Pune-411 005) : Cyclones and depressions over the north Indian ocean during 2011. Mausam 2012, 63(3), 369-76.

1 illus, ref

020040   Jenamani R K (NO, Meteorological Office, IGI Airport, Palam, New Delhi-110 037, Email: rjenamani1@yahoo.co.in) : Analysis of ocean-atmospheric features associated with extreme temperature variation over east coast of India- a special emphasis to Orissa heat waves of 1998 and 2005. Mausam 2012, 63(3), 401-22.

During the decade of 1998-2007, both Orissa and Andhra Pradesh at east Coast of India have been affected by heat waves more frequently and more severely causing very high damages to human lives. The most severe heat wave years for the region in the recent past are summer of 1998 over Orissa and 2003 over Andhra Pradesh when 2,042 and nearly 3054 people lost their lives respectively. In summer of 2005, though severe heat wave conditions were experienced for some days over Orissa and adjoining east coasts, the damages were not high as before. In view of such extreme temperature events have been regularly affected the region during the period where their normal frequency is low, analyses of their long period temperature data and study of their relationship with various regional and global ocean-atmospheric features are very much necessary, to find possible causes and then use them in forecasting. In the present study, an attempt has been made to analyze various temperature time series as available, varying from large domain to small domain, e.g., all India temperature, east coast of India temperature etc., to understand whether years which had recorded extreme temperatures in these larger domains have any relationship with that occurred over its very smaller domain, e.g., Orissa from station data, of which later is a part. To understand the relation between the magnitude of heat indices and loss to total human lives it caused during respective whole periods of heat waves, different heat indices, viz., general heat indices, Thorn's discomfort and Webb's comfort indices have been computed during these extreme years over Orissa and Andhra Pradesh states and compared with total heat wave related human deaths over the respective states for the corresponding years. In addition to various heat indices, various Ocean-atmospheric characteristics, e.g., monthly SST over Bay of Bengal, day-to-day synoptic flow pattern, recurving Cyclonic Storms which strengthen low-level westerly and prohibit onset of Sea breeze over the coastal stations in the region causing persistent of heat waves, have also been critically analyzed both spatially and temporally to find role of these features in such occurrences. Their statistical lag correlations if any with ensuing temperature rise have been tested to explore the possibility of using them in forecasting these events much in advance.

12 illus, 6 ref

020039   Jaiswal A K;Bhambak S R;Gujar M K;Mohite S H; Anantharaman S;Bhagyalakshmy S (India Meteorological Dep, , Shivajinagar, Pune-411 005, Email: akjaswal@imdpune.gov.in) : Development of 1961-1990 monthly surface climatology of India and patterns of differences of some meterological parameters with respect to the 1951-1980 climatology. Mausam 2012, 63(3), 377-90.

Climate normals are used to describe the average climatic conditions of a particular place and are computed by National Meteorological Services of all countries. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recommends that all countries prepare climate normals for the 30-year periods ending in 1930, 1960, 1990 and so on, for which the WMO World Climate Normals are published. Recently, Climatological Normals for the period 1961-1990 have been prepared by India Meteorological Department (IMD) which will change the baseline of comparison from 1951-1980. In this paper, preparation of the 30-year Climatological Normals of India for; the period 1961 to 1990 and spatial patterns of differences of annual means of temperatures, relative humidity, clouds, rainfall and wind speed from the previous normals (1951-1980) are documented. The changes from earlier Climatological normals indicate increase in annual means of maximum temperature, relative humidity and decrease in annual means of minimum temperature, cloud amount, rainfall, rainy days and wind speed over large parts of the country during 1961-1990. The spatial patterns of changes in dry bulb temperatures and relative humidity are complementary over most parts of the country. Compared with 1951-1980 climatology, there are large scale decreases in annual mean rainfall, rainy days and wind speed over most parts of the country during 1961-1990. The decrease in wind speed may be partly due to changes in exposure conditions of observatories due to urbanization.

15 illus, 20 ref

020038   Gupta J P;Mannu Ram;Moti Lal (Meteorological Office, , Lucknow, Email: mannu.ram@imd.gov.in) : Semi-quantitative precipitation forecast for river Sai catchment by synoptic analogue method. Mausam 2012, 63(3), 499-503.

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020037   Gharde K D;Mahale D M (College of Agril. Engg & Tech., Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Ratnagir, Maharashtra) : Modeling of erosivity index from rainfall data of south Konkan region. Bioved 2012, (NULL), 13-18.

Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Mulde Dist. Sindhudurg is characterizes with its unique biodiversity, high intensity rainfall, flash flood, slope (7 to 35%) and average annual rainfall ranging from 3000 to 4500 mm. It is southern part of konkan situated in I6°42"N latitude and 73°2' E longitude and at an elevation of 17 m from MSL with majority of soil lateritic type with steep slope in shadow of severe soil erosion. Thirteen years rainfall data recorded by automatic rain gauge was collected from Hydrometeorology, ARS, Mulde. This collected data was analyzed for every storm to determine erosivity indices and characteristics of rainfall parameters. The indices were developed for rainfall with all intensities and with intensity ³8 mm/hr, 10 mm/hr, 12 mm/hr. Intensity with ³8 mm/hr was found as threshold intensity and was used for further analysts. Average annual erosivity for ARS Mulde was 11189.186 MJ-mm/ha hr. The month July was contributing mostly in annual erosivity index followed by month June and August. Daily erosivity index has given significant relationship with daily rainfall and 1₃₀ of the day with coefficient of determination as 0.95 and 0.68, respectively. For KE³8 mm/hr, an erosivity value is 6962.15 MJ-mm/ha.hr of the ARS Mulde.

5 illus, 2 tables, 5 ref

020036   Das G K;Midya S K;Debnath G C;Roy S N (NO, Regional Meteorological Centre, Kolkata, Email: gamesh.das@imd.gov.in) : Relationship between geopotential height and movement & landfall of tropical cyclone in the Bay of Bengal region. Mausam 2012, 63(3), 469-74.

In this paper a simple relationship is employed to investigate relative impacts on the movement and landfall of tropical cyclone in the Bay of Bengal region when geopotential height of different troposphere levels is used as an input. Five tropical cyclone during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season over the Bay of Bengal region has been selected for the study. The RS/RW data of coastal stations namely Kolkata (Dumdum), Dhaka, Agartala, Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, Machlipatnam, Chennai and Karaikal has been collected for the period of the cyclones under study. The geopotential height of different standard levels has been plotted against the time for the stations for every cyclone. The study suggests that the cyclone moves towards and cross near the station having relatively steeper decrease in geopotential height upto mid tropical level followed by increased in geopotential height.

5 illus, 11 ref

020035   Das B;Biswas S K;Biswas U K (Geophysics Div, Eastern Region, M-IIB, Geological Survey of India, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700 091, Email: dasbalaram55@gmail.com) : Application of borehole geophysics for evaluation of Gondwana formations in the central part of talcher coalfield, Orissa. Indian J Geosci 2012, 66(2-3), 141-8.

Geophysical logging of boreholes is an integral part of coal/lignite exploration. Since the introduction of this method as a supporting tool in coal exploration programme, Geological Survey of India has undertaken geophysical logging operation as a routine measure for detailed study of coal in different coalfields of India. Geophysical logging enables measurement of physical and chemical properties of rocks intersected in the boreholes and geophysical logs as obtained have been utilised primarily for the identification of coal seams and evaluation of depth/thickness of individual coal sections. During the last decade deployment of Digital Logging Systems and modern processing software have been a boon and added new dimensions for the effective application of geophysical logging in coal exploration. In recent times geophysical logs have also permitted evaluation of characteristics of formations occurring within Gondwana sedimentary sequence which have not only enabled correlation of inter-seam strata but also has played an important role in delineating the geometry of coal basins. In the present case multi-parametric geophysical logs obtained from Jamujhari-Brahmanbil and Jaltap blocks in central part of Talcher Coalfield, Orissa have been studied and are discussed. It has revealed that the resistivity and natural gamma logs are particularly useful for the precise identification of formational interfaces.

7 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

020034   Das A K;Siddique L A (India Meteorological Dep, , New Delhi, Email: dasak25@gmail.com) : Case study of heavy downpour over Northeast India. Mausam 2012, 63(3), 503-07.

^ssc1 illus, 2 tables, 4 ref

020033   Basak P (Mathematics Dep, Narula Institute of Technology, Kolkata, Email: pijushbasak@rediffmail.com) : Convective development at Kolkata (22.53ρ N, 88.33ρ E), India during pre-monsoon season using linear discriminant analysis technique. Mausam 2012, 63(3), 423-32.

In the present work, statistical indices are formed using the most effective different combinations of 22 and 20 thermodynamic and dynamic parameters for the convective development at Kolkata (22.53° N, 88.33° E), India during pre-monsoon season (Mar-May) utilizing the data of 12 years (1985-1996). A multivariate statistical technique, namely Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) has been utilized to 22 primarily selected parameters derived from the radiosonde observations of 0000 UTC for next 12 hours yields respectively 59.57% and 58.70% correct prediction for convective development (CD) and fair-weather (FW) in next three years (1997 to 1999). A similar analysis for radiosonde observations of 1200 UTC for next 12 hours yields 63.79% and 50% for CD and FW respectively. Another similar LDA analysis with the above data period utilizing 20 parameters [excluding Miller's (1972) & George's (1960) from the earlier set] built from the radiosonde observations of 0000 UTC for next 12 hours observation yield 63.83% & 56.21% correct prediction for CD and FW respectively in the next 3 years. The corresponding figures for 1200 UTC for next 12 hours are 54.41% & 67.34% respectively. With a view to understand the effect of the parameters, namely convective available potential energy (CAPE) and Convective inhibition (CIN), a similar LDA analysis has been applied to 17 parameter set. The radiosonde observations of 0000 UTC for next 12 hours yield 68.29% and 54:43% correct prediction for CD and FW respectively in the next 3 years. Next, 1200 UTC radiosonde observations for next 12 hours yield 77.08% and 57.44% correct prediction for CD arid FW respectively. For all the 22, 20 and 17 set of parameters (both for 0000 UTC and 1200 UTC observations for next 12 hours), the efficient skill scores, namely, True skill score (TSS), Heidke skill score (HSS), Critical success index (CSI) are computed. The 17 parameter combination is most efficient and may be utilized in an effective manner for prediction purpose. The investigations reveal that both for 0000 UTC and 1200 UTC observations for next 12 hours, correct prediction improves with the inclusion of the parameter CAPE/CIN (17 parameter combination), especially for 1200 UTC observations. Also, afternoon predictions are more effective than morning predictions for 22 parameter, 20 parameter and 17 parameter cases.

8 tables, 47 ref

020032   Baruah S (Geoscience Div, CSIR North-East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat-785 006, Email: saurabhb_23@yahoo.com) : Seismotectonics in Chedrang valley and its vicinity. Sci Cult 2011, 77(11-12), 480-5.

The seismotectonics and the current state of stress for Chedrang valley and its vicinity are observed with the help of high precision seismicity data during the period 1982-2006. Micmtremor activity is relatively more intense towards the east of Chedrang fault than its western part while Dapsi and Dauki faults indicate less activity. Since the maximum number of events in depth interval 0-30 km is higher in comparison to the depth interval 30 - 50 km, thus the bottom of seimiogenic zone is inferred to be at 30km. Inferred focal mechanism suggests thrust faulting with a significant portion of strike-slip motion and the associated fault i.e. Chedrang fault dips towards north of northeast. The stress tensor inversion from 22 mechanisms suggests that the Chedrang valley and its vicinity are governed by NNW-SSE compression.

4 illus, 12 ref

020031   Babu Lal (NO, Geological Survey of India, 88, Brij Vihar, Jagatpura, Jaipura-302 025, Email: drbabulalgsi@gmail.com) : Foreshock VMF diurnal as earthquake precursor in parts of Delhi Haridwar ridge (DHR)-Delhi Aravalli Ridge (DAR) in northwest India-a case study. Indian J Geosci 2012, 66(2-3), 173-6.

5 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

020030   Anil Kumar;Manoj Kumar;Saraswat L D;Mahanti N C (Agricultural Meteorology, BACA, AAU, Anand-388 110, Email: anilmeteo@gmail.com) : Mesoscale measurement of surface energy (land surface) during the summer monsoon and thunderstorm period in per humid climate condition. Int J envir Sci Technol 2013, 2(1), 56-69.

This work presents the analysis of a thunderstorm (lightening), dusty wind (vertically movement of wind along with the dust particle) event occurred in North-Eastern India, Ranchi, Mesra, Jharkhand during the summer season May 19, 2008. The STORM conditions was observed and quantify data recorded by fast response and slow response sensor, which is augmented on the 32 meter micrometeorological tower, the thermodynamic environment typical of the moderate terrain during the warm season, proximity to the daytime or nightime and relatively homogeneous topography near the LATAMOS. The event occurred in the environment (surface boundary layer) with the low values of convective available potential energy (CAPE), Storm Storm-relative environment helicity (SREH) and wind shear (WS) and weather event were classified as three cases. Case I: Lightening associated with thunderstorm (19th May, 2008), Case II associated with dusty/gusty wind (6th March, 2009) and Case III associated with lightning and thunderstorm (21st March, 2009) analysis according the data were recorded through CSAT-3 anemometer (3D). The severe thunderstorm condition was observed and quantified by fast response and slow response sensor. The friction velocity (u*) was 1.019 m/sec and the lowest value was 0.062 m/sec computed during the thunderstorm and lightening. A sudden peak of u* was noted just before the onset of thunderstorm. The horizontal shear was 2.18 N/m² and the lowest value was 0.01 N/m² during the thundering with association of lightening. The maximum sensible heat flux during thunderstorm was 292 W/m² and the lowest value was -439.9 W/m². The certain changes occurred in RH among the six levels from the lower surface layer and the lowest RH was 18.61% at 11:30 hr on respective height. The day temperature recorded at one meter height was 32.49 °C at 11:18 hr and then slightly decreased up to two and a half degree at 15:58 hrs and specifically the temperature at 32 meter height reduced by 7-8 °C at 16:56 hr, the atmospheric pressure were departure changes 4.27mb from and again its rise normal after dissipation the event.

16 illus, 13 ref

020029   Anil Kumar;Manoj Kumar;Saraswat L D;Mahanti N C (Agricultural Meteorology, BACA, AAU, Anand-388 110, Email: anilmeteor@gmail.com) : Comparative computation of net radiation and PET using slow response sensor data over per humid climatic condition Ranchi Jharkhand. Int J envir Sci Technol 2013, 2(1), 48-55.

Solar radiation estimates performed well in comparison with ground-based pyr-enometer data with computed used the micrometeorological tower air temperature data on one meter height from the open field and Stevenson screen surface observatory temperature data. The measurements was made at an experimental site in BIT, Mesra showed that the net radiation was best characterized when the observed solar and the observed longwave radiation products were combined. While net radiation is highly dependent on solar radiation, the importance of longwave radiation increases with increasing cloud cover. The modelled radiation estimates were comparable to the temperature-based Hargreaves estimates of solar radiation and clear sky longwave radiation. Penman-Monteith model gave very good results, which requires both shortwave and longwave radiation products to validate with the one meter height air temperature as well as surface observatory temperature for the consecutive year at experimental site which gives closed trend with less deviation among the direct computed pyrenometer.

2 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

020028   AlSulaiman M A (Community College, Huraimla, Shaqra Univ, P.O. Box 300, Huraimla 119 62, Saudi Arabia) : Correlation analysis of irrigation water quality data in Huraimla governorate, Saudi Arabia. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2012, 9(1), 73-84.

Water used for irrigation can vary greatly in quality depending upon type and quantity of dissolved salts. Irrigation water samples from different farms located in north, south, west and east of Huraimla, Saudi Arabia have been analyzed. Source of all samples is ground water. The present study attempts to bring an awareness among the framers about the quality of ground water for irrigation purposes. The water quality parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, TDS, total hardness, nitrate and iron were considered. There are differences among water parameters based on their location. The results are compared with standards of FAO. A systematic correlation and regression study showed significant linear relationship among different pairs of water quality parameters. The usefulness of these linear regression equations in predicting the irrigation water quality is an approach, which can be applied in any other locations.

6 illus, 57 ref

020027   Ali M;Surunder Kaur;Tyagi S B;Singh U P (NO, Meteorological Centre, Jaipur, Email: mehfoozali.syed@gmail.com) : Modeling of short duration extreme rainfall events over lower Yamuna catchment. Mausam 2012, 63(3), 391-400.

Short duration rainfall estimates and their intensities for different return periods are required for many purposes such as for designing flood for hydraulic structures, urban flooding etc. An attempt has been made in this paper to Model extreme rainfall events of Short Duration over Lower Yamuna Catchment. Annual extreme rainfall series and their intensities were analysed using EV1 distribution for rainstorms of short duration of 5, 10, 15, 30, 45 & 60 minutes and various return periods have been computed. The Self recording rainguage (SRRGs) data for the period 1988-2009 over the Lower Yamuna Catchment (LYC) have been used in this study. It has been found that EVI distribution fits well, tested by Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness of fit test at 5% level of significance for each of the station.

2 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

018974   Rajeev Kumar;Chandola V K;Singh R M (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Birsa Agriculture Univ, Dhanbad, Jharkhand) : Rainfall-runoff-sediment yield dynamic model for Giridih watershed of Barakar River Basin, Jharkhand. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2012, 5(1), 61-6.

Rainfall-runoff-sediment yield process, which involves many mechanisms, is highly complicated and dynamic in nature. In the present study, an attempt has been made to develop dynamic sediment yield model, considering present day rainfall and runoff and past values of rainfall, runoff and sediment yield as the input variable, to estimate the sediment yield from a catchment on daily basis. The model was applied on Giridih watershed, a sub-catchment of Barakar river basin, Jharkhand, comprising an area of 731.02 km², to test its applicability and capacity to estimate and generate daily sediment yield data for the catchment. The estimated and generated values of sediment yield by developed model were found to be in good agreement with the measured values.

4 illus, 19 ref

018973   Pandey R;Pandey S K (Biochemistry Dep, Awadesh Pratap Singh University, Rewa-486 003, Email: rajeshrdu29@gmail.com) : Investigations of physico-chemical status of ground water of Singrauli district, Madhya Pradesh, India. Int J pharm Sci Res 2012, 3(10), 3823-8.

Study was carried out to assess the ground water quality of Singrauli district an energy hub station of Madhya Pradesh state of India Study was conduct in year 2012 by selecting 13 different spots, covered all the four directions of Singrauli. Ground water samples were taken from different sources such as bore well, well water, municipal supplier water etc. Investigations of Physico-chemical characteristics of groundwater quality based on Physico-chemical parameters have been taken up to evaluate its suitability for different objects. Quality analysis has been made through in terms of pH, EC, TDS, Total Hardness, Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Chloride, Sulphate, Nitrate, Fluoride and Alkalinity. Comparative studies of collected samples indicated that there is no appreciable change in the different parameters during sampling season. The results were compared with standards prescribed by WHO and ICMR. The results showed that high total hardness content indicating the need of some treatment for minimization. Other investigated samples were found within the water quality standards but the quality of water is not completely favorable as per standard human requirement. Water is not completely fit for drinking purpose due to improper management of disposal of industrials, mines waste or garbage in these local energy hub environments.

2 tables, 26 ref

018972   Mekala P;Sangwai J S (Ocean Engineering, IIT Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Email: jitendrasangwai@iitm.ac.in) : Predictability of state (EoS)-based gas hydrate models for single and binary gas mixtures. J Petrol Engng Technol 2012, 2(3), 9-17.

Better models are necessary to design and understand the phase behavior of produced trapped natural gas from natural gas hydrates from subsea environments. Most of the models available in an open literature are primarily applicable at relatively low pressure condition thus making their use very limited for gas hydrate reservoir modeling. In order to produce methane from these gas hydrates, it is important to understand the phase behavior through suitable models which can be applied at in-situ reservoir conditions of high pressure and low temperature. These models can be used for better reservoir modeling of natural gas hydrate reservoir. In the study the well-known Chen and Guo hydrate model has been used along with the set of several equations of state models (EoS). This model uses the published Lennard-Jones potential parameters obtained by fitting the L-J functions for typical gas species assuming the adsorption to be carried out in small cavities 5¹². The code (in Matlab) is developed based on the three famous equations of state Peng-Robinson (P-R), Patel-Teja (P-T), and Soave-Redlich-Kwong (SRK). Optimized the computed phase diagrams based on three EoS with experimental phase diagram data from literature and determined the model parameters for the model with less percentage average deviation. Discusses about the modeling of pure CH₄, C₂H₆, CO₂ and H₂S and then discuss the work extended to model the phase behavior of binary gas mixture hydrates like CH₄-C₂H₆, CH₄-CO₂ and CH₄-H₂S. Model predictions are validated against the experimental data from the literature, and observed to be in well agreement for high pressure range, suggesting their applicability for gas hydrate reservoir modeling.

11 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

018971   Arifur Rahman;Mizamur Rahman M;Jakaria M; Hossain M S (Petroleum and Mining Engineering Dep, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhed-3114, Bangladesh) : Pressure data analysis and reservoir parameter estimation of Kailastilla gas field (Well No. KTL-01 and KTL-02). J Petrol Engng Technol 2012, 2(3), 18-28.

Well testing has been the subject of research for many decades. Well tests are performed in order to estimate reservoir properties. These estimations are needed to predict the amount of oil or gas that can be produced, and to determine a strategy how to produce this predicted amount. The current method to estimate the reservoir properties seems cumbersome and inefficient. Also, uncertainty regions of the estimated properties are not yet available. The reservoir parameter estimation on the basis of pressure transient data and production data at the well is an essential part in the prediction of reservoir behavior. The estimation of these parameters in a dynamic system is referred to as parameter estimation, identification or inverse problem. In the study, the reservoir parameters - permeability, skin factor, average pressure, wellbore storage coefficient, reservoir drainage extent - are estimated on the basis of pressure data observed at the wellbore and production data using buildup test (MBH) and deliverability test methods. Represents the contribution in quantifying the effects of wellbore storage along with the skin intensity on deliverability from gas wells. Generalized charts for type curve studies on gas wells, based on pseudo-pressure and pressure-squared concepts, along with wellbore storage, are presented with applications and support from field data.

8 illus, 5 tables, 10 ref

018094   Yadav J K S;Giri R K;Meena L R (India Meteorological Dep, a, New Delhi, Email: jksmet@gmail.com) : IPWV estimation and data quality analysis from different GNSS antenna. Mausam 2012, 63(1), 77-88.

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is widely used now days in variety of applications. The observation file for the near realtime estimation of Integrated Precipitable Water Vapour (IPWV) received at the ground-based receiver is mixed with ambiguities. Multi-path effects affect the positional accuracy as well as range from satellite to ground based receiver of the system. The designing of the antenna suppress the effect of multi-path, cycle slips, number of observations, and signal strength and data gaps within the data streams. This paper presents the preliminary data quality control findings of the Patch antenna (LeicaX1202), 3D Choke ring antenna (LeicaAR25 GNSS) and Trimble Zephyr antenna (TRM 39105.00). The results shows that choke ring antenna have least gaps in the data, cycle slips and multi-path effects along with improvement in IPWV. The signal strength and the number of observations are more in case of 3D choke ring antenna.

10 illus, 4 tables, 7 ref

018093   Verma I J;Koppar A L;Balasubramanian R;Jadhav V N;Erande R S (NO, India Meteorological Dep, Pune-411 005, Email: ijverma2@yahoo.co.in) : Monthly climatic water balance at selected locations in India. Mausam 2012, 63(1), 129-36.

Meteorological data (1971-2000) for twenty seven (27) well distributed locations in India, have been utilized to compute average monthly rainfall (RF) and potential evapotranspiration (PET). In the present study, potential evapotranspiration (PET) has been calculated by using FAO recommended Penman-Monteith equation. An attempt has been made to identify the months of water deficit/surplus and these have been discussed in relation to crop planning for both seasons Monsoon or Kharif (June to September) and Rabi (October to February). In northwest, west and central zone, water deficit is observed at several stations in Kharif and all stations in Rabi. The average RF/PET ratio in this zone is 0.53 indicating that except in Pantnagar and Adhartal (0.94), crop selection and planning do not favour crops requiring more water. During Kharif season RF/PET ratio of several stations, except Hissar and Jodhpur, is more than 1, suggesting successful cropping with rainfall. In east and northeast zone, water surplus is observed at all the stations in Kharif. Water deficit in Rabi occurred at most of the places during December, January and February. RF/PET ratio during Kharif season ranges between 1.44 and 5.93 suggesting none of the stations undergo water deficit during the crop growing period. For the stations selected in south zone, water deficit in Kharif occurred at many places in the months of June, July and August. Water deficit in Rabi occurred at many places during January and February. During Kharif RF/PET ratio is less than 1 except for Rajamundry and Pattambi. This emphasizes the need for proper crop selection for successful cropping with limited moisture.

4 tables, 19 ref

018092   Verma I J;Das H P;Balasubramanian R;Jadhav V N (NO, Meteorological Office, Pune, Email: ijverma2@yahoo.co.in) : Comparative study on water and heat unit requirement of finger millet (Eleusine coracana G.) in different agroclimatic regions. Mausam 2012, 63(1), 167-72.

1 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

018091   Vatsa K P S;Madan R;Jaggi R;Sai Krishnan K C (India Meteorological Dep, , New Delhi, Email: kpsvatsa9@gmail.com) : Indigenous carbon humidity sensor for radiosondes. Mausam 2012, 63(1), 149-54.

Describes the carbon humidity sensors manufactured in IMD using the material available in the Indian market. These are used in the IMD MK-IV radiosondes for taking routine upper air observation in the network.

4 illus, 3 tables, 1 ref

018090   Tyagi A;Sikka D R;Goyal S;Bhowmick M (India Meteorological Dep, , New Delhi, Email: ajit.tyagi@gmail.com) : Satellite based study of pre-monsoon thunderstorms (Nor' westers) over eastern India and their organization into mesoscale convective complexes. Mausam 2012, 63(1), 29-54.

Nor'wester studies have a long history of climatoiogical, synoptic and radar observations. These studies have been briefly mentioned and the field programs for the study of Nor'westers implemented in India Meteorological Department (IMD) from 1931-1941 have been touched upon. Indian atmospheric science community organized a multi-year STORM program during 2007-2010 to understand the formation of these severe local storms and also understand their dynamics through modeling. An attempt is made to use INSAT Infrared and Visible imageries to document the convective cells which developed over Eastern and North-East (NE) Indian states and adjoining countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal for the year 2009. Also convective cells which organized themselves into Mesoscale Convective Complexes (MCCs) for the four years period 2007-2010 have been studied. It is found that by and large Eastern India (Jharkhand, Orissa, Sub Himalayan West Bengal and Bangladesh) is responsible for the initiation of convection. Development occurs as the cells propagate over the neighbouring areas of Bangladesh and NE India. Important observations with regard to initiation, maturity and dissipation etc. of the MCCs are provided. It is suggested that half hourly to hourly monitoring of convection can be accomplished by using INSAT imagery, along with multiple overlapping radar coverages, which could help in nowcasting of convective cells. Synoptic and thermodynamic forcing can help as broad guidance. The only effective way for effective warning is nowcasting using satellite and multiple radar coverage.

15 illus, 9 tables, 47 ref

018089   Tomar M S (NO, Meteorological Office, Patiala, Email: rsrwpatiala@yahoo.in) : Insight into the severe floods in India during 2005, 2006 & 2007. Mausam 2012, 63(1), 63-70.

In this paper severe flood during South West monsoon seasons of 20:05, 2006 & 2007 have been identified with the related synoptic features. A total of 22 states reeled under severe floods during 2005, 2006 & 2,007. In the south peninsula only Kamataka and Kerala were affected by severe floods. During 2006 & 2007 severe floods continued for a longer period and affected many states where as during 2005 severe floods affected most of the states except peninsular India but they continued for short periods comparatively. Formation of excess No's of low pressure areas and depressions in the Bay of Bengal during July, Aug and Sept 2006, in succession, and their WNW movements upto M.P. and east Rajasthan caused severe floods in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh for a longer period i.e. from 28 July to 12 September 2006. During 2007, Shifting of monsoon trough, presence of secondary monsoon trough and trough in westerly, caused severe floods in most of the North eastern states from 12 July to 10 October 2007.

1 table, 4 ref

018088   Tomar M S (NO, Meteorological Office, Patiala, Email: rsrwpatiala@yahoo.in) : Measurement and analysis of radio refractive index over patiala during monsoon season with respect to its diurnal and monthly characteristics. Mausam 2012, 63(2), 334-8.

4 illus, 7 ref

018087   Srivastava K;Lau S S Y;Yeung H Y;Cheng T L; Bhardwaj R;Kannan A M;Roy Bhowmik S K;Singh H (NO, India Meteorological Dep, New Delhi-110 003, Email: kuldeep.nhac@gmail.com) : Use of SWIRLS nowcasting system for quantitative precipitation forecast using Indian DWR data. Mausam 2012, 63(1), 1-16.

Local severe storms are extreme weather events that last only for a few hours and evolve rapidly. Very often the mesoscale features associated these local severe storms are not well-captured synoptically. Forecasters have to predict the changing weather situation in the next 0-6 hrs based on latest observations. The operational process to predict the weather in the next 0-6 hrs is known as "nowcast". Observational data that are typically suited for uowcasting includes Doppler Weather Radar (DWR), wind profiler, microwave sounder and satellite radiance. To assist forecasters, in predicting the weather information and making warning decisions, various nowcasting systems have been developed by various countries in recent years. Notable examples are Auto-Nowcaster (U.S.), BJ-ANC (China-U.S.), CARDS (Canada), GRAPES-SWIFT (China), MAPLE (Canada), NIMROD (U.K.), NIWOT (U.S.), STEPS (Australia), SWIRLS (Hong Kong, China), TIPS (Australia), TITAN (U.S.) (Dixon and Wiener, 1993) and WDSS (U.S.). Some of these systems were used in the two forecast demonstration projects organized by WMO for the Sydney 2000 and Beijing 2008 Olympic. A common feature of these systems is that they all use rapidly updated radar data, typically once every 6 minutes. The nowcasting system SWIRLS ("Short-range Warning of Intense Rainstorms in Localized Systems") has been developed by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) and was put into operation in Hong Kong in 1999. Since then system has undergone several upgrades, the latest known as "SWIRLS-2" to support the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. SWIRLS-2 is being adapted by India Meteorological Department (IMD) for use and test for the Commonwealth Games 2010 at New Delhi with assistance from HKO. SWIRLS-2 ingests a range of observation data including SIGMET/IRIS DWR radar product, raingauge data, radiosonde data, lightning data to analyze and predict reflectivity, radar-echo motion, QPE, QPF, as well as track of thunderstorm and its associated severe weather, including cloud-to-ground lightning, severe squalls and hail, and probability of precipitation. SWIRLS-2 uses a number of algorithms to derive the storm motion vectors. These include TREC ("Tracking of Radar Echoes by Correlation"), GTrack (Group tracking of radar echoes, an object-oriented technique for tracking the movement of a storm as a whole entity) and lately MOVA ("Multi-scale Optical flow by Variational Analysis"). This latest algorithm uses optical flow, a technique commonly used in motion detection in image processing, and Variational analysis to derive the motion vector field. By cascading through a range of scales, MOVA can better depict the actual storm motion vector field as compared with TREC and GTrack which does well in tracking small scales features and storm entity respectively. In this paper the application of TREC and MOVA to derive the storm motion vector, reflectivity and QPF using Indian DWR data has been demonstrated for the thunderstorm events over Kolkata and New Delhi. The system has been successfully operationalized for Delhi and neighborhood area for commonwealth games 2010. Real time products are available on IMD website.

19 illus, 9 ref

018086   Singh R K;Manish Kumar;Singh V K (NO, CSIR-Central Institute of Mining & Fuel Research, Dhanbad-825 015) : Dump design and remedial measure for stabilisation. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2012, 20(2), 251-6.

Deals with the geotechnical studies carried out for slope design of the dump slopes at chromite ore open cast mine, Orissa, M/s IMFA. The geotechnical properties of the dump materials were tested at the Rock & Soil Mechanics Laboratory of CSIR - CIMFR. The ground water condition was estimated. The slope stability analysis was done for optimum dump design. It was also aimed to know the influence of slope design parameters on the safety factor by sensitivity analysis, which tells the importance of the parameter for stability of the slope. A more justified and suitable remedial measure can be planned for any critical slope after sensitivity analysis. The most likely geo-mining condition of the dump was adjudged to be in drained condition because proper drainage has been provided at top and toe of the dump. The 75m high dump of limonite should be developed in four stages/lifts. The height of lower three lifts should be 20m each and the top lift should be 15m high. The exposed width of berm should be equal to vertical height of lift. The sensitivity analysis shows that the influence of water is alarming, hence every attempt is being taken to keep the rain water away from the slope and proper drainage pattern is effectively maintained.

3 illus, 3 tables, 3 ref

018085   Singh O P (India Meteorological Dep, , New Delhi, Email: singh.op@imd.gov.in) : Satellite derived sea surface temperature variability in the Bay of Bengal. Mausam 2012, 63(1), 71-6.

Bay of Bengal is associated with disturbances like tropical cyclones and monsoon depressions during pre and post monsoon and southwest monsoon seasons respectively. The Sea Surface Temperature (SST) variability over the Bay of Bengal plays an important role in the genesis of these disturbances. Satellite based SST climatologies, though based on shorter duration of data, have enabled study of interannual variabilities of SST over the smaller regions of Bay of Bengal which are associated with different types of weather disturbances in different seasons. Interannual variabilities and recent trends in SSTs over different regions of Bay of Bengal have been presented using a reliable satellite based climatological data for the 14 year period from 1985-1998. The annual SST over the Bay of Bengal has risen at the rate of about 0.2°C /decade during the period from 1985-1998. Maximum rising trend of 0.71°C/decade has been found over south Bay of Bengal during June. Frequency of monsoon depressions has decreased considerably in recent years in spite of increasing SST trends over Bay of Bengal in southwest monsoon season.

4 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

018084   Singh C;Das S;Verma R B;Verma B L; Bandyopadhyay B K (NO, India Meteorological Dep, New, Delhi-110 003) : Rainfall estimation of landfalling tropical cyclones over indian coasts through satellite imagery. Mausam 2012, 63(2), 193-202.

One of the most significant impacts of landfalling tropical cyclones is caused by the copious rainfall associated with it. The main emphasis of present study is to provide some guidance to the operational forecasters for indicating the possible rainfall over the areas likely to be affected by the cyclones after landfall. Study of 14 past landfalling cyclones reveals that the maximum rainfall occurred in the first forward quadrant of tropical cyclone movement, followed by the second quadrant and the areas near the track of the cyclones. Isohyetal analysis of 24 hours rainfall for each cyclone reveals that occurrence of heavy rainfall is generally confined up to 150 kms radius from the storm centre and rainfall is found to generally extend up to 300 kms with gradual decrease in amount. The rainfall receiving areas are mostly covered with convective clouds with cloud top temperatures of-80 to -60 °C, prior to and after the landfall of the systems. In 93% of tropical cyclones out of the 14 cases studied, 70 % convection lay to the right of the track. To examine the rainfall asymmetry due to asymmetry in distribution of convection, cloud top temperatures derived from satellite infrared imagery data have been taken as the proxy of strong convection. It is also revealed in the study that the slow moving tropical cyclones cause heavy rain rather than fast moving tropical cyclones. The Bay of Bengal cyclones which crossed coast as cyclonic storm and very severe cyclonic storm caused 71.4% rainfall within the range 0-10 cm, 22.8% rainfall in the range 11-20 cm and 4.3% rainfall within the range 21-30 cm in the area of radius of 300 kms from the centre of the cyclonic storms. For the Arabian Sea tropical cyclones, in general, about 70% rainfall occurred within the range 16-25 cm in 24 hours.

8 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

018083   Shukla H P;Dattatray R S;Bhatnagar A K (NO, India Meteorologial Dep, New Delhi-110 003, Email: shukla.hps@gmail.com) : Seismicity of region around dams in North West India. Mausam 2012, 63(2), 261-74.

Collision of Indian and Eurasian continents caused large scale deformation and high seismicity of vast areas of both continents in the geological history. The North-West portion of the Himalayan arc which is lying under the rupture zones of Kangra earthquake of 1905, Uttarkashi earthquake of 1991 and Chamoli earthquake in 1999, has experienced many earthquakes of magnitude 6 and above. The region of North-West India between 30.0° - 35.0° North and 73.0° - 79.0° East is, therefore, under intense investigations by various scientists since the origin of the Himalayas. India Meteorological Department had opened thirteen seismic observatories in early sixties for monitoring of earthquake activities in and around Bhakra, Pong, Pandoh dams in Punjab/Himachal Pradesh and Salal dam in J&K on specific demand of the dam authorities. These observatories have recorded the earthquakes occurred in this region having magnitude even less than 2. The data collected for the last two decades is very useful for the scientists to investigate seismicity and tectonics of the Himalayas. The present study could locate the regions which are seismically most active and also the region of seismic gap. Thus present study confirms association of seismic activity in the region with two major fault systems called Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) and Main Central Thrust (MCT). Comparative seismic activity within 100 km from each dam, reveal that most active region was around Pong followed by Pandoh, Bhakra and Salal dams. The temporal variation of b-values for the whole period also shows that low b-value anomalies are usually followed by large earthquakes of M <62> 5.5. No definite conclusions could be drawn with regard to the relationship between the observed seismic activity around the dam sites with the corresponding water level fluctuations in the reservoirs.

20 illus, 15 ref