022654   Singh S P;Balaram V;Satyanarayanan M;Anjaiah K V;Kharia A (Geology Dep, Bundelkhand Univ, Jhansi-284 001, Email: spsinghbu@rediffmail.com) : Platinum group elements in basic and ultrabasic rocks around Madawara, Bundelkhand Massif, Central India. Curr Sci 2010, 99(3), 375-83.

The southern part of the Bundelkhand Massif shows a series of lensoidal bodies of undeformed and unmeta-morphosed ultramafics, associated with gabbro/diorite and intrusive into the Bundelkhand Gneissic Complex (BnGC). The ultramafics exposed around Madawara town is characterized by high MgO (26-46 wt%), and low SiO₂ (42-46 wt%), TiO₂ (<60> 1 wt%) and A1₂O₃ (<60> 1 wt%). The concentrations of Cr and Ni are high, ranging from 3000 to 6000 ppm and 1500 to 4000 ppm respectively. Geochemical studies of platinum group elements (PGEs) in fertile ultramafic magma developed at great depths showed depleted to undepleted and undersaturated to saturated conditions around Madawara. The rare earth elements patterns show three distinct trends, viz. strongly depleted Eu anomaly, Eu positive and a flat trend. The high values of ΣPGE (<126>700ppb) especially Ir PGE (IPGE) and Pt (<62>100ppb) suggest that the Madawara ultramafic complex could be a potential PGE prospect. Detailed exploration studies including bore hole drilling should be taken up.

7 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

022653   Sankaran A V (NO, , No. 10, P&T Colony, I Cross, II Block, R.T. Nagar, Bangalore-560 032, Email: av.sankaran@gmail.com) : Extraterrestrial mega-impacts and continental growth on the early earth. Curr Sci 2010, 99(2), 160-1.

^ssc15 ref

022652   Punithavathi J;Tamilenthi S;Baskaran R (Earth Science Dep, Tamil Univ, Thanjavur) : Thene cyclone and its impacts in Tamil Nadu, India using geographic information system. Archiv appl Sci Res 2012, 4(1), 685-95.

This paper presents an overview of the Thane cyclone, 2011 in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the natural disaster. The cyclone is mainly raised from the North East monsoon period of December. The cyclone was originated on 30th December then the cyclone was passed through Puducherry to Cuddalore, The cyclone damaged much in Puduchery and Cuddalore, district. Every year flood or cyclones affects in Tamil Nadu, The earlier cyclone namely Nisha, Jall, and now Thane. The `Thane' name is given simply by weather reporters so as to reach the people easily. "The very severe damaged cyclonic storm 'THANE' (Dec 30th 2011) over southwest Bay of Bengal moved further westward and crossed north Tamil Nadu coast between Cuddalore and Puducherry between 6.30 and 7.30 am. It had the speed of 140 kph was recorded during this period. Power production at the Lignite Neyveli Corporation was affected as the mines were submerged. Puducherry was cut off from the neighbouring districts of Villupuram and Cuddalore, in Tamil Nadu. It has caused to fell several trees across the roads due to the impact of gale. This study is analyzed the damage occurred by Thane and sustainable development from thane. The cyclone details were collected from secondary sources of information.

5 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

022651   Paliwal B S (Geology Dep, Jai Narain Vyas Univ, Jodhpur-342 005, Email: paliwalbhawani@yahoo.co.in) : Bird's feather lineation-discovery of a new type of linear structure in cal-silicate rocks of Sheopura-Kesarpura mine area near Beawar, Rajasthan, India. Curr Sci 2010, 99(3), 282-3.

^ssc4 illus, 5 ref

022650   Ningthoujam R K (School of Geography, South-ampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK, Email: ningthoujam.ema@gmail.com) : Monitoring the indian tropical carbon flux-need for a holistic approach. Curr Sci 2010, 99(3), 276-7.

^ssc1 illus, 22 ref

022649   Mehta P (NO, Centre for Waste Recycling & Remediation Technologies National Law Uni, Jodhpur) : Impending water crisis in India and comparing clean water standards among developing and developed nations. Archiv appl Sci Res 2012, 4(1), 497-507.

Water usage across fast developing sub continental economies is growing at unprecedented rate which is more than twice the rate of the population growth for the past century. Although there is not yet a global water shortage, about 2.8 billion people, representing more than 40% of the world's population, live with some form of water scarcity[1] off which almost 1.2 billion live under conditions of physical water scarcity, which occurs when more than 75% of the river flows are withdrawn in countries like India and China. Remaining 1.6 billion people live in areas of economic water scarcity, where human, institutional, and financial capital limits access to water, even though water is available locally to meet human demands. These conditions are prevalent in much of Southern Asia and Sub Saharan Africa. Symptoms include lack of or underdeveloped water infrastructure, high vulnerability to short and long term drought, and difficult access to reliable water supplies especially for rural people. On the other hand there is surprising connection between the quality of fresh water and healthful longevity and health benefits. All over the world and throughout time, wherever you find clean and contaminant free water, you find the healthiest, most vibrant civilizations. Water can often emerge as an issue in the relations between nation-states. Water treaties and agreements often come about because of the existing political environment. But the politics of water is not limited to the international sphere; domestic politics often plays a major role in water security. "Water because it's cheap we take it for granted on the contrary because it's priceless we shouldn't." This paper is an overview of the issues surrounding India's water scarcity, and also comparison of clean water standards between developing and developed nations.

4 tables, 28 ref

022648   Marathe R B (NO, Vasantarao Naik College, Shahada, Maharashtra) : XRD and SEM analysis of tapti river sediment. Archiv appl Sci Res 2012, 4(1), 78-84.

During the present investigation the sediments of the Tapti River have been analyse by the XRD and SEM techniques. In this investigation the minerals found are Quartz, Kaolinites, Calcite, Vermiculite, Polygorskite, Micas and Gibbsite. The minerals introduced in aquatic system or into sediment as a result of weathering of soil and rocks which change the composition of minerals due to various activity of human such as mining, metallargical industries, various manufacturing process of metals & non-metals, organic matter, and physical factors like, pH, electrical conductivity, and also it is depend upon adsorption, desorption phenomenon of sediments.

4 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

022647   Jidauna G G;Dabi D D;Dia R Z (Geography Dep, Kwararafa Univ, Wukari, Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria) : Climate change on agricultural activities in selected settlements in the sudano-sahelian region of Nigeria. Archiv appl Sci Res 2012, 4(1), 703-13.

Climate change is a global crisis, latest estimate by the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2002) shows that a business as usual scenario will lead to an increase in global mean temperature of about 1°C above the present value by the year 2025 and 3°C before the end of the next century. The debate on climate change has been generating a lot of interest at both the national, regional and international level. Often a times, more emphasis/focus is placed on the industrialist, the politicians, bureaucrats, and the list goes on. with little and a times passive attention given to the farmer (rural /dwellers) whose cumulative actions can either directly or indirectly make such policies to succeed or fail. The Sudano-Sahelian region of Nigeria is roughly located on longitude 3° and 15° East and latitude 10° and 14° North. The zone is characterized by persistent drought, wet and dry spells (Sawa, 2002), declining rainfall intensities and increasing the dry season (Ojonigu, 1990). Olaniran, (2002) summarized all these anomalies and confirm that there has been climate change in rainfall regions in the area. The anticipated effects of climate changes on agriculture is what this study attempts to understand. The paper examined the effects of climate change on agriculture (crop production), the coping strategy been adopted and the level of its intensity. This in turn would aid the policy makers and Non-governmental Organization to articulate the plight of the local/rural dwellers in the Sudano-Sahelian region and perhaps bring succor to them. The Settlements that were chosen are Kalalawa village (Long 5.024¹ and lat 13.210¹ ) in Kware Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto state; Zangon Buhari (long 8.550¹ and lat 11.663¹) in Bunkure LGA of Kano state; and Chingowa (long 12.888¹ and lat 12.537¹) in Magumeri LGA of Borno state. Tools used for the generation of field data were questionnaire and focus group discussion (FGD), descriptive and inferential statistical technique were employed in the analysis of the data. The findings reveal that millet, sorghum, and beans appear to be the staple food crop, which significantly vary within the region. Most of the farm plots are owned by the farmers. Rainfall both in terms of intensity and duration has been on a decline, while temperature conditions have been on the increased. Among some the effects are decline in crop yield which has attracted the application of fertilizer, drying of water sources, abandoning of farmlands, and migration. The recommendations are improve farming systems/practices, planting of trees, sinking of boreholes/water facilities, Government assistance, and prayers to God are the only way forward.

4 illus, 4 tables, 25 ref

022646   Das N;Wadadar S (Geography and Disaster Management Dep, Tripura Univ, Suryamaninagar, Tripura) : Impact of bank material on channel characteristics: A case study from Tripura, Northeast India. Archiv appl Sci Res 2012, 4(1), 99-110.

The River Haora of Tripura State is a part of the Meghna Drainage System. In order to identify the nature of different bank materials and related changes in channel characteristics, an intensive field study was carried out in some selected parts of the River Haora in West Tripura District. The study area extends for a total stretch of 12.61 km from Reshambagan (23°50.208'N, 91°18.696'E.) in the downstream through Khayerpur (23°50.770'N, 91°20.709'E), Ranirbazar (23°49.679'N, 91°21.938'E), Mekhlipara (23°49.864'N, 91°21.639'E) up to Mohanpur (23°49.908'N, 91°21.639'E) in the upstream. Presence of sand, silt or clay makes the difference in the rate of liquefaction at the base of the river bank. Bank failure leads to change in channel characteristics through increase in sediment input, increase in channel width, decrease in channel depth, formation of mid channel bar, point bar etc. Moreover, human intervention leads to weakening of the bank base through illegal lifting of huge amount of sand using pumps. This activity leads to the draining out of bank toe materials towards the channel, thereby weakening of the bank base. During rainy season with increase in river stage (bank full discharge), the bank maintains an equilibrium condition with the pressure of river water. As soon as water level recedes, the equilibrium condition breaks down and bank failure takes place. The study reveals that the rate of failure is high at the sites where high percentage of sand is present in the middle or lower portion of the bank. Ultimately channel width increases and side by side changes in channel geomorphology leads to changes in channel cross-sectional area.

5 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

022645   Arora T;Ahmed S (NO, National Geophysical Research Institute, Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500 606, Email: tanvi@ngri.res.in) : Electrical structure of an unsaturated zone related to hard rock aquifer. Curr Sci 2010, 99(2), 216-20.

The flow characteristics of moisture through the unsaturated zone remains an enigma for scientific understanding and groundwater studies. Prediction and modelling of moisture movement through unsaturated medium forms an important aspect in hydrology as it helps estimating the recharge to groundwater system. Electrical resistivity measurements through time lapse electrical resistivity tomography provide a means to study the variability of moisture content as a function of time. In the present study, the influence of natural recharge on the correlation structure of resistivity data has been studied over a typical hard rock aquifer. This study shows the non-uniform distribu-tion of moisture in the vertical profile following the rainfall.

4 illus, 21 ref

022644   Antony Ravindran A;Ramanujam N (Geology Dep, Geophysical Research Lab, Manonmaniam Sundaranar Univ, V. O. Chidambaram College, Tuticorin) : Palaeoscars and landslide prediction using 2D ERI techniques in ooty area, Nilgiri district, Tamil Nadu. Archiv appl Sci Res 2012, 4(1), 262-8.

The landslide is one of the major disaster problems in Nilgiri Plataue in the part of Ooty region Kakachi, Billimalai, Padukadu and Karadicut. The soil flow, mudflow and rock fall is common sliding fromed by heavy rainfall and easily weathered rock of Archaen gneiss. The groundwater is taken as the major role for the sliding. 2D Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) investigation is suitable method to identify the landslide prone zone and palaeosliding in the study area. 2D ERI with Wenner array was conducted for landslide prediction. The use of 2D ERI technique to distinguish the water bearing weathered zone, lithomorgic clay, weathered gneissic rock. The elevation n survey conducted using total station. The study area soil and rock mass sliding, toe slides,rock mass sliding in the studyarea due to high rainfall and seismic activity. The case study focuses in the palaeoslides and with the related upcoming landslides in the study area. The resistivity image obtained from the Res2DINV software is used for the prediction of landslide in Ooty, Nilgiris area.

4 illus, 7 ref

022643   Antony Ravindran A (Geology Dep, Geophysical and Coastal Research Lab, Manonmaniam Sundaranar Univ, V., Thoothukudi) : Beach groundwater impact due to wave and tidal study using 2D eri technique in van island, gulf of mannar, Tamil Nadu, India. Archiv appl Sci Res 2012, 4(1), 669-74.

The present study is aim to find out the a beach groundwater induced due to the Wave and Tidal impact in Van island, Gulf of Mannar, Tamilnadu. The Island is located near the away from 5km from Thoothukudi down of NE direction. The study area was studied using 2D ERI (Electrical Resistivity Imaging) study for wave and tidal impact in the Van Island. The electrical method five profiles were used to monitoring the water induced area were observed in the Island. The lithostratigraphical sequence map was prepared from 2D ERI technique. The studies were carried out using resistivity meter, cable, electrodes and Res2DINVsoftware. The electrical method, we find out the geological formation of the study area such as beach sand with shell material and limestone, calcareous sandstone were identified in the Island. The high wave and low tidal activity is creating the clay deposits are enriched in the surrounding region of Island. The following study used to compare the coastal upliftment in neotectonic activity in the gulf of mannar coast were computed with the Island and coastal terrace formation.

8 illus, 15 ref

022642   Antony R (Geology Dep, Manonmaniam Sundaranar Univ, Geophysics Research Lab, V.O. Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi) : Granite exploration using 2D ERI technique in palapathirama puram, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu. Archiv appl Sci Res 2012, 4(1), 280-4.

The aim of study is to identify the granite intrusion in the Palapathiramapuram, Tirunelveli District, Tamilnadu. 2D Electrical Resistivity Imaging technique was used to infer the structural fault zone, subsurface condition, quality of granite rock investigated in the study area. The following technique was conducted with the help of resistivity meter, Multicore cable, wire spool and rods in three profiles with Wenner Configuration. The collected resistivity data was converted in to the apparent resistivity data converted in to 2D pseudosection with the use of Res2DINV software. The pseudoseciton is cover the part the study area horizontal and vertical change of the geological and faulted zone in the study area. The pseudosection pictures were used for the quality and quantity of the granite rocks, weathered zone (range of apparent resistivity 20-100 Ohm.m), faulted zones (range of resistivity 100-600 Ohm.m) and high quality granite rock (range of resistivity 600-6000 Ohm.m) for mining activity.

5 illus, 12 ref

021333   Sundaresan J;Patel L K (Climate Change Informatics, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resou, Dr. K S Krishnan Marg, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012, Email: sundaresanj@hotmail.com) : Climate change-a novel, initiative of Kerala. Indian J Geomar Sci 2011, 40(4), 483-6.

021332   Sooria P M;Reny P D;Jagadeesan L;Nair M (CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre, P.B. No.1913, Kochi-682 018, Email: maheswari@nio.org) : Influence of river influx on phytoplankton community during fall inter-monsoon in the coastal waters off Kakinada, east coast of India. Indian J Geomar Sci 2011, 40(4), 550-8.

Significant changes in phytoplankton community structure were observed in the coastal waters off Kakinada (Bay of Bengal) during fall intermonsoon (October) of 2006 and 2007. River influx was more in October 2007 compared to those in October 2006. Phytoplankton showed marked changes in composition and abundance between the two periods of observation. Abundance was considerably higher in October 2007 (av. 150.9 ± 54.8 x 10³ cells I^-1) compared to that of October 2006 (av.7.9 ± 4.8 x 10³ cells I^-1). Phytoplankton community was formed by larger diatoms in October 2007, dominated by Hemidiscus hardmannianus and Ditylum brightwellii (300-500 μm diameter) whereas in October 2006 smaller diatoms such as Lioloma elongatum (2-4 μm), Thalassiossira subtilis (15 - 32 μm) and T. favus (60 - 140 μm) dominated. Both H. hardmannianus and D. brightwellii occurred in bloom density throughout the study area (av.<62> 50x10³ cells I^-1), Agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis of phytoplankton species abundance showed two well separated clusters (similarity ≤ 10%) for 2006 and 2007. It reveals the variation in community structure between the two periods of observation. Multidimensional scaling of species abundance superimposed on scaled values of salinity and nitrate has shown that the community shift was directly related to environmental factors. Coastal waters of western Bay of Bengal receive high freshwater inputs, particularly during the southwest monsoon and the internal variations observed in the Coastal waters of Kakinada could as well be relevant to the entire east coast of India.

5 illus, 5 tables, 21 ref

021331   Seethala C;Pandithurai G;Fast J D;Polade S D; Reddy M S;Peckham S E (NO, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, Email: seethala.chellappan@zmaw.de) : Evaluating WRE-chem multi-scale model in simulating aerosol radiative properties over the tropics - a case study over India. MAPAN 2011, 26(4), 269-84.

Evaluated the performance of WRF-Chem multi-scale model over the tropics, to simulate the regional distribution and optical properties of aerosols, and its effect on radiation over India for a winter month. The model is evaluated using measurements obtained from upper-air soundings, AERONET sun photometers, various satellite instruments, and pyranometers. The simulated downward shortwave flux was overestimated when the effect of aerosols and clouds, on radiation, was neglected. The simulated downward shortwave radiation was 1 to 20 Wm^-2 closer to the observations when we included aerosol-cloud-radiation interaction in the simulation. The model usually underestimated particulate concentration for the few observations available. This is likely due to turbulent mixing, transport errors and the lack of dust emission/scheme and the secondary organic aerosol treatment in the model. The model efficiently captured the broad regional hotspots such as, higher aerosol optical depth over the northern parts of India, especially over the Indo-Gangetic basin and lower aerosol optical depth over southern parts of India. The regional distribution of aerosol optical depth agreed well with the A VHRR aerosol optical depth and the TOMS aerosol index pattern. The magnitude and wavelength-dependence of simulated aerosol optical depth was also similar to the AERONET observations across India. The difference in surface shortwave radiation between two simulations that included and neglected aerosol-radiation (aerosol-radiation-cloud) interactions were as high as -25 (-30) Wm^-2. The spatial variations of these differences were also compared with the A VHRR observation. This study suggests that the model is able to qualitatively simulate the distribution of particulates and its impact on radiation over India; however, additional measurements of particulate mass and composition are needed to fully evaluate the model performance.

7 illus, 61 ref

021330   Sawant R S;Jadhav S D;Godghate A G;Patil S R (Botany Dep, Dr. Ghali College, Gadhinglaj-416 502) : Groundwater quality of Gadhinglaj tahsil of Maharashtra. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2011, 10(4), 613-16.

Deals with the groundwater quality of Gadhinglaj tehsil in Maharashtra. The groundwater quality was assessed by examining various physico-chemical parameters. The borewell water samples were collected from 40 villages from Gadhinglaj tehsil during winter season. The physico-chemical parameters like temperature, pH, EC, free CO₂, total alkalinity, total hardness, Ca and Mg hardness, chlorides and dissolved oxygen were analysed. The result were compared with WHO and BIS standards. Except for a few parameters at some places, most of the water samples were found to be suitable for drinking.

1 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

021329   Qu Y Y;Lucke T;Beecham S (School of Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, Mawson Lakes, Australia, 5095, Email: yingyan.qi@unisa.edu.au) : Measuring flows in partially-filled pipes in siphonic roof drainage systems. MAPAN 2011, 26(4), 315-27.

Variety of flow measurement devices are available to measure the flow of water through closed pipe systems, these devices generally only function correctly when the pipes are completely full of water. Accurate measurement of water flows in partially-filled pipes is extremely difficult. In siphonic drainage systems, this problem is further compounded by the unsteady flow conditions that occur in the pipework during the priming process. This has been a major obstacle to understanding the performance of these systems in practice. In order to accurately model the priming process in multioutlet siphonic roof drainage systems, a method of estimating the instantaneous flows through the partially-filled individual pipes needs to be developed. This paper describes an experimental method of determining flows in partially-filled pipes using a propeller-type current meter to measure flow velocity and a pressure transducer to measure water depth and a modified version of the continuity equation. A computational model is presented which estimates the unsteady flows passing through partially-filled pipework. Overall, the experimental results are promising and correspond well with the model. The results of this study will ultimately be used to develop an unsteady flow model of the priming process in multi-outlet siphonic roof drainage systems.

8 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

021328   Oza S F;Singh R K K;Vyas N K;Sarkar A (Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Group, Space Application Centre (ISRO), Ahmedabad-380 015, Email: sandipoza@sac.isro.gov.in) : Spatio-temporal analysis of melting onset dates of sea-ice in the arctic. Indian J Geomar Sci 2011, 40(4), 497-501.

The study aims at the investigation of long-term satellite derived images of Earliest Melting Onset Date (EMOD) and Latest Melting Onset Date (LMOD) to study the sea ice variability in the Arctic. By applying cluster classification technique on the images of EMOD and LMOD, clusters having similar tendency were retrieved. The locations of centroids of the clusters revealed a distinct pattern showing tendency of clusters towards the early/delayed onset of melting. It was observed that the clusters having larger differences between EMOD and LMOD fell within the ocean area that became ice-free in September 2007. This study indicates that similar analysis using information on the onset of melting over the recent past (1998-2009) may help to predict the ice-free vulnerable zones in the coming 6-8 years.

2 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

021327   Nsikam K N;Ajagekar V V;Pawar C V (Zoology Dep, R.B. Madkholkar Mahavidyalaya, Chandgad-416 509) : Physico-chemical nature of water from Jangamhatti Dam, Chandgad, distt. Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2011, 10(4), 655-6.

Evaluates the water quality by physico-chemical parameters of dam water of Jangamhatti, Distt. Kolhapur for a period of one year. Water samples were collected from various places of dam. The parameters analysed includes temperature, pH, transparency turbidity, total dissolved solids, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, free CO₂, alkalinity, chloride, total hardness and BOD. Result obtained reveals that parameters are within the range prescribed by WHO and BIS standard for drinking purpose.

1 table, 1 ref

021326   Nagi H M;Shenai-Tirodkar P S;Jagtap T G (Biological Oceanography Div, National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa-403 004, Email: tanaji@nio.org) : Dimensional relationships in Crassostrea madrasensis (Preston) and C. gryphoides (Schlotheim) in mangrove ecosystem. Indian J Geomar Sci 2011, 40(4), 559-66.

Mangrove influenced estuarine habits in the tropics are favor the settlement of oysters and their larval stages, which protect them from strong waves and speedy currents. Shell structure in Bivalves forms an important protective system. Description of the relationship between shell and soft body characteristics are essential in understanding ecological variations and productivity of oyster population. A total number of 627 oyster specimens were collected from different locations in Goa as case study for the tropical estuaries and studied for their allometric relationships. Data described in the present document could be of importance in monitoring the health of natural oyster beds. It also serves a baseline for planning sustainable management and understanding the aquaculture potential of Crassostrea spp. in mangrove influenced estuarine habitats.

5 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

021325   Nagaraju D;Mahadevaswamy G;Siddalingamurthy S;Nagesh P C;Rao K;Pankaja G V (Studies in Geology Dep, University of Mysore, Manasagangothri, Mysore-570 006) : Groundwater development studies using remote sensing and GIS techniques in drought prone area of Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, India. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2011, 10(4), 661-4.

While water supply is a crucial issue, there is an evidence to suggest that the quality of groundwater supplies is also under threat in recent years. This is the result of salinisation and increasing trend of groundwater exploitation and heterogeneous terrain condition of hard rock area posing major problem in groundwater exploration. Groundwater exploitation has been on the rise in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka. Competing demands have grown in face of perennial water shortages, a situation which has been exaggerated by drought condition in the past decade. Integrated and environmentally sustainable development strategies have become inevitable for micro-level planning these days. Geographic Information System (GIS) was used for spatial analysis and integration. Geomedia Professional 3.1 GIS software was adopted in this process. The ranked maps were spatially integrated and the district area was divided into very good, good, moderate and low groundwater potential zones. Aquifer thickness map was generated by intersection of well inventory, sub-surface geological, geophysical and groundwater potential data, Based on aquifer thickness, aquifer was categorized into deep aquifer, shallow aquifer and moderately deep aquifer. By combining groundwater potential zone and aquifer thickness, the watershed area was reclassified into eleven priority zones, recommended for different agricultural practices, groundwater development and management of aquifer recharge.

3 illus, 8 ref

021324   Murkute Y A;Badhan P P (P.G. Geology Dep, R.T.M. Nagpur University, Nagpur-440 001) : Groundwater quality of deeper aquifers from watersheds PGK1, PGK3 and PGK4, Yavatmal district (Maharashtra) in Central India. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2011, 10(4), 567-72.

The groundwater quality from the watersheds PGK1, PGK3 and PGK4, Yavatmal District (Maharashtra), Central India, has been assessed and results are presented in the paper. Fifty samples collected from deeper aquifers have been analysed for various parameters like pH, EC, TDS, Ca⁺⁺, Mg⁺⁺ Na⁺, K⁺, HCO₃^-, CO₃^-2, Cl^-, SO₄^-2 and F^-. The interrelationship between F^- with pH, Na⁺, SO₄^-2, and CI^- has resulted into positive correlation while inverse relationship is noted for Ca⁺⁺ and HCO₃^-. In the area of study, the F^-content ranges from 0.2 to 15.6 mg/L, and 64% of groundwater samples from deeper aquifer have F^- concentration more than 1.0 mg/L. The higher concentration of F^- in Neoproterozoic limestones has been ascribed to the presence of fluoride bearing minerals like fluorite and apatite. In such limestones of chemical origin, co-precipitation of CaF₂ and CaCO₃ is the major process which controls the fluorine distribution in the rocks. The leaching of F^- containing minerals from the weathered zone to deeper depth has contributed the high F- concentration in basaltic aquifers. Amongst the analysed samples, 58% of groundwater is suitable for irrigation.

3 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

021323   Majumdar T J;Bhattacharyya R (NO, Space Applications Centre (ISRO), Ahmedabad-380 015, Email: tjmajumdar@rediffmail.com) : Comparative evaluation of the gravity signatures over a part of the western Indian offshore for lithospheric studies. Indian J Geomar Sci 2011, 40(4), 491-6.

Three different satellite gravity data e.g. Hwang gravity (High Resolution), GRACE gravity and ERS-1 gravity over the Bombay High region in the western Indian offshore were examined in the present study. Hwang gravity data has been found most suitable for exploration in the offshore region and for lithospheric studies, apart from utilization of non-altimetric source of satellite gravity e.g. GRACE data and ERS-1 altimeter-derived gravity. Further, 2D/3D image generations and enhancement from high resolution gravity data have been found useful for delineation of Bombay High structures which is highly prospective for oil exploration. In addition, the major trends found in the western offshore are NW-SE, NNW-SSE and E-W as observed using 3x3 left diagonal edge detection technique over the gravity anomaly image.

6 illus, 16 ref

021322   Kutlu B;Buyukisik B (Faculty of Aquaculture, Tunceli Univ, Tunceli-Turkey, Email: banukutlu@tunceli.edu.tr) : Investigations on the growth kinetics of Hantzschia amphioxys homa lagoon by izmir bay (Aegean sea). Indian J Geomar Sci 2011, 40(4), 522-8.

Hantzschia amphioxys were investigated under continuous-light period and batch culture conditions. The optimum temperature and light intensities were found as 18°C and 52 μmol/m²s (saturasyon light), respectively. μ_max and K_s values estimated for each nutrient were obtained as follows: ammonia for 1.528 day^-1 2.939 μg-at- NH₄⁺-N/L, nitrate 1.22 day^-1, 7.01 μg-at NO₃^- -N/L, phosphate 1.767 and 1.172 day^-1 5.07 and 0.460 ug-at PO₄-³-P/L, silicate 1.141 day^-1 and 0,499 μg-at Si/L. Carrying capacity values estimated for each nutrients were obtained as follows: nitrate 113,7 μg chl a/L, 190.11 phosphate 113.7 μg chl a/L, 1.798. Nitrogen limiting nutrients was found as in this study.

8 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

021321   Krishnaprasad P A;Hegde V S;Tyagi A (Civil Engineering Dep, S.D.M. College of Engineering and Technology, Dharwad-580 003, Email: vshegde2001@yahoo.com) : Hydrographic conditions in the upper halocline region of Bhatkal and Kundapur, Karnataka, during the late phase of southwest monsoon. Indian J Geomar Sci 2011, 40(4), 572-7.

Hydrographic conditions in the upper halocline region of the continental shelf off Bhatkal and Kundapur is studied utilizing the data collected on board ORV Sagar Kanya during 28th and 29th of Aug. 2008. Salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen profiles are acquired for seven stations from an area of 300 sq Km between the depths 35 and 20 m and also from two stations along the 45 m bathymetry. Variation in salinity is observed (34.7 to 36.2 PSU) in the upper halocline region and salinity maxima occurred between depths of 5-15 m. Sea surface temperature was between 24 to 27° C. Drastic decrease in dissolved oxygen concentrations with depth also observed in the upper halocline. These features reveal stratified nature of the water column at <62> 40 m bathymetry and significant upwelling and buoyant mixing of water masses between 40 and 20 m depth (bathymetry) during the late phase of monsoon.

6 illus, 18 ref

021320   Kavimani V;Subramanian V;Karthickumar K (Civil Engineering Dep, Tamilnadu College of Engineering, Coimbatore-641 659) : Hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater in Noyyal river basin, Tamil Nadu, India. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2011, 10(4), 543-50.

Groundwater is the major source for domestic, agricultural and other related activities. An attempt has been made to study the hydrogeochemistry characterization of Noyyal river basin. The seasonal variation of the chemical budget of ions was determined from the hydrogeochemical investigation of the groundwater. Though, the effect of monsoon does not change the order of abundance of cations, it does change the concentration of various ions, and it is found that there was a considerable change in case of all major ions. Broadly speaking, the groundwater has a chemical composition within the permissible limits suggested for drinking water. Nitrates is higher than the acceptable limits in some samples, that is mainly due to the usage of fertilizers. Hydrogeochemistry of groundwater of Noyyal river basin, which is predominantly a hard rock terrain, has been studied to evaluate the quality of groundwater for domestic and agricultural purposes. Groundwater samples from sixty locations were collected both during January 2007 and January 2008 in and around Noyyal river basin and analysed for their major cations and anions. Physical and chemical parameters of groundwater such as EC, TOS and ionic concentrations of Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, CI^-, HC0₃^-, CO₃^2-, SO₄^2-, NO^-₃ and F^- have been determined. Based on the analytical data hydrochemical indices like Na%, SAR, RSC and PI have been calculated. The ionic concentration of TDS, Na, K, SO₄^2-, NO^-₃and EC in the sampled locations vary spatially and temporally and the same is attributed for severe contaminations. Salinity, SAR, Na% indicate that the majority of the; samples are not suitable for domestic and irrigational purposes and far from drinking water standards as prescribed by WHO.

4 tables, 19 ref

021319   Karthikeyan C;Ramkumar T;Manoharan K (Earth Sciences Dep, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar-608 002, Email: sckeyan@gmail.com) : Geology and hydrogeology in parts of Virudhachalam taluk, Cuddalore DT. Tamil Nadu, India. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect F 2011, 30(1-2), 13-21.

A hydro geological investigation was carried out in the parts of Vridhachalam taluk of Cuddalore district. As weather forecast, quality forecast also have vital importance for the management of groundwater resources. Rainfall is the chief external contributor to the groundwater storage and has influence on the quality. Manimuktha Nadhi and Vellar were mainly flowing in the monsoon season in the study area. The study area are chiefly comprising of fossiliferous siliceous limestone, calcareous sandstone and marl followed by a succession of black clays or shale, siliceous limestone, calcareous sandstone and shale constituting the Cuddalore series. This is followed by recent deposit consist of alluvial sediments. In the North East portion of the study area the oldest Archaean formation is underlain by the sedimentary formation. The groundwater of this area is generally colourless and odourless. EC varies from 319 to 1143 μ/cm. the pH is 6.9 to 8.3, neutral to alkaline. The values of TDS and EC in most of the sites indicating the higher ionic concentration. Based on the analysis certain parameters like Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Percent sodium, Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Magnesium hardness were calculated. From the evaluation it is known that the water quality is suitable for both domestic and irrigation purposes. Assessments of water samples from various methods proved that majority of water samples are good either for drinking or for agriculture in all seasons.

14 ref

021318   Eltawil A A;Gelany S A;Olson D A (National Institute of Standards, , Tersa Street, El Haram, Giza, Egypt) : Results of hydraulic pressure comparison in the range from 25 MPa to 200 MPa between NIS-Egypt and NIST-USA. MAPAN 2011, 26(4), 349-55.

Results of an informal pressure comparison between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), USA, and the National Institute of Standards (NIS), Egypt, are presented. The comparison was aimed to determine degree of equivalence between NIST and NIS in the pressure range from 25 MPa to 200 MPa at a reference temperature of 20°. The comparison used a transfer standard (TS) which was a piston-cylinder assembly (PCA) having nominal effective area of 4.9 mm². The results of the comparison show good agreement between the laboratory results within their claimed standard (k=1) uncertainties.

4 illus, 5 tables, 6 ref

021317   Cevizci H (Mining Engineering Dep, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta/Turkey) : According to international standards determining geomechanic properties of Denizli pink and Mugla lilac marbles. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect F 2011, 30(1-2), 1-12.

In this study, geomechanical properties of marbles have been studied and some experiments were carried out where Turkish Standards Institute (TSE), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and European Standards specifications were taken as a reference for experiments. In fact, determining geomechanical properties of marbles are useful for correctly choosing the usage area. Experiments were made on two different types of marbles. Experimental tests are as follows: Uniaxial compression, water absorption, volume mass, specific weight, porosity, bending strength, seismic velocity, inspections on polarizing microscope and freezing-thawing tests. This test gives strength and weight loss after freezing cycles. The durability of marble is determined as a result of these tests and usage area of marbles are established whether to use in floors or natural facing stone in bUilding sector. After the tests the requirements according to Turkish Standard Institute criterion, ASTM criterion and European Standards criterion are determined for Denizli Pink and Mugla Lilac marbles. These marbles found to be suitable for both inside and outside usage with enough bending strength. Seismic velocity, water absorption, density, specific weight, porosity values and strength reduction by freezing-thawing tests and inspections on polarized microscope gave satisfactory results.

8 tables, 11 ref

020170   Zehadul Karim A H M;Abdullah M A (International Islamic Malaysia Univ, Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Email: ahmzkarim@yahoo.com) : Slums and squatters in asian ciies: a comparative study of Penang and Dhaka. South Asian Anthrop 2011, 11(1), 19-28.

Slums and squatters' is predominantly a Third World phenomenon which has become very prominent recently; and as such it has now been increasing at a steady rate ever since. It has often been assumed that the squatters are the marginal population of the land who have been pushed to the unoccupied government and private lands in the urban centers, being victims of continuing rural proleterization. A differential scenario of the squatter settlement pattern in two Asian cities of Penang and Dhaka indicate that although the inhabitants of Dhaka Slums² are mostly the rural people coming largely from the landless villagers of the peripheral regions throughout the country; the settlers in Penang on the other hand, is comprised of the urban dwellers coming from a multi-ethnic group of people from its surrounding peri-urban centers. Based on our field data from two squatter settlements of Penang and Dhaka, the paper identified basic differentiation in socio-economic characteristics of the settlers of both these groups of people. Based on our empirical data, the paper outlines a comparative situational analysis of the people living there in the slum areas of two rapidly growing cities of Asia. The paper concludes that this differential scenario confirms that squatter settlement has its own peculiarities and characteristics depending on the pace and level of urban development.

4 tables, 29 ref

020169   Subbaiah R;Mashru H H (Centre of Excellence in Soil and Water Management, RTTC, Junagadh Agricultural Univ, Gujarat) : Integrated approach for ground water investigation. J Instn Engrs-Pt AG 2011, 92(Jun), 3-9.

Attempt has been made in Maliya taluka of Junagadh district to explore ground water using surface investigations (geological and geo-hydrological method) and sub-surface method (electric resistivity method). The study revealed that the apparent resistivity achieved a peak value at a partcular profile depth and then reduced gradually in saline area, whereas, in case of trap areas the high resistivity bed rock was investigated after considerable depths. An conjunctive approach of surface and sub-surface investigations yielded promising results for better location of ground water.

4 illus, 6 tables, 14 ref

020168   Sharma D C (NO, , ) : Notes on the trips to Arctic and Antarctica account of two Indians. Bionotes 2011, 13(2), 87-8.

020167   Palamuleni L G;Annegarn H J (North West Univ, Geography and Environmental Sciences Dep, P/Bag 2046, Mmabatho, South Africa, 2735, Email: lobina.palamuleni@nwu.ac.za) : Hydrological response to predicted land cover change in the upper Shire river catchment, Malawi. J hum Ecol 2011, 36(1), 43-52.

Problem of water shortage and competition is getting increased attention in the field of water management. Good quality ground and surface water may become too scarce to allow for sustainable use for various functions. With increasing human activities, it is important to understand interactions between hydrological regimes and associated land use, and land cover change in the catchment. This paper reports the use of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to develop an approach for modelling and evaluating potential impacts from future land use and land cover change on the annual and seasonal water balance of the Upper Shire River catchment in Malawi. The results indicated that by 2020, groundwater recharge in the Upper Shire sub-catchment would decrease by 21-31 percent and stream flows by 35.7 percent due to the future reduction of woodlands and increase in agricultural land. The proposed approach provided a quantitative description of the main environmental impacts vis-a-vis hydrological processes arisina out of rural land-use change at the river-catchment scale, which can be used when planning for sustainable land a "7 resources management".

3 illus, 3 tables, 34 ref

020166   Opiyo F E O;Mureithi S M;Ngugi R K (Welthungerhilfee, V German Agro Action, P.O. Box 38829-00623, Nairobi, Kenya) : Influence of water availability on pastoralist's resources use in Mwingi and Kitui districts in Kenya. J hum Ecol 2011, 35(1), 43-52.

Understanding where pastoral livestock grazing takes place and how water availability and distribution influences resource use, is critical in planning and management of arid and semi -arid lands. This study was carried out in Mwingi and Kitui districts in Eastern Kenya. Semi-structured questionnaires were used for data collection for five months. Watering points were established through cluster sampling by considering each administrative sub- location with the help of topographical maps. Three ethnic communities, namely, the Akamba, Oroma and Somali, utilize resources in the area. The distribution of dry season water in the area influence the distances livestock herds traveled from their homelands. There was a significant difference between number of wells and the number of households, with an overall mean number of five to eight households per well. The population of goats and camels was highest for the area, and that they walked longer and their watering frequency was low. However, diseases, predators and frequent droughts occasioned animal's losses, with goats having the highest death (6.0%) and birth (44.8%) rates. The dry season water availability may explain why livestock routes changed over the seasons and highlight the importance and ubiquity of common utilization of the range by these communities. Therefore, common rights of access prevail, although the control and organization of shallow wells is the responsibility of the Akamba 'well owner'. Water constraints and property right issues in the study area limit exploitation of the resources for livestock production. This paper highlights the need to integrate water development and improved livestock management in the arid and semi- arid areas to reduce poverty.

2 illus, 3 tables, 52 ref

020165   Carter L E;Sarmiento F O (Geography Dep, Georgia Univ, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA, Email: lee.ellen.carter@gmail.com) : Otavalenos and cotacachenos: local perceptions of sacred sites for farmscape conservation in highland eucador. J hum Ecol 2011, 35(1), 61-70.

Indigenous communities around the world face pressures from ecotourism practices and conservation. Otavalo, Ecuador, is an example of how local spiritual values can add to the conservation efforts of ecotourism. The Imbakucha watershed includes mountain landscapes with natural and cultural values of numerous indigenous communities where most residents associate their livelihood with iconic, sacred, natural features. Because this region has been conserved with a vibrant artisan economy, it is a well-known cultural landscape in Latin America, and therefore, the increased pressure of globalization affects its preservation as it undergoes a shift from traditional towards contemporary ecotourism practices. We investigate the relationship between the indigenous people and their intangible spiritual environment by local understanding of identity and cultural values, using ethnographic and qualitative research to analyze the influence of spirituality on environmental actions and intersections that reify the native sacred translated into Christianity, to define synchronisms of modernity and the ancestral influence on the Andean culture in the Kichwa Otavalo living in the valley. This study concludes that there is an outlook among indigenous leaders, politicians, researchers, and scholars that a stronger influence of environmental ideals and ecofriendly lifestyles should and can be instilled into the livelihood that exists in indigenous communities to favor sacred sites conservation with development. We recommend the implementation of a sacred site conservation category for the Imbakucha watershed to help with the conservation efforts of local indigenous ecotourism practices.

6 illus, 52 ref

020164   Bineesh K K;Sanjeevan V N;Abdul Jalcel K U; Philip R (NO, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute P. B. No. 1603, Ernakulam North P. O., Cochin-18, Email: kkbineesh@gmail.com) : Distribution of heterotrophic bacterioplankton in the Indian sector of southern ocean. J Mar Biol Ass India 2011, 53(2), 225-9.

Study was carried out on the distribution of bacterioplankton in the Indian sector of Southern Ocean. Total Heterotrophic Bacterial (THB) counts were maximum (107x10⁴/CFU/ml) in water samples collected from 200 m depth and lowest (15.1 x 10³/CFU/ml) at 3730 m. Of the 250 strains isolated from the water samples, 9.2% were gram positive and 4.8% gram negative. The important genera encountered were Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Vibrio, Acinetobacter, Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Flavobacterium, Chromobacterium, Moraxella, Bacillus and Planococcus. Most of the isolates (94%) were capable of lipase production followed by gelatinase (40%) and amylase (32%).

5 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

020163   Aribigbola A (Geography and Planning Sciences Dep, Adekunle Ajasin Univ, P.M. B. 001, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, Email: faribs1@yahoo.com) : Housing affordability as a factor in the creation of sustainable environment in developing world: the example of Akure, Nigeria. J hum Ecol 2011, 35(2), 121-31.

Housing affordability has been widely recognized as an essential issue in creating sustainable built environment especially in the context of developing world cities. Consequently, global efforts at meeting human needs for shelter found expression in its inclusion among the objectives of sustainable development programme and the Habitat Agenda agreed to by the International Community at Istanbul, Turkey in 1996. This paper discusses the growing problems of housing affordability in cities of developing world using Akure in Nigeria as a case study with a view to ascertaining extent of the problem as well as challenges it poses to creating sustainable built environment. The data utilized in the paper was generated through a systematic survey of 1,266 householders in the nine political wards into which the city was stratified. Findings of the study revealed the problems associated with urban housing in the area of which affordability is a major one. The paper argues that this poses a great challenge to sustainable development of the built environment lem. Thus, it was suggested that the institutional framework to promote, enhance and encourage affordable housing provision should be created in the city.

1 illus, 9 tables, 27 ref

019101   Wani Rashid A;Khairkar V P (Geography Dep, University of Pune, Pune, Maharashtra, Email: rsogami@yahoo.co.in) : Declining city-core of an Indian primate city: a case study of Srinagar city. Int J envir Sci 2012, 2(4), 2090-2103.

Index of primacy for Srinagar works out to be 9.95 for two city index, 4.22 for four city index 5.56 for eleven city index at the regional level. City core has always been a spatial location of significance, though its characteristic qualities have been varied considerably both spatially and temporally. The area is the heart, the brain and the soul of the entire urban organism (Sita, K. et al, 1988: 13). The city core is the hub of various functions varying from education to health, administrative, trade, traffic etc. The core area of the Srinagar city encompasses 1,114 hectares of land on both side of river Jhelum. More than 60 percent of the total buildings of core are in poor or dilapidated conditions. The population density of the city core is decreasing (357 persons per hectares in 1981 to 324 persons per hectare in 2001). Urban landscapes are exemplified by the large concentration of population and fast expansion of urban zones which lead to alteration in the land use and land cover configuration that consequently impacts the landscape environment (Long et al., 2008). The problems of Srinagar city is becoming critical with the increase in population and deterioration in existing level of services which are assuming serious propositions in all aspect of urban living and are extremely critical in major sectors of sewerage, drainage, traffic and transportation, housing for urban poor, conservation of natural or cultural heritage. Besides, an improved mode of traffic has degraded the quality of environment in the core. With the result, the streets of the city core are becoming not only congested but narrow as well.

11 illus, 8 tables, 17 ref

019100   Wani R A;Khairkar V P (NO, University of Pune, Pune, Maharashtra, Email: rsogami@yahoo.co.in) : Quantifying land use and land cover change using geographic information system: a case study of Srinagar city, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2011, 2(1), 110-20.

Land use/ land cover change study is very important aspect of the natural resources data base study. The knowledge of land use and land cover is important for many planning and management activities as it is considered as an essential element for modeling and understanding the earth's features. The pressure of urbanization on Srinagar city can be drawn from the fact that the city had an area of 12.8 km² in 1901 which increased to 82.88 km² in 1971 to 270 km² in 2001. The present study investigates the land transformation of Srinagar city located in the heart of the Himalayan mountain system in Kashmir valley. Urban expansion of Srinagar city and land transformation has severely affected the aerial extent of agricultural land, water bodies, marsh area etc. Srinagar city is ten times larger in population than the second urban centre of Anantnag (Primacy index= 9.95 in two city index) depicting its command over the region. Land information system plays a very vital role in managing the land resources of any area. For understanding the impacts of changing physical characteristics on land, geospatial tools like remote sensing and GIS have been useful. Therefore, in order to have a better understanding of the land use/ land cover change around Srinagar city, topographic and a multi-spectral remote sensing data was used to analyze the change around the city.

4 illus, 1 table, 43 ref

019099   Wahiduzzaman M (Environmental Sciences Dep, Wageningen University and Research Centre, The Netherlands, , Email: wahid.ju@gmail.com) : ENSO connection with monsoon rainfall over Bangladesh. Int J appl Sci Engng Res 2012, 1(1), 26-38.

Investigates the variability and trends of summer monsoon rainfall over Bangladesh and its relation with ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation). The data of rainfall for 30 selected rain gauge stations of Bangladesh have been used over a period of 47 years (1961-2007) collected from Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) and ENSO data have been downloaded from the website of Golden Gate Weather Services, Canada. The data are analyzed using different statistical parameters. The major findings of the study are that the mean monthly rainfall of Bangladesh shows a unimodal pattern throughout the year with highest in July (20%) whereas lowest in January (0.36%). Most of the rainfall occurs in the monsoon season (70.69%). However, the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon rainfall accounts 18.94% and 8.94% respectively. Moreover, the winter is very dry and has 1.53% of the annual rainfall. The coefficient of variation is high in the winter and low in the monsoon season. All Bangladesh mean summer monsoon rainfall is 1616 mm (70.6%) where annual country average rainfall is 2286 mm, and standard deviation and coefficient of variance is 208.9mm and 11.76 % respectively. Summer monsoon rainfall widely varies over the geographical areas with lowest in central-western part conversely highest in southeastern part with moderate in northeastern part of the country. The short term variability of the scale 2-4 years is highly dominant. The plots using 5-year moving average data smooth out the high frequency oscillations and the variability of longer time scale are better discerned. The decadal scale variation with time period around 10-11 years and 14-16 years are found to be prominent in the filtered series. The higher time scales of around 20 years are also evident in the pre-monsoon and monsoon rainfall. The trend analysis results show that winter has the trend value of 0.56 mm/year against an annual rainfall of 34.9 mm. The relatively high trends of rainfall are obtained from pre-monsoon and post monsoon (2.14 and 2.12 mm/year).In case of ENSO connection, it is found that there have strong impact of ENSO on the monsoon system of subcontinent scale, though the relationship is weak in case of Bangladesh.

11 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

019098   Vishal Singh;Jain S K;Shukla S (NO, RRSC (West), NRSC, ISRO, Cazri Campus, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Email: shalu.ashu50@gmail.com) : Response of hydrological factors and relationships between runoff and sediment yield in the Sub Basin of Satluj River, Western Himalaya, India. Int J civ struct Engng 2011, 2(1), 205-21.

Runoff and sediment yield assessment is the most complex hydrological phenomenon to comprehend due to tremendous spatial variability of watershed characteristics and precipitation patterns. A number of natural and anthropogenic factors influence the water and suspended sediment flux of a river basin along its pathway. In the present study Satluj River which is located in the Western Himalayan ranges state of Himanchal Pradesh, India. Daily data have been used to examine the relationships between rainfall, runoff and in a remote sensing and GIS environment. For this study Rampur, Suni and Kasol three metrological stations datasets of rainfall, runoff and sediment yield for Satluj basin during 1980 to 2005 have been used. Eighteen different hydro environmental variables were derived from different spatial, non spatial and metrological datasets to calculate the characteristics of the basin. The terra ASTER digital elevation model (DEM) with 30 meter spatial resolution has been used. The performance of the long term trend analysis of rainfall, runoff and sediment yield was evaluated using statistical and graphical methods.

2 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

019097   Vinod Kumar;SatyaKumar M;Bhagat D K U R;Shiv Ganesh;Mistry R D (Meteorological office, Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai-400 099) : Some aspects of the influence of north west pacific systems on indian summer monsoon rainfall. J Indian Geophys Union 2011, 15(1), 35-44.

Failure of southwest monsoon rainfall during 2002 highlighted again the need for examining the impact of intense low pressure systems (Tropical depression and above) over North West Pacific (NWP) on Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) with a longer series of data. Month wise tracks of NWP intense low pressure systems, located west of 140° east from June to September for 38 years from 1963 have been considered. These include 27 All India normal/excess and 11 deficient monsoon years. These data have been analyzed with All India monsoon rainfall (AIMR) of the same years. It has been observed that NWP systems located west of 120°east and AIMR are positively correlated with correlation coefficient (CC) of +0.368. When an NWP system is located west of 120°east and a low pressure area (LPA) is observed over the Bay, monsoon depression (MD) forms over the Bay, otherwise an LPA forms over the Bay. Under these conditions east-west trough is seen up to 500 hPa and it continues up to the NWP system. The situation enhances the rainfall activity over India. It has been also observed that excess cyclone genesis over Northwest Pacific during summer monsoon is not the cause of monsoon failure over the country. Correlation coefficient (CC), computed between AIMR and total number of systems that crossed 30° north, are negatively correlated (-0.438). Both types of correlation coefficients suggest that NWP systems influence ISMR in both ways but they can not alter normal/excess monsoon conditions into deficient monsoon conditions and vice versa.

5 illus, 5 tables, 8 ref

019096   Varade A M;Wath P;Dongre K;Khare Y D;Khandare H (PG Dep of Geology, RTM Nagpur Univ, Amravati Road, Nagpur (MS)-440 001, Email: am_varade@yahoo.com) : Integrated approach using remote sensing & GIS for assessment iof groundwater situation in parts of Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts of Maharashtra. J Indian Geophys Union 2011, 15(4), 195-206.

Present work deals with the assessment of groundwater potential zones in parts of Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts of Maharashtra based on remote sensing and GIS approach, in which, the IRS-P6 LISS III geo-coded satellite data (21 April, 2006) and the Survey of India toposheet No. 55 P/14 on 1:50,000 scale were used. In the process of assessment of groundwater in the area, different thematic maps on lithology, lineaments, geomorphology and land use/land cover were prepared and assigned with differential weightage values as per their groundwater recharge and storage characteristics. Accordingly, the Groundwater Potential Map (GWP) for the study area was derived in the GIS environment by integrating all the thematic maps and considering their respective weightage values. Finally, the study area was classified into five zones of groundwater potentials i.e. excellent, very good, good, poor- moderate and poor. In order to ascertain the validity of the derived GWP map, a field validation was carried out in the post-monsoon season of November, 2007. The well inventory study revealed that the GWP map derived through integrated approach using remote sensing and GIS techniques exhibits a good correlation with the actual groundwater scenario in the area. The study significantly demonstrates that the integration of thematic maps derived by using remote sensing technique in conjunction with collateral data in GIS environment is immensely helpful in delineating the groundwater potential zones at a micro-level.

6 illus, 6 tables, 30 ref

019095   Umrikar B N;Patil M B;Desai C G (Geology Dep, University of Pune, Pune, Maharashtra, Email: bnumrikar@gmail.com) : Application of cellular automata technique for prediction of growth pattern through Java programming. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2011, 2(1), 11-20.

Cellular Automata (CA) is an effective simulation technique to study the dynamics of urbanization in rapidly growing cities, from different perspectives of planning and development. CA technique is convenient for encoding spatial structures like built up, agricultural land, waste land, industrial land, plantation etc. The information so generated by CA encoding would not only serve as baseline data but also help in providing predictive scenario to categorize the areas for sustainable urban development. Geographical Information System (GIS) is used to view and analyze data from a geographic perspective. The spatial representation of an object and its related attributes are merged into a unified data file. Demonstrates the futuristic view of the study area for the year 2020. The result includes statistical details of built up growth (63.64%) of the area under consideration.

7 illus, 8 ref

019094   Umapathy S (Geology Dep, Jawahar Science College, Neyeli, Tamil Nadu, Email: sumapathy_ney@yahoo.com) : Ground water quality of Neyveli area, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2011, 2(1), 49-56.

Suitability of water for different purposes like drinking, industrial water and irrigation are assessed due to its extensive development for the above said purposes. Drinking water standard is based upon, presence of objectionable taste, odors or colors along with the presence of substances with adverse physiological effects. The portability of drinking water is mainly based on recommended permissible limits of certain parameters, when water exceeds the permissible limit it is unfit for human consumption. The Neyveli area falls within the Cuddalore sand stone formation. The study area lies between 11°20' and 11°40' North latitudes and 79°20' and 79° 40' East longitudes. Thirty six water samples were collected in two seasons (Summer and North East Monsoon) and hydrogeochemical characters were determined. The analyzed hydrogeochemical data indicates that the important geochemical processes occurring within the formation. The geochemical processes in the study area exhibits evaporation process in Gibbs plot. The USSL classification, Doneen plot reveals that the quality of the water.

4 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

019093   Umamathi S;Aruchamy S (Geography Dep, School of Geosciences, Bharthidasan University, Tiruchirappalli-620 024, Email: uma888.geo@gmail.com) : Rainfall rhythm of Suruli AR watershed, Theni district, Tamil Nadu - a GIS approach. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2011, 2(1), 219-30.

Rainfall is primary source for water and it is characterized by its amount, intensity and distribution in time. The study could form a basis for planning the agricultural activity of the study area. In order to understand the spatial pattern of annual and seasonal rainfall, their variability, precipitation ratio and frequency occurrence of rainfall have been analysed through GIS environs. The study has used the long term (30 years) mean monthly rainfall data for eleven rain gauge stations, located in and around Suruli Ar watershed to analyse its various facets. Accordingly, the mean annual rainfall is about 870 mm which exceeds 1426 mm and drops as much as 638 mm. The mean annual rainfall variability of the watershed is 28.3%. The area in and around Suruli Ar watershed experiences high abnormality as the precipitation ratio is 185% whereas the lowest is about 44.4% at Sothuparai. The entire watershed is subjected to larger temporal fluctuations rather than the spatial distribution of rainfall.

8 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

019092   Uma J;Mahalingam B (Geography Dep, Presidency College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Email: mahabose.geo@gmail.com) : Spatio-temporal changes of land use and land cover analysis using remote sensing and GIS: a case study of Kanchipuram district coastal stretch - Tamil Nadu. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2011, 2(1), 188-95.

Objectives of the study are to analyze the land use land cover changes in coastal stretch of Kanchipuram district in Tamil Nadu. Using multi-temporal remote sensing data (Landsat MSS-1980, Landsat TM-1991, Landsat TM-2000 and IRS LISS-III-2009) land use land cover change analysis has been performed. The result revealed that buildup land increased in Tambaram taluk whereas Buildup land, forest and salt plant increased in Chengalpattu and Mathuranthakam taluk while Agriculture land decreased in all taluks in study area. The Census data was used to find out the growth of population in the study area.

1 table, 11 ref

019091   Tiwari K;Khanduri K (NO, Central Soil and Water Conservation Research & Training Institute, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Email: ecnhas@gmail.com) : Land use / land cover change detection in Doon valley (Dehradun Tehsil), Uttarakhand: using GIS& remote sensing technique. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2011, 2(1), 34-41.

Land use and land cover is an important component in understanding the interactions of the human activities with the environment and thus it is necessary to be able to simulate changes. The study has been done through remote sensing approach using SOI map of Dehradun Valley. The aims of this study are to detect land use changes between 2000 to 2009 using satellite images of Landsat (ETM+, TM, MSS), LISS-III, SRTM and digital SOI topographic maps have been used. The aim of this study is to produce a land use/ land cover map of Dehradun valley at two epochs in order to detect the changes that have taken place particularly in the built-up land and forest areas. Landuse changes have been detected by image processing method in EDRAS imagine9.3, ArcGIS9.3. Finally to predict the changes in urban habitants and landuse/landcover changes occurred. Monitoring of landuse/landcover changes which would help to plan development activities such as major schemes and their land requirements. The nine year time period of 2000 -2009 shows the major type of land use change. Forest area is decreased 3.75% and water (seasonal) decreased 9.5%. Most remarkable change has taken place in Built up area resulting in 112.4% growth in less than a decade period.

5 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

019090   Thian S Y;Lee C Y (Civil Engineering Dep, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Malaysia, Email: siawyin_thian@yahoo.com) : Stress history effect on mining sand with fines contents. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2011, 2(1), 1-10.

Presents the results of an experimental investigation of stress history on undrained shear characteristics of reconstituted mining sand with fines contents. The stress history and present state of stress which influence shear strength and deformation of soils are reflected by the overconsolidation ratio (OCR). A series of undrained triaxial tests were conducted on the reconstituted mining sand with clay fines specimens which were overconsolidated, in order to investigate the effects of stress history and clay fines on the stress-strain-pore pressure response, peak strength and soil stiffness.

10 illus, 5 ref