030217   RANI R S, KUMAR G M, REJANI R (Agricultural Engineering Coll (PJTSAU), Sangareddy - 502 285, Email: ratnala504@gmail.com) : Estimation of soil loss using GIS coupled with RUSLE for the sustainable management of mudhole watershed in Adilabad. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2018, 33(2), 63-7.

The Mudhole watershed in Adilabad district of Telangana is prone to severe erosion. The soil loss data at watershed level is necessary for planning soil and water conservation interventions. In this study, an attempt was made to estimate the soil loss spatially and temporally for Mudhole watershed using RUSLE coupled with ARC GIS. The daily rainfall data of IMD for the period 1951 to 2013 was used and the annual rainfall varied from 497 to 1653 mm with a mean annual rainfall of 997.5 mm and a mean erosivity of 8781 MJ mm/ha/h/y. Considerable spatial and temporal variation in soil loss was observed during above normal, normal and drought years. The topography of the watershed is undulating and major portion of the watershed has soil loss below 5 t/ha/y in a drought year, < 15 t/ha/y in a normal year and < 20 t/ha/y in above normal years. The soil loss from crop land was higher in the month of July/August. Based on the soil loss in a normal year, the interventions recommended for the watershed includes in-situ measures like contour cultivation, graded bunds, strip cropping, summer ploughing etc and water harvesting structures like farm ponds and percolation tanks.

12 illus, 8 ref

030216   PENDKE M S, ASEWAR B V, SAMINDRE M S, CHARY G R, NARSIMLU B (Vasanthrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani - 431 402, Email: mspendke1@rediffmail.com) : Water budgeting of Babhulgaon micro watershed under deficit rainfall years. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2018, 33(2), 43-9.

Water budget under deficit rainfall years was conducted at Babhulgaon micro watershed, Parbhani district of Maharashtra state considering crop water demand, human and livestock consumption. On the main streams, there were nala bunds and farm ponds constructed for rainwater harvesting and supplemental/protective irrigation. During the year 2014, a total rainfall of 398.1 mm was received, which was 52 % deficit than average normal rainfall. The major losses were occurred as soil evaporation and transpiration are 59.71 mm and 155.26 mm, respectively. The surface runoff of 29.87 mm (11 %) was estimated and the soil moisture of 103.50 mm was utilized for crop growth and which was found to be insufficient for normal crop growth, thus effected the crop yields. The crop water requirements of kharif and rabi season were 339.45 and 70.10 ha-m, respectively. The total crop water requirement of the year 2014 was 409.55 ham. During 2015, an amount of 407.8 mm of rainfall received which was 51 % deficit to average normal monsoon rainfall. The major losses observed were due to soil evaporation and transpiration as 61.94 mm and 161.61 mm respectively. In 2015, rainfall was well distributed and only two storms were observed in the month of September resulted in a surface runoff of 18 mm which was 4.42 % of rainfall. The ground water recharge contribution was 52.36 mm (12.84 % of rainfall). The soil moisture storage of 107.77 mm was observed and found to be insufficient for crop growth. The crop water requirement of kharif and rabi season was 337.55 and 81.00 ha-mm, respectively. The total crop water requirement of the year 2015 was 418.55 hamm. The outflow characteristics indicated that there is additional possibility for construction of rainwater harvesting structures like nala bunds, earthen dams and farm ponds etc., because total available water storage capacity in all existing structures is about 21 to 35 % of annual runoff only. The deficiency of water resources in the Babhulgaon micro watershed can be managed by harvesting the available potential runoff and its efficient utilization through modified cropping pattern.

1 illus, 14 tables, 8 ref

030218   REJANI R, RAO K V, RANADE D H, REDDY K S, KRISHNAN G, CHARY G R, GOPINATH K A, OSMAN M (ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad - 500 059, Email: rrejani10@gmail.com) : Impact of climate change on runoff using swat for Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2018, 33(2), 31-8.

The selected area, Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh is plagued with groundwater overexploitation and experiences prolonged dry spells during cropping season which coincides with the seed formation stage of soybean and maize. This region has high runoff potential and hence its harvesting and utilization for supplemental irrigation can improve the crop yield considerably. In this study, the runoff was estimated with SWAT model due to limited number of gauging stations available at Malwa. The model was calibrated (R² = 0.9) and validated (R² = 0.96) for the study area. The Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency during calibration and validation were determined as 0.89 and 0.93 respectively and the model performed satisfactorily. The mean annual rainfall ranged from 474 to 1302 mm over the years and runoff varied from 10.7 to 27.0 % with a mean of 18.3 % of rainfall. The annual rainfall varied spatially from 585 to 1187 mm and the runoff from majority of the area varied spatially from 7.6 to 25.6 % of rainfall. The rainfall during normal years varied spatially from 658 to 939 mm and the runoff varied from 12.1 to 27.0 % of rainfall. It is predicted that the mean maximum and minimum temperature under medium emission scenario may increase by 2.3 and 2.6 °C and runoff is predicted to increase by 0.8 to 1.8 % of rainfall by 2080’s. The runoff potential available under the current scenario itself is quite sufficient for rainwater harvesting. In addition to this, the increase in rainfall and runoff predicted for this area under changing climatic scenarios showed more potential for rainwater harvesting and supplemental irrigation in near future also.

8 illus, 19 ref

028847   GOSWAMI B, ROY P, BASAK A, DAS S, BHATTACHARYYA C (Geology Dep, Calcutta Univ, Kolkata - 700 019, Email: bapigoswami69@gmail.com) : Physico-chemical conditions of four calc-alkaline granitoid plutons of Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex, eastern India: Tectonic implications. J Earth Syst Sci 2018, 127(8), 120.

Petrography and mineralogy of four calc-alkaline granitoid plutons Agarpur, Sindurpur, Raghunathpur and Sarpahari located from west to east of northern Purulia of Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex, eastern India, are investigated. The plutons, as a whole, are composed of varying proportions of Qtz–Pl–Kfs–Bt–Hbl±Px–Ttn–Mag–Ap–Zrn±Ep. The composition of biotite is consistent with those of calc-alkaline granitoids. Hornblende–plagioclase thermometry, aluminium-in-hornblende barometry and the assemblage sphene–magnetite–quartz were used to determine the P, T and fo₂ during the crystallisation of the parent magmas in different plutons. The plutons are crystallised under varying pressures (6.2–2.4 kbar) and a wide range of temperatures (896–718 $°$C) from highly oxidised magmas (log fo₂ −11.2 to −15.4 bar). The water content of the magma of different plutons varied from 5.0 to 6.5 wt %, consistent with the calc-alkaline nature of the magma. Calc-alkaline nature, high oxygen fugacity and high H₂O_melt suggest that these plutons were emplaced in subduction zone environment. The depths of emplacement of these plutons seem to increase from west to east. Petrologic compositions of these granitoids continuously change from enderbite (opx-tonalite: Sarpahari) in the east to monzogranite (Raghunathpur) to syenogranite (Sindurpur) to alkali feldspar granite (Agarpur) in the west. The water contents of the parental magmas of different plutons also increase systematically from east to west. No substantial increase in the depth of emplacement is found in these plutons lying south and north of the major shear zone passing through the study area suggesting the strike-slip nature of the east–west shear zone.

10 illus, 7 tables, 76 ref

028866   SINGH A K, GIRI S, CHATURVEDI A (Natural Resource and Environmental Management Div, CSIR – Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Dhanbad - 826 015, Email: singhak.cimfr@gmail.com) : Fluvial geochemistry of Subarnarekha River basin, India. J Earth Syst Sci 2018, 127(8), 119.

The fluvial geochemistry of the Subarnarekha River and its major tributaries has been studied on a seasonal basis in order to assess the geochemical processes that explain the water composition and estimate solute fluxes. The analytical results show the mildly acidic to alkaline nature of the Subarnarekha River water and the dominance of Ca²⁺ and Na⁺ in cationic and HCO⁻₃ and Cl⁻ in anionic composition. Minimum ionic concentration during the monsoon and maximum concentration in the pre-monsoon seasons reflect concentrating effects due to decrease in the river discharge and increase in the base flow contribution during the pre-monsoon and dilution effects of atmospheric precipitation in the monsoon season. The solute acquisition processes are mainly controlled by weathering of rocks, with minor contribution from marine and anthropogenic sources. Higher contribution of alkaline earth (Ca²⁺+ Mg²⁺) to the total cations (TZ⁺) and high (Na⁺ +K⁺)/Cl⁻, (Na⁺ +K⁺)/TZ⁺, HCO⁻₃/(SO²⁻₄ +Cl⁻) and low (Ca²⁺+Mg²⁺)/(Na⁺+K⁺) equivalent ratios suggest that the Subarnarekha River water is under the combined influence of carbonate and silicate weathering. The river water is undersaturated with respect to dolomite and calcite during the post-monsoon and monsoon seasons and oversaturated in the pre-monsoon season. The pH–log H₄SiO₄ stability diagram demonstrates that the water chemistry is in equilibrium with the kaolinite. The Subarnarekha River annually delivered 1.477 × 10⁶ ton of dissolved loads to the Bay of Bengal, with an estimated chemical denudation rate of 77 ton km⁻² yr⁻¹. Sodium adsorption ratio, residual sodium carbonate and per cent sodium values placed the studied river water in the ‘excellent to good quality’ category and it can be safely used for irrigation.

12 illus, 4 tables, 65 ref

028844   CHEMAM A, HADJZOBIR S, DAIF M, ALTENBERGER U, GUNTER C (Annaba Univ, Algeria, Email: Chemam.asma@gmail.com) : Provenance analyses of the heavy-mineral beach sands of the Annaba coast, northeast Algeria, and their consequences for the evaluation of fossil placer deposit. J Earth Syst Sci 2018, 127(8), 118.

The paper presents the first study of heavy-mineral sand beaches from the Mediterranean coast of Annaba/Algeria. The studied beaches run along the basement outcrops of the Edough massif, which are mainly composed by micaschists, tourmaline-rich quartzo-feldspathic veins, gneisses, skarns and marbles. Sand samples were taken from three localities (Ain Achir, Plage-Militaire and El Nasr). The heavy-mineral fraction comprises between 74 and 91 vol %. The garnets of the beaches are almandine rich and tourmalines vary with respect to their location from schorl to dravite. Tourmaline at Ain Achir and the Plage-Militaire is schorlits, while at El Nasr beach dravite is ubiquitous. The World Shale Average normalised REE of the sands and the basement outcrops reveal: (i) Ain Achir beach: REE pattern of sand and the coastal rocks from the studied beaches reflects a multiple sources; (ii) Plage-Militaire: the sand and the coastal outcrops show similar LREE and a strong enrichment in HREE, suggesting the presence HREE-rich phases found as inclusions in staurolite; (iii) El Nasr: two types of sand patterns are found: one with flat REE pattern similar to the proximal rocks and other one enriched in HREE suggesting a mixed source.

13 illus, 4 tables, 35 ref

028863   SALUNKHE S S, BERA A K, RAO S S, VENKATARAMAN V R, RAJ U, MURTHY Y V N K (Regional Remote Sensing Centre, Jodhpur, Email: sagar.swce@gmail.com) : Evaluation of indicators for desertification risk assessment in part of Thar Desert Region of Rajasthan using geospatial techniques. J Earth Syst Sci 2018, 127(8), 116.

Desertification has emerged as a major economic, social and environmental problem in the western part of India. The best way of dealing with desertification is to take appropriate measures to arrest land degradation, especially in areas prone to desertification. This requires an early warning system for desertification based on scientific inputs. Hence, in the present study, an attempt has been made to develop a comprehensive model for the assessment of desertification risk in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan, India, using 23 desertification indicators. Indicators including soil, climate, vegetation and socio-economic parameters were integrated into a GIS environment to get environmental sensitive areas (ESAs) to desertification. Desertification risk index (DRI) was calculated based on ESAs to desertification, the degree of land degradation and significant desertification indicators obtained from the stepwise multiple regression model. DRI was validated by using independent indicators such as soil organic matter content and cation exchange capacity. Multiple regression analysis shows that 16 indicators out of 23 were found to be significant for assessing desertification risk at a 99 % confidence interval with R² = 0.83. The proposed methodology provides a series of effective indicators that would help to identify where desertification is a current or potential problem, and what could be the actions to alleviate the problem over time.

13 illus, 9 tables, 64 ref

028865   SARMA J N, SHARMA S (Geoscience Div, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat - 785 006, Email: sangees online@rediffmail.com) : Neotectonic activity of the Bomdila Fault in northeastern India from geomorphological evidences using remote sensing and GIS. J Earth Syst Sci 2018, 127(8), 113.

One of the major geological structures across the Brahmaputra valley, which stretches from the Eastern Himalayas up to the Naga Hills, is the Bomdila Fault. Parts of the courses of the rivers – the Brahmaputra, Dhansiri (south-S), Bargang and many others – are aligned along this structure. The influence of this structure on the courses of these rivers has been studied in detail using topographic maps, satellite data and field evidences. The signatures obtained such as: (a) an unusually linear course of the lower part of the Dhansiri (S) river from Golaghat up to Dhansirimukh, (b) the abandonment of the westerly course of the earlier Dhansiri (S) river (flowing through Kaziranga) towards the present NW direction by avulsion, (c) knick bends in the MBT–MCT and Naga Thrust of Belt of Schuppen, (d) a linear 15 m high topographic scarp on the left bank of the Dhansiri (S) near Numaligarh and (e) an anomalous SE–NW trending course of the Brahmaputra from Dhansirimukh up to Hartamuli along with the parts of the rivers Buroi and Bargang on the north in the same trend infers the influence of a fault-type structure. Since all these linear segments of the rivers align along the NW–SE trending Bomdila Fault, it infers the influence of the later on the courses of these rivers. The neotectonic activity along this fault might have caused the linear high scarp and abandonment of earlier river courses.

9 illus, 25 ref

028864   SANYAL S, SINGH K A, PAREKH H, CHOKSHI V, BHUI U K (Pandit Deendayal Petroleum Univ, Gandhinagar-382 007, Email: Uttam.bhui@spt.pdpu.ac.in) : Interaction study of clay-bearing amphibolite-crude oil-saline water: Molecular level implications for enhanced oil recovery during low saline water flooding. J Earth Syst Sci 2018, 127(8), 112.

Low saline water flooding (LSWF) had proved to be an efficient method for enhanced oil recovery in clay-bearing hydrocarbon reservoirs, but the interaction mechanisms among in-situ rocks – fluids and injection fluids within the reservoir – are not yet known properly. Understanding the molecular level interaction among these components is critical for designing and field scale implementation of LSWF in clay-bearing crystalline reservoir rocks, which is very limited in the existing literature. A weathered amphibolite rock and one dead crude oil from the Bakrol field (Cambay basin, India) have been used in this study. The presence of clay minerals in the weathered amphibolite rock was observed using a polarising microscope and characterised by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques. The crude oil and its fractionated SARA components have been extensively studied by spectroscopic techniques for their characterisation. The interaction study among the rock powder, hydrocarbon crude oil and saline water has been performed in the present work for gaining better insight for designing the injection fluid for LSWF. The weathered amphibolite rock powder was mixed with the dead crude oil and kept for 30 days in room temperature (T) and pressure (P) for proper interaction. The XRD, FTIR and cation exchange capacity results clearly demonstrated the incorporation of crude oil components in the interlayer surfaces of clay minerals. The oil removal efficiency, from the oil-treated rock powder of three saline water samples having NaCl concentration of 3000, 5000 and 8000 ppm, was investigated using the UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. The low saline NaCl water is capable of removing the maximum amount of polar components from the oil-treated rock powder. These molecular level insights are valuable for designing effective injection fluid for enhancing the oil recovery from the clay-rich crystalline reservoir rock.

8 illus, 1 table, 56 ref

028860   PRASAD S J, NAIR T M B, RAHAMAN H, SHENOI S S C, VIJAYALAKSHMI T (Jawaharlal Nehru Technological Univ, Telangana - 500 085, Email: prasadsj@incois.gov.in) : An assessment on oil spill trajectory prediction: Case study on oil spill off Ennore Port. J Earth Syst Sci 2018, 127(8), 111.

A Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanker and a chemical tanker collided two nautical miles off Ennore port on 28 January, 2017. Around 196.4 metric tons (MT) of Heavy Furnace Oil (HFO) was spilled and drifted towards the shore. Oil spill drift advisory and prediction was made by Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) using General National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Operational Modeling Environment (GNOME), an oil spill trajectory model. The trajectory model was forced with analysed and forecasted ocean currents from Global Ocean Data Assimilation System (GODAS) based on Modular Ocean Model 4p1 (GM4p1). It was found that spread of HFO obtained from oil spill trajectory model GNOME, has matched well with the observed spread from Sentinel-1A satellite dataset. However, the spread of the HFO was underestimated by the trajectory model, when forced with forecasted GM4p1 currents. Additional ground truth observation from Indian Coast Guard also corroborates this finding.

5 illus, 10 ref

028855   KUMAR S, PATHAK D B, PANDEY B, JAITLY A K, GAUTAM J P (Geology Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi - 221 005, Email: dbpathak@yahoo.com) : The age of the Nodular Limestone Formation (Late Cretaceous), Narmada Basin, Central India. J Earth Syst Sci 2018, 127(8), 109.

The age of the marine Nodular Limestone Formation of the Bagh Group is refined at Substage level through ammonoid and inoceramid index taxa. The study is based on the fresh collections from three welldefined successive intervals (Lower Karondia, Upper Karondia and Chirakhan members) of this formation having excellent exposures in different localities of the Narmada Basin, central India. The first record of the widely distributed Turonian ammonoid genera Spathites Kummel and Decker and Collignoniceras Breistroffer from the Nodular Limestone Formation constrained its age exclusively to Turonian. The Early Turonian species Spathites (Jeanrogericeras) aff. revelieranus (Courtiller) and Mytiloides labiatus (Sclotheim) occur in the lower part, while the Middle Turonian marker Collignoniceras cf. carolinum (d’Obrbigny) and Inoceramus hobetsensis (Nagao and Matsumoto) occurs in the upper part of the Karondia Member. The record of the index species Inoceramus teshioensis (Nagao and Matsumoto) in association with Placenticeras mintoi Vredenburg from Chirakhan Member allows a definite Late Turonian age. The present contribution is an attempt to resolve the controversies in the age of the Nodular Limestone Formation and also demarcation of the three divisions (Early, Middle and Late) of the Turonian Stage in the Narmada Basin, central India.

3 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

028871   VALIPOUR A, BIDOKHTI A A (Marine Science and Technology Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Jouybar 47761–86131, Iran, Email: a.valipour@yahoo.com) : An analytical model for the prediction of rip spacing in intermediate beaches. J Earth Syst Sci 2018, 127(8), 108.

Considering the diversity of rip currents based on the classification of Castelle et al. (2016), it is crucial to study the characteristics of each individual rip current type, which are classified based on different dominant controlling forces and physical driving mechanisms. In this study, an analytical model was presented to predict the spacing of channel rip currents (S_rip) in intermediate beaches using the equations of continuity and momentum. Then, the analytical model predictions were compared with the results of numerical simulations calibrated with field studies of other researchers, that showed good agreements. The main results of this study showed that rip spacing was simultaneously related to the characteristics of wave and bed in the surf zone. In addition, it was shown that due to inevitable changes of the hydrodynamic and morphological conditions of rip channel in the beach, the parameter H_b0/h_c (where H_b0 is the wave height before approaching the sand bar and h_c is channel depth) is an important factor in predicting the rip current situation and the changes of the beach state with time.

9 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

028857   MISHRA R K, ROY P N S, SINGH V K, PANDEY J K (Applied Geophysics Dep, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM), Dhanbad, Email: pns may1@yahoo.com) : Detection and delineation of coal mine fire in Jharia coal field, India using geophysical approach: A case study. J Earth Syst Sci 2018, 127(8), 107.

Coal mine fire is a serious problem in Jharia coal field, India. The coal mine fire can be detected with different techniques such as borehole temperature measurement, thermo-compositional analysis, remote sensing techniques, thermo-graphic measurement and geophysical methods. In this study, various geophysical methods were used to detect the surface and subsurface coal mine fires. Geophysical techniques used in the present study are apparent resistivity, self-potential (SP), magnetic method and thermography. Geophysical anomalies such as low SP value of −60 mV, high negative magnetic response and low apparent resistivity value helped us to detect and delineate the fire and non-fire areas laterally as well as depthwise. Furthermore, the thermography survey was carried out in the coal field using thermal imaging camera in order to substantiate the geophysical methods. This integrated approach was found to be more advantageous for the detection and delineation of surface and subsurface fire with respect to use of any specific techniques. Moreover, the level of threat towards the locality, national railway line was also assessed unambiguously using the above techniques. Hence, proper planning and implementation towards the mitigation of hazard can be achieved on the basis of the reported results.

5 illus, 31 ref

028861   RAO V P, MAHALE V P, CHAKRABORTY B (Civil Engineering Dep, Vignan’s Univ, Guntur - 522 213, Email: vprao55@gmail.com) : Bathymetry and sediments on the carbonate platform off western India: Significance of Halimeda bioherms in carbonate sedimentation. J Earth Syst Sci 2018, 127(8), 106.

Bathymetry across the carbonate platform off western India indicated small-size pinnacles and their lateral coalescence into 2 -6-m high mounds landward, and linear elongated carbonate ridges and troughs, mounds and banks up to a height of 20-m seaward of the platform. Seismic data indicated that these mounds were transparent with no rigid internal structure and can be defined as bioherms. The sediments were abundantly aragonite faecal pellets, Halimeda grains and ooids and their radiocarbon ages ranged from 11 to 7.5 ka BP. It appears that the growth of Halimeda bioherms on the platform was facilitated by intense upwelling during the early Holocene. The terrigenous sediments brought by rivers were deposited in the inner shelf and have not affected the growth of bioherms. It is estimated that the platform comprises at least 1.85 Gt of mass CaCO₃ accumulated during the early Holocene and comparable to those on the Great Barrier Reef. Halimeda bioherms produce abundant carbonate sediments and their growth period represents a geological carbonate sink and release of high CO₂ to the atmosphere. Detailed shallow seismic studies and sediment cores are needed to quantify the exact mass content of CaCO₃ and model climate change during the early Holocene.

10 illus, 69 ref

028867   SREENIVASAN S P, BERA M K, SAMANTA A, VADLAMANI R (Geology and Geophysics Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur - 721 302, Email: melinda bera@yahoo.com) : Palaeocene-Eocene carbon isotopic excursion from the shallow-marine-carbonate sequence of northeast India: Implications on the CIE magnitude and geometry. J Earth Syst Sci 2018, 127(8), 105.

The exact magnitude of the carbon isotopic excursion (CIE) for the Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) is essential for our understanding of the carbon cycle perturbation. Global compilation of the PETM CIE magnitudes indicates that the shallow-marine inorganic carbonate could be a potential candidate to decipher the actual CIE magnitude. The present study, therefore, made an attempt to explore the thick Palaeogene shallow-marine carbonate sequence of the Sylhet Limestone exposed in the Jaintia Hills of northeast (NE) India, in terms of the preservation and magnitude of the PETM CIE. Exploratory sampling carried out across the Sylhet Limestone suggests that this sequence was deposited during the Late Palaeocene and Early Eocene, as evident from the age-diagnostic foraminifera. The observed ∼3.4 ⁰/₀₀ CIE at the top of the Lakadong Limestone, resting above the Miscellanea miscella and Ranikothalia nuttalli foraminifera-bearing horizon, can, therefore, be correlated with the PETM CIE. Although the magnitude of the CIE from our limited data set agrees well with the global compilation, the absence of a stepped profile questions the preservation of the CIE reported elsewhere from the Tethyan sequence. Further work is needed for a better understanding of the PETM interval in NE India.

5 illus, 45 ref

028843   CHATTERJEE K, CHOUDHURY D (Civil Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), Mumbai - 400076, Email: dc@civil.iitb.ac.in; dchoudhury@iitb.ac.in) : Influences of local soil conditions for ground response in Kolkata city during earthquakes. Proc Natl Acad Sci India A 2018, 88(4), 515–28.

Ground motion while travelling from the bedrock to the ground surface, causing a change in amplitude and frequency of the seismic waves, and leading to amplification of ground motion have been seen in Kolkata in eastern India. One dimensional equivalent linear ground response analyses for some typical soil sites in Kolkata city of India have been implemented using SHAKE2000 for studying the effects of local soil conditions on the ground motions taking five different input motions having a wide variation in ground motion parameters. It is observed that the maximum horizontal acceleration at the ground surface is amplified by 4.1 times for 2001 Bhuj motion while the Fourier amplification factor and spectral acceleration at 5 % damping is observed to be 10.15 and 3.84 g, respectively at Rajarhat area due to 2011 Sikkim motion. The response spectrum curves obtained are useful for designers for evaluating the safety in designing infrastructures against earthquake forces in Kolkata city, especially in the absence of site specific data.

10 illus, 7 tables, 36 ref

028862   REDDY N G, RAO B H (School of Infrastructure, Odisha - 752 050, Email: bhrao@iitbbs.ac.in) : Characterization of settled particles of the red mud waste exposed to different aqueous environmental conditions. Indian Geotech J 2018, 48(3), 405-19.

Red mud waste is generally transferred to the storage area in a slurry form with solids content varying from 15 to 40 %. Due to arise of a variety of environmental and climatic conditions in the due course of time, settling behaviour of particles as well as properties of settled particles changes. Thus, understanding of the settling behaviour of waste particles becomes essential after disposing the waste into the pond. In addition, studies related to the settling behaviour of particles become important during the extraction of alumina from bauxite ore (i.e. in settlers). In the present study, efforts are made to investigate the settling behaviour of red mud waste particles when exposed to different aqueous environmental conditions. For testing purpose, a series of differential free swell tests were conducted considering aqueous environmental conditions such as tap water, distilled water, kerosene, NaCl solutions of 1.71 and 3.42 M, and HCl solutions with a pH range from 1 to 4, respectively. In addition, efforts are also devoted to characterizing the post-exposed sediment samples to ascertain possible changes in the mineralogical, morphological, and elemental compositions of the particles. Results reveal that aqueous environment has a considerable effect on the settling behaviour of particles, while the effect of pH found to be trivial. The analyses of characterization studies disclose a marginal to considerable changes in elemental, phase compositions and morphological characteristics of the post exposed particles.

10 illus, 2 tables, 46 ref

028851   KANZYVAA S O, CHADAMBA N D , BOLAT-OOL C K , KUZHUGET S-B N , ONDAR A A (Tuvan State Univ, Lenina, 36, 667000, Kyzyl, The Republic of Tuva, Russia, Email: skanzyvaa@yahoo.com) : Vegetation cover and soil structuredness of natural forage lands of Tuva. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2354-60.

The researches of vegetation and soil cover have been carried out in three main pasture areas of central tuvan basin of Tuva. Soil cover of studied territory is represented by light loamy chestnut soils. The analysis of vegetation pastures showed that their floral composition consists of 17 families, 31 types and 37 species. The Ak-Khaya area is different from other areas by its more rich vegetation cover of pasture and projective cover to 45-55 %. The third area of Bora-Bulak has less floral composition. It consists of Potentilla acaulis and fringed sagebrush. Pasture lands soil is more consistent, water raise is stronger, water capacity is low and water conductivity is acceptable on the third area of Bora-Bulak. The consistent of coarse sand (0, 25-1 mm) is higher in the soil cover of the first area of Sholuk-Khovu and second area of Ak-Khaya in BarunKhemchik region. This factor influenced to the improvement of water qualities of soil.

1 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

028837   AL-ZUBAIDI S A (Soil Sciences and Water Resources Dep, Sumer Univ, 64005, Al Rifaee, Dhi Qar, Iraq, Email: sabaalzubaidi0@gmail.com) : Effect of wetting and drying cycles on some physical and chemical traits of different soil types in Dhi Qar Province (Southern Iraq). Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2292-6.

A laboratory experiment was conducted to studying the effect of wetting and drying cycles on some physical and chemical soil traits of different soils types, one of which is reclaimed saline and the other non-reclaimed saline taken from two different locations from Dhi Qar province (southern Iraq). The soil was subjected to drying and wetting processes with normal water and acidic water using concentrated sulfuric acid in three stages. Seven soil samples were selected for each location to estimate the physical and chemical traits (for example the percentage of sodium exchange, dispersion percentage, electrical conductivity). The results showed a significant increase in the sodium percentage when using two types of water (normal and acidic), For reclaimed soil, the highest value was reached during the third wetting period (6.73 %) and (7.15 %) respectively. In the saline soils, we notice a significant increase in the use of normal water during the third wetting period (9.32 %), unlike the acidic water which caused a significant decrease (4.54 %) at the third wetting period. However, Soil reclaimed with normal water and acidic water reached the highest value during the third wetting period (56 %) and (63 %) respectively. In the saline soils we notice a significant increase in the use of normal water compared with acidic water, which caused a significant decrease in the third wetting period (41 %). In the results of the electrical conductivity, a significant decrease was found in both saline and reclaimed soil when using two types of normal and acidic water in third wetting period.

4 tables, 28 ref

028842   CHANDRA A, NEGI R S, GOYAL V C, SINGH S (Rural Technology Dep, H.N.B. Garhwal Univ, Srinagar Garhwal - 246 174) : Physicochemical assessment of soil in Kyunja Gad Watershed, district Rudraprayag, Uttrakhand, India. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2165-70.

Physicochemical analysis of soil provides information about the current environmental status of the regions. In this present study we focus on agricultural soils with physical and chemical properties. Soil samples were collected from three different depth viz., 0-10, 10-20 and 20-30 cm from agriculture land and also from six different locations covering Kyunja Gad Watershed, district Rudraprayag (Uttrakhand) India during the month of January to December 2016. Part of analysis contain in soil texture (sand 83.70 % to 99.61 %, silt 1.89 % to 13.74 % and clay 0.11–2.93 %), water holding capacity (23.8 % to 33.04 %), pH (6.6 to 7.4), Carbon (0.56 % to 0.82 %), potassium (112-190.4 kg-ha). phosphorous (27.3 Kg/hectare to 41.7 Kg/hectare) and Sulfur ranged from 14.58 ppm to 18.38 ppm. Physiochemical results showed that agriculture soil of study area had nutrient rich.

2 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

028836   AL-KELLABI H G (Soil Science and Water Resources Dep, Kufa Univ, Iraq) : Protective solid fences and its impacts on reducing erosion and stabilization of wind sediments in some desert areas of southern Iraq. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2109-19.

This study was conducted in 2013 to solve the problems of increasing wind erosion and sedimentation, which threaten dumping of agricultural of civil projects in Iraqi southern desert, like the Almssab Alaam project, which was the most affected. Where protective solid earthy fences were used to minimize the impact of this problem and they were two types of solid fences, conventional linear soiled fences model and the linear solid fences with the front trench with three replications were used. The periodic measurements found that there was a significant increase in the amount of wind sediment collected during July-October, in front of the repeated model of the linear solid fence with the front trench of 12474,00 tons/km of its maximum capacity of 42336,00 ton/km, compared to the traditional linear solid fence model, Which gathered around it the amount from the sedimentation 6316.74 tons/km of its maximum capacity of 25536.0 ton/km of wind sediment. It was found that most of the deposition processes of the sediments were concentrated in the front lines facing the direction of the Northwest wind windward side of the studied fences, in addition to the frontal trench to the linear earthen dikes with the frontal trench. Increased sedimentation activity around fences was observed in the second half of July and the first half of August, due to the activity of the induction and transport to sediments because of high temperatures and small rainfall amount, the decrease in relative humidity, fast winds and dryness. Winds speed slow down in winter because of rain falling which it comes to growing natural plants (vegetation cover) and that help to increase the stability of the accumulated deposits on solid earthy fences.

5 illus, 4 tables, 23 ref

028849   HASI K W (Al-Qadisiyah Univ, Iraq, Email: khaled.hadi@qu.edu.iq) : Calculation of vertical settlement values for shallow foundation in sandy soil under the influence of different vertical loads by finite element method and GEO 5 software. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1814-8.

Settlement values for shallow foundation in sandy soil in Al-Nasir District in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf city under the influence of different vertical loads had been calculated by finite element method and GEO 5 software. Research methods included field, laboratory and office works. The model had been designed to represent sandy soil with direct contact by reinforced concrete footing and the loads values was applied on this footing were (80, 100, 120, 140, 240 kPa/m²) and the maximum settlement values for shallow foundation were (5.8, 7.5, 9.5, 11.7, 24.6 mm) respectively, which were acceptable for general values of settlement for shallow foundation with these applied loads.

9 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

028850   KAIED F I, JUBIER A R (Soil Science and Water Resources Dep, AL-Qasim Green Univ, Iraq, Email: fatema1992388@gmail.com) : Spatial variability of some fertility properties in rice cultivated soils using GIS. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1663-72.

The study area was selected in the Abbasid district of Najaf Governorate, which is confined between two longitude 32° 06 42.8° to 32° 07 57.2° North and two latitude 44° 25° 16.4° to 44° 24 30.5° east. Coordinates of pedons study locations were determined by GPS. Eight pedons were detected for soils cultivated with rice, the pedons were described morphologically. Samples were obtained from each horizon interfaces samples was obtained randomly of four equal depths of 25-0 cm, 50-25 cm, 75-50 cm, 100-75 cm, for the study of spatial variability for the properties of those soils, then the necessary laboratory analyzes, statistical and geological analysis were conducted, and the samples number for each property was calculated. When using geological statistics to describe the variability of fertility properties, the availability zinc was the most variability in the horizons C1 and C2, followed by the availability iron in the horizons Ap and C1 and the total zinc at horizon C3. The effective distance values ranged for these properties in those horizons between 208-653 m, and the appropriate statistical models to describe the variability of soil properties when the geological statistics uses, it was the spherical model and the Circular model by 50 % for each. It found that the appropriate technology for obtaining soil samples be represented more efficiently, Depending on the effective range value with a strong spatial dependence of all the properties studied. As the number of samples that were calculated by the randomization law for fertility properties between 1-1586 samples, but when using geological statistics, the number of samples varied 4-12 sample. The soil of the study was classified within order of modern soil composition (Entisol), suborder of river deposits (fluvents), the great group (Torrifluvents) and sub group (Typic Torrifluvents).

5 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

028848   GUPTA R, SRIVASTAV P, KHAN A S, KANAUJIA A (Amity Univ, Noida - 201 303) : Impact of CETP effluents on crops and ground water quality of Jajmau area, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1603-16.

The present study was carried out to assess the impact of waste water from sewage treatment plants (STPs) and Common Effluent treatment plant (CETP) in Jajmau, Kanpur on ground water, agriculture and environmental quality in the receiving areas around the villages of Jajmau. Objective of the study was determining the extent of ground water pollution and distribution pattern of heavy metals on vegetables caused by effluent of STPs and CETPs. Ground water samples were collected during summer season of 2015 from hand pump of different villages of industrial area as well as control area and were analyzed for the physicochemical parameters and heavy metals like chromium Lead and Arsenic. Along with this, raw, treated and mixed treated waste water samples were collected from the inlet and outlet points of the plants in summer season June 2015 and vegetable samples collected from 2015-2016. The comparison of the data of physicochemical properties of industrial area and control area showed that TDS, hardness and salt, Chromium content were found high in ground water of industrial area. The ground water of industrial area is not suitable for drinking as it contains high concentration of TDS, hardness, salt and chromium were found beyond the limits. It’s only suitable for irrigation purposes, but in control area TDS and other parameters were under the limits. Polluted water is due to the recharge of partially treated effluent discharged by industries into open drains. The average range of TDS hardness and salt were 473.66-2733.66 mg/l, 55.3-353.0 mg/l and 21.6- 832.66 mg/l and other parameters like Ca, Mg, alkalinity, NO₃, SO₄ are also found in high levels. The use of chemicals, such as sodium chloride, sodium sulphate, chromium sulphate etc. during the tanning processes is the major reason for the high concentration of major ions and chromium in groundwater. Heavy metals mainly Cr, As, Pb, the average range were 0-0.36 mg/ l, Arsenic 0-0.005 mg/l and Pb 0-0.0056 mg/l. As and Pb was found below the detection limits. On vegetables, the critical levels of the heavy metals like Cr, Fe, Mn and Zn also found in high concentration where effluent is using for agricultural crop. The Cr range was found between 0.19-18.46µg/g, Fe found between 87.07-841.2 µg/g, Zn found between 50.4-190.67, Mn found between 2.34-55 µg/g. Maximum Cr found on Suagrcane, Fe, Zn & Mn were found on black mustard. Hence it is important to regulate the industries and also take measures to reduce the total dissolved solids in the treated effluent before disposal. The groundwater quality of this region can also be improved by adopting rain water harvesting thereby increasing ground water recharge and also improves the quality of vegetables.

1 illus, 6 tables, 66 ref

028838   ALMUDHAFAR S M (Geography Dep, Kufa Univ, Iraq) : Environmental assessment of Shutalkufa in Iraq. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1545-51.

The drainage network is inefficiency and low availability of drained water from agricultural lands and is not associated with a major network organization. The study area has high temperature, which causes an increase in evaporation whether the water on the surface of the soil or water to the drainages. This causes an increase in saline in the water. The drainage of the waters located on the Shatt al-Abbasiyah pours at the Qaddhus or to the main drainage and then to Hor Ibn Nahjam. In the waters of the drainage, there are many aquatic plants, whether on the banks such as reeds or in the waters of the drainage, such as shamplan or Nile flower. Some farmers irrigate agricultural crops through drainage water. The increase of most elements and chemical compounds in the water of the drainage network is higher than the permissible limits for irrigation according to international standards. Some of the water of the drainages is within the permissible limits, especially in January, which can be used to irrigate some high salinity crops while taking care of good soil drainage.

4 illus, 6 tables, 9 ref

027840   KARTHICK P, LAKSHUMANAN C (Bharathidasan Univ, Tiruchirappalli-620 023, Email: geokarthi00@gmail.com) : Identification of groundwater recharge sites and suitable recharge structures for Thuraiyur taluk using geospatial technology. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(10), 2117-25.

This study is an attempt to identify the favorable zones for implementation of site-specific artificial recharge techniques for groundwater resources development. Various thematic layers such as base map, geology map, soil map and drainage map were prepared from toposheets and existing maps. Satellite data were used to prepare other layers such as geomorphology, landuse/ land cover, lineament. Water level, rainfall maps were prepared using collateral data. All these layers were integrated into GIS platform and get the artificial recharge zonation map and it was categorized into four different zones, namely ‘most favorable 20 %’, ‘moderately favorable 22 %’, ‘favorable 34 %’ and ‘least favorable 24 % ’.

15 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

027854   PITCHAILANI J S (Institute of Environmental Studies & Wetland Management, Salt Lake City, Kolkata - 700 064, Email: selvinocean@gmail.com) : Demarcation of coastal regulation zone (CRZ - IV) in the tidally influenced water body in the Rasalpur estuary, northeast coast of India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(10), 2106-9.

Present study provides a systematic method for delineating the CRZ-VI zone according to the salinity gradient and tidal variation of the Rasalpur estuary, West Bengal, India. The difference in tidal influence with respect to low tide and highest high tide (spring) of the Rasalpur estuary is estimated. About 3.20 km difference was noticed between highest high tide (spring) and low tide salinity boundaries. From the present study, changes in salinity (5.0 ppt) boundary line with respect to highest high tide (spring) and low tide were recorded.

4 illus, 15 ref

027869   VIGNESHKUMAR M, YARRAKULA K (Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Email: kiranyadavphysik@gmail.com) : Titanium metal identification in southern region of Tamil Nadu using hyperspectral imagery. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(10), 2100-5.

The SEM with EDXS analysis is performed to identify the chemical composition of Titanium metal in soil samples. To estimate the Titanium metal deposit in soil samples using hyperspectral data requires various processing steps such as bad bands removal, destriping, radiance generation, atmospheric correction, data dimensionality reduction, end member identification and classification. The absolute reflectance bands are generated using FLAASH module. The data dimensionality reduction for reflectance bands are carried out such as minimum noise fraction (MNF) and pixel purity index (PPI) respectively. Titanium metal deposit is identified using per pixel based classification depends on the end member spectral signatures.

9 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

027829   BAHRAWI J A (Hydrology and Water Resources Management Dep, King Abdulaziz Jeddah Univ, Saudi Arabia - 21589, Email: jbahrawi@kau.edu.sa) : Evaluation of distinctive normalized difference vegetation indices in soil erosion estimation using remote sensing concepts in Wadi Yalamlam, Saudi Arabia. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(10), 2087-93.

Automated soil erosion estimation techniques were used for decades with a continuous model's development for reliable estimates. Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) utilizes remote sensing data in the form of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) layer that would be converted into what is so called the C-Factor of the equation. The spatial resolution of the remote sensing data plays an important role in deriving the NVDI layer. Therefore, two different remote sensing data will be used to derive two different NDVI layers with 30 and 10 m spatial resolution. The results of the utilizing the different remote sensing data were crossed checked against ground truth data collected from 37 points randomly distributed within the designated study area.

9 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

027834   FAN C, QIN Q, WANG X, LIU Z (Southwest Petroleum Univ, Chengdu - 610500, China, Email: mmfdc2009@163.com) : Comprehensive prediction of fractures distribution: A case study of Badaowan formation of Baka Oilfield, Turban-Hami basin, China. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(10), 2042-8.

Development of fractures have important influence on migration and accumulation of the hydrocarbon. Taking the Badaowan Formation of Baka Oilfield, Turban-Hami Basin as an example, Comprehensive prediction of fractures by weighting assessment was performed based on three fracture prediction method. Fractures are influenced by two tectonic movements. The main orientation of fractures lie in NWW (280 °±10 °), NNE (20 °±10 °) and NNW (330 °±10 °). Fractures of NWW and NNE are better validity because of its consistence or seam at small angles with present maximum principal stress, less filled degree and larger aperture. Comprehensive prediction of the fractures distribution shows that the fractures are mainly developed in Ke20~Ke23 well area, the high point of the footwall of the KEKEYA fault, Ke22 ~Ke19 well area, Ke34 well area, the area of south of Ke21, the area of west of Ke26, Ke32 well area and Ke24 well area. The comprehensive prediction technology effectively improves the accuracy and reliability of fracture distribution.

8 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

027850   NAIDU S, GUPTA G (Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Navi Mumbai - 410 218, Email: suneethageophy@gmail.com) : Assessment of groundwater quality for irrigational use: A case study from the coastal tracts of Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(10), 2013-20.

In the present study a total of 36 water samples were acquired from open dug wells, bore wells and hand pumps during the pre-monsoon period in and around Kankavli-Malvan-Vijaydurg, northern part of Sindhudurg district of coastal Maharashtra, to examine the suitability of water quality for agricultural purpose. Irrigation quality parameters namely sodium absorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), soluble sodium percentage (SSP), magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR), Kelly’s ratio (KR), permeability index (PI), percent sodium (% Na) and Chloroalkaline indices (CA) have been calculated along with the corresponding electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS) and total hardness (TH). The US salinity diagram reveals low to high salinity and low sodium water and thus suitable for irrigation in almost all types of soil, while only one water sample (EC>9000 μS/cm) is unsuitable for irrigation. According to Wilcox classification, all water samples, excepting three, fall under excellent to good class and are acceptable for irrigation purpose. The three samples (well numbers 7, 15 and 32), which are in propinquity to Arabian Sea, divulge high EC values (> 750 μS/cm) and is categorized under the permissible to unsuitable range. It is further observed that based on SSP, MAR, KR and RSC and PI, more than 80 % of the water samples are suitable for irrigation. The Chloroalkaline indices of the groundwater in this region signify that normal ion exchange is slightly more than the reverse ion exchange process.

4 illus, 2 tables, 43 ref

027870   XIU-JUAN Y, HENG-HUI F, CHENG C, YING-JIA Y, RE-MEI LIU (Northwest A&F Univ, Yangling, Shaanxi China, Email: yt07@nwsuaf.edu.cn) : Effects of the pore water's pH value on the shear strength of the Loess. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(10), 2008-12.

Pore water plays an important part in the shear strength of the soils. A series of shear tests involved remolded loess which mixed with different chemical solutions were performed to investigate the effects of the pH values of the solution on the shear strength of the Loess. The results show that the pore water’s pH value has strong effects on the cohesive force of the loess, even on the grain size, while it has non-remarkable affection on the internal friction angle. When the loess is soaked in strong acid solutions, the cohesive force of the loess will increase following the equilibrium time, while when the loess soaked in alkaline solutions, the cohesive force of the remolded soils will decrease.

5 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

027845   LI F, CHEN X, ZHANG W, TIAN C, GUAN Q (Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environment, Jinan - 250013, China, Email: lifulinsd@yeah.net) : Numerical simulation for saltwater-freshwater interface movement of sandbox experiments. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(10), 1995-2001.

Indoor sandbox experiments and the responding numerical simulations have been carried out. The results show that, the longer time saltwater intrusion, the more differences between saltwater level and freshwater level, lower velocity of the saltwater moving. From the transport rates of saltwater-freshwater interface, it could be seen that, the smaller differences between saltwater level and freshwater level, the earlier equilibrium state reach. Moving rates are different ascribe to the different concentration of saltwater, and the differences of moving rates becoming smaller over time. Impact of saltwater concentration on moving rate becoming smaller over time. Numerical simulation results show that, the established models could simulate the sandbox under different saltwater concentrations. The established models could be used to study the saltwater intrusion processes.

10 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

027844   LI F, CHEN X, ZHANG W, TIAN C, GUAN Q (Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environment, Jinan - 250013, China, Email: lifulinsd@yeah.net) : Saline-fresh water interface variation during the past 34 years in Shouguang city, China. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(10), 1986-94.

Present study consists the variations in the saline-freshwater interface in Shouguang, China during the past 34 years. The results showed the groundwater level is directly proportional to the concentration of Cl^- in groundwater monitoring wells, and groundwater exploitation induced differences in groundwater level between the northern and southern parts of the study area, resulting in increased saline water intrusion. The saline water intrusion area was 141.16km²in 1981, but 1164.25 km² in 2014, accounting for approximately 58.5 % of the total area of Shouguang. Additionally, the average intrusion rate is about 4.28 km²/a, ranging from 3.48 km to 7.48km.

11 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

027847   MALIK M S, SHUKLA J P (Water Resource Management and Rural Technology Group, Bhopal (M.P) - 462026, Email: malik_subzar@yahoo.com) : A GIS-based morphometric analysis of Kandaihimmat watershed, Hoshangabad district, M.P. India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(10), 1980-5.

A GIS based morphometric analysis of Kandaihimmat Watershed, which is a part of Tawa river basin of Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh India, was carried out in the study. Drainage map of the watershed was prepared from Survey of India Toposheets (SOI) No.55 F/14 on scale 1: 50,000. Drainage pattern of watershed exhibits dendritic to the sub-dendritic pattern. The stream order range from I to V^th order. Morphometric parameters viz; number and length of streams, drainage density, drainage frequency, bifurcation and texture ratio were calculated. The shape parameters also determined include form factor, circularity and elongation ratio and basin relief. High drainage density (2.67 km/km²) of the watershed is the signature of impermeable subsoil material, sparse vegetation and high relief. High texture ratio indicates high runoff and high erosion potential of the watershed. Bifurcation, elongation, circularity ratio and form factor indicate shape of the basin as elongated to nearly circular shape.

3 illus, 3 tables, 36 ref

027865   SURESH D, COLLINS JOHNNY J, JAYAPRASAD B K, YARRAKULA K, VAISHNAVI B, BOBBA G (VIT Univ, Vellore - 632 014, Email: kiranyadavphysik@gmail.com) : Morphometric analysis for identification of groundwater recharge zones: A case study of Neyyar river basin. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(10), 1969-79.

In the presented study, Neyyar river basin is considered for identification of the artificial recharge location. Morphometric analysis results and integration of remote sensing and GIS are used to identify the suitable recharge zones. Weighted overlay analysis is performed with various thematic layers such as geology, soil, geomorphology, land use/land cover, slope, aspect, drainage density, lineament density, relative relief and infiltration number to determine the suitable recharge sites.

17 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

027846   LUO Z, QIN Q, LI H, ZHONG C, DAI X (Southwest Petroleum Univ, Chengdu 610 500, China, Email: luocarry@126.com) : Brittleness evaluation of the shale reservoirs in Wufeng and Longmaxi formation in the DS area, southeast Sichuan, China. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(10), 1959-68.

Present study analyzed the brittleness of shales in the Wufeng and Longmaxi Formations based on mineral composition and elasticity parameters, using a combination of core samples, well logging, X-ray diffraction, and mechanical tests. Fracturability of the two formations was then assessed. The results show that, from the perspective of mineral composition, the brittleness of shales in the Wufeng and Longmaxi Formations is affected mainly by brittle minerals like quartz, feldspar, and pyrite. Shale samples ranged from 36.2 % to 62.7 % in brittleness index (BRIT) based on mineral composition, with an average of 48.6 %. Mechanical tests under different confining pressures revealed three failure modes of the shale samples: splitting, bidirectional shear, and unidirectional shear. Their values of BRIT based on elasticity parameters were between 40.7 % and 61.6 %, averaging 52.6 %. Compared to other gas-producing shale formations, the Wufeng-Longmaxi shales in the study area have above-average BRIT levels and high fracturability. There are good correlations between their brittle mineral content, BI, and total organic carbon (TOC). At well DY1, the strata at depths of 2027 to 2054.2 m show high brittleness with BRIT values exceeding 50 %.

9 illus, 3 tables, 43 ref

027866   SURESH D, YARRAKULA K (VIT Univ, Vellore - 632 014, Email: kiranyadavphysik@gmail.com) : Subsidence monitoring techniques in coal mining: Indian scenario. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(10), 1918-33.

The article presents a critical review on the application of development of technology in the field of subsidence monitoring using various techniques. It consists the review of literature pertaining to causes of subsidence and their effects in coal mines with brief explanation on the various techniques to monitor the subsidence. The accuracy of various subsidence monitoring techniques is also discussed by evolving suitable technique for precise identification of slope failures in the coal mines.

14 illus, 3 tables, 89 ref

027837   HUSEYIN S, TULAY T, ORHAN D (Soil Science and Plant Nutrition Dep, Isparta Applied Sciences Univ, Isparta, Turkey, Email: huseyinsenol@sdu.edu.tr) : Geochemical mass balance applied to the study of weathering and evolution of soils. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1851-65.

Soil is viewed as an open system with additions, losses, translocations and transformations of materials. The purpose of this research is to assess the geochemical mass balance and weathering intensity of Vertisols (Typic Haplusterts) and Entisols (Lithic Ustorthents) developed in a Quaternary-age basaltic toposequence under semi-humid conditions in the central Black Sea region of Turkey. We used mass-balance analysis with a view to measuring elemental gains and losses along with alterations concerning soil forming processes. To this end, geochemical properties, elemental mass-balance changes and certain physicochemical features were identified to benchmark the weathering levels of the profiles. Lithic Ustorthents are distinguished by having a rough texture along with a low organic substance ingredient, whereas Typic Haplusterts have a high clay texture with low bulk density and slicken side features. X-ray diffraction showed that smectites were the prevailing minerals inside the Typic Haplusterts, while a significant amount of kaolinite and illite was observed in the Lithic Ustorthents. Mass-balance computations indicated that massive mineral weathering resulted in substantial Si losses through leach¬ing as well as an exchange of cations, such as Na⁺,K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺, particularly from the upper horizons. The study also took into account other features such as the pe¬dogenic evolution of soils using weathering indices such as CIA (chemical index of alteration), CIW (chemical index of weathering), bases/R₂O₃, WIP (weathering index of Parker), P (product index), PIA (plagioclase index of alteration).According to the results, CIA, CIW, PIA, P, WIP and bases/R₂O₃ (Fe₂O₃ + Al₂O₃) index values of all soils varied from 42.33 to 73.83, 44.46 to 80.43, 37.53 to 65.63, 75.39 to 84.31 and 0.45 to 1.27 respectively, to solum depth. This result indicated that soils classified as Entisol and Vertisol have similar pedochemical properties in terms of weathering indices. In spite of similar weathering rates, the soils were classified under different groups as a result of erosion. This showed that environmental conditions for soil development in the studied area had a far more impact on weathering and elemental loss than the parent material on the site.

4 illus, 5 tables, 69 ref

027848   MEKPARYUP J, SAITHANU K (Mathematics Dep, Burapha Univ, Chonburi, Thailand, Email: ksaithan@buu.ac.th) : Prediction of groundwater quality in the east of Thailand with discriminant analysis method. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1847-50.

The 316 samples of groundwater wells in the east of Thailand were analyzed for consumption purpose. Concentrations of 21 various chemical parameters were considered to predict and then evaluate the quality of groundwater with discriminant analysis method and correct classification rate (CCR), respectively. The study results found stepwise discriminant analysis determined 5 significant parameters, Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Fluorine (F) and Carbonate (CO₃), which discriminated the groundwater quality into 2 groups; nonstandard and standard quality groups. Derived discriminant model was capable correctly classified the group of groundwater quality with a rather high value of average CCR (78.80 %) for the validation data set.

7 tables, 11 ref

027858   SARASWATHI B, SRINIVASALU S (Anna Univ, Chennai-25, Email: balasaraswathi19@gmail..com) : A fast and better shoreline extraction of Nagapattinam coast from TM/ETM+/OLI images based on edge detection and image filter method. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1838-46.

Present study consists a fast and better shoreline identification method based on canny edge detection and image filter method. In order to validate the proposed methods, three locations (Nagapattinam beach, Velankanni beach and Kodiakkarai fishing harbour) were chosen. The outputs shown that the proposed canny edge detection algorithms could interpret the shorelines better than the image filter method with acceptable precision, which exceeded 2 pixels for canny edge detection and 4 to 5 pixel for image filter methods.

4 illus, 7 tables, 16 ref

027856   SAITHANU K, MAKPARYUP J (Mathematics Dep, Burapha Univ, Chonburi, Thailand, Email: jatupat@buu.ac.th) : Assessment and prediction of daily average solar radiation in Chonburi with neural network model. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1834-7.

Measurements of versatile variables; maximum temperature, minimum temperature, sunshine duration, sea-level pressure, relative humidity, pressure and solar radiation, at Chonburi during 2005 to 2009 were used to assess and build the neural network model for predicting daily average solar radiation. The study results revealed solar radiation and average solar radiation were highest in summer (mid February to mid May) successively in rainy season (mid May to mid October) and winter (mid October to mid February). The days of solar radiation potential were formed into 3 groups by cluster analysis. Cluster 1 represented roughly 6 hours for sunshine duration, 35 ^°C for maximum temperature, 1006 Pa for sea-level pressure and below 70 % for relative humidity. Cluster 2 illustrated sunshine duration fluctuated 7 to 11 hours, maximum temperature ranged from 34 ^°C to 37 ^°C, 1007 Pa for sea-level pressure and approximately 70 % for relative humidity. Cluster 3 expressed roughly 10 hours for sunshine duration, maximum temperature proximately 33 ^°C, 1008 Pa for sea-level pressure and above 70 % for relative humidity.

6 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

027852   ORHAN D, HUSEYIN S (Soil Science and Plant Nutrition Dep, Isparta Univ, Isparta, Turkey, Email: huseyinsenol@sdu.edu.tr) : Effect of toposequences on geochemical mass balance and clay mineral formation in soils developed on basalt parent material under subhumid climate condition. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1809-20.

Four soil toposequences served as the basis to calculate the accumulation of soil organic matter, transformation of pedogenic Fe and Al and net losses of the main elements (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Al, Mn and Si) by means of mass-balance calculations. Elemental losses due to deglaciation and exposure to the weathering environment were calculated. These mass balance calculations indicate that extensive mineral weathering resulted in significant leaching losses of Si, major base cations, and Al (particularly from the upper horizons). Dominant duration identified with mass-balance analysis include desilication and loss of bases.

3 illus, 5 tables, 39 ref

027826   ABBASI M R, CHEGINI V, SADRINASAB M, SIADATMOUSAVI S M (Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science, Tehran, Iran, Email: phys.ocean.abbasi@gmail.com) : Optimization of the modeled surface temperature by assimilation of SST data over the Persian Gulf. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1803-8.

Present study is the impact of sea surface temperature (SST) data assimilation on the results of FVCOM by using Nudging scheme. Results of statistical assessments showed the capabilities of the SST assimilation. The SST bias decreases from-0.57 °C in control run to -0.49 °C in assimilation run. Mean RMS difference of modeled and observations SST is significantly reduced and approaching to 0.69 °C. Surface temperatures of shallow parts were optimized specially near the Hormuz Strait.

9 illus, 20 ref

027864   SUBRAHMANYAM M V, REDDY K G (Zhejiang Ocean Univ, Zhejiang, China, Email: mvsm.au@gmail.com) : Parameterization of skin-bulk temperature difference in the southeastern Arabian Sea. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1769-73.

In this study the variation of bulk-skin temperature (∆T) during May-June, has been studied using different methods proposed earlier. To our knowledge, this aspect has not been studied so far for the Arabian Sea or Bay of Bengal. The earlier methods failed to reproduce the variation of ∆T in this region during the period of observations. The following relations are proposed to estimate non-dimensional numerical coefficient λ and skin-bulk temperature variation (∆T). λ = 1.37*U+9.8 (for the wind speed, 2-8 m/sec) ∆T= -0.026*Q/U +0.089 Where Q is the sum of latent, sensible and net long wave radiation and U is the wind speed (m/sec). The newly proposed relations are compared with the previously proposed and found that newly developed relation is suitable for Arabian Sea especially for the night time. Root mean Square (RMS) errors (0.2 ° C) are indicating the performance of newly proposed relations.

3 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

027828   ARYA S, VENNILA G, SUBRAMANI T (Mining Engineering Dep, Anna Univ, Chennai - 600 025, Email: geosubramani@annauniv.edu) : Spatial and seasonal variation of groundwater levels in Vattamalaikarai river basin, Tamil Nadu, India - A study using GIS and GPS. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1749-53.

Groundwater is the major source of water in Vattamalaikarai River basin, Tamil Nadu, India for meeting the demand of the population for drinking and agriculture activities throughout the year. The basin occupies an area of 436.5 Km². Detailed field investigation was carried out in the basin during November 2011 for understanding the spatial and seasonal behavior of groundwater fluctuation. Groundwater levels were measured at 70 well locations with the help of water level recorder. GPS was used to find out the geographical coordinates and altitude of the wells with respect to the mean sea level. Hydrographs were prepared to understand the long-term groundwater fluctuation in various types of soils. It was observed that recharge rate was low in black cotton soil and high in alluvial soil. It was further observed that there was a quick response of water level to rainfall in red soil whereas the response was moderate to poor in calcareous soil. The minimum, maximum and average annual groundwater level fluctuations have been computed and plotted based on 21 years water level data and field observations. Groundwater flow directions were predicted using GIS based on the differences in groundwater head at various well locations. Spatial and seasonal groundwater level fluctuations were also plotted using GIS. Three dimensional water table elevation model was also prepared using GIS based on the groundwater levels in wells and topography of the basin.

9 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

027862   SHEN Y, TANG T, ZUO R, ZHANG Z, WANG Y (Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Rail Transit Li, Beijing 100044, P.R. China, Email: ypshen@bjtu.edu.cn) : Identification of shallow water flow using multicomponent seismic and GPR attributes in the deepwater basin of the northern South China Sea. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1742-8.

China has been using large-scale ocean bottom cable (OBC) multicomponent seismic data in deepwater oil and gas exploration since May 2012. In the northern South China Sea, shallow-water flows and over-pressurized zones are major hazards in deepwater drilling projects. Thus, the accurate predrill seismic prediction of shallow-water flow sands is an important practical problem. In this paper, the exact velocity field of sound in deep water is calculated as a function of the density, temperature and pressure of the seawater. Models of various elastic parameters are established. Through drilling data and simulation of the full wave field, new Pp and Ps AVO phenomena of shallow-water flow at various effective pressures are developed. Methods based on multicomponent seismic attributes, such as weighted average frequency and sweetness, are established to predict and characterize shallow-water flow. By studying vertically oriented GPR signals and signals parallel to the well paths in the SWF region, we find a significantly increased polarity inversion and decreased amplitude in the SWF region as effective pressure increases. Methods based on multicomponent seismic attributes and characteristics of the GPR signals may aid in the identification of SWF in the deepwater basin of the northern South China Sea. This may help overcome limitations to research in this area.

11 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

027832   CHEN C-N (National Pingtung Univ of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912,Taiwan, Email: ginrochen@mail.npust.edu.tw) : Application of physiographic soil erosion-deposition model in estimating sediment flushing efficiency of empty storage. J Earth Syst Sci 2018, 127(6), 86.

In this study, we developed a physiographic soil erosion–deposition model to simulate sediment yield from a watershed into Agongdian reservoir and sediment flushing to estimate the efficiency of empty flushing. The model was verified using data related to Typhoons Morakot and Fanapi. Thereafter, we calculated the sediment flushing efficiency of empty storage under the conditions of 1- and 2-day storms with seven return periods. The simulated results revealed that the amount of sediment yield from Joushui River watershed was approximately 70 % on average, whereas that from Wanglai River watershed was approximately 30 %. These results are consistent with those of a government research report, which suggested that the sediment yield figures from Joushui and Wanglai River watersheds were 72 and 28 %, respectively. Furthermore, the efficiency of empty flushing was more than 55 % when using the shaft spillway pipe, suggesting that the model can be applied to estimate sediment yield and flushing efficiency.

20 illus, 6 tables, 35 ref

027831   CHATTERJEE S, MONDAL S, GAIN D, BAIDYA T K, MAZUMDAR D (Geological Sciences Dep, Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata- 700 032, Email: chatterjeesaurodeep@gmail.com) : Interpretation of magnetic fabrics in the Dalma volcanic rocks and associated meta-sediments of the Singhbhum Mobile Belt. J Earth Syst Sci 2018, 127(6), 89.

The present work deals with the generations of Fe–Ti oxides and the variation in magnetic fabrics of the Dalma lavas and associated meta-sediments of the Singhbhum Mobile Belt (SMB) in relation to tectonics. Generations of the Fe–Ti oxides are different in meta-sediments and volcanics, the former preserving upliftment related oxidised grains, whereas the latter contains fresh grains prompting towards their upliftment due to plume upwelling before the volcanic eruption. In the meta-sediments, the magnetic fabric has close accordance with D₂/F₂ event revealing synchronous development with D₂. The Dalma thrust developed a sudden break in the homogeneity of the magnetic fabrics of the rocks where the magnetic foliations are all parallel to the Dalma thrust. This also causes P_j to be highest in this sector. The magnetic fabrics of volcanic rocks are different from the meta-sediments and record no signature of deformation. The pattern of distribution of susceptibility axes are in accordance with the subaerial lava flows. However, their K₁ and K₂ dispersed throughout the periphery with K₃ clustering at the centre. This infers towards the fact that although the volcanism took place in a subaerial environment, calm aqueous environment was locally present where the oblate grains settled on the eruption surface with their K₃ vertical.

13 illus, 3 tables, 82 ref

027835   GOSWAMI T K, BEZBARUAH D, MUKHERJEE S, SARMAH R K, JABEED S (Earth Sciences Dep, Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay, Mumbai-400 076, Email: soumyajitm@gmail.com) : Structures and morphotectonic evolution of the frontal fold-thrust belt, Kameng River section, Arunachal Himalaya, India. J Earth Syst Sci 2018, 127(6), 88.

The Neogene–Quaternary Siwalik foreland fold and thrust belt is studied for better understanding of tectonics along the Kameng river section of Arunachal Pradesh, India. The Kimi, Dafla, Subansiri, and the Kimin Formation correspond to Lower, Middle and Upper Siwaliks, respectively. The lithology in the foreland basin is dominantly sandstones, siltstones, claystones, carbonaceous shales, and boulder beds in the upper part. The structural style of the sedimentary sequence from the Main Boundary Thrust southward shows first order ramp-flat geometry. The brittle shear transfers slip across glide horizons to shallower depth. Repeated splay generations from a major regional-scale floor transfers slip from one glide horizon to another that shortens and thickens the crust. In the micro-scale, the lithological response in the structural development is well documented as pressure solution seams and other diagenetic deformation signatures. The basement asperity plays a significant role as the moving thrust front produced a major lateral ramp. The differential movement of the mountain front on both sides of the ramp is decipherable. This is especially true at the western part of the SE flowing Kameng river. The tectonic evolution of the area initiated with slip along the MBT ∼11 Ma ago along with the deposition of the Siwalik sediments. With southward propagation of the mountain front, the foreland basin shifted towards S, produced splay thrusts from the Himalayan Frontal Thrust-1 (HFT-1), which has been uplifting the Kimin and the older terraces.

7 illus, 39 ref