020476   Karmalkar N R;Rege S (Department of Geology, University of Pune, Pune-411 007) : Cryptic metasomatism in the upper mantle beneath Kutch: evidence from spinel lherzolite xenoliths. Curr Sci 2002, 82(9), 1157-65.

Spinel lherzolite xenoliths entrained in the alkaline rocks from central Kutch vary from fertile (10-12% modal clinopyroxene) to depleted (2-3% modal clinopyroxene) types. Low equilibrium temperatures (884-972°C) indicate entrainment of lherzolite xenoliths from shallow depths within the lithosphere. Variations of major oxides and incompatible elemental concentrations in clinopyroxene indicate a primary control by partial melting. In most of the depleted xednoliths however, the light rare earth elements (LREE), thorium (Yh) and niobium (Nb) are strongly enriched and cannot be attributed totally to the process of partial melting. The absence of typical `metasomatic' minerals, low equilibration temperatures and enriched LREE patterns indicate that the upper mantle below Kutch underwent an event of cryptic metasomatic enrichment prior to partial melting. The distinctive chemical features, viz. LREE enrichment, strong Ti depletion relative to Eu, and slight Nb enrichment, fractionation of Zr and Hf and therefore high Zr/Hf ratio, high La/Yb, Nb/La and low Ti/Eu are all results of interaction of refractory peridotite residues with carbonatite melts.

2 illus, 2 tables, 37 ref

020475   Kane R P (NO, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espacias - INPE, C.P. 515, 12201-9700 Sao Jose dos Campos, SP, Brazil) : Prediction of southern oscillation index using spectral components. Mausam 2002, 53(2), 165-76.

Time series of SOI (Southern Oscillation Indes, Tahiti minus Darwin sea-level atmospheric pressure difference) was spectrally analysed by a simple method MEM-MRA, where periodicities are detected by MEM (Maximum Entropy Method) and used in MRA (Multiple Regression Analysis) to get the estimates of their amplitudes and phases. From these, the three or four most prominent ones were used for reconstruction and predication. Using data for 1935-80 as dependent data, the reconstructed values of SOI matched well with observed values and most of the El Ninos (SOI minima) and La Ninas (SOI maxima) were located correctly. But for the independent data (1980 onwards), the matching was poor. Omitting earlier data, 1945-80, 1955-80, 1965-80 as dependent data again gave poor matching for 1980 onwards. When data for 1980 onwards only were used as dependent data, the matching was better, indicating that the spectral characteristics have changed considerably with time and recent data were more appropriate for further predictions. The 1997 El Nino was reproduced only in data for 1985 onwards. For 1990 onwards, only a single wave of 3.5 years was appropriate and explained the 1997 and 1994 events but only one (1991 of the 3 complex and quick events that occurred durig 1989-95. The UCLA group of Dr. Ghil has been using the SSA (Singular Spectrum Analysis)-MEM combination for SOI analysis. For the 1980s, they got very good matching, but the 1989-95 structures were not reporduced.

6 illus, 39 ref

020474   Kandalgaonkar S S;Tinmaker M I R;Kulkarni M K;Nath A (NO, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune) : Thunderstorm activity and sea surface temperature over the island stations and along the east and west coast of India. Mausam 2002, 53(2), 245-8.

4 illus, 3 ref

020473   Jayaraman A (Physical Research Laboratory, , Navrangpura, Ahmedabad-380 009) : Aerosol radiation cloud interactions over the tropical Indian ocean prior to the onset of the summer monsoon. Curr Sci 2001, 81(11), 1437-45.

Prior to the summer monsoon, from December to April every year, the trade wind blowing from the northeast brings polluted continent air over the Arabian Sea and the tropical Indian Ocean. A variety of fine suspended particles, majority of them man-made, get accumulated over the ocean region till the summer monsoon sets in and cleans the atmosphere. Aerosols have long been recognized for their role in cloud development and rain formation. They act as condensation nuclei for the formation of raindrops and help precipitation. But, if they are present in large quantities they produce a narrow spectrum of small cloud droplets and do not allow the droplets to grow. These clouds to not precipitate and the rain formation is inhibited. The aerosol-cloud interaction could be playing a crucial role on the onset of monsoon over different regions and the spatial distribution of rain over India. Recent observations over the Arabian Sea and the tropical Indian Ocean, conducted as part of the Indian Ocean Experiment, have revealed the presence of large amount of aerosols over these regions. The aerosols brought from the Indian sub-continent and other surrounding regions have relatively high concentration of soot particles, which substantially reduce the amount of solar radiation reaching the ocean surface. Results on this direct effect of aerosols on the radiation budget as well as their impact on cloud properties have been presented and discussed.

8 illus, 31 ref

020472   Jana B N;Bhattacharyya A P;Chakraborti B (NO, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53, University Road, Lucknow-226 007) : Permian palynological succession from Mand-Raigarh coalfield, Chhattisgarh. J Geol Soc India 2002, 59(6), 537-46.

Rich palynoassemblage consisting of 45 genera and 52 species of dispersed spores and pollen has been recovered from subsurafce sediments of Mand-Raigarh coalfield, Chhattisgarh State. Five distinct palynoassemblages representing Karharbari, Barakar and Raniganj palynozones have been identified. The lithostratigraphic succession in the two boreholes (RT-II and RT-12) however, indicates the absence of Karharbari and Raniganj Formations. The palynoassemblages, therefore, indicate a time-regressive as well as time-transgressive nature of sedimentation during Barakar period in Mand-Raigarh area.

3 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

020471   Jain P;Ashok Kumar;Maini P;Singh S V (NO, Indian Institute Technology, Kanpur) : Short range SW monsoon rainfall forecasting over India using neural networks. Mausam 2002, 53(2), 225-32.

Feedforward Neural Networks are used for daily precipitation forecast using several test stations all over India. The six year European Centre of Medium Range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) data is used with the training set consisting of the four year data from 1985-1988 and validation set consisting of the data from 1989-1990. Neural networks are used to develop a concurrent relationship between precipitation and other atmospheric variables. No attempt is made to select optimal variables for the study and the inputs are chosen to be same as the ones obtained earlier at National Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) in developing a linear regression model. Neural networks are found to yield results which are atleast as good as linear regression and in several cases yield 10-20% improvement. This is encouraging since the variable selection has so far been optimized for linear regression.

16 tables, 9 ref

020470   Jadhav S K (NO, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune-411 008) : Summer monsoon low pressure systems over the Indian region and their relationship with the sub-divisional rainfall. Mausam 2002, 53(2), 177-86.

Performance of the monthly sub-divisional summer monsoon rainfall is studied in association with the position of Low Pressure System (LPS) over the Indian region. Existence of the LPS over a particular location increases the rainfall activities in certain parts of the country while decreases in some other parts. For this study, the Indian region (5°-35° N and 60°-100°E) is divided into 5° Lat. x 5° Long. grids. The duration of LPS is taken in terms of LPS days with respect to the location of LPS in a particular grid. Monthly total number of LPS days in each of the grids are computed during the summer monsoon season, June to September for the period 1891 - 1990. Maximum number of LPS days (More than half of the total) are observed in the latitude belt between 20°-25°N. The percentages of total LPS days in this area are higher in July and August which are peak monsoon months as compared to June and September. When there is a LPS are in the area 20°-25° N and 80°-90° E, there is sisgnificant increase in the rainfall activities in the sub-divisions along mean monsoon trough while northeast India and southeast peninsular India experience significant decrease in rainfall in the months of July and August.

4 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

020469   Ernest Raj P;Devara P C S;Maheskumar R S; Pandithurai G;Dani K K (NO, Indian Institute of Tropical Meterology, Pune-411 008) : Lidar-derived aerosol concentration and their relationship with horizontal winds over an urban location. Mausam 2002, 53(2), 145-52.

Lidar-derived aerosol vertical profiles obtained at Pune, a low latitude tropical station, on about 535 days during a ten-year period (1987-96) along with simultaneous pilot-balloon wind (speed and direction) data of India Meteorological Department, Pune have been used in the study to investigate the influence of horizontal winds on the aerosol characteristics in the lower atmosphere. Aerosol column content in the atmospheric boundary layer (surface to 1100 m altitude above ground-level) as well as aerosol number density at the surface level) (at 50 m) showed relatively higher values over the lidar site whenever the winds were blowing from the main urban and industrial regions of the city of Pune. This effect was found to be more pronounced during the winter season. Wind speeds also correlate well with increased aerosol loading, but only during selected high wind speed episodes. Thus that study shows that the short- and long-term increase in aerosol concentration/loading over the observation site are, to a large extent, influenced by horizontal winds in the surface layers and this in turn, can be attributed to the increasing human/urban activity around the lidar site over the years.

5 illus, 23 ref

020468   Dash S K;Shekhar M S;Singh G P (NO, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi-110 016) : Relationship between surface fields over Indian ocean and monsoon rainfall over homogeneous zones of India. Mausam 2002, 53(2), 133-44.

Monthly mean atmospheric fields and surface parameters of NCEP/NCAR reanalysis for the period 1948-1998 have been studied to examine the characteristics of monsoon circulation features, sea surface temperature (SST), sea level pressure, surface wind stress and latent heat flux over the Indian Ocean and nearby seas during deficient, normal and excess rain years. The entire period of study has been classified into deficient, normal and excess rain years for all India as well as for each of the five homogeneous zones separately based on the observed seasonal mean rainfall. On the basis of the mean characteristics of the surface fields, the oceanic region covering the Indian Ocean and adjacent seas has been divided into four regional sectors. Using various statistical means the relation between the surface fields over the four regional sectors and the monsoon rainfall over five homogeneous zones of Indian landmass has been examined. Attempt have been made to identify some surface parameters which can be used as predictors for seasonal mean monsoon rainfall over the entire India and also over some homogeneous zones.

10 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

020467   Das Gupta M;Rizvi S R H;Mitra A K (NO, National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Mausam Bhawan, New Delhi-110 003) : Impact of ERS-2 scatterometer wind data on global analysis-forecast system. Mausam 2002, 53(2), 153-64.

Near surface scatterometer wind data from the European remote sensing satellite ERS-2 of European space agency (ESA) became available at NCMRWF on real time basis since February 1997. An Attempt has been made to assimilate this data in the global data assimilation system(GDAS) operational at NCMREF after proper quality control to study its impact on the analysis as well as on medium range weather forecast over the tropics. For this purpose the GDAS was run for 15 days (27 May to 10 June 1998). The impact has been examined through circulation characteristics and various objective scores. The study revealed that with proper quality control the scatterometer wind data can be assimilated in real time basis, resulting in an overall improvement in performance of the analysis-forecast system.

7 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

020466   Chaudhary V;Singh G;Chaudhary A;Singh G (Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment, , Chandigarh-160 036) : Flexible retaining barriers for prevention of avalanches on national highway NH-1A. Def Sci J 2002, 52(2), 191-200.

The Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment, Chandigarh, had developed snow nets in 1988-89, which were installed at D-10 avalanche site on north portal of Jawahar tunnel, Jammu-Srinagar Highway (NH-1A). These nets were designed considering the snow forces acting in the direction parallel to the slope only. Hence, the movement of the swivel post was restricted in one direction only. However, detailed scientific studies carried out for retaining barriers over the last seven years have revealed that two types of failures occur in these nets. First, a major failure was noticed in hinge joint of swivel post, and second, a failure was noticed in the foundation of the uphill anchor. To overcome these failures, the swivel post joint has been redesigned a sarticultated ball and socket joint to cater for omnidirectional movement to the swivel post, and the uphill anchor foundation has been strengthened by providing the reinforcement. This deals with the concept of flexible retaining barriers, including criteria for height of structures, their layout, terrain investigation required and also considers the snow pressure for designing various components of snow nets.

10 illus, 8 ref

020465   Bopche R K;Shashtri B V;Gwalani L G (NO, K I T S, Ramtek-441 106) : Geomorphological and geoelectric characteristics of Ramtek-Mansar basin, Nagpur district, Maharashtra. J Geol Soc India 2002, 59(6), 497-502.

Quantitative analysis of geomorphological and geoelectric characteristics of Ramtek-Mansar basin of Ramtek taluk, District Nagpur, Maharashtra, has been carried out to understand the hydrogeological condition of the basin. The geomorphological characters of a basin reflect its hydrological behaviour and are useful when quantified in evaluating the hydrologic response of the basin. The geometrical analysis of the drainage network of a basin gives information about the relationship between the surface runoff, infiltration of rainwater and relative permeability of the rocks in the basin. Ramtek-Mansar basin is a fourth order basin. A moderate value of drainage density (i.e. 1.89) indicates moderate runoff causing moderate floods and moderate permeability of the catchment. The basin obeys Horton's laws relating to linear and areal aspects. Channel length frequency distribution (LCFD) indicates low permeable zone lying between 3 and 4 km upstream of the outlet. Vertical electrical sounding (VES) indicates that the depth to basement is not uniform in the basin and the middle part of the basin is more suitable for groundwater development.

5 illus, 2 taqbles, 9 ref

020464   Bhat M S;Chavadi V C;egde V S (NO, SDM College of Engineering and Technology, Dharwad-580 003) : Morphological and textural characteristics of Kudle beach, Karnataka, Central West Coast of India. J Geol Soc India 2002, 59(2), 125-31.

Morphological and textural studies of Kudle beach have been made at monthly intervals over a period of one year to understand its dynamics. The studies have revealed that the beach show cyclic changes in its morphology, i.e. erosion during SW monsoon and accretion during the fair-weater season, followed by a secondary cycle of erosion during NE monsoon (December/January and Junary/ February). The beach experienced a net gain of 321.45 m³/m of sediments during the study period (February 1993 to February 1994). The sediments are predominantly fine grained (90.71%), very well sorted (55.78%, positively skewed (37.29%) and leptokurtic (44.12%). C-M pattern revealed graded suspension sediments reflecting moderate turbulent conditions during deposition. Morphological and textural studies suggest that the sediment movement is predominantly due to north along this beach.

5 illus, 6 tables, 22 ref

020463   Basu E V S S K;Nayak S;Rai A K;Krishnamurthy P;Kak S N (NO, National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad-500 007) : Discrete selenide phases from the uraniferous Mahadek sandstones of Domiasiat and Wahkyn South, West Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya. J Geol Soc India 2002, 59(6), 571-4.

^ssc2 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

019473   Vora K H;Gaur A S;Price D;Sundaresh (NO, National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa-403 004) : Cultural sequence of bet Dwarka island based on thermoluminescence dating. Curr Sci 2002, 82(11), 1351-6.

Earlier studies on the onshore and inter-tidal zone explorations in Bet Dwarka island had revealed the presence of a large number of postherds and other antiquities that correspond to the protohistoric (2000-1500 BC), historical (3rd century BC to 5th century AD) and medieval (8th century to 15th century AD) periods. Until the present time there has been a lack of absolute chronology. This study therefore attempts to address this deficiency. Accordingly, nine postsherds from four different sties of Bet Dwarka island were dated by thermoluminescence (TL). The ages obtained from site BDK-VI vary between 3870 and 2220 years BP; those from BDK-I very between 3160 and 830 years BP; those from BDK0I vary between 1780 and 960 years BP, and those from Khuda Dost Dargah vary between 1240 and 880 years BP. When analysed on the basis of their locations, they are in conformity with the expected period. Interestingly, at site BDK-VI and BDK-I a few postherds, believed to be of protohistoric period, are apparently considerably more recent (2000 years BP), which many suggest the continuation of protohistoric habitation up to historical period at the same site. These TL ages assist in establishing a cultural sequence for Bet Dwarka island.

6 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

019472   Vijaya Bhaskara Rao S;Rama Rao T;Subba Reddy I V;Prasad M V S N;Gunasekhara Reddy V;Reddy B M (Department of Physics, S V University, Tirupati-517 502) : Rain attenuation studies at 11.7 GHz over southern India. Indian J Radio Space Phys 2002, 31(2), 107-9.

Rain attenuation studies were made at 11.7 GHz utilizing INSAT-2C satellite signals over southern India during rain events. The observed cumulative distribution of rain attenuation is compared with prominent prediction models. These are the first results observed on an operational earth-satellite path in India.

^ssc4 illus, 14 ref

019471   Subba Rao D V (NO, , No. 2-2-647/182/B/6, Saradanagar, Bagh Amberpet, Hyderabad-500 013) : Zero-free air-based gravity anomaly (preliminary) map of South India - A refined and redefined Bouguer map. Curr Sci 2002, 82(11), 1373-8.

Zero-free air-based (ZFb) anomaly map for the southern part of India is prepared by eliminating negative bias from Bouguer map of NGRI using the zero-free air value concept. This map showing regions of positive, negative and zero values brings out the real nature of the gravity field. Positive values are observed over plateaus (Karnataka, Koyna-Sangola and Deccan). Zero values are associated with the Western Ghat mountains and SW part of Cuddapah basin, while their margins and those of mobile belts are characterized by negative values. In light of DSS Moho depths against those expected for regional topography compensated, these positive, zero and negative values reflect thinning, normal thickness and thickening respectively of crust, indicating state of isostasy in this region. Under-compensation causing isostatic instability with plateaus in support of major earthquakes and isostatic equilibrium in the rest of the regions with regional nature of compensation are observed. Karnataka plateau marked with radial river system, major earthquakes in its margin and faulted boundary suggests domal upwarping. Southern granulite terrain is with normal crust, excepting the regions of mobile belts along east and west coast with dense crust.

6 illus, 18 ref

019470   Sanil Kumar V;Anand N M;Gowthaman R (Ocean Engineering Division, National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa-403 004) : Variations in nearshore processes along Nagapattinam coast, India. Curr Sci 2002, 82(11), 1381-9.

Directional wave data collected at 10 m water depth, at 2 km distance off Nagore from March 1998 to February 1999, were used to estimate the longshore currents and longshore sediment transport rate considering the sea and swell waves separately using the CERC formula. Daily littoral environmental parameters were observed at three stations and longshore sediments transport rate was estimated using Walton's equation. A comparative study was carried out on thoretical and measured longshore currents. The ratio of spectral energy at the first and second spectral peaks shows that energy at the second peak was more than 50% of the energy at the first peak in 43% of the data collected, due to the presence of sea and swell waves. The difference between the sediment transport rate estimated based on the two methods is around 3.5%. The sediment transport was 0.448 x 10⁶ m³ and the average annual net transport (towards south) was 0.098 x 10⁶ m³ and this contributes to the supply of sediment to the Palk Bay.

5 illus, 3 tables, 28 ref

019469   Joshi I;Paul P (NO, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pashan, Pune-411 008) : Association between geomagnetic activity and surface temperature. Indian J Radio Space Phys 2002, 31(2), 104-6.

Possible relationship between surface temperatures and geomagnetic field variations has been studied. Daily surface temperature data for Pune for 1998 and 1999 are used. Geomagnetic field variations data were collected using Proton Precession Magnetometer (PPM). May, June, July (representing summer) and December, January, February (representing winter) data have been are utilized. The increase in surface temperatures in association with increase in geomagnetic field have been observed to be more in winter than in summer.

^ssc2 illus, 10 ref

019468   Iyengar R N;Raghu Kanth S T G (Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012) : Strong ground motion at Bhuj city during the Kutch earthquake . Curr Sci 2002, 82(11), 1366-72.

In the absence of near field strong motion records, the level of ground motion during the devastating 26 January 2001 earthquake has to be found by indirect means. For the city of Bhuj, three broad band velocity time histories have been recorded by India Meteorological Department. These data are processed to obtain an estimate of strong ground motion at Bhuj. It is estimated that the peak ground acceleration at Bhuj was of the order of 0.38 g. Ground motion in the surrounding region is indirectly found using available spectral response recorder (SRR) data. These instrument-based results are compared with analytical results obtained from a half-space regional model.

11 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

019467   Gadi R;Sarkar A K;Gera B S;Mitra A P;Parashar D C (National Physical Laboratory, , Dr. K S Krishnan Raod, New Delhi-110 012) : Chemical composition of atmospheric aerosols at New Delhi. Indian J Radio Space Phys 2002, 31(2), 93-7.

Size differentiated measurements of atmospheric aerosols have been done at New Delhi using Anderson sampler. Suspended particulate matter (average 363 μg m^{3) is found to have a bimodal distribution with a major part of the aerosols in the fine mode which affects human health. Analysis of F, Cl, NO3}, SO4, Na, K, Ca, Mg and NH4 shows that cations are, in general, dominating the anions. The ions NO3, Ca, Mg and Na have bimodal distribution, whereas the other ions are found to have unimodal distribution. Major fraction of Na, Ca and Mg is in the coarse mode showing their soil derived nature, while K, NH4, F, Cl, SO4 and NO3 are predominant in the fine modes due to the anthropogenic activities around the site. High K in the fine mode may be due to vegetation around the site and biomass burning in the nearby village.

4 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

019466   Dasgupta S;Sengupta P (Department of Geological Sciences, Jadavpur University, Calcutta-700 032) : Ultrahigh temperature metamorphism in the Eastern Ghats belt, India : evidence from high Mg-Al granulites. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad-Pt A 2002, 68(1), 21-34.

Reviews evidence for and ultrahigh temperature (≥950°C) of metamorphism at lower crustal depths obtained largely from high Mg-Al granulites of the Eastern Ghats Belt, India over the last decade or so. Reaction textures in a large variety of high Mg-Al granulites having different bulk rock XMg, and having equilibrated under different oxygen fugacities, are interpreted in theoretically and experimentally constructed petrogenetic grids in relevant systems. Data, leading apparently to divergent conclusions, are re-interpreted in the light of new petrographic and experimental evidence. Possible reasons for the development of anomalous high thermal gradients over the stretch of the Belt are discussed.

7 illus, 73 ref

019465   Das M R;Mukhopadhyay R K;Dandekar M M; Kshirsagar S R (NO, , Flat No. 22, Niyoshi Park-III, Sangvinagar, Aundh, Pune-411 007) : Pre-monsoon western disturbances in relation to monsoon rainfall, its advancement over NW India and their trends. Curr Sci 2002, 82(11), 1320-1.

^ssc1 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

019464   Calla O P N;Rajesh I (International Centre for Radio Science, , Om Niwas, A-23 Shastri Nagar, Jodhpur-342 003) : Emission behaviour of foam covered water surface at microwave frequencies. Indian J Radio Space Phys 2002, 31(2), 98-103.

Estimation of emissivity of foam covered water surface has been proposed, based on the layered media approach applicable for horizontal and vertical polarization. The results show that the emissivity increases with vertical polarization and has higher value than the horizontal polarization.

6 illus, 6 ref

018361   Ubale M B;Farooqui M;Arif P M;Zaheer A;Dhule D G (Department of Chemistry, Vasant Rao Naik College, Aurangabad) : Regression analysis of ground water quality data of Chikalthana industrial area, Aurangabad (Maharashtra). Oriental J Chem 2001, 17(2), 347-8.

Bore-well (Ground) water samples form Chikalthana industrial area of Aurangabad, (Maharashtra) have been analyzed for various water quality parameters during the year 1998 and correlation coefficient among different constituents were determined. A regression equation to predict the concentration of water quality constituents having significant correlation coefficient with oxidation-reduction potential, the usefulness of these equations in predicting the ground water quality is discussed.

^ssc4 tables, 6 ref

018360   Tayade D T;Shelke Y B;Patil S U (Department of Chemistry, S.R.R.L. Science College, Morshi (Amravati)-444 905) : Analysis of some physico-chemical parameters of water sources in Morshi region. Asian J Chem 2002, 14(1), 259-64.

Morshi is located in Amravati district of Maharashtra state in India. In Morshi taluka there are three river: Nal, Damyanti and Malu rivers is from Satpuda mountian near Salbardi in Morshi taluka. "Nal-Damyanti Sagar" dam is constructed at Simbhora which is 10 km from Morshi. Nagpur city is called as "Orange City". The real orange zone or orange belt starts from Katol, Jalalkheda, Warud, Morshi, Chandur-bazar, paratwada etc. The agriculture land in this region is called as "Orange belt" and also "California of India." The land of these regions is more fertile for the production of different vegetables, fruits and crops. For getting higher yields farmers use different types of insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers. The yield increases but natural composition of land is continuously changing and the harmful ingredients ultimately come into the water as pollutants to create water pollution as well as soil pollution. Hence, it was thought interesting to carry out an analysis of the physico-chemical parameters, viz, temperature of water, turbidity, pH of water, total alkalinity, total hardness of water, chlorides, calcium, carbonates, D.O., B.O.D., C.O.D., bicarbonates, etc. The correlation between physico-chemical parameters and Indian standard specifications for drinking water was evaluated from pollution point of view.

1 table, 8 ref

018359   Suresh N;Bagati T N;Thakur V C;Kumar R; Sangode S J (NO, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, 33, General Mahadev Singh Road, Dehra Dun-248 001) : Optically stimulated luminescence dating of alluvial fan deposits of Pinjaur Dun, NW Sub Himalaya. Curr Sci 2002, 82(10), 1267-74.

Quaternary deposits of Pinjaur Dun characterized by a series of alluvial fans, are indication of tectonic uplift of the northern part of the Sub Himalaya and variation in climate through the time of their sedimentation. The quartz optically stimulated luminescence ages of the exposed bottom and top of the fan deposits indicate that the sedimentation comenced well before 57 ka BP and continued up to around 20 ka BP. Presently the base of the river is about 30-40 m below the distal fan surface indicating that after the termination of fan sedimentation around 20 ka BP, river incision and subsequent terrace formations occurred probably due to change in climate and tectonism.

8 illus, 1 table 35 ref

018358   Rakesh Kumar;Chattrjee C;Sanjay Kumar;Lohani A K;Singh R D (NO, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee-247 667) : Estimation of direct surface runoff hydrographs for a basin using HEC-1 package and Nash model. J Instn Engrs-Pt CI 2002, 82(Feb), 181-5.

Flood estimation is a very important component of water resources project planning design and operation. Unit hydrograph method is a simple and versatile technique which is widely used for the estimation and prediction of flood hydrographs. In this study, direct surface runoff (DSRO) hydrographs have been estimated using the Clark model option of the HEC-1 package and the Nash IUH model for the Ajay basin upto Sarath gauging site of South Bihar using the data of ten rainfall-runoff events. The unit hydrographs derived by the two approaches have been compared. Also, the observed and computed DSRO hydrographs have been compared employing some of the commonly used error functions. Based on this study, the performances of the Clark IUH model option of the HEC-1 package and that of the Nash IUH model in reproducing the DSRO hydrographs for the basin under study are found to be comparable.

2 illus, 5 tables, 6 ref

018357   Prinz D;Singh A K (NO, Institute of Water Resources Management, Hydraulic and Rural Engineeri, ) : Water resources in arid regions and their sustainable management. Ann Arid Zone 2001, 39(3), 251-71.

Arid lands' imminent water problems are nowadays aggravating. In general, these problems are complex not only due to technical and economic parameters, but also due to policy and institutional framework, human resources development and socio-cultural reasons. The aim of this is to reflect the wide variety of water related topics with their inherent complexity and to identify water resources research areas for future. Proceeds by reviewing the nature of problems that are emerging in water resources management, and the policy and institutional challenges that have been presented in various forums. It then suggests what water resources strategies and options will be important in research, policy and human resources in order to respond successfully to these challenges. Finally suggests future research needs which will make a different for various communities and countries around the globe.

2 illus, 6 tables, 20 ref

018356   Parua P K (NO, Farakka Barrage Project, P.O. Farakka Barrage, Dist. Murshidabad-742 212) : Fluvial geomorphology of the river Ganga around Farakka. J Instn Engrs-Pt CI 2002, 82(Feb), 193-6.

Attempt has been to briefly study the `fluvial geomorphology' of the river Ganga between Rajmahal in Bihar and Jalangi Bazar in West Bengal, a length of about 190 km, before and after the Farakka barrage was bult. The flow characteristics of the river in the reach with the tributaries on either side and monsoon flow have been indicated mentioning the catchment behaviour and the annual rainfall. The geological characteristics and soil strata on either banks have been mentioned. Then the morphological characteristics of the river reach with changes between pre-barrage and post-barrage situation near Farakka have been briefly indicated. It has been stated that the changed flow pattern in post-barrage situation in this mighty river invited a new morphological environment and the same will take considerable time for adjustment and for attaining a dynamic stability of the river reach was prevailing in pre-barrage days.

3 illus, 1 table

018355   Oba G;Post E;Stenseth N C;Lusigi W J (Noragric, Centre for International Environment and Development Studie, Agricultural University of Norway, PO Box 5001, N-1432) : Role of small ruminants in arid zone environments : a review of research perspectives. Ann Arid Zone 2001, 39(3), 305-32.

Results from long-term grazing experiments on stocking rates are therefore not in agreement with the proconceived negative role of small ruminants in the arid zones. Thus, claims of land degradation by small ruminants that are based on short-term fluctuations in vegetation cover, species composition, species richness are bare soil, and bush cover that do not account for rainfall variability are of highly questionable merit. In the future, research should be undertaken with a long-term perspective, and should incorporate elements of opportunism (as in non-equilibrium grazing models), which, suggests, will be necessary to capture the spatial and temporal variability of grazing resources in the arid zones. In addition, research in the arid zones should apply non-equilibrium models to properly interpet effects of unpredictable events, such as rainfall, on small ruminant production and their relationship to the environment. Discusses the implications of small ruminant-environmental research for improving research technology to meet future challenges in the arid zones world-wide.

^iia5 illus, 187 ref

018354   Madhavi Latha G;Dash S K;Rajagopal K; Krishnaswamy N R (Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai-600 036) : Finite element analysis of strip footing supported on geocell reinforced sand beds. Indian Geotech J 2001, 31(4), 454-78.

Finite element simulation of the bahaviour of geocell reinforced sand beds under strip loadings has been presented. A composite model has been proposed for numerically simulating the strength and stiffness behaviour of sand confined with geocell reinforcement. The accuracy of this method has been verified by comparing the finite element results with the corresponding experimental results. The comparison between the numercial results and the experimental results was found to be reasonably good. The finite element model was able to capture the influence of the height and width of geocell layer, pocket size, modulus of the geocell material and placement depth of geocell layer. The trends observed in the laboratory model tests were well replicated by the finite element model. This inducates that the proposed composite model is able to represent the behaviour of geocell mattress successfully.

17 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

018353   Li X Y (Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, , Lanzhou-730000) : Soil and water conservation in arid and semi-arid areas : the Chinese experience. Ann Arid Zone 2000, 39(4), 377-93.

In China, soil erosion is a serious environmental problem and a major threat to the sustainability of agriculture and economic development. The total area subjected to soil erosion covers 3,670,000 km², i.e., 38.2% of the total and area. For a long period of time, particularly since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the Chinese government has paid a great deal of attention to issues of soil and water conservation to promote economic development and better environmental management. Reviews soil and water conservation techniques adopted in arid and semi-arid regions of China and discusses the problems and perspectives for soil and water conservation strategies. The effective measures for wind erosion control include vegetative, engineering and chemical methods as well as land management practices, and measures for water erosion include transform topography, tillage and crop rotation management, mulching and rainwater harvesting system. Success in soil and water conservation often requires a combination of various measures, and it needs to be integrated within a comprehensive agricultural management system. In order to gain the potential ecological and economic benefits from soil and water conservation, policy and funding support are also necessary. In addition, further research is needed to assess the ecological, social and economic impacts of soil and water conservation system from a plurality of perspectives.

10 illus, 49 ref

018352   Kandalgaonkar S S;Tinmaker M I R;Kulkarni M K;Nath A (NO, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune-411 008) : Electric field, Aitken nuclei, gaseous concentrations and ionic conditions in contrasting environment. Indian J pure appl Phys 2002, 40(2), 141-8.

Ground based observations of electric field, Aitken nuclei (AN) and concentration of trace gases in fair weather conditions were made at four locations having different environmental status (oceanic, hill-top, semi-urban and industrial). The effect of concentrations of Aitken nuclei and trace gases on atmospheric electric field at these locations was examined and an attempt was made to obtain effective attachment coefficients and mean life time small ions at the locations. The results showed that in clean and relatively less polluted regions the diurnal as well as monthly mean variation of air weather electric field was significantly (0.01%) correlated with Aitken nuclei concentration. An examination of gaseous concentrations suggested that the electric field was observed to be adversely affected in the regions which were enriched with the SO2 loading and the particulate matter from the industries. The values of attachment coefficients and mean life time of small ions obtained in the present set of study revealed that environmental status is an important factor to affect the air pollutants which in turn affect the electrical parameters.

5 illus, 1 table, 35 ref

018351   Kamaruzzaman B Y;Razarudin I;Shazili N A M; Lokman H M;Sulong I (Mangrove Research Unit, Institute of Oceanography, Kolej Universiti Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia) : Geochemistry fo Ba, U, Cd Mn in the surface sediments of Matang Mangrove forest, Malaysia. Oriental J Chem 2001, 17(3), 377-82.

Concentration of Ba, U, Cd and Mn were measured in the surface sediments along three transet of Matang mangrove. The analysis were made with the inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS). In general, the element Ba, U, Cd and Mn show considerable variation spatially, largely as a result of natural variability in grain size and mineralogy. However, their concentration are significant higher near the riverside and declining as the sampling point of each tr5anset were far away from the riverside. The sedimentation rate in this study was determined using an artificial marker horizon method and an average sedimentation rate of about 1.08 cm/yr was obtained. In order to assess the influence of heavy metals pollutoin more precisely, enrichment factors (EF) were calculated. In this study, Ba, U, Cd and Mn have values significantly about unity and are considered to be dominantly terigenous in origin, eventhough U giving a higher averaged values of EF to about 5.00.

3 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

018350   Kamaruzzaman B Y;Cornel J M;Marcel M;Maria C B J (Mangrove Research Unit, Institute of Oceanography, University of College of Science and Techno, Malaysia, 21030 KUala Tenengganu, Terengganu) : Determination of <. Oriental J Chem 2001, 17(3), 355-60.

Ocean sediments give information on the paleoclimatic evolution in the geological past which gives detailed information on both the age of the sediments and the paleoceanographic and paleoclimatic conditions during sedimentation. The method of the oxygen isotope (δ¹⁸O method are much dependent on the climatic conditions and is restricted to areas where foraminifera are common constituents of the sediments. The δ¹⁸O record in the sediment which are lack of carbonate matter due to the comparatively low organic productivity are scares, and other similarly powerful dating techniques for non-calcereous sediments are yet to be developed. One possible way to date sediments is with the ²³⁰Thexcess (non-supported ²³⁰Thexcess method relies on a constant production rate of ²³⁰Th from the radioactivity decay of dissolved ²³⁴U in the water column. Because ²³⁰Th is highly particle-reactive it is removed within 10-40 years from the water column into the sediments. Within the sediment ²³⁰Th decays (half-life of 75 200 years), a process which can be used for age dating purposes.

2 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

018349   Grewal M S;Dahiya I S;Kuhad M S (CCS Haryana Agricultural University, , Hisar-125 001) : Geostatistical evaluation of heavy metals in Indo-gangetic alluvial plains of North-West India. Ann Arid Zone 2000, 39(4), 395-401.

Spatial dependence of heavy metals like manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu) and Cadmium (Cd) was measured using geostatistical technique in large land areas of Indo-Gangetic alluvial plains. Four hundred and seventy soil samples were drawn at 10 km x 10 km grid nodes throughout Haryana State. The coefficient of variation of Mn, Ni, Cu and Cd were 44.52, 57.94, 48.77 and 61.95%, respectively. The variability of these metals was expressed by expotential (Mn and Cd), Gausian (Ni) and Spherical (Cu) models. The estimates of mean by point kriging, block kriging and classical technique were more or less the same. The block kriging variances were 9.94 (Mn), 4.41 (Ni), 8.30 (Cu) and 6.67 (Cd) times less than the classical variances. The sample size by block krigning was very small compared to that in classical technique and point kriging methods.

21 illus, 4 tables, 49 ref

018348   Goel A (Department of Chemistry, Kanya Gurukul Mahavidyalaya, Hardwar-249 407) : Some physico-chemical characteristics of ground water used in some rural areas of Hardwar. Asian J Chem 2002, 14(1), 537-9.

Physico-chemical studies of ground water of some villages of Hardwar, Uttaranchal, India has been made for parameters as pH, conductivity, turbidity, total hardness, ammonia, nitrate, chloride, sulphate and some metal ions. It was found that these water samples are not suitable for drinking purpose as they have high dissolved ions concentration, alkalinity, total hardness etc.

1 table, 8 ref

018347   Choudhary B R;Khajan Singh;Bhandari M M (Agricultural Research Station, Rajasthan Agricultural University, Mandore, Jodhpur-342 304) : Line x tester analysis in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss). Ann Arid Zone 2000, 39(4), 479-82.

^ssc2 tables, 9 ref

018346   Bhattacharya S N;Dattatrayam R S (NO, India Meterological Department, Lodi Road, New Delhi-110 003) : Earthquake sequence in Kerala during December 2000 and January 2001. Curr Sci 2002, 82(10), 1275-8.

Earthquake of magnitude (ML) 5.0 occurred on 12 December 2000 in the bordering regions of Idukki and Kottayam districts of Kerala followed by a series of aftershocks. After a brief lull, another earthquake of magnitude (ML) 4.8 occurred in the same region on 7 January 2001, which was also folowed by a series of aftershocks for a short spell. These events were monitored by permanent seismological observatories in the region as well as by operating temporary field observatories. The waveforms of broadband digital seismographs at two stations located approximately 98 and 128 km from the epi-centre show that both the main events indicate similar focal mechanism. P-wave first motion data and waveform inversion yield a focal mechanism solution with one nodal plane trending along NW direction and the other along ENE direction with predominant strike-slip component. The epicentral distribution indicates a cluster in a N-S direction passing through Erratupetta (Kottayam District). The association of the activity with subsurface faults needs to be corroborated through detailed geological/geophysical investigations.

5 illus, 1 tables, 8 ref

016993   Sud Y C;Lau K M;Walker G K;Kim J H (Laboratory for Atmospheres, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, , Greenbelt, MD-20771) : Understanding biosphere-precipitation relationships : theory, model simulations and logical inferences. Mausam 2001, 1(1), 237-50.

Four major biophysical controls of vegetation which govern land-atmosphere interactions. Emanate from th eability of vegetation to: evapotranspire, trap solar radiation within leaf organizations, regulate evapotranspiration by stomatal control and modify (generally increase) the surface roughness on the scale of turbulent eddies. Simulation studies with General Ciculation Models together with a few observational analyses have provided a rational understanding of vegetation-precipitation interaction. In studies with artificially enhanced vetgetation-related processes a strong dependence of rainfall on vegetation has been inferred. For Sahelian and other tropical desert-border regions where evapotranspiration is small increasing the surface-albedo (desertification) decreases rainfall. When evapotranspiration and or land-surface roughness are increased in some selected regions - a potential effect of vegetation an increase in local rainfall is produced. The above effects both individually and jointly have simulated increased monsoon rainfall over the Indian subcontinent. Modelling studies directed at understanding the relationship between tropical forests and rainfall with realistic models of the biosphere have simulated a warmer and drier climate in response to Amazonian, deforestation. Since forests absorb more solar energy and produce much larger evapotranspiration as well as moisture convergence through the surface-roughness effect.

9 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

016992   Srinivasan V;Sadasivan V (NO, Meteorological Office, Poona) : Thermodynamic structure of the atmosphere over India during southwest monsoon season. Mausam 2001, 1(1), 125-136.

Differences in the thermodynamic structure of the atmosphere over India and the adjoining aress between active and weak monsoon (Southwest) points temperatures and equivalant potontial temperatures during active and weak monsoon were calculated at all the radiosonde stations in Indian and neighbourhood and studied. The results show that whatever be the monsoon activity, there is no significant change in the dry bulb temperature variation. The main change is in the moisture content in the mid-tropospheric levels. The implication of these results in the vertical circulation associated with active and weak monsoon and in the radiation budget are brought out, since the vigerous ascending air in the areas of strong monsoon ultimately subsides slowly over the regions of weak monsoon. The region of the seasonal monsoon though has been identified as the area of maximum total energy both in active and weak monsoon periods as well as the area where the variation in the total energy between active and weak monsoon is least. This is also the area where convective instability is present upto greater heights thin elsewhere. The estimated heights of Cb tops are tops are highest in the region of the seasonal monsoon trough. It is also shown that there is no reversal of vitrual temperature gradient over the northwest India in the midtropospheric levels during the SW monsoon season.

4 illus, 5 tables, 17 ref

016991   Sodhi G S;Sidhu P S;Raj Kumar (Department of Soils, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004) : Mineralogical and elemental composition of ustipsamments in Punjab. J Nucl Agric Biol 2000, 29(2), 61-8.

Elemental composition and mineralogy of coarse and fine fractions on nine soil profiles representing Ustipsamments in three physiographic units (Siwalik hills, piedmont plains and sand dunes) of Punjab state were investigated. The minerals present in these soils are quartz, micas, feldspars, kaolinite, chlorite and small amounts of amphiboles and calcite in sand fraction, and illite, smectite, chlorite vermiculite and kaolinite in clay fraction. Mixed layer minerals (5-14%) are also present in clay fraction of these soils. The mineralogy of Siwalik hills and piedmont plain soils is comparable but it is different from sand dune soils. Besides Si and Al, most abundant element in the piedmont plain and sand dune soils is iron. Ca is most abundant element in the Siwalik hills soils. The content of Fe, Ca, Mg and Mn are highest in the Siwalik hill soils and lowest in sand dune soils. The piedmont plain soils contain comparatively higher amount of K. Na and Cu are positively correlated with sand due to high contents of alkali feldspars in sand. Elemental and mineral associations suggest the presence of ferro-magnesian silicates and biotites. Coexistence of smectite and kaolinite minerals suggest the inherited nature of minerals from the parent material.

1 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

016990   Sivaramakrishnan M V (NO, Meterological Office, Poona) : Relation between raindrop size distribution, rate of rainfall and the electrical charge carried down by rain in the tropics. Mausam 2001, 1(1), 25-34.

Best (1953) has shown from an analysis of data from Geophys. Mem., No. 84 (Simpson 1949) that consideration of the drop size distribution in rain leads to the non-linearity of the relation between rain current (total charge brought down by rain per squ. cm per second) and rate of rainfall. The purpose of the pressent paper is to show the same conclusions as reached by Best but with some slight modifications. It is shown that a knowledge of rain current is also necessary to fine out the variation in drop size distribution between two rain measurements, especially when both the liquid water content and intensity of rainfall are same in both cases. Further the origin of rain, whether from freezing or non-freezing clouds, can be clearly brought out from a knowledge of the electric charge carried by rain. The difference in the electricity carried by precipitation with an without point discharge has been shown.

3 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

016989   Sivanappan R K (Centre for Water Environment Studies, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore-641 006) : Environmental status of Noyyal river basin. Kisan Wld 2002, 29(1), 40-3.

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016988   SInha Roy S (Birla Institute of Scientific Research, , Statue Circle, Jaipur-302 001) : Kinetics of differentiated stylolite formation. Curr Sci 2002, 82(8), 1038-46.

Stylolites are discontinuity structures in rocks, and are represented by seams of insoluble residues in partings. These ae the products of pressure solution attending diagenetic compaction and post-diagenetic deformation of sediments. There are several problems concerning the genesis of stylolites, especially of those showing differentiated geometry such as conical, columnar and wavy types of mutual interdigitations between rock-block partners. These problems have been addressed here on the basis of the study of stylolites developed in limestones of the Lower Vindhyan sequence, SE Rajasthan. A kinetic model has been proposed for the formation and differentiation of stylolites. This involves pressure solution mechanism, textural instability in the rock, fluid-flow polarity changes, fluid-flow perturbations, and progressive diagenetic and/or tectonic strain and its local partitioning.

9 illus, 17 ref

016987   Singh S K;Singh A K (Ganga Pollution Monitoring Project, Geology Department, Patna University, Patna-800 005) : Assessment of physico-chemical characteristics of surface and sub-surface waters in fire and non-fire zones of Jharia coal field in district Dhanbad, India. J envir Pollut 2001, 8(4), 355-9.

Bastacola (non-fire zone) and Lodna (fire zone) areas are situated in southern part of Jharia Coalfield, District Dhanbad (Bihar). A systematic study on the physico-chemical characteristics of surface and subsurface waters from 18 samples of non-fire and fire zone has been carried out to assess the impact of coal seam fire on the quality of water. A total of 11 water quality parameters were evaluated. Reveals that in the coal seam fire-ara the dissolved oxygen has depleted and the electric conductivity and total dissolved solids have increased beyond the limits in the water. Magnesium and sulphate were more than permissible limits of ISI. It was observed that the coal seam fire does not only damages valuable resources of nation, but it also degrade/deteriorate the quality of water, which can produce adverse effects on the inhabitants rsiding in and around fire zone area.

1 illus, 3 tables, 6 ref

016986   Singh B V;Datta R K (NO, Meteorological Office, New Delhi) : Scheme for multi-level objective analysis of contour heights. Mausam 2001, 1(1), 117-24.

Results of experiments performed with a scheme for objective analysis of the contour heights of five levels of the atmosphere are presented here. Whereas objective analysis so far produced in India related to only 500-mb level, in this study a scheme has been prepared for the analysis of 850, 700 500, 300 and 200-mb levels simultaneously. The method known as `successive corrections by weighted averages' has been employed. To maintain vertical consistency of analysis, thickness between two layers and the vector wind shear at the reporting stations have been taken into account. Use of satellite pictures and AIREP messages has been discussed.

5 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

016985   Sastry J S;D'Souza R S (Health Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bombay) : Oceanography of the Arabian sea during southwest monsoon season I. Thermal structure. Mausam 2001, 1(1), 89-104.

Thermal structure of the Arabian Sea (between 5° and °N) during the southwest monsoon season, 1963 is presented through a series of vertical sections and horizontal charts showing the temperature distribution at surface and subsurface levels. Charts showing the thickness of the surface layer, the extent of the thermocline and its variation with latitude and the topography of certain isothermal surfaces are also included. The studies revealed that the large spatial variations in surface temperature exceeding 11°C are due to processes such as radiation imbalances over the region, intense upwelling off the coasts of Somali and Arabia and a complex intermingling of various water masses. The thickness of surface layer has been found to vary from about 10 m to more than 120 m. It has been found that the near surface circulation affects the development of the surface layer considerably. The nature and the variation of the thermocline is investigated. The thermal characteristics of the intermediate and bottom waters are also presented.

19 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

016984   Sastry J S;D'Souza B S (Health Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bombay) : Oceanography of the Arabian Sea during the southwest monsoon season. II. Stratification and circulation. Mausam 2001, 1(1), 105-16.

Distribution of mass in the Arabian Sea during the southwest monsoon season 1963 is presented through several vertical sections and spatial distribution charts of the thermosteric anomaly. The circulation patterns in the upper 200 m are derived. The basic feature of circulation is found to be the formation of reveal cyclonic and anti-cyclonic cells. Upwelling off the southwest coast of India has been explained on a more rationl basis than has been assumed hitherto. It is now attributed partly due to the divergence in the current field and partly due to the cyclonic motion around Laccadive and Maldive Island.

13 illus, 19 ref