024942   Kamoj N;Chopra A K;Malik D S;Juyal G P (Zoology & Environmental Science Dep, Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar, Email: kambojgurukul@gmail.com) : Watershed charactristics of shiwalik torrents at Sabhawala in Doon valley. Envir Conserv J 2010, 11(1-2), 115-18.

In the foothills of Shiwalik Himalaya, torrents are the prominent seasonal land features and characterized by high sediment ladder flash flow during monsoon period. These torrents have low banks and thus the flow frequently over tops the banks and causes floods in foot hill region to agricultural plain area. In present study, morphological, water and soil characteristics were studied with special references to torrential behavior and flow mechanics of torrent at Sabhawala watershed in Doon Valley of Garhwal Himalaya. The torrent gradient had varied from 1-75 to 2-62% with flow velocity was 0.30 - 0.95 ms^-1, occurred in Sabhawala watershed. Different forms of soil texture of torrent were observed and pH slightly alkaline consisting organic matter (%) as 0.24-0.95 in different zones of torrent The present study will provide resource based data for remedial measurement of torrent in other watersheds of Himalayan region.

3 tables, 10 ref

024941   Gupta A K (Geology & Geophysics Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur-721 302, Email: anilg@gg.iitkgp.ernet.in) : Evolution of the Indian monsoon since late miocene intensification - marine and land proxy records. J Palaeont Soc India 2010, 55(1), 1-9.

A large part of the Indian Ocean and its surrounding continents are influenced by seasonally reversing (summer and winter) monsoon winds. Variability in the summer monsoon impacts different components of the Earth system, both regionally and globally. The Indian monsoon constitutes a critical resource for the region's largely agrarian economies, as almost two thirds of India's food production depend on summer rains, so are the rivers that cater to the domestic needs of the region. Evolution of the Indian monsoon has been closely related to the uplift of the Himalaya-Tibetan plateau which is believed to have intensified the monsoon during 10-8 Ma. However, there are debates about the relation of the 10-8 Ma event with the elevation changes in the Himalaya-Tibetan plateau. The elevated heat source of the Himalaya-Tibetan complex is of vital importance for the establishment and maintenance of the Indian summer monsoon circulation. The strength of the monsoon is controlled by a number of forcing factors operating over a variety of time scales. While long term changes in the Indian monsoon have been linked to the phased uplift of the Himalaya-Tibetan plateau superimposed by orbital changes, small scale, rapid changes as documented in late Quaternary and Holocene proxy records from marine sequences, cave deposits, peat deposits, runoff in the Bay of Bengal, and fluvial sediments have been related to boundary conditions including Himalayan-Tibetan snow, North Atlantic variability, Eurasian temperatures, tropical sea surface temperatures, solar activity, vegetation changes, and linkages with the ENSO, Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) or North Atlantic Oscillations.

8 illus, 1 table, 65 ref

024940   Elumalal K;Hussain S M;Scott Immanuel Dhas C (Geology Dep. School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Madras Univ, Guindy Campus, Chennai-600 025, Email: smhussain7@hotmail.com) : Recent benthic ostracoda from the sediments of ennore creek, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. J Palaeont Soc India 2010, 55(1), 11-22.

Micropalaeontological investigation has been carried out, for the first time to study the systematics of Recent Ostracoda from the Ennore Creek, north of Chennai, particularly in the view of the insufficient information on these tiny organisms from the marginal marine environments of the Indian subcontinent. In the creek, 20 sediment samples were collected during February, 2006. All the sediment samples were subjected to standard micropalaeontological techniques and ostracod fauna was retrieved. In the study area, a total of 30 species belonging to 24 genera, 15 families, 2 superfamilies and 2 suborders of Podocopida, have been identified. Of these, four species belong to Platycopa and the rest to Podocopa. An up-to-date synonymy along with remarks on the taxa has been given. All the species are illustrated with Scanning Electron Microscope photographs. From the zoogeographical distribution of the fauna of the study area, it is observed that the assemblage shows close affinity with the Indo-Pacific faunal province.

1 illus, 2 tables, 52 ref

020960   Vasantha B;Narayana Rao D;Vijaya Bhaskar Rao S;Venkat Ratnam M;Mohan;Kamala S (Department of Physics, S V University, Tirupati-517 502) : Seasonal variation of horizontal winds and momentum fluxes from 53 MHz VHF radar observations over Gadanki, a tropical station in India. Indian J Radio Space Phys 2002, 31(5), 250-63.

Diurnal, monthly and seasonal variation of horizontal winds and momentum fluxes in troposphere and lower stratosphere are presented. Data collected using Indian MST radar for a period of three years (September 1995-August 1998) are used. The observed mean zonal wind is westward (easterly jet) with a maximum of ~ 42 ms^-1 around 16 km during the monsoon season. The maximum mean meridional wind is ~5 ms^-1 and is northward during winter and 3 ms ^-1 in the altitude range of 10-14 km during summer. The maximum zonal variances are ~40m²s^-2 at an altitude of 16 km during monsoon season. The meridional wind variances are of 9m^-1s^-2 at ~15 km during winter. The maximum vertical shears of zonal winds occur at altitudes of 12 and 18 km during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons respectively. The vertical shears of meridional winds are maximum at an altitudes of 11 and 15 km during winter season. In summer, the maximum vertical flux of eastward momentum is about 1.0 m²s^-2 around 11 km and wetward momentum flux of 0.3 m²s^-2 is observed around 14.5 km during post-monsoon. The diurnal variations show different values on individual days.

11 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

020959   Tomar J M S;Sahoo U K;Thapa H S (Division of Agroforestry, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam-793 103 Meghalaya) : Ethnobotany of some weeds in khasi hills of Meghalaya in North-East India. J Nat Conserv 2003, 15(1), 197-211.

Cultivation of medicinal weeds had not been taken place, in so far Meghalaya is concerned excepting negligible homestead cultivation of some medicinal weed for domestic use. of the 107 weed species belonging to 30 families have beenidentified to posses medicinal properties. Among these Asteraceae had the highest weed diversity of medicinal values followed by poaceae. the number of weed species collected during the survey were much higher, therefore the weed which seem to posses curative properties (after these exercises) have been considered here. An attempt has been made to provide the venacular name, curative properties of species, parts used and phytochemistry wherver available.

3 tables, 78 ref

020958   Srinivasulu B;Srinivasulu C (Wildlife Biology Section, Deptt. of Zoology, Osmania University, Hyderabad-500 007) : Importance of wetlands in Northern suburb of Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh. Ecol Envir Conserv 2002, 8(4), 307-12.

Recording diversity and composition of bird species , assessed the imporatance of wetlands in northern suburb of Secundrabad. Species composition and diversity were recorded to be highest at tanks that scored high ratings of threat index values. The study indicates that the lesser-known and small wetlands act as an important winter refuge to waterfowl and wetland dependent avifauna. Development pressures , fishing, encroachment, alteration of habitat and cultural eutrophication were the major threats for these tanks.

9 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

020957   Srinivas C;Piska R S;Ravinder Reddy R (Dept. of Zoology, P.G.College of Science, Osmania University, Saifabad, Hyderabad-500 004) : Ground water pollution due to the industrial effluents in Kothur industrial area, Mahboobnagar, Andhra Pradesh, India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2002, 8(4), 377-86.

Deals with the ground water pollution in Kothur industrial area. Mohboobnagar due to the disposal of industrial effluents. Many textile and ceramic industries are located in this area and are generating large amount of effluents. Eighteen samples are analysed for twelve physico-chemical parameters of ground water-pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid, total alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sodium chlorides, sulphates, nitrates and fluorides. All the parameters except nitrates and fluorides are in high concentrations, most of them above the permissible units and are responsible for ground water and surface water pollution. The water is not fit for drinking.

1 table, 12 ref

020956   Shirvaikar V V;Daoo V J (Environmental Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai) : Air pollution meteorology. Rep Bhabha Atom Res Cent 2002, (13), 1-221.

The report is intended as a training cum reference document for scientists posted at the Environmental Laboratories at the Nuclear Power Station Sites and other sites of the Department of Atomic Energy with installations emitting air pollutantss, radioactive or otherwise.

66 illus, 23 tables, 51 ref

020955   Sharma V K;Anil Kumar (Soil Science Dep, CSKHPKV, Palampur-176 062) : Sustainable land use planning for Upper Maul Khad catchment in mid-hills zone of Himachal Pradesh. Indian J Soil Conserv 2003, 31(2), 139-47.

Upper Maul Khad catchment (746 ha) representing the agrosituations of mid-hills sub-humid zone of Himachal Pradesh was selected for sustainable land use planning at micro-level. During detailed soil survery of the catachment, 21 soil phases occurring on very gently to extremely steep sloping lands were identified. The soils were coarse loamy to fine silty, acidic, low to high in organic carbon and low to medium in available N, P and K and belonged to Entisols, Inceptisols and Alfisols. The area of the catchment under built up, agricultural land, forests, scrubs, grasslands and river-bed was 13, 39, 29, 8 10 and 1, per cent, respectively. The co-efficient of improvement for soils under croplands,, pastures and forests and plantation crops ranged from 1.38 to 4.00, 1.50 to 1.79 and 1.33 to 5.20 respectively. The catachment had IIe, IIes, IIIe, IVe and VIIe land capability and 2t, 3t, 4t, 5t and 6t land irrigability sub-classes indicating topography as a major constraint for sustainable land productivity.

6 tables, 14 ref

020954   Safai P D;Rao P S P;Momin G A;Ali K;Tiwari S; Naik M S (NO, Indian Institute of Tropical Meterology, Pune-411 008) : Chemical composition of size-separated aerosols at two rural locations in the Himalayan region. Indian J Radio Space Phys 2002, 31(5), 270-7.

Size-separated atmospheric aerosols were collected at Kothi (a hill top) and Mohal (a valley), situated at the foothills of western Himalayas during the summer season of 1999. Bimodal distribution of aerosols was observed at both the locations. However, at Kothi, fine size particles dominated (62%), whereas at Mohal, coarse size particles contributed more (75%). The SO₄ and NO₃ particles together contributed ~ 30% of the total measured chemical composition of aerosols. Burning of biomass and emissions from tourist vehicles could be the main local sources for these components.

6 illus, 3 tables, 28 ref

020953   Rastogi R A;Sharma N;Kumar S;Rai R K (Soil and Water Conservation Engineering Dep, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145) : Estimation of hydrologic response of a Himalayan watershed by dimensionless unit hydrogeraphs. Indian J Soil Conserv 2003, 31(2), 187-91.

4 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

020952   Pradhan V R;Bedekar A N (NO, B.N.Bandodkar College of Science, Thane, Maharashtra) : Study of biopolymer chitin: coastal and species variation. Ecol Envir Conserv 2002, 8(4), 341-3.

The study is aimed to determine the base line composition of commercial shrimp shell waste, its conversion to Chitin by chemical treatments and to find out the correlation between the Chitin quality from different stations and from the most abundant species of India. Commercial shrimp shell waste with head were collected from four stations viz. Thane, Ratnagiri, Cochin and Tutticorin and were analysed for chitin, proteins, minerals and other parameters. Also most abundant species of shrimp viz. Penaeus indicus and Penaeus monodon were also analysed for the same. The basic composition from all four stations were compared depending on the most abundant species from each station. Results showed that the Chitin composition from Penaeus monodon shells and the stations where it was abundant i.e. Cochin and Tutticorin was much more as compared to other stations. Whereas the Chitin composition from Penaeus indicus shells and the stations where it was abundant i.e. Thane and Ratnagiri was much less than the other stations. But the Chitin extracted from Penaeus indicus shells was whiter as comapred to the Penaeus monodon shells and hardly required any bleaching treatment for colour improvement. In Panaeus indicus shells the minerals were found to be much more than Penaeus monodon shells. Whereas in Penaeus monodon proteins were in much more quality than in Penaeus indicus in this study the quantificationof proteins was done as acid soluble and alkali soluble proteins.

2 tables, 5 ref

020951   Mandal A;Sengupta D (Dep of Geology and Geophysics, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur-721 302) : Characterization of flyash from coal - based thermal power station at Kolaghat - possible environmental hazards. Indian J envir Prot 2002, 22(8), 885-91.

Indian coals are characterized by very high ash content (~55%). Disposal of the ash is a major source of environmental pollution in the areas surrounding the disposal site. The Kolaghat Thermal Power Station, at Mecheda, West Bengal is one of the largest thermal power plants of eastern India. Combustion of coal in the Kolaghat thermal power plant generates large quantities of ash which are disposed off in vast areas of land adjoining the power plant. Geochemical, and mineralogical study of the ash has been done to assess the quantity of toxic elements, that are likely to contaminate the soil and the groundwater system. Mineralogically, the ash is composed of quartz, Mullite, Haematite, Zircon and Aluminosilicates. Trace element analysis reveals that toxic elements (Pb, Cu, Ni, Fe, As) are sufficiently enriched in the ash which in course of time may cause serious groundwater contamination due to leaching by the sub-surface runoff.

3 illus, 3 tables, 7 ref

020950   Khanna D R;Singh S;Gautam A;Singh J P (Dept Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Gurukul Kangri University, Hardwar-249 404) : Assessment of water quality of river Ganga in district Bulandshahar (U.P.) India. J Nat Conserv 2003, 15(1), 167-75.

To assess the water quality of Ganga in Bulandshahar district, five sampling stations have been selected in a long stretch of 25 km. The investigation was carried out for a period of 1 year for temperature, conductivity, pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and metals. The results revealed that the temperature of river water varied betwen 15 to 25°C, pH ranged from 7.5 to 9.12 dissolved oxygen ranged between 8.6 to 12.6, conductivity ranged between 0.212 to 0.863 m mhos/cm. All the observed metals are within the prescribed limits, prescribed for the drinking purpose except iron that is found between 0.188 to 1.140 ppm. The present paper is an attempt to provide report on the water quality of river Ganga in District Bulandshahar.

6 tables, 17 ref

020949   Jakher G R;Rawat M (Zoology Dep, Jai Narian Vyas University, Jodhpur-342 005 Rajasthan) : Comparative limnological and bacterial study of a fresh water reservoir-Takhat sagar Jodhpur. J Nat Conserv 2003, 15(1), 1-5.

The seasonal study of a water body namely Takhat Sagar, was carried out dueing Jan 2000-Dec. 2000, to analyse some limnological and bacterial parameters. The results showed that although the limnological parameters were below the standard limits laid down by ISI and WHO yet the presumptive coliform count (MPN) ranged in unsatisfactory conditions (i.e. 12-100/100 ml). This contribution of bacteria may be the part of aquatic flora of this reservoir apart from faecal contamination. A postive relationship between free CO₂ and pH (r=0.76) & temperature and MPN=(r=0.70), and negative relationship between dissolve oxygen and free CO₂ (r=0.617) , dissolve oxygen and MPN(r=0.56) and pH and MPN (r=-0.25) were obtained.

020948   Goel A K (Agricultural Engineering Dep, H.P. Krishi Vishavidyalaya, Palampur-170 062) : Geo-morphological studies in Soan river catchment in the north-west Himalayas of India. Indian J Soil Conserv 2003, 31(2), 120-6.

The Soan catchment of 1204 km² is mostly hilly with altitude varying from 340 m at Santokhagarh to 980 m above mean sea level at Chintpurni temple. The hypsometric analysis reveals that 92.3 per cent area lies between 300-600 m reduced level. The data of drainage density, drainage texture, catchment slope, lemniscate ratio, basin circularity, from factor and elongation ratio of the 32 sub-catchments of Soan were used for regression analysis and the correlation coefficient of drainage texture and slope with drainage density were found to be 0.762 and 0.617, respectively. There was little correlation of drainage density with lemniscate ratio (r=0.238), and there was no correlation of drainage density with lemniscate ratio, basin circularity, from factor and elongation ratio.

1 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

020947   Choudri B S;Sawant V B (Dep of Studies in Geology, Karnatak University, Dharwad-580 003) : Deposition of air pollutants on the plants leaves around Lakamanahalli area, near Dharwad city. Indian J envir Prot 2002, 22(8), 927-30.

Plant leaves have been collected to study the deposition of air pollutants around Lakamanahalli area. More than two - fold increased deposition of trace elements, namely Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe are noticed in comparison with that of relatively non-polluted values and some of the plants (Ficus bengalensis and Mangifera indica) indicated more susceptibility for the studied elements and revealed high intensity of air borne pollution. The deposition of these elements mainly attributed to road dust, vehicular and industrial emissions. Further, the results of correlation coefficient and period t-test show positive values as well as significant at 5% level. This is going to pose dangerous in the near future and immediate air quality monitoring is suggested in the area.

2 tables, 17 ref

020946   Baskaran S;Eswaran R (Post-graduate and Research Department of Zoology, Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College (Autonomous), Sivakasi-626 124 Tamil Nadu) : Status and distribution of butterfly species in Srivilliputtur taluk of Virudhunagar district, Tamilnadu. J Nat Conserv 2003, 15(1), 95-101.

The butterflies present in Srivilliputtur Taluk were observed. A total of 45 species belonging to 8 families were recorded. The study period was classified as four different seasons. In I wet season 2 species belonging to Pieridae, one species each of the families Danaidae and Lycaenidae were seen in abundant and most of the speicies of butterflies were occasional or rare or absent . In the II wet season most of the species were abundant and commonly found. In the post-monsoo and dry season no species were seen in abundant and most of the species were absent.

2 tables , 11 ref

018920   Zapivalov N P;Smirnov G I (Institute of Petroleum Geology, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia) : Fractals in petroleum geology and geophysics. Indian J Petrol Geol 2002, 11(1), 51-5.

In order to develop new methods of electrical prospecting of oil fields, a fractal model for the conductivity of sandstone petroleum collectors is proposed. The parameters of a continuous conductivity cluster are determined. The fractal structure of the conductivity of petroliferous porous media is numerically modeled.

2 illus, 9 ref

018919   Zapivalov N P;Leviant V B;Shuster V L (Unified Institute of Geology, Geophysics and Mineralogy, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sci, Novosibirsk) : Basement : New exploration prospects for large hydrocarbon reserves. Indian J Petrol Geol 2002, 11(1), 1-8.

Gives brief characteristics of the known hydrocarbon fields and reservoirs with commercial oil and gas rates in the basement of West Siberia and Hindustan subcontinent. Some options to identify the internal structure and distribution of reservoir zones in the basement using the modern seismic technologies are discussed.

3 illus, 4 ref

018918   Sircar A (NO, , 504 Tower B, Millennium Plaza, Sector-27, Gurgaon-122 001, Haryana) : Seismic macromodel estimation by inversion of focussing operator for laterally varying velocity medium. Indian J Petrol Geol 2002, 11(1), 43-50.

Detailed images of the geological subsurface structures of the earth are prerequisite for finding oil, gas or mineral deposits. These images can be made using seismic techniques and the most one is the seismic reflection method. The details in the images are usually determined in terms of a contrast with respect to background model with less variations, which is known as the macromodel. The method described is the use of inversion of focusing operators. The algorithm is tested on laterally - varying velocity medium.

4 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

018917   Singh K;Aswal H S;Mehrotra N C (Palynology Lab, KDMIPE, ONGC Ltd.,, Dehradun) : Palynostratigraphic studies of middle eocene-oligocene sediments in Ichapur area, West Bengal, India. Indian J Petrol Geol 2002, 11(1), 57-64.

Dinoflagellate cyst biochronostratigraphy of well ICP-ARE have been presented. Nine dinoflagellate cyst biochronohorizons are identified in the studied well section, ranging in age from 39.4 Ma (Bartonian-Middle Eocene) to 26 Ma (Chattian-Oligocene). Species diversity of dinoflagellate taxa have provided basis for identification of fourteen, third order depositional sequences. A hiatus of approximately 1.4 ma duration have been marked at 4403m at the top of Bartonian. The absolute pollen frequency suggests that the studied sediments were deposited under marginal marine to outer neritic environment of deposition.

2 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

018916   Singh A K;Dutta B;Nath M (NO, North Eastern Regional Institute of Water and Land Management, Tezpur-784 027 (Asssam)) : Iron status of shallow tube wells and recycled water irrigated soils and its impact on availability of plant nutrients. Ecol Envir Conserv 2003, 9(2), 199-206.

A preliminary study was undertaken to observe the effect of iron rich irrigation water of shallow tube wells (STWs) on the availability of plant nutrients. The iron content of water, which has enormous influence on the soil quality, was recorded. The observed value of iron content was ranging between 4.63 and 22.92 mg/l. Iron content of STWs water fed soil was in between 409 and 867 mg kg^-1. Besides containing high iron content, a negative correlation was also found between soil iron and soil phosphorus/potassium. Results suggest that continuous use of STWs water in agricultural field may affect the stability of soil aggregates, soil porosity and availability of plant nutrients.

1 illus, 6 tables, 7 ref

018915   Sharma S;Singh I;Virdi J S (Microbial Pathogenicity Laboratory, Microbiology Dep, Univ of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi-110 012) : Microbial contamination of various water sources in Delhi. Curr Sci 2003, 84(11), 1398-9.

^ssc1 table, 12 ref

018914   Roy K K;Dhananjay Kumar;Biswas S (Department of Geology and Geophysics, I.I.T., Kharagpur-721 302) : Some qualitative aids for magnetotelluric data interpretation. J Indian Geophys Union 2002, 2(6), 55-69.

Magnetotelluric responses across a vertical contact for rotation invariant apparent resistivities p_B and p_C are qualitatively similar to Cagniard's TM mode apparent resistivity response. Both amplitude and phase of the horizontal component of the magnetic field (Hx) across a vertical contact show sharp changes. The responses are qualitatively similar. Both apparent resistivities and their phases are qualitatively similar for a profile perpendicular to the strike direction for horst and graben type of structures. Four tipper responses, viz. tipper, tipper phase, tipper skew and tipper ellipticity across a horst type of structure also look alike qualitatively. Amplitude and phase of the vertical component of the magnetic field Hz can see the presence of a three dimensional conductive heterogeneity of dimension 20 km³ placed at a depth of 50 km. With the increase in depth of the body, both the amplitude and phase anomalies of Hz decrease as expected; but both the amplitude and phase anomalies spreads, i.e. the body will be detectable from a greater distance away from the epicentre of the body. 3-D structures like buried plunging anticline can be detected along with the direction of plunge axis and the plunge angle can be esimated. Two adjacent columnar structures with contract in resistivity can be detected by MT. TM mode mode responses show greater clarity and resolution than TE mode responses. Only one aspect of the frequency response is presented TM mode MT can see the conducting target more effectively than the TE mode MT when the profile runs away from the epicentre of the body. For profiles running right over the target, the responses for both TE and TM. MT are comparable although TM mode MT responses are much sharper. As expected, high frequency MT signals fails to see the presence of the target.Frequency depedences of the signals, which could see the 2Dtargetxs, are presented.

7 illus,20 ref

018913   Rajesh S;Majumdar T J (Physical Res Laboratory, , Navrangpura, Ahmedabad-380 009) : Geoid generation and subsurface structure delineation under the Bay of Bengal, India using satellite altimeter data. Curr Sci 2003, 84(11), 1428-36.

Geosat EXACT Repeat Mission (ERM) and ERS-1 altimeter data over the Bay of Bengal have been processed for deriving marine geoid and gravity. Processing of altimeter data involves corrections for various atmospheric and oceanographic effects, stacking and averaging of repeat passes, cross-over correction, removal of deeper structures and bathymetric effects, spectral analysis and conversion of geoid into free-air gravity anomaly The final processed results are available in the form of residual/prospecting geoid and gravity anomaly maps. The highs and lows observed in those maps have been interpreted in terms of gravity linears, 85°E and 90°E ridges, the Andaman trench complex, etc. Satellite-derived gravity contour patterns match well with the available ship-borne results. Also, continental margin as well as 85°E and 90°E ridges could be demarcated well along latitudinal profiles. The isostatic compensation of major crustal features in this region has been discussed in the light of multiple wavelength marine geoid and free-air gravity. Earlier studies using seismological data analysis and modelling also confirm high stress near the Ninetyeast Ridge. Subsurface modelling over 85°E ridge shows that the crustal root has become shallower as one moves from north to south (14°N to 10°N).

11 illus, 40 ref

018912   Pyas S K;Mishra K K (Soil and Water Engineering Dep, R.A.K. College of Agriculture, Sehore - 466 001) : Some characteristics of short term rainfall records. J Res 2003, 15(1), 65-70.

The variance of precipitation can be represented as a function of correlation in time, space, length of operation of the network and geometry of the gauging array. It was observed that in the first part of night, from 18 to 23 hrs, the rainfall events occurred on 56% of the occasions while in first part of the day, from 6 to 11 hrs. only 43% of the events occurred which indicates that the frequency of occurrence of rainfall events increase in the afternoon periods and further greater number of events occur in the first part of night than its latter part. These facts emphasize the importance of automatic continuous recording equipments for rainfall, sediment and run-off measurements to have reliable estimates.

3 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

018911   Patel S S;Mehta M N (Math Dep, S.V.M. Inst of Technol, Old N.H.-8, Bharuch-392 001) : Perturbation solution of imbibition phenomenon in fluid flow through porous media with magnetic effect. Indian J Petrol Geol 2002, 11(1), 37-42.

Discusses the physical phenomenon of imbibition due to the relative wettability of flowing fluids in double phase flow through porous medium containing fractures. The underlying assumptions are that the injected liquid is conduction and preferentially more wetting, while the native liquid is nonconducting and the effect of a variable magnetic field is to increase the injecting phase pressure by <128><109>H<6>2/8<128><112>, where <128><109>denotes the permeability of the magnetic field H. Again the specific from H is considered. The mathematical formulation of the governing law and equations, and basic assumptions yields a nonlinear differential equation which has been solved by perturbation technique.

11 ref

018910   Patel K P;Pandya R R;Patel K C;Ramani V P; Maliwal G L (Micronutrient Project (ICAR), Gujrat Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand-388 110) : Chemical composition of effluent waters around Vadodara city in Gujrat and its suitability for irrigation. Ecol Envir Conserv 2003, 9(2), 193-7.

Rapid induatrialization lead to high discharge of industrial effluents which in turn may pollute ecosystem. The effluent sample collected from area of the different industries nearby Vadodara, to assess the level of concentration. The refinery effluent did not contain much to TDS, BOD & COD and showed low TSS, SAR and RSC which indicated moderate suitability for irrigation purpose, but heavy metal point of view it was found to be contaminated with toxic element viz. Fe, Cd, Co, Cr and Ni. The essential elements viz. SO₄^-,PO₄^-,K⁺ etc. were more in fertilizer effluents but it was contiminated with Co and Cr rendering its quality as poor for irrigation purpose. The level of contamination was quite less however, it contain very high amount of soluble salts and leading to its moderate quality of water for irrigation purpose. The use of industrial effluent nearby Vadodara caused comparatively higher accumulation of trace & heavy metals in soil compared to well water irrigated field. However, the contents of Ni in maize was found above toxic level whereas pigeonpea contained high amount of Cr. All crops grown in these area recorded high content of Fe. The results indicated the necessity of monitoring of soil-water system for contimination with respect to toxic elements.

3 tables, 9 ref

018909   Murty B V S;jettaiah P;Gnaneshwar P (Centre of Exploration Geophysics, Osmania University, Hyderabad-500 007) : Density and magnetic susceptibility in relation to compostition of igneous rocks. J Indian Geophys Union 2002, 2(6), 43-53.

Igneous rocks consist of varying proportions of mineral constituents and also reveal wide ranges of physical property values. Density(σ) and magnetic susceptibility (k) of various types of igneous rocks are studied in relation to the compostition as reflected in the felsic and mafic content in the igneous rocks. The basic data is compiled mainly from published literature.Through the conventional AFM ternary diagram one can constrain the sequential disposition of the alkaline to ultrabasic igneous rocks as per their chemical composition. A plot between σ and k reveals a general non-linear variation of the form k=ae^bσ-c. More specific trends obtained for the relationship k=ae^√(σ-b)/c, resolve the igneous rocks into four sets, perhaps, corresponding to variation of ferric iron content.Density increase in general, reveals increasing mafic content and increase in magnetic susceptibility, consistent with the sequence of crystallisation environment as plutonic to volcanic. Further variation of density of igneous rocks with felsic (n) and mafic (d) content shows straight-line variations in relation to the decrease and increase respectively. Rocks of higher density have lower amount of felsics and higher quantity of mafics. And gradually rocks of lower density show high felsic and low mafic content. Similar is the case for the variation of magnetic susceptibility with felsic (n) and mafic (d) content. Lastly, the product of density and logarithm of magnetic susceptibility is plotted against F(felsic/mafic ratio). The plot showed two types of linear variations as σ (6 + log k) decreasing with F for ultramafic to intermediate rocks and the product increasing with increasing F for most of the acidic and alkali rocks.

5 illus,3 tables, 39 ref

018908   Mohapatra M;Gupta D C;Chanchalani N K; Dastidar S K (India Meteorological Department, Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar-751 020) : Orissa super cyclone, 1999-a case study. J Indian Geophys Union 2002, 2(6), 93-106.

A Super Cyclonic Storm crossed Orissa coast close to south of Paradeep between 043UTC & 0630UTC of 29 th October' 1999 causing wide spread loss/damage to properties and loss ofabout 10,000 human lives.About 13million people in 12 disctricts including state capital, Bhubaneswar and oldest city of the state, Cuttack were severely affected. Different characteristics of the cyclone such as origin, track of movement, intensification, lowest pressure, maximum wind, radius of maximum wind, rainfall, storm surges and synoptic features etc.have been analysed. Also the characteristics & the mpact of the cyclone have been compared with the past cyclones with similar intensities.

Cr7 illus,10 tables,12 ref

018907   Mohammad Israil;Pachauri A K (Department of Earth Science, Indian Insitute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee-247 667) : Characterization of a landslide site in Himalayan foothill region. J Indian Geophys Union 2002, 2(6), 71-80.

A combination of electrical resistivity, seismic refraction and spectral analysis of surface wave methods have been used for the characterization of a landslide site at Mohand area in Himalayan foothills near Dehra Dun. Primary attention has been drawn towards the determination of thickness of the landslide body, its possible slip surface and evaluation of hydrogeological conditions related to the occurrence of landslide in the study area by defining electrical resistivity and seismic wave velocity of different lighological units. Validation of geophysical investigations have been done by conducting geophysical survey near boreholes and other geological information available in the Himalayan foothills region. Results obtained from geophysical investigation suggest that the slid surface of the landslide appears to coincides with the surface of water table at the landslide site. The study shows that electrical resistivity survey, seismic refraction method and spectral analysis of surface wave technique, in combination, could be an effective tool for resolving the problem of location of landslide surface.

8 illus, 21 ref

018906   Mishra A S;Bhathawala P H;Shah D C (Math Dep, South Gujarat Univ, Surat-395 007) : Fractal application for reservoir parameter estimation. Indian J Petrol Geol 2002, 11(1), 65-76.

Presents a new technique for pressur etransient and its derivative analysis for single as well as multi porosity reservoirs in a class of geological setting that are not amenable to conventional approaches. The application of a new concept i.e. fractal model to analyze unsteady state pressure data of Newtonian fluids in naturally fractured reservoir for heterogeneity characterization. The fractal geometry is a very powerful method to describe most complex phenomenon, especially to scale the non-uniformity and non-sequences oh heterogeneous porous media. The pressure transient response is analyzed for flow in fracture network and fracture with matrix participation. With the help of these approaches, single-phase fluid flow in the fractal object is described by appropriate modification of diffusion equation. The automatic type curve matching technique for both pressure and its derivative are used in evaluating reservoir parmeters for buildup and draw down test data of heterogeneous reservoir. The goal of the pressure transient data analysis to to establish a resonable estimate of the reservoir parameters of interest for better understanding of the reservoir behavior.

15 illus, 24 ref

018905   Lakshmana P V;Gupta N;Bhaskar A S B;Jayaraj R (Division of Phamacology and Toxicology, Defence Research and Developemnt Establishment, Jhansi Road, Gwalior-474 002) : Toxins and bioactive compounds from cyanobacteria and their implications on human health. J envir Biol 2002, 23(3), 215-24.

Many species of cyanobacterial (blue-green algae0 produce secondary metabolities with potent biotoxic or cytotoxic properties. These metabolities differ from the intermediates and cofactor compounds that are essential for cell structural synthesis and energy transduction. The mass growth of cyanobacteria which develop in fresh, brackish and marine waters commonly contain potent toxins. Cyanobacterial toxins or cyanotoxins are responsible for or implicated in animal poisoning, human gastroenteritis, dermal contact irritations and primary liver cancer in humans. These toxins (microcystins, nodularins, saxitoxins, anatoxin-a, (s), cylindrospermopsin) are structurally diverse and their effects range from liver damage, including liver cancer to neurotoxicity. Several incidents of human illness and more recently, the deathof 60 haemodialysis patients in Caruaru, Brazil, have been linked to the presence of microcystins, World Health Organization has recently set a new provisional guideline value for microcystin-LR of 1.0 μg/L in drinking water. Cyanobacterial including microcystin-producing strains produce a large number of peptide compunds, e.g. micropeptins, cyanopeptolins, microvirindin, circinamide, aeruginosin, with varying bioactivities and potential pharmocological application.Discusses briefly cyanobacterial toxins and their implications on human health.

68 ref

018904   Kaushik A;Kumar K;Kanchan;Taruna;Sharma H R (Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar-125 001) : Water quality index and suitability assessment of urban ground water of Hisar and Panipat in Haryana. J envir Biol 2003, 23(3), 325-33.

Ground water quality in two well-developed cities of Haryana, viz. Hisar and Panipat was assessed for drinking purpose based on water quality parameters like pH, EC, turbidity, TDS, alkalinity, total hardness, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), nitrate (NO₃)),phosphate (PO₄), sulphate (SO₄) and fluoride (F) with respect to different land-use areas viz. residential , industrial, commercial and agricultural. Water quality index based on 9 parameters showed that at Panipat, underground water in all the land-use zones was fit for consumption (WQI<50), whereas at Hisar, water in agricultural areas was good in quality, but that in other areas varied in magnitude of pollution (WQI > 50 to 100).

6 tables, 22 ref

018903   Jha P;Sudip Barat (Aquaculture and Limnology Lab, Zoology Dep, Univ of North Bengal, Darjeeling-734 430) : Hydrobiological study of lake mirik in Darjeeling Himalayas. J envir Biol 2003, 24(3), 339-44.

Some hydrobiological features of lake Mirik, situated in the Darjeeling Himalayas were studied during May to October, 2000. Water temperature showed abrupt fluctuations. The pH was generally acidic. Dissolved oxygen increased steadily with increasing rainfall and recorded highest in late August (12.6 mgl^-1). The gross primary productivity had a highest value of 87.50 mg C M^-3hr^-1. chlorophyceae and Cyanophyceae were identified among phytoplanktons. Zooplanktons were represented by Cladocerans and Copepods. The study revealed higher concentration of nutrients at certain pockets of the lake, which points to increasing human influences in the system, and the water cannot serve as a scarcity alternative for drinking purpose.

018902   Jha P;Barat S;Lepcha R F (Aquaculture and Limnology Laboratory, Dep of Zoology, University of North Bengal-734 430, ) : A comparative study of limnochemistry and primary productivity of some fish ponds in the northern districts of West Bengal, India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2003, 9(2), 135-40.

A comparative study of limnochemistry and primary productivity was carried out in four fish ponds in the northern districts of West Bengal from June to November 2001. Water temperature recorded marked differences. The average dissolved oxygen was found to be high in the pond in Puding in Darjeeling district (7.08 mgl^-1). The nutrient level was high in the pond in Gajole in Malda dstrict. The average gross primary productivity was high in Samashpur fish pond in Uttar Dinaipur district (54.07 mgCm^-3hr^-1) followed in decreasing order by the ponds in Gajole, Raninagar (Jalpaiguri district) and Pudung.

3 tables, 26 ref

018901   Jaya Prasanna Lakshmi K;Poornachandra Rao G V S;Rao B S (Palaeomagnetic Laboratory, National Geophysical Research Insitute, Hyderabad-500 007) : Magnetomineralogy of the himalayan forehand basin sediments from Kalka, Himalchal Pradesh. J Indian Geophys Union 2002, 2(6), 81-5.

Sampling from two sections near Kalka (30°.50'N, 76°.56'E) was carried out for magnetostratigraphic investigation to understand the magnetic polarity recorded in these rocks. Magnetic mineralogical studies were also undertaken on these rocks in order to infer the provenance of deposition of these Formations in the Himalayan foreland basin. The Subathu-Koshallia (SK) section represents of the Subathu Formation (shallow marine origin) and the Dagshai Kasouli (DK) section comprises the Dagshai and Kasouli Formations (continental origin). Pilot Alterating Field (AF) and thermal demagnetizaionand Isothermal Remanent Magnetization (IRM) studies were performed for this purpose which are expected to throw light on the magnetic mineralogy of these rocks.These studies reveal that magnetic carrier of the remanent magnetizationis magnetite in the Sabathu Formation and haematite in both the Dagshai and Kasouli Formations. The two different types of magnetic carriers of magnetization inferred from the laboratory studies on these rocks confirm that the provenances of the Sabathu and the Dagshai and Kasouli Formation are different.

3 illus,14 ref

018900   Inac S; (Department of Entomology & Protection, Feculty of Foretry, University of Kaharamanmaras, Sutcu Imam, Kahramanmaras-46060 Turkey) : Researches on tiirkoglu gavur lake in kahramanmaras - Turkey and osme projections from past to future. J envir Biol 2002, 23(2), 169-73.

Gavur lake, takes place on the Sghk Plain in the south of Turkoglu subprovince in Kahramanmaras, was one of the important places, that was avaialable inthe past time, south of our homland. Gavur Lake represents the northest point of the bird immigration route that extends to Victroia Lake in Africa together with Emen and Amik Lakes dried locatfe on more south. Gavur Lake had been dried because of the some reasons those were being the marsh inn time by without oxygen cycle and emergin g the situation of the microorganisms those were big threat for human health and to provide land in 1950's for the peopel of immgrants in Turkoglu. Presently, the big part of the Gavur Lake has dried. Drying activities are continuing. Whereas, Gavur Lake have all the conditions of the Ramsar Accord. With the improving of the Turkoglu reed bed the local people will earn more money by tourism than agricultural. Otherwise, the future of the Gavur Lake is going to be like Amik Lake.

2 tables, 2 ref

018899   Handique G K;Nayak P K;Bordoloi S;Dhal S (NO, Reliance Industries Limited, Mumbai-400 001) : Drill cuttins re-injection an eco-freindly offshor waste disposal technique. J Indian Geophys Union 2002, 2(6), 87-91.

Petroleum industry threatens human and environemnt health at everystage from exploration to consumption. Three main types of drill muds namely Water Based Muds (WBM), Oil Based Muds (OBM) and Syntheic Oil Based Muds (SOBM) are employed for onshore / offshore drilling to overcome the down-hole problems associated with varying geological setting and tectonics of the region. Offshore drilling produces pollutants in the form of drilling muds, cuttings, etc. Water-based are not only less harmful to environment and cheaper compared to oil-based (OBM) and synthetic-based muds, but also helps in providing better conditions for formation evaluation.Though strict environment legislation around the world is limited the disposal options of OBM, still it has its own advantages in deeper well sections having high temperature and pressure regime and directional drilling. In case of neccessity of using oil based or synthetic based muds, various options for disposal or treatment of these drilling fluids and cuttings exist. Out of various options for disposal or treatment of drilling fluids and cuttings, re-injection of drill cuttings into suitable stragigraphic horizons, is the most favored and eco-friendly procedure for OBM disposal. This method has already been in practice in some of the offshore wells in India. With the advent of increasing exploration in both shallow and deep water, scope of using OBM for hole stability in high temperature and pressure regimes will increase. Hence disposal by cuttings re-injection is expected to have wider application.

2 illus,1 table,3 ref

018898   Gurjar B R (Atmospheric Chem Div, Max Planck Institute for Chem, P.O. Box 3060, D-55020 Mainz, Germany) : Interlinking of rivers: A climatic viewpoint. Curr Sci 2003, 84(11), 1381-2.

14 ref

018897   Gurbus H;Kivrak E (Biology Dep, Kazim Karabekir Education Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum - 25240 Turkey) : Use of epilithic diatoms to evaluate water qualtiy in the Karasu River of Turkey. J envir Biol 2003, 23(3), 239-46.

Epilithic diatom assemblages were used to evaluate water quality in the Karasu River basin (Turkey), which was polluted by industrial, agricultural and urban wastes.A total of 73 diatom taxa belonging to 22 genera were found from all seven sampling stations located in the River basin. The most pollution tolerant species Gomphonema parvulum, Nitzchia palea, Navicula cryptocephala were found in ghi densities at the polluted stations. Organic load (COD), biological oxygen demand in 5 daygs (BOD₅) and concentrations of nutrients (NO₃^--N, NO₂^--N, NH₂⁺-N and PO<6>3₄-P) were correlated negatively with dissolved oxygen and concentrations of nutrients. Saprobity index (SI), trophic diatom index (TDI) and the percentage pollution tolerant valves values suggested that the stations III, IV located in the River basin were eutrophicated and organically polluted.

3 illus, 5 tables, 23 ref

018896   Gangal R K (M.L.V. Govt College, , Bhilwara(Raj.)-311 001) : Phenomenal changes in ground water pollution caused by copper smelter at Khetri zone (India). Int J chem Sci 2003, 1(2), 83-92.

Looking for a rational approach for comparative study of various ground water samples taken from Khetri copper smelter zone at latitude 27° 58' and 28° 07' north and 75° 54' east longitude in survey of India topographical sheet No 44 P and 45 M shown in MAP No. 1, the results of 40 years of study show an increasing and very conclusive postulate in regards to the increase in conductivity, chloride, and sulphate. Total hardness and decrease in pH causing pollution, due to seepage of effluent or other relevant causes. Even recycling process is unable to check the increasing trends of above parameters.

6 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

018895   Evrendilek F (Landscape Architecture Dep, Mustafa Kemal Univ, Alahan-Hatay, 31034, Turkey) : Identification of ecologically significant habitats for urban nature conservation : a case study in Turkey. J envir Biol 2003, 24(3), 241-51.

Given the rapid urbanization of Turkey, sustained productivity of natural resources shoud be an integral part of any urban development policy. The biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem services like urban and rural ecosystems. It is therefore, essential that ecologically significant habitats along urban-rural continuum be protected to secure public and environmental health. This necessitates their identification and the establishment of administrative and legal foundations for urban nature conservation in the management of urban habitats. Should be established. Ecological analysis of urban habitats of Karsyaka led to the identification of 19 ecologically significant habitats. Nature conservation priority was rated, using rarity, species richness, stratification, site age, and area of the habitats. Ecologically significant habitats made up about 54 ha of the total urban green space of 289 ha in karsiyaka. The total number of plant species was estimated to be 273.

9 tables,

018894   Bhutani R;Pande K;Desai N (Planetary and Geo-Sciences Div, Physical Research Laboratory, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad-380 009) : Age of the Karakoram fault activation: <. Curr Sci 2003, 84(11), 1454-58.

Shyok volcanics, from the Shyok suture zone in northern Ladakh ranging from basalts to andesites are analysed for ⁴⁰Ar-³⁹Ar isotopic systematics by step heating experiment. All samples, collected along the Nubra river, in the vicinity of Karakoram fault zone, yielded disturbed age spectra, reflecting subsequent tectono-thermal events. However, consistency in the pattern of the age spectra, particularly at the low temperature steps, indicate a strong tectono-thermal event between ~ 10 to ~20 Ma ago. Mica-segregate from a sheared granite of Karakoram fault zone near village Murgi has yielded an excellent plateau age of 13.9 ± 0.1 Ma. This age of Karakoram fault activation explains the consistent but disturbed age spectra of Shyok volcanics within the vicnity of the fault zone. The Karakoram fault activation in Shyok suture zone is therefore synchronous with the extensional tectonic regime within the Tibetan plateau.

3 illus, 32 ref

018893   Bhattacharjee S K (Molecular Biology and Agriculture Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai-400 085) : Thermoluminescence from spinach leaf without excitation by any radiation or external stimuli: Stimulatory role of thermal fluctuations. Curr Sci 2003, 84(11), 1419-27.

rgues that the sources of glow seen by the thermoluminescence (TL) technique may be from largely in vivo biological nanoparticles with property of quantum confinement that entails trapping of energy and delayed emission, not solely due to the charges that undergo recombination. TL in spinach leaf, following prolonged period of idling in dark at ambient temperatures but without any excitation, has been observed. Occasional loss of stringent control of heating rate revealed that fluctuations generated complex TL structures. Following the trails of this observation it was discovered that ripples larger than ± 1^oC gave rise to multiple small bands and spikes which were missing when the rate was controlled within ± 1^oC, both with or without excitation by light. The results do not warrant the application of Randall and Wilkins' theory to interpret TL from photosynthetic materials.

11 illus, 31 ref

018892   Aswal H S;Mehrotra N C (Palynology Laboratory, KDMIPE, ONGC, Dehradun) : Stratigraphic significance of Triassic - Jurassic dinoflagellate cysts in Krishna-Godavari basin, India. Indian J Petrol Geol 2002, 11(1), 9-35.

An account of Triassic-Jurassic dinoflagellate cysts and their biostratigraphic significance have been presented. The detailed palynological investigations carried out on Early and Pre-Cretaceous sediments of well- A, have yielded diversified and rich dinoflagellate assemblages. Occurrence of marine Middle Triassic, Late Triassic and Early Jurassic sediments have been reported for the first time. Based on dinoflagellate cyst events it is inferred that the Middle Triassic sediments are represented by Anisian-Earliest Ladinian, and Late Triassic- Early Jurassic by Rhaetian-Sinemurian sediments. The absence of almost complete Ladinian - Norian and Late Sinemurian - Early Oxfordian is attributed to two major hiatuses, one at the top of earliest Ladinian and another at the top of Early Sinemurian of approx. 20 Ma and 48 Ma duration respectively. The significance of these findings in hydrocarbon exploration in Ramachandrapuram -Mandapeta area has been discussed.

11 illus, 21 ref

018891   Anupma Kumari;Sinha R K;Krishna Gopal;Swarn Lata (Zoology Dep, Environmental Biology Laboratory, Patna University, ) : Concentration of organochlorines in Ganges River dolphins from Patna, Bihar. J envir Biol 2003, 23(3), 279-81.

Concentrations of DDT, HCH, aldrin and endosulfan were determined in river dolphins from the River Gages, Patna. Among the organochlorines studied in the dolphins, DDT concentration was highest followed by HCH. This shows exposure of dolphins to these organochlorine pesticides. Presence of organochlorines to higher degree in tissues sugguest that the river dolphins be at greater risk due to pesticidal contamination of the river system.

1 table, 10 ref

018101   Vijayan V (NO, Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar-751 005) : Radiological impact from atmospheric releases of <. Indian J envir Prot 2001, 21(5), 425-7.

In order to assess radiological impact of the thermal power plant, the measurements were carried out using a gamma - ray spectrometer for estimating the natural radionuclides in flyashes from thermal power plants at Angul and Talcher in India. It is estimated that on an average about 1012 MBq of ²²⁶ Ra per GW per year are discharge to the atmosphere from these two power plants at the Angul - Talcher area. The collective dose equivalent to lung tissues resulting from the atmospheric release of ²²⁶Ra is also discussed.

1 tables, 8 ref

018100   Vidhya V;Babu R;Kale C K;Kothandaraman V; Mnaivel U;Jayabalou R;Subramaniam Y V (NO, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur-440 020) : Irrigation waters and soils quality with reference to operation of a small chemical industry. Indian J envir Prot 2001, 21(5), 409-15.

14 tables, 8 ref