002112   Ruj B;Reddy G S (NO, Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur-713 209) : Diurnal and seasonal variations of suspended particulate matter in air of Raniganj-Asansl area. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2002, 1(2), 221-2.

Deals with the variaitons in diurnal, average monthly and seasonal levels of suspended particulate matter (SPM) at four sites in Raniganj-Asansol area. The data indicate that the SPM level remain higher during winters as compared to other periods. Diurnally, the SPM remain highest during the time between 14:00 and 22:00 hours.

^ssc2 tables

002111   Ruj B;Bandyopadhya A K;Chatterjee S K (NO, Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, M.G. Avenue, Durgapur-713 209) : Removal of iron from drinking water - an easy and appropriate technology. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2002, 1(4), 369-74.

High concentration of iron in ground water is one of the major problems in certain regions of India. Different agencies have developed technology to reduce iron concentration to make it potable. A low cost and easily maintainable improved iron removal (IR) plant has been designated and developed by CMERI and installed at different fifteen iron-prone sites in different blocks of Bankura district, West Bengal. By analyzing the results of the treated water with these improved IR plants and their performance studies, it has been observed that the CMERI designed plant has the basic advantage of eliminating the soluble iron at ground water and trouble-free continuous operation.

3 illus, 1 table, 2 ref

002110   Rahman M M;Siddique A (Civil Engineering Dep, Bangladesh Institute of Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh) : Effects of stress relief and reconsolidation on shear characteristics of reconstituted over-consolidated Dhaka clay. Indian Geotech J 2002, 32(4), 347-63.

Discusses the influence of stress relief disturbance on the undrained shear characteristics of two reconstituted over-consolidated (OCR values of 2 and 10) Dhaka clays. Reconstituted samples of the Dhaka clay were prepared in the laboratory by one-dimensional K_o-consolidation of slurries. Undrained triaxial compression tests with pore pressure measurements, were performed on "in situ" and "perfect" samples. Compared with "in situ" samples, which are representative samples, the values of undrained shear strength (S_u) and Skempton's pore pressure parameter A at peak deviator stress (A_p) of "perfect" samples were reduced because of disturbance caused by the relief of the total in situ stresses. Axial strain at peak deviator stress (ε_p), initial tangent modulus (E_i) and secant modulus at half the peak deviator stress (E₅₀), however, increased due to disturbance. "Perfect" over-consolidated samples were reconsolidated both isotropically and anisotropically under K_o-conjdition to assess the suitability of reconsolidation to reduce disturbance effects due to stress relief. It was found that K_o-reconsolidation of "perfect" samples using Bjerrum reconsolidation procedure indicates better agreement with the "in situ" sample than those samples reconsolidated using isotropic and SHANSEP reconsolidation procedures.

7 illus, 4 tables, 25 ref

002109   Parashar D C;Bhattacharya S (National Physical Laboratory, , New Delhi-110 012) : Considerations for methane mitigation from Indian paddy fields. Indian J Radio Space Phys 2002, 31(6), 369-75.

Methane emission from paddy cultivation is one of the major anthropogenic activities releasing methane into the atmosphere. Various parameters like water management, cultivars, nature of fertilizer, soil temperature and texture have been investigated and found to change the emission by a few times to orders of magnitude. Studies of irrigation practices in India have shown that submergence is not necessary for high yields and controlled irrigation can be very effective in mitigation of methane emission without affecting the yield. The use of cultivars having high yields associated with low methane emission and use of appropriate fertilizer can reduce methane emission by more than an order of magnitude. Measurements carried out in the National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi have also shown an excellent correlation of methane emission with soil temperature and suggest the increase in paddy cultivation in the Rabi season to be another important measure to mitigate methane emission. Possibilities of implementing mitigation measures to reduce methane emission are discussed along with the options available through the Clean Development Mechanism in the agriculture sector and their importance for India. Comparative cost estimates of methane mitigation measures for rice cultivation and the least cost mitigation option that might be used for the country are also discussed.

6 tables, 22 ref

002108   Mohanty U C;Sam N V;Satyanarayana A N V (Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi-110 016) : Simulation of marine boundary layer characteristics over the Indian Ocean during INDOEX-IFP'99. Indian J Radio Space Phys 2002, 31(6), 376-90.

The characteristic features of the marine boundary layer (MBL) over the Indian Ocean during the north-east monsoon and the factors influencing it have been investigated. The Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX) Intensive Field Phase-1999 (IFP'99) has provided the atmospheric sounding data for the study. For the first time such high-resolution upper air data have been obtained over the Indian Ocean. Different synoptic scenarios corresponding to convectively active and convectively suppressed situations over the Indian Ocean have been considered to study the variability in MBL characteristics using one-dimensional (1-D) multi-level PBL model with a TKE-ε closure scheme. The NCMRWF-GCM was also used to simulate surface layer parameters such as sensible heat and latent heat fluxes, the marine boundary layer height, etc. The simulations included the vertical profiles of potential temperature, specific humidity and zonal and meridional wind components. The non-local closure and the scheme due to turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) could simulate vertical profiles closer to the observations. The 1-D PBL model simulated the temporal evolution of TKE, marine boundary layer height (MBLH) and sensible and latent heat fluxes. The model generated the vertical profiles of potential temperature, specific humidity, and zonal and meridional wind. The values were comparable to observations from INDOEX experiment.

15 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

002107   Mandal N K;Verma P K (Life Science Research Laboratory, Godda College, Godda-814 133) : Impact of coal mine effluent on physico-chemical characteristics of pond water in coalfield area of Godda district, Jharkhand. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2002, 1(3), 231-4.

Highlights the effect of coal mine effluent on the physico-chemical environment of a fish pond, located in Lalmatia coal mine area of Godda district under Santal Pargana division of Jharkhand. The analysis of water revealed very low transparency (6.5 - 10.0 cm), higher concentration of total suspended solids (650 - 900 ppm), alkaline medium (pH 7.2 - 7.6), low dissolved oxygen (4.6 - 6.0 ppm) and low hardness (10.0 - 14.5 ppm). Besides, higher concentrations of chloride (61.0 - 68.0 ppm), sulphate (13.5 - 26.0), phosphate (0.71 - 0.94 ppm) and nitrate (0.60 - 0.79 ppm) revealed an organic loading to the pond, induced by mine effluent, cattle dumping and various human activities. Mine effluent was characterized by alkaline medium and poor dissolved oxygen content. Parameters like total suspended solids, chloride, sulphate, phosphate and nitrate were remarkebly higher. Suspended particulate matter in the effluent and coal dust particles appeared to be the primary factors in destroying the biota mainly algae, macrophytes and benthic community of the pond. The mine effluent is causing a severe degradation of water quality along with biotic components and upsetting the ecological balance of the pond. The prevailing conditions adversely affect the fish production. Water has been rendered unfit for recreational and domestic purposes. Effective measures have been suggested to check the mine effluent pollution and the ecological degradation of the pond.

2 tables, 10 ref

002106   Maini H K et al (National Physical Laboratory, , New Delhi-110 012) : Free air carbon dioxide enrichment facility development for crop experiments. Indian J Radio Space Phys 2002, 31(6), 404-9.

The level of carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas in earth's atmosphere is increasing exponentially due to global industrialization and is likely to reach double its pre-industrial value by the middle of present century. Free air CO₂ enrichment (FACE) facilities, in which the simulation of elevated level of CO₂ is done in the open fields by artificially injecting CO₂ gas in a controlled manner, are being used to study the impact of rising concentration of CO₂ on environment. The FACE facilities exsist only in few places in the world as they are quite expeensive, complex to develop and involve state-of-the-art technology. Describes the details of a medium size FACE facility (Mid-FACE) designed, developed and fabricated indigenously for conducting CO₂ enrichment experiments on crop plants. With this development, India becomes the second after Japan to have such a facility in whole of Asia for carying out CO₂ enrichment research.

3 illus, 14 ref

002105   Mahajan K K;Dwivedi A K (Radio & Atmospheric Sciences Division, National Physical Laboratory, , New Delhi-110 012) : Ionospheres and atmospheres of non-magnetic planets and solar wind interaction. I. Venus. Indian J Radio Space Phys 2002, 31(6), 349-56.

The solar-planetary interaction is unique for non-magnetic planets, since the solar wind interacts directly with the atmospheres and ionospheres of these planets. Venus and Mars are now known to be non-magetic planets and a brief description of the ionosphere and atmosphere of Venus as evolved through several planetary missions, particularly the Pioneer Venus Orbiter which had on boared several aeronomy experiments, has been given. The results on the response of the Venus ionosphere and its upper atmosphere to changes in solar wind, especially on disappearing atmospheres, or bit-to-orbit variability of electron and ion concentration and location of nightside ionopause are presented. These results in relation to features like plasma holes and disappearing ionospheres are also discussed.

11 illus, 27 ref

002104   Leelanandam C (Dept of Geology, Osmania University, Hyderabad-500 007) : En of orthopyroxenes and An of plagioclases from Kondapalli: comparison between the chemical and normative values. J Geol Soc India 2002, 60(6), 701-02.

Present a comparative picture of the chemically analyzed and normatively computed compositions of orthopyroxenes (En contents) and plagioclase feldspars (An contents) from the charnockitic rocks of Kondapalli in Andhra Pradesh.

^ssc1 table, 5 ref

002103   Lakhina G S;Alex S (NO, Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Colaba, Mumbai-400 005) : Space weather research in India: an overview. Indian J Radio Space Phys 2002, 31(6), 337-48.

The regime of space weather includes the sun, solar wind, interplanetary space, magnetosphere, ionosphere and the thermosphere. The immediate manifestations of space weather events are the result of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) leading to the occurrence of geomagetic storms and substorms, appearance of auroral forms, ionospheric distrubances, etc. The solar-terrestrial environment has a wide range of effects on many aspects of our everyday life. Discusses vaious aspects of space weather and presents an overview of the space weather research activities in India. There is a need for a comprehensive space weather prediction programme for India in view of the fact that the space-based systems are already being exploited for a viariety of applications such as remote sensing and meteorology, radio communications, broadcasting, earth resources survey, etc.

6 illus, 1 table, 34 ref

002102   Jain A R;Anandan V K (National MST Radar Facility, , Post Box: 123, Tirupati-517 502) : Applications of facilities at NMRF, Gadanki, in the area of meteorology and coupling processes in the atmosphere - a brief review and future prospects. Indian J Radio Space Phys 2002, 31(6), 357-68.

The National MST Radar Facility (NMRF) was set up as an off-shoot of Indian Middle Atmosphere Programme (IMAP). It became fully operational in MST mode in 1994. Recently many new experimental facilities have been collocated at radar site. These systems are, basically, complementary to the main MST radar facility. Addition of these facilities has enhanced the scientific applications of NMRF. The significance of the recent technical developments on Indian MST radar are discussed and possible scientific applications in the area of meteorolgy and for the studies of various coupling processes in the atmosphere in which dynamics plays an important role are highlighted. Some typical results are also presented.

7 illus, 32 ref

002101   Hari Haran A V L N S H (Chemistry Dep, College of Engineering, GITAM, Visakhapatnam-530 045) : Evaluation of drinking water quality at Jalaripeta village of Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2002, 1(4), 407-10.

The physico-chemical parameters of Jalaripeta village (Visakhapatnam Dist.) have been studied to asses the quality of ground water for domestic, industrial and agricultural needs and to identify the polluted zones. Some of the samples have TDS, hardness and sulphate values exceeding the permissible limits for drinking purposes. It is observed that the main sources of pollution are due to lack of sanitation, wastewaters from industries, sewage and saline waters.

1 table, 10 ref

002100   Hanumath Sastri J (Solar-Terrestrial Physics, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore-560 034) : Equatorial geomagnetic and ionospheric effects of substorms. Indian J Radio Space Phys 2002, 31(6), 309-20.

Changes in the magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling during substorms produce geomagnetic and ionospheric effects not only in high latitudes but also in the sub-auroral region. The current understanding of the coupling processes during substorms is briefly reviewed with a focus on recent results concerning substorm effects in ground level measurements of equatorial geomagnetic field and ionospheric electric fields. Significant issues and concerns regarding the high latitude-low latitude coupling substorms are highlighted and suggestions for further work are advanced.

6 illus, 60 ref

002099   Garg K;Anantha Murthy;Anand R (Environmental Science Dep, Bangalore University, Bangalore-560 056) : Langelier saturation index for the groundwaters of Bangalore city, Karnataka, India. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2002, 1(4), 415-7.

100 groundwater samples were collected from different parts of Bangalore city to test the suitability of water for industrial purpose using Langelier's saturation index. The results indicated that 80 percent of the water samples have scale-forming tendency and the remaining 20 percent are corrosive in nature.

2 tables, 7 ref

002098   Fokmare A K;Musaddiq M (P.G. Department of Microbiology, Shri Shivaji College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Akola-440 001) : Study on physico-chemical characteristics of Kapshi lake and Purna river waters in Akola district of Maharashtra (India). Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2002, 1(3), 261-3.

Akola is district place of central Maharashtra. Purna river and Kapshi lake are one of the important sources of surface water in Akola city. Attempts to study the quality of Kapshi lake and Purna river waters to evaluate their suitability for drinking purpose. The parameters studied included pH, alkalinity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, chlorides, salinity, sulphates, phosphates, nitrates, DO, BOD and COD. Higher values of phosphates in Purna river water can be attributed to pollution from detergent and domestic waste while high BOD value of the same suggests organic enrichment. Kapshi lake water is suitable for drinking purpose when compare to Purna river water.

1 table, 14 ref

002097   Dhanesh Singh;Mishra A K;Singh P K;Kumar S (Chemistry Dep, K.G. Arts and Science College, Raigarh-496 001) : Sorption of Mn (II) from wastewater by bituminous coal. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2002, 1(3), 269-74.

The sorption of Mn (II) on bituminous coal has been found to be dependent on contact time, concentration, temperature, particle size of sorbent and pH of medium. The process of removal follows first order kinetics. Legergren equation is used to study kinetics of sorption. The temperature dependence indicates the endothermic nature of the process. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔH°, ΔS°, ΔG°) support the endothermic nature of the process. Langmuir equation is applicable in calculation of sorption capacity. Alkaline aqueous medium favours the removal of Mn (II) by bituminous coal. The increase in sorption of Mn (II) with pH has been explained on the basis of interaction of Mn (II) with organic and inorganic matters present in coal. Smaller coal particles favour the process.

6 illus, 5 tables, 5 ref

002096   Dewaikar D M;Halkude S A (Civil Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, Mumbai-400 076) : Active thrust on bracing system of open cuts in cohesion-less soil - point of application. Indian Geotech J 2002, 32(4), 407-20.

An analysis based on Kotter's equation is proposed for the computation of active thrust and its point of application in respect of bracing system of open cut in cohesion-less soil. The distinctive feature of this analysis is that it identifies the unique failure surface on the basis of force equilibrium condition and gives the corresponding active thrust, which is uniquely determined. Moment equilibrium condition is used to compute its point of the application. The results show that the point of application of active thrust depends to a certain extent on the angles of soil internal and wall friction, but to a large extent, it is located in the range of 45 to 50 percent of wall height, as measured from its base.

4 illus, 1 table, 3 ref

002095   Chatterjee C;Raziuddin M (Zoology Dep, Raniganj Girl's College, P.O. Raniganj, District Burdwan, West Bengal) : Determination of water quality index (WQI) of a degraded river in Asansol industrial area (West Bengal). Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2002, 1(2), 181-9.

Limnological investigation was carried out on a degraded river, Nunia in Asansol industrial belt for the period of one year (May 2000 to April 2001) at six sampling stations namely Reckitt & Colman, Kalla Hospital, Ghagarburi, Kalipahari, Rotibati and Narankuri (confluence point with Damodar river). The investigation aimed to calculate Water Quality Index (WQI) of the river and to assess the impact of industries, agriculture and human activities on its water quality. Eight physico-chemical parameters such as pH, total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, total hardness, chloride, sulphate, dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen demand were monitored for the calculation of WQI for summer, monsoon and winter seasons. The results revealed that water at these stations was severely polluted due to the dumping of wastes from industries, hospital, domestic and agricultural sources. The water at all the sampling stations was recorded above the upper limit in terms of WQI which indicated that the river water was not safe for human use.

1 illus, 6 tables, 31 ref

002094   Chandelkar P R;Rao K S;Shrivastava S;Shukla A N;Siddiqui A A (School of Studies in Zoology, Vikram University, Ujjain-456 010) : New statoblast structures and sclerotizations in central Indian Fredericella materials due to environmental impact. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2002, 1(3), 323-30.

Fredericella materials were collected from five Indian localities. Materials recorded from river Shivna Mandsaur (M.P.) were extremely slender and fragile showing deep emargination with a prominent keel. Those recorded from Kunda river, Khargaon, showed dense zooecial growth with robust zooecial having excessive sclerotization which was ascribed to fast water flow. The piptoblasts, in these materials showed extending sclerotizations towards the zooecial wall. Materials observed from Bel river near Amla city showed dark black zoaria. In these materials the piptoblasts were variable in shape ranging from oval, kidney shaped, rounded, cylindrical and sigma shaped with prominent peripheral markings. These zoaria are growing on sand and submerged pebbles materials from Tapti river show extending sclerotizations from the peripheral rim of the piptoblast, which are broad enclosing several oval spaces, reported for the first time. These show both smooth and reticulated capsular surface. Fredericella material from Anas river Jhabua, M.P. showed variable piptoblasts ranging from rounded to triangular shape with prominent sclerotizations. Possibilities of environmental implications of these materials have been discussed.

13 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

002093   Batcha S M A (NO, Environmental Sciences Research Centre, Plot No. B-7, Khajamalai Dargha Road, Khajamalai, Tiruchirapalli-620 023) : Studies on distribution of surface and bottom water dissolved oxygen content of Vembanad lake in different seasonal periods. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2002, 1(4), 347-9.

The surface and bottom water dissolved oxygen content in 18 stations of North Vambanad lake has been studied from December 1977 to December 1978 (except August 1978) with variations in the distribution of dissolved oxygen content, both in surface and bottom waters in three different seasons namely pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon periods. The impact of south west monsoon and the freshwater inflow from the rivers that dilute the water mass of the lake, and results in a profound influence in the distribution of surface and bottom water dissolved oxygen content in different stations, has been studied at length.

3 illus, 12 ref

002092   Arora A N;Goyal R (Civil Engineering Dep, Malaviya Regional Engineering College, Jaipur) : Environmental and socio-economical impacts of water-logging in Hanumangarh and Sri Ganganagar districts. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2002, 1(3), 307-16.

Hanumangarh and Sri-Ganganagar districts of Rajasthan, face a serious problem of environmental degradation due to waterlogging and soil sanility caused by, besides other factors, seepage from different canal systems and flow from Ghaggar diversion channel. Different meterological, geological, hydrological and environmental characteristics of the area have been studied to arrive at the factors responsible for waterlogging and soil sanility. Studies conducted by various other agencies have also ben discussed and critically analyzed. It is concluded that a comprehensive socio economic survey of the affected villages must be undertaken to visualize negative socio-economic aspects of waterlogging. Further a more elaborate mathematical model must be developed by taking into account information available from latest technologies such as remote sensing to understand environmental impacts of waterlogging and soil salinity and to suggest optimum remedial measures.

3 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

002091   Abraham B T;Bisi Bose K S;Hena T N (Chemistry Dep, S.N.M. College, Maliankara-683 516) : Study of some physico-chemical parameters and treatment of industrial effluent. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2002, 1(2), 213-6.

Rapid development is one of the essential features of the present day world. The developmental activities cause degradation and depletion of ecosystem. Studies some physico-chemical parameters of an industrial effluent and its treatment. The pH of the effluent and the total suspended solids present in it were determined. Hexavalent chromium, one of the serious pollutants, was also estimated and it was treated with a suitable method.

3 illus, 2 tables, 4 ref

001149   Yamuna Singh;Singh K D P;Chhabra J;Srinivasan S;Sharma Y C;Gupta R K (Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Department o, , Begumpet, Hyderabad-500 016) : First report of domeykite and koutekite (copper arsenides) in Siwalik sandstones of Romehra, Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh. J Geol Soc India 2002, 60(6), 695-9.

Koutekite and two polymorphs (i.e., alpha and beta) of domeykite (rare copper arsenide minerals) are reported for the first time from the uraniferous Lower Siwalik sandstones of the Romehra area, Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh. The calculated cell size of alpha-domeykite (Cubic) is a₀=9.646 Å and that of beta-domeykite (Hexagonal) is a₀=7.151 Å and c₀=7.304 Å. Koutekite (Hexagonal) has measured cell parmeters of a₀=11.58 Å and c₀=14.55 Å. However, in koutekite of Romehra area an important interplanar spacing (d) at 2.081 Å is merging with `d' of beta domeykite at 2.061 Å and another interplanar spacing at 2.47 Å exhibits comparatively higher intensity than the one published in JCPDS Data Card No.13-581. Association of domeykite with uraniferous sandstones points out that uranium mineralisation in Lower Siwaliks of the Romehra took place possibly below 90°C temperature.

^ssc1 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

001148   Subramanian K S;Gopalakrishnan K (NO, , Plot 283, 17th East Street, Kamraj Nagar, Tiruvanmiyur, Chennai-600 041) : Earth tremors in the coastal belt of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry in September, 2001 - a geological analysis. J Geol Soc India 2002, 60(6), 691-4.

^ssc2 illus, 12 ref

001147   Sarkar B C;Nair A M (Dep of Applied Geology, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad-826 004) : A geostatistical modelling approach to gold mineralisation at Hutti mine, Raichur district, Karnataka. J Geol Soc India 2002, 60(6), 639-48.

Hutti gold mine, located in the Archaean Hutti-Maski greenstone belt, is one of the major gold producing mines in India. Gold mineralisation is associated with parallel to sub-parallel, steeply dipping auriferous quartz veins localised in a major shear zone in the western segment of the greenstone belt. Coarse and fine grained vesicular metabasalts of Buddinne Formation are the host of auriferous lodes reflecting a litho-stratigraphic control. Deals with geostatistical modelling for Hutti gold mineralisation, keeping in view the various controls of mineralisation and geological setting. The geostatistical modelling carried out for gold accumulation and width of mineralisation from underground drives and cross-cuts at 18th, 19th and 20th levels of Strike Reef reveal a positively skewed 2-parameter lognormal distribution fit. Semi-variogram modelling for gold accumulation reveal a high nugget effect and a moderate continuity with a small range of influence and that for width, a moderate to high nugget effect and a moderate continuity with a small range of influence. These spatial parameters reflect the erratic nature of gold mineralisation. Block value estimation has been carried out employing 3-D kriging technique. The results of block kriging have been used to compute an ore inventory for the three levels and to establish grade-tonnage relationships estimating the quantity of ore, gold metal and waste; average grade of ore above a series of alternative cutoff grades; waste-to-ore ratio following a step-wise integration of the block grade frequency distribution over a range of grades. These estimates then form a sound foundation for mine decisions.

8 illus, 5 tables, 11 ref

001146   Sarana S;Anand Prakash (NO, , 24, Badshah Bagh, Lucknow University Campus, Lucknow-226 007) : Microconstituents and depositional environment of lower Gondwana coals of Tatapani-Ramkola coalfield Surguja, district, Chattisagarh. J Geol Soc India 2002, 60(6), 663-76.

The microconsitutents of Lower Gondwana Coals of Tatapani-Ramkola Basin have been studied in detail. It has been observed that besides maceral composition, the mineral matter is also singinficant in deciphering the depositional environment of coals. The morphological characteristics of these entities along with their quantitative representation have been utilized for the interpretation of petrofacies. On the basis of petrofacies, it is suggested that the vegetal matter mainly deposited dominantly under oxic dry mire conditions, often affected by high floods formed the bulk of Lower Gondwana coals of Tatapani-Ramkola basin. However, some coals seem to have formed under wet mire system with intermittent moderate to high floods. It is also indicated that the development of coal seams was initiated as limnic peat facies, which later changed into limnotelmatic reed moor, telmatic reed and forest moor.

9 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

001145   Patil D J;Das Sharma S;Kumar B;Dayal A M; Shukla M (NO, National Geophysical Research Institute, Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500 007) : Carbon, oxygen and strontium isotope geochemistry of carbonate rocks from Kurnool group, Southern India. J Geol Soc India 2002, 60(6), 615-22.

Carbon isotopic compositions of carbonate rocks from Narji and Koilkuntla belonging to the Kurnool Group range from -1.5 to +2.2% and +3.1 to +4.3% respectively. δ¹³C values on coexisting organic carbon are around -26%. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of limestones from Koilkuntla Formation (0.7086 - 0.7104) exhibit less variation than those belonging to Narji limestones (0.7073 - 0.7132). Bivariant plot of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and δ¹³C against Mn/Sr and δ ¹⁸O show open system diagenetic trends for the carbonate rocks of Narji Formation. Similar plots for Koilkuntla Formation do not reveal any definite alteration trends. Comparison of carbon isotope data coupled with the least altered ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values of Narji and Koilkuntla limestones shows similarity in the isotopic ratios exhibited by other worldwide Late Neoproterozoic carbonate successions. Finding is corroborated by available age information on the underlying Cuddapah Supergroup of rocks as well as palaeontological evidences on the rock formations of Kurnool Group.

3 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

001144   Ojelabi E A;Badmus B S;Salau A A (Geophysics Research Group, Dep Physics, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria) : Comparative analysis of Wenner and Schlumberger methods of geoelectric sounding in subsurface delineation and groundwater exploration. J Geol Soc India 2002, 60(6), 623-8.

The accuracy of two common electrode arrays - the Wenner and Schlumberger - used in the geoelectric resistivity method for groundwater exploration has been investigated within a typical area of basement complex. The results of the comparative study show that Schlumberger electrode array has a high investigating depth per unit current electrode separation and is more suitable for subsurface delineation and groundwater exploration. The studies have indicated an average depth to basement of 9.75 m, and six geoelectric formations viz Lateritic top-soil, Clayey sand, Weathered basement, Fractured basement and fresh basement.

^ccr3 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

001143   Mukhopadhyay M (NO, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad-826 004) : Current seismicity in Northern Maharashtra and Southern Gujarat: implications of plume tectonics. J Geol Soc India 2002, 60(6), 629-37.

Northern Maharashtra and Southern Gujarat (NMSG) bordering the Golf of Vambay and their immediate surroundings are seismically active as known from both non-instrumental and instrumental data. An intense seismic zone occupying an area of 80 km radius in this region is now delineated by the Gauribidanur Seismic Array (CBA) data covering a period of 20 years (1977-1997). The accounts for nearly 85% of the recorded activity, which is geographically delineated between Surat on the north, Daman to the west and Nasik to the east of the Indian shield is abnormally thin (as thin as 20 km) as demonstrated by available deep seismic sounding data. Contrasting tectonic trends of the West Coast fault, Narmada-Tapti faults and Cambay graben converge in this region. The Bouguer gravity anomaly varies by more than 120 mgal within NMSG, displaying a step gravity gradient by 1.06 mgal/km at its centre. Nature of seismic activity, space-time diagram of earthquake ruptures since 1819 as correlated to crustal fabric of the region, and available geophysical evidences suggest that current seismic activity of NMSG may be an outcome of plume tectonics bordering the Gulf of Cambay. Further studies are warranted for detailing the seismic zone and the resultant crustal deformation.

6 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

001142   Mishra P;Mukhopadhyay D K (Dep of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee-247 667) : Balanced structural models of Mohand and Santaurgarh ramp anticlines, Himalayan foreland fold-thrust belt, Dehra Dun re-entrant, Uttaranchal. J Geol Soc India 2002, 60(6), 649-61.

Two anticlines, viz., Mohand and Santaurgarh, are present in the Dehra Dun re-entrant of the Himalayan foreland fold thrust belt. Describes balanced fault-related folding models that adequately reproduce the fold geometry of these two anticlines as deduced from the surface orientation data. The Mohand anticline can be modelled as a multi-bend fault-bend fold related to the Main Frontal Thrust. A multi-bend fault-propagation folding model with about 47% forelimb thinning is appropriate for the Santaurgarh anticline. The Santaurgarh anticline is related to a blind thrust with anticlinal breakthrough structure (Santaurgarh thrust). Uniformly tapering layers are required in both the models. Presents balanced and restored cross sections across the foreland belt and calculate a shortening of 6.4 km or 17.2% within the Tetrtiary sedimentary blet.

8 illus, 37 ref

001141   Leelanandam C (Dept of Geology, Osmania University, Hyderabad-500 007) : En of orthopyroxenes and An of plagioclases from Kondapalli: comparison between the chemical and normative values. J Geol Soc India 2002, 60(6), 701-02.

Present a comparative picture of the chemically analyzed and normatively computed compositions of orthopyroxenes (En contents) and plagioclase feldspars (An contents) from the charnockitic rocks of Kondapalli in Andhra Pradesh.

^ssc1 table, 5 ref

001140   Chaiyapinunt S;Mangkornsaksit K (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok-10330 Thailand) : Standard meteorological data for Bangkok. J Energy Heat Mass Transfer 2001, 23(1), 23-37.

Sixteen year of meteorological data collected by the Meteorological Department at Bangkok station were used as a database for selecting as the standard meteorological data. Two methods of selection were performed to find the standard data. They were test Reference Year (TRY) method and Typical Meteorological Year (TMY) method. With the TRY method, the meterological data of the year 1994 was chosen as teh standard meteorlogical data when the dry bulb temperature was used as the key parameter in the selection process. While the meteorological data of the year 1984 was chosen as the standard meteorological data when the solar radiation was used as the key parameter in the selection process. For the data selection using TMY method, solar radiation become the key parameter while the dry bulb temperature, dew point temperature, and wind velocity became less priority parameters. The selectrion involved the process of applying the weighting factors to certain parameters and also involved the statistical evaluation methods such as cumulative frequency distribution function, root mean square difference, and other related statistical equations, etc. From the analysis, the standard meteorological data for selected month in different years were obtained.

9 tables, 8 ref

001139   Bhattacharya S K;Ghosh P;CHakrabarti A (NO, Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad-380 009) : Carbon and oxygen istopic compositions of carbonate concretions of the Talchir formation and their palaeoenvironmental implications. J Geol Soc India 2002, 60(6), 677-86.

Ubiquitous presence of carbonate rich nodules in glaciogene sediments of various Permo-Carboniferous basins (Talchir) in peninsular India offers promise for delineating the climatic condition and environment of deposition at that time. Isotopic composition of carbon and oxygen have been determined in carbonate nodules collected from the basal formation (Talchir) of three Gondwana basins of east-central India along with a few samples from contemporaneous. Dwyka tillite of South Africa. Petrographic, cathodoluminescence and sedimentary evidences suggest that many of these modules contain primary carbonate precipitates and therefore their geochemical signatures can be used for palaeoclimatic inference. The mean δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C values of the calcites in the nodules are 10.8% w.r.t. SMOW and -9.7% w.r.t. PDB respectively, suggesting a freshwater environment (probably lacustrine) for formation of these concretions. The mean oxygen isotopic composition of meteoric water at that time (Early Permian) and location (70°S palaeolatitude) estimated from δ¹⁸O of calcite is - 22.7% and is depleted by a few per mil from the expected isotopic composition of precipitation at this latitude. The depletion can be interpreted either in terms of an amount effect due to enhanced rainfall or an altitude effect if the precipitation occurred at high altitude (as expected for development of the Talchir glacier.

4 illus, 1 table, 37 ref

001138   Bhattacharya B B;Shalivahan (NO, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad-826 004) : Moho from magnetotelluric studies in Eastern Indian Craton and Slave Craton, Canada. J Geol Soc India 2002, 60(6), 687-90.

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000424   Zhang K J;Wang Q F;Lu H N;Zhang B G;Xia B D; Wang G M (Earth Sciences Dep, State Key Laboratory for Mineral Deposit Research, Nanjing University, Nanjing-210 093, China) : Intense late cenozoic crustal shortening in southern Qiangtang, Western China. J Geol Soc India 2002, 60(3), 333-6.

The magnitude of Cenozoic crustal shortening within the Tibetan plateau is a question of key importance in the models for its development. Earlier investigators proposed that the Cenozoic shortening within the plateau is generally less than 40 percent. Presents two exactly constrained structural sections, which show that the late Cenozoic crustal shortening within southern Qiangtang is upto 57-67 percent. Indicates that the internal crustal shortening within the plateau can play a vital role in the doubling of the crust of the Tibetan plateau.

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000423   Walia V;Virk H S;Puneet Kumar (Physics Dep, Guru Nanak Dev Univ, Amritsar-143005) : Empirical scaling relationships between earthquake magnitudes, epicentral distances and amplitudes of radon anomalies in N-W Himalaya. Indian J pure appl Phys 2002, 40(10), 743-9.

Radon data accumulated during the time-window (1992-1999) in the grid (30-34<144>N, 74-78 (30-34°E) in N-W Himalaya has been analysed vis-a-vis seismic data recorded in the same area, supplied by Indian Meteorological (MD) network. In general, there is a positive correlation between total radon emission and the micro-seismicity in the area under investigation. The earthquake magnitude has moderate positive correlation with epicentral distance and low positive correlation with amplitude of radon precursory signal, whereas, both show low negative correlation between them. Empirical scaling relations are proposed using the best-fit straight line from the log-linear graphs between magnitude of the events (M) and log of the product of amplitude of radon anomaly (A) and epicentral distance (D). The error between recorded and the calculated magnitude is also taken into account. The number of points lying with (30-34±25% limit is 74 out of the total 142 cases, on which the test is applied. The error is higher at lower epicentral distances and magnitudes, which shows that, the local geology and tectonics have predominant influence on radon signals.

4 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

000422   Venkata Dasu S P (AMSE Wing, Geological Survey of India, Bangalore-560 078) : Metallogeny of the barberton greenstone belt. J Geol Soc India 2002, 60(4), 469-70.

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000421   Varshney C K;Singh A P; (School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110 067) : Measurement of ambient concentration of NO_{2 in Delhi using passive diffusion tube sampler.} Curr Sci 2002, 83(6), 731-5.

NO₂ is an important gaseous air pollutant that plays a critical role in atmospheric chemistry. In spite of its critical importance for atmospheric chemistry and human health, information on ambient level of NO_x from urban, peri-urban, rural and remote areas is limited in the country, because of the limited availability of expensive, heavy, electricity-based NO₂ monitoring equipments. Passive samplers provide a convenient alternative for measuring ambient NO₂ in a highly cost-effective manner. The passive sampler is a simple, cheap device, which is independent of power supply. Deals with Fortnighly measurements of NO₂ concentration at nine sites along nortwest and southeast transact passing through the capital city of Delhi, using passive diffusion tube samplers, from November 1998 to June 1999. At 45 of the sites, NO₂ levels were found to violate the National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 80 <109><47>m³. A large inter-site variation ranging from 13 to 200 <109><47>m³ was observed. In addition, a marked seasonal variation was noticed. Winter values were higher compared to the summr values.

1 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

000420   Upadhyay R (Geodynamics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore-560 064) : Stratigraphy and tectonics of Ladakh, Eastern Karakoram, Western Tibet and Western Kun Lun. J Geol Soc India 2002, 59(5), 447-67.

The sediments of the eastern Karakoram Tethyan Zone are more or less similar to those of the adjoining Permian-Cretaceous Shaksgam Sedimentary Belt of the Northwestern Karakoram in Sinkiang and to those of western Qiangtang in western Tibet. The Karakoram Batholith granites are calc-alkaline and sub-alkaline in composition and intimately associated with volcanic rocks of the mountain arc of the Chilean type. Further north, the Karakoram Plutonic Complex intrudes the Carboniferous-Permian sedimentary sequence that is divisible into six litho- and tectonostratigraphic units. The occurrence of the 270-265 Ma (Early Permian) marine sediments characterized by Gondwanic plants and palynomorphs within the Chhongtash Formation indicates that the Karakoram was a Peri-Gondwanian microcontinent at latitudes of <126> 35°S during the Early Permian time, and lying somewhere between the Indian Plate and the Qiangtant-Lhasa microcontinent. The Karakoram microcontinent did not form a part of the Indian Plate and was welded to Asia around 130-120 Ma. Different phases of magmatic activity in the Ladakh and the Karakoram domains have contributed greatly to the welding together of the Indian and Asian plates. The active Karakoram Fault, characterized by <126>120 km dextral offset, is traceable NW along the Shyok Suture further up to Pamir. It constitutes the geomorphic boundary between the Ladakh, Karakoram and western Tibet blocks.

7 illus, 157 ref

000419   Tewari V C;Paliwal B S;Venkatakrishna K (NO, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehra Dun-248 001) : Discovery of amino acids from Didwana-Rajod meteorite and its implication on origin of life. J Geol Soc India 2002, 60(1), 107-10.

Aromatic amino acids Phenylalanine, Tyrosine and Tryptophan have been identified for the first time from the Didwana-Rajod meteorite which fell on Earth (most probably from asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter in our Solar system) in 1991 near Didwana in Nagaur district of Rajasthan.

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000418   Sunil Kumar R (Ecological Lab, Zoology Dep, Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta-689 645) : Biomass, horizontal zonation and vertical stratification of polychaete fauna in the littoral sediment of Cochin estuarine mangrove habitat, south west coast of India. Indian J Mar Sci 2002, 31(2), 100-07.

Biomass distribution, horizontal zonation, relative dominance and vertical distribution of polycheters were stdied. Highest biomass was recorded in the mild tidal region in both study area. The monthly values variety from 4.43 to 128.28 g.m^-2 g.m^-2 at st 2. Multiple regression analysis between biomass and environmental parameters indicate that they could not individually or in combination bring about the spatial and temporal variability in biomass distribution. Moreover, at st 1 edaphic factors appear to be responsible for partial variation in biomass indicating comparatively high F ratio for variance analysis than station 2. ANOVA of species diversity indices values (P<60>0.5) between the three tidal regions showed a clear horizontal zonation of polychaetes, especially at st 1. A substantial differnce in percentage composition of fauna, up to 15 cm depth of mangrove soil, was found in all the three tidal zones studied. This variability in the community structure in the top (0-5 cm) and deeper mangrove sediment (10-15 cm) is pertained to a variety of characteristic features of both upper and deeper sediments. High numerical abundance and coexistence of certain euryhaline species showed significant similarity index (<62>70%) among polychaete fauna. This similarity and affinity of fauna for a long period evidently indicate the habitat stability that is pertained to the existence of species diversity and abundance.

5 illus, 6 tables, 29 ref

000417   Sukhija B S;Rao M N;Reddy D V;Nagabhushanam P;Devender Kumar;Lakshmi B V;Sharma P (NO, National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad-500 007) : Palaeoliquefaction evidence of prehistoric large/great earthquakes in North Bihar, India. Curr Sci 2002, 83(8), 1019-25.

The Himalayan arc, 40 percent of which ruptured in the last two centuries, has witnessed half a dozen large to great earthquakes including the 1833 and 1934 Bihar-Nepal earthquakes. Based on palaeoliquefaction studies in the meizoseismal area of the 1934 earthquake, provides evidence for two prehistoric seismic events dated to have occurred: during 1700 to 5300 years BP and earlier than 25,000 years BP, besides the well documented 1934 and 1833 seismic events. Findings suggest that the study has been continuously seismically active. However, the limited data precludes estimation of recurrence period of devastating earthquakes in the area.

8 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

000416   Srinivasan J;Gadgil S (Centre for Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012) : Asian brown cloud - fact and fantasy. Curr Sci 2002, 83(5), 586-92.

The wide publicity given to the release of a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on the so-called Asian Brown Cloud and its multifarious impacts on health, agriculture and climate on both regional and global scales, has led to considerable concern. Finds the UNEP news release (and hence the media reports based on it) is a blend of observations and scientifically sound deductions on the one hand and sensational statements with little scientific basis on the other. The UNEP report is based on the findings of an international programme called the Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX). The term Asian Brown Cloud was coined by leaders of INDOEX to describe the brown haze occurring durint the period January to March, over the South Asian region and the tropical Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. It is important to note that, the haze is not a permanent feature of the atmosphere over the Asian region and the surrounding seas. It occurs only during January-March, in the season following the southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon seasons. It is suggested in the UNEP report that the impact of the haze assessed with the help of an atmospheric general circulation model is a decrease in rainfall in northwest Asia (inlcuding Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Afghanistan). However, finds that the model simulation of the rainfall patterns over this region is particularly poor and hence the reliability of this projection is suspect.

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000415   Som S K;Bandyopadhyay K C;Basu S K;Santra D K;Ghosh R N (NO, Geological Survey of India, Op. WB-S-A&N, GSI Office Complex, DK-Block, Sector II, Salt Lake City, Kolkata-700 091) : Li-Cs-Rb mineralisation in proterozoic zoned pegmatites of Beju, West Bengal. J Geol Soc India 2002, 60(5), 493-503.

The Li-Cs-Rb bearing Beku pegmatite occurs in a calc-silicate rock enclave within the Proterozoic Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex (CGC). Its internal structure shows zonation that comprises an outer tourmaline-rich pegmatite and inner rare metal-bearing pegmatite containing spodumnene-pollucite-lepidolite. The pegmatite is strongly peraluminous with high SiO₂, low Fe₂O₃(t), CaO, TiO₂, P₂O₅ and variable Al₂O₃, K₂O and Na₂O. Its Cs/Rb and Li/Rb values increase towards the centre and decrease towards the boundary. /Rb value increases from pollucite-bearing pegmetite to tourmaline-rich pegmatite, depicting the more evolved nature of the pollucite-bearing pegmetite. Petrography and geochemistry of the Beku pegmetite suggest fractionation from a peraluminous S-type granitic magma. It is synchronous with shear development in the area, under a minimum formational P-T of 4 kbar and 500°C.

6 illus, 1 table, 50 ref

000414   Sohoni P S (Geology Dep, Faculty of Science, M.S. University of Baroda, Vadodara-390 002) : Tectono-structural attributes of central Kachchh mainland with special emphasis on active tectonics and palaeoseismicity. J Geol Soc India 2002, 60(1), 114-16.

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000413   Sinha Roy S (NO, Birla Institute of Scientific Research, Statue Circle, Jaipur-302 001) : Hypsometry and landform evolution: a case study in the Banas drainage basin, Rajasthan, with implications for Aravalli uplift. J Geol Soc India 2002, 60(1), 7-26.

The hypsometry (area-elevation analysis) of drainage basins is a useful method to decipher the stages of landform evolution and assess the influence of geologic and tectonic factors on topography. Various parameters of hypsometric curve have been identified and defined here, and their implications discussed. An empirical relation involving the mean elevation and the hypsometric integral has been derived to determine the relative tectonic uplift of the subcatchments. The hypsometry of the 6th order Banas drainage basin in Rajasthan, and its nine 5th and 4th order subcatchments have been analysed. In the Mashi and Morel subcatchments, catchment widening is accompanied by significant channel networking and high erosion, leading to mass accumulation and elevation increase at the lower reaches. Other subcatchments show 2D stream branching without significant valley incision and downstream mass accretion. The subcatchment aspect ratio has influenced the hypsometric curve shape. The landform age of the subcatchments appears to increase in the following order: Dhil, Dai, Kothari, Chandrabhaga, Mashi, Morel, Berach, Khari and Galwa. The hypsometry of the studied subcatchments distinguishes two landform development trends. Two landform evolution models, one based on discharge-dominant fluvial process and the other on slope-dominant diffusive process, have been derived.

20 illus, 1 table, 40 ref

000412   Sinha D K;Fahmi S;Sarkar B C;Roy M K (Atomic Energy Dep, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, 52/207 Pratap Nagar, Tonk Road, Sanganer - Jaipur-303 609) : Discovery of the uraniferous polymetallic veins in the gneisses of Chhota-Udaipur, Ajmer district, Rajasthan. J Geol Soc India 2002, 59(5), 469-72.

Uraniferous polymetallic veins are found in the Gyangarh Asind acidic igneous suite and Sandmata Complex near Chhota-Udaipur in Rajasthan. These veins occur in continuation of the well-known U-Co-Mo mineralised albitite zone in Rajasthan and represent a potential target.

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000411   Singh R S;Kar R K (NO, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53, University Road, Lucknow-226 007) : Palaeocene palynofossils from the Lalitpur intertrappean beds, Uttar Pradesh, India. J Geol Soc India 2002, 60(2), 213-16.

The Deccan Interappean Beds exposed about 3 km north-east of the Papro village, Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh, were palynologically investigated. The assemblage comprises Palaeocene marker species like Dandotiaspora dilata and Dandotiaspora pseudoauriculata along the Lakiapollis ovatus and Spinizonocolpites echinatus. On this basis, a Palaeocene age is ascribed for this intertrappean bed.

1 illus, 26 ref

000410   Singh O P (Geology Dep, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005) : Early neogene calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy of Henry Lawrence Island, Ritchie's Archipelago, Andaman sea. J Geol Soc India 2002, 60(2), 193-8.

A rich assemblage of calcareous nannofossils, containing thirty three species is recorded from the southeast coast section of Henry Lawrence Island in the Ritchie's Archipelago of Andaman Sea. The assemblage can be assigned to the Helicosphaera ampliaperta Zone (NH4) of Martini (1971) corresponding to Zone CN3 of Okada and Bukry (1980) which is of late Early Miocene to early Middle Miocene age.

3 illus, 18 ref

000409   Singh B P;Tandon S K (Postgraduate Dep of Geology, University of Jammu, Jammu-180 006) : Calcretes and related palaeosols in phanerozoic stratigraphic recodes of India. J Geol Soc India 2002, 60(1), 75-89.

Calcretes occur commonly in both Quaternary and pre-Quaternary continental and marginal marine sequences, and are generally considered as indicators of seasonal, arid/semi-arid climatic conditions. The marginal marine and continental sedimentary basins of the Himalaya and the Phanerozoic Gondwana basins are analysed here to evaluate the possibilities of calcrete and palaeosol occurrences in them. A compilation of the known occurrences of calcretes and related palaeosols in pre-Quaternary and Quaternary sequences of India is also given. The importance of calcretes and their evaluation in the Himalayan foreland for obtaining insights on Cenozoic climates if highlighted. Possibilities of future studies on calcretes and related palaeosols include: (a) the application of gradualistic pedofacies model in the well developed alluvial sequences of the Siwalik Group and the Gondwana Supergroup, (b) the identification of lowstand systems tract in the marginal marine basins of India, and (c) understanding the directions of climate changes in the Indian stratigraphic record.

^iia6 illus, 2 tables, 102 ref