000122   Uz B;Esenli F;Ozdamar S;Esenli V;Suner F (Geol Dep, Istanbul Technical Univ, Maslam, 80626, istanbul, Turkey) : Comparison of ordering in opal structure in two different bentonite occurrences. J Geol Soc India 2003, 62(4), 478-84.

The geological and chemical compositional heterogenetics of the two different types of bentonite occurrence, from the Hoylu and Caltumar areas in Fatsa of Ordu province (NE, Turkey), were discussed in terms of silica polymorph structure. The Hoylu occurrence was formed by means of in situ alteration, the Caltumr bentonite was deposited within a volcano-sedimentary sequence and it has undergone diagenetic process. The samples of both areas contain smectite and opal (cristobaliete/tridymite) as the main mineral. Feldspar, quartz and calcite are the other minerals observed in the Caltumar samples while the latter two minerals are not observed in the Hoylu samples. The cristobalites in Caltumar samples have strongly ordered microstructure and high crystallinity. The d-spacings of 101 line (4A band) of these cristobalites are lower than 4.07A and these silica polymorphs were identified as opal-C. But the opals from the Hoylu smples have disordered microstructure and probably rich in trydimite layers. The d-values of 4A band of these opal-CT are higher than 4.08A.

3 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

000121   Unsal N;Celir M;Murthan A M (Civil Enng Dep, Gazi Univ, Fac of Enng and Architecture, Maltepe 06570 Ankara, Turkey) : Hydrochemical and isotopic properties of the mineralized thermal waters of Kirsehir province, Turkey. J Geol Soc India 2003, 62(4), 447-54.

Chemical and isotopic properties and reservoir temperature of mineralized thermal water of Kirsehir region, Turkey have been determined. Areas which have been included in this study are Savcih, Karakurt, Terme, Bulamach and Mahmutlu. Mahmutlu and Bulamach waters are mainly of the Na-Cl type, Savcili waters are of the Na-HOC₃-Cl type and Karakurt and Terme waters are mainly of the Ca-HCO₃ type. The saturation index values of the waters have been evaluated and mineralized thermal waters were found to be saturated with respect to the calcite and dolomite minerals but undersaturated with respect to the halite mineral in spite of being NaCl type. The results of hydrochemical and environmental isotope (^{18,D>O, D3H) analyses show that the waters are of meteoric origin and have varying component of relatively old water. The reservoir temperature of the five areas of thermal manifestations fall between 50 and 100C and 100°C. Highest temperatures of about 100<144.,F255.C have been estimated for Bulamach and Mahmutlu using various chalcedony geothermometers. Mahmutlu mineralized thermal water has longer residence time and higher reservoir temperature compared to other geothermal areas in Kirsehir Province.}

8 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

000120   Thomas P A;Sree A;Bapuji M (NO, CMFRI, Vizhinjam-695 521) : Affinity and zoogeography of the gorgonid fauna off Gopalpur (Orissa) coast (Bay of Bengal). Ecol Envir Conserv 2003, 9(3), 263-7.

Collection of 25 species of gorgonids is reported for the first time from the newly found ridge reefs off Gopalpur coast (Orissa), Bay of Bengal, between 25 m and 35 m isobaths. The gorgonids belonged to 6 families and 18 genera under two sub-orders of Order, Gorgonaceae. Holaxonian species (20) dominate over Scleraxonian species (4) and the family Muriceidae Verrill represents 8 genera. The structure and composition of the major taxa and also the number of genera falling under the various families are in full agreement with those collected from any part of the Indo-Pacific.

3 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

000119   Thapliyal P K;Rao B M;Pal P K;Das H P (Atmospheric Sciences Div, Meteotology & Oceanography Group, Space Applications Centre (ISRO), Ahmedabad - 380 015) : Potential of IRS-P4 Microwave radiometer data for Soil moisture estimation over India. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 277-86.

Soil moisture at different temporal and spatial scales is very important for various applications. At smaller spatial scales it has important for the agro-meterological applications, whereas at large spatial scales it is an important boundary parameter in the numerical prediction model of atmosphere for monthly to seasonal time-scale integrations. Frequent in situ global measurements of soil moisture at these spatial scales are virtually impossible because large heterogeneity of soil types makes these obsevations highly expensive and time consuming. Satellite based microwave radiometers van provide indirect estimates of soil moisture at resolutions compatible to that of climate models (50-100 km). In this paper the potential of Multi-frequency Scanning Microwave Radiometer (MSMR) onboard Indian satellite IRS-P4 is assessed for large area averaged soil moisture data over a few observatories of India Meteorological Department (IMD).

5 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

000118   Singhal D C;Roy T N;Joshi h;Seth A K (Hydrology Dep, Indian Inst of Technol, Roorkee 247 667) : Evaluation of groundwater pollution potential in Roorkee town, Uttaranchal. J Geol Soc India 2003, 62(4), 465-77.

Sewage irrigation, without proper treatment can cause groundwater contamination and accumulation of heavy metals and toxic organics in soils and water. In Roorkee town of District Haridwar (Uttaranchal) the major source of water supply is from groundwater resources for its populace and for industrial uses. The ongoing practice of sewage irrigation of crops in the Saliar farms just upstream of Roorkee town seems to have a potential for polluting the shallow groundwater resources of the area through leachate transport from the sewage farms. Study indicates that there is some adverse impact of sewage irrigation on the groundwater quality in the upper aquifer in the vicinity of the waste disposal areas in and around Roorkee town warranting further detailed studies.

5 illus, 12 tables, 9 ref

000117   Singh D;Herlin I;Berroir J P;Bouzidi S; Lahoche F (NO, Institute National de Recherche en Informatique et Automatique, Domain, France) : (NULL). Mausam 2003, 54(1), 247-52.

Evapotranspiration (ET) is a critical hydrological link between the surface and the atmosphere. It is therefore important point of issues involving many aspects of climate, climate change, and ecosystem response.It is well known that ET is the process responsible for the transfer of the moisture from soil and vegetated surface to the atmosphere. Changes in ET are likely to have large impacts on terrestrial vegetation. Since the distribution and abundance of plant communities are controlled to a large extent by the quantity and seasonality of moisture. If the changes in water balance are significant, major shifts in vegetative parrerns and condition are a likely result of climate change. Equally changes in ET are likely to impact atmospheric compostion of green house gases, and climate, as the hydrological cycle increases in intensity with warming. In this paper, it is attempted to estimate the ET over vegetative and bare field using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)/ Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data at coarse spatial resolution of 1.1 km as a function of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and with semi-emprical approach. For this purpose, a model has been proposed to estimate the ET over vegetative and bare field. The dependence of ET on NDVI-Surface temperature has been Checked by multiple regression analysis and quite good percentage of ET on NDVI-Surface temperature has been observed. This type of estimation will be helpful for climate modeler, climatologists, ecosystem modeler and regional planer.

5 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

000116   Simon B;Rahaman S H;Sathiyamoorthy V (Atnospheric Sciences Div, Meteorology and Oceanography Group, Space Applications Centre (ISRO), Ahmedabad - 380015) : Intraseasonal oscillations over tropical Indian ocean in relation to monsoon onset and rainfall events over the peninsular India. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 189-96.

Detailed analysis of the satellite derived water vapour for a five years period (1995-1999) prior to and during southwest monsoon is done over the Indian subcontinent and the adjoining seas. Three layer (1000 hPa - 700hPa - 500hPa - 300hPa) and total moisture data available from NOAA/TOVS satellite are used for the analysis. These data are used to study the northward propagating intraseasonal oscillations in the tropical Indian Ocean during the summer monsoon season. Results indicate the presence of intraseasonal oscillations in the middle (700hPa - 500hPa) and the upper level (500 hPa - 300 hPa) water vapour. Wavelet analysis is applied to study the characteristics and time evolution of the intraseasonal oscillations especially over East Arabian Sea (EAS). Intraseasonal oscillations with periods ranging from 8-15 days, 15-30 and 30-60 days are seen over EAS. Heavy rainfall events over west coast of peninsular India are studies before and after the monsoon onset in terms of moisture availability in the middle level and zonal wind speed. The water vapour content and zonal speed over the Eastern Arabian Sea are found to influence rainfall over the west coast of India.

5 illus, 18 ref

000115   Shyam Lal;Sheel V;Patra P K (Physical Research Laboratory, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad - 380009) : Satellite technique for trace gas measurements. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 315-26.

Satellite measurements of atmospheric minor constituents are very useful as they provide frequent global coverage over a long period of time. Due to technical developments measurements of ozone and other related trace gases are becoming possible since the past decade even in the troposphere. Measurements in the infrared and microwave are being utilised with the advent of new technology. Different types of viewing geometries of satellite observations and retrieval algorithms are discussed with examples for temperature and ozone, respectively. Since India is capable of launching satellites, it is suggested that monitoring some of the sky pollutants along with meteorological parameters will be important to understand their transport and chemistry in the tropical region using a low inclination orbit satellite.

10 illus, 3 tables, 40 ref

000114   Sen Gupta S;Chaudhuri S N (Coal Wing, Geological Survey of India, , GSI Comples, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700 091) : Characterisation of morpho-petrological aspects of lignite horizons from east coast area, Cauvery basin, Tamil Nadu. J Geol Soc India 2003, 62(4), 439-46.

Bio-petrographic data on lignite occurrence of india were primarily oriented towards understanding the microconstiluents. In the present study morpho-petrological nature, genesis and rank of lignite horizons from East Coast have been elaborated with a view to interpret depositional milieu and trend of development of lignite in this part of the basin along with a note on its industrial utilization. The morphological features of the constituent macerals suggest that the precursors were deposited in coastal plain under the influence of low energy and anaerobic environment. Further, lignitisation is believed to be autochthonous in origin. In terms of rank, the lignite horizons are categorised as mattbrown or sub-bituminous stage. Osorank study indicates improvement of quality from southeast to northwest. The lignite desposit is suitable for power sector.

3 illus, 5 tables, 29 ref

000113   Seetharamaiah J;Basavaiah N;Chakraborty S; Nageswara Rao K;Khadkikar A S (Delta Studies Institute, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam-530 003) : Use of magnetic susceptibility for identification of mangrove deposits in vibracores from deltaic environments. J Indian Geophys Union 2004, 8(1), 65-70.

The most commonly used technique for retrieving sediments from modern mangroves is through the use of vibracoring equipment. The retrieved cores are small in diameter, hence conventional methods of fewer analyses are limited by sample availability. Due to the suitability of mangrove sediments for palaeomonsoon reconstruction, it becomes necessary to discriminate mangrove sediments from others. This is achieved by examining the magnetic susceptibility, χ of the cores, which show characteristically low, and invarient χ values. This criterion reliably discriminates mangrove sediments in the east coast deltaic environments of the Godavari, Krishna and Cauvery deltas highlighting the role of χ as a rapid tracer to distinguish between depositional and nondepositional environments.

3 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

000112   Schulz J (Meteorological Institute, University Bonn, Auf dem Hiigel 20, D-53121 Bonn) : Satellite remote sensing of Turbulent heat fluxes. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 75-88.

Reviews recent progress and remaining problems in the derivation of turbulent heat fluxes from satellite data. Satellite derived flux fields are important for the evaluation of coupled occean-atmosphere circulation models, they can provide foreing for ocean models, and have the potential to better understand the spatial and temporal variability of the exchange of heat and momentum between ocean and atmosphere. Here the focus is on summarising which data sets already exist and what techniques were used to derive them. Estimates of surface wind speeds from scatterometers and passive microwave radiometers made large progress over the last decade. Somewhat troublesome are still the methods for deriving air humidity and air temperature. Comparisons of existing global satellite derived data sets among each other revealed large regional differences. However, the agreement among the satellite data sets is much better than that with well established in situ and reanalysis data sets. Therefore it is necessary to foster assessment of the quality of all three kinds of data. The SEAFLUX initiative provides at least a very good database and builds a suitable framework to assess the quality of existing data sets as well as retrievals on the pixel scale.

4 tables, 63 ref

000111   Sathiyamoorthy V;Simon B;Joshi P C (Atmospheric Sciences Div, Meteorology & Oceanography Group Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad - 380 015) : Application of Microwave remote sensing data for Indian summer monsoon studies. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 197-204.

Microwave remote sensing is increasingly being used for studying the atmospheric and oceanic processes for the last few decades. Advantage of the microwave sensors is that they can see through the clouds and to some extent rain. Monsoon studies received considerable thrust from mivrowave remote sensing because clouds cover most parts of Asia during the summer monsoon season and the visible and infrared sensors poorly perform over this region. This paper summarizes the significant results obtained towards the understanding and forecasting of Indian summer monsoon especially monsoon onset, intraseasonal oscillation of monsoon, during variability of rainfall and boundary layer fluxes with the help of microwave remote sensing.

4 illus, 19 ref

000110   Sarkar A (Oceanic Sciences Div, Meteorology & Oceanography Group Space Applications Centre (ISRO),, Ahmedabad) : Space based techniques for Remote sensing of Oceanic wind : A review. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 111-20.

Observations of surface winds over the global oceans at regular intervals from space platforms have been demonstrated. Focuses on different techniques developed over the past few decades. The most successful wind sensor has been the microwave scatterometer, which can provide vector winds with reasonable accuracy. With the launch of METOP-1, scheduled in 2005, scatterometer will be part of routine satellite system for weather forecast. Among the research efforts has been retrieval of winds from Synthetic Aperture Radar data, available in high spatial resolution and in both open oceans and coastal waters. Radiometric, altimetric and optical wind measuring techniques are also reviewed.

la8 illus, 37 ref

000109   Sant D A;Krishnan K;Rangarajan G;Basavaiah N; Pandya C;Sharma M;Trivedi Y (Geology Dep, M.S. University of Baroda, Vadodara-390 002) : Characterisation of flood plain and climate change using multi-proxy records from the Mahi river basin, mainland Gujarat. J Indian Geophys Union 2004, 8(1), 39-48.

Sedimentary succession at Bhimpura from the lower reaches of Mahi flood plain (situated in western India) is characterised using parameters such as grain size, magnetic susceptibility, carbonates, ferri-magnetic and other rock forming and clay mineral concentrations. Of the 1513 cm sediment record, the interval spanning 0-580 cm is analysed and compared with the sediment character of the well-dated section at Rayka. The interpolated age model suggests that the sediments under study fall within the time span of 30 ka to 10 ka. The study has identified strong and weak monsoon events, represented as fluvial/aeolian sediment characters within the massive unstratified sandy-silty sediment of the Mahi flood plain. Since these sediments form a blanket cover over western India, the response to regional and global climate change is discussed.

5 illus, 34 ref

000108   Randhir Singh;Pal P K (Amosphere Sciences Div, Meteorology & Oceanography Group Space Applications Centre (ISRO), Ahmedabad - 380015) : Impact of QuikSCAT derived wind field in a Mesoscale non-hydrostatic model. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 183-8.

Mesoscale model need high-resolution data on atmospheric parameters.QuikSCAT provides the horizontal components of winds over the global ocean with a very high horizontal resolution. In this paper, QuikSCAT derived wind fields have been used to improve the initial state of mesoscale circulation in a non-hydrostatic mesoscale model. The comparison of initial state using global data with and without QuikSCAT data has clearly identified the benefits of addition of important mesoscale circulation features. Considering the wind circulation forecast, the control run that used the initial state without QuikSCAT data prediet very weak low pressure area. In contrast, the experimental run with QuikSCAT data could forecast it up to 48 hours in a way that agreed well with the observed circulation.

8 illus, 4 ref

000107   Rajshekhar C;Reddy P P (Geol and Palaeontology Group, Agharkar Res Inst, G G Agarkar Road, Pune 411 004) : Quaternary stratigraphy of Andaman-Nicobar Islands, Bay of Bengal. J Geol Soc India 2003, 62(4), 485-93.

Pleistocene and holocene formations in Andaman including the Ritchie's Archipelago were examined. Based on lithology and age the Neill West Coast Formation is emended and redesignated as Neill Formation. A new lithounit, the Chidyatapur Member is proposed with its type locality and relationship with the underlying limestone Member. Preliminary Petrographic observations assign biocalcarenite facies to the Chidyatapu Member.

4 illus, 3 tables, 55 ref

000106   Rajshekhar C;Gawali P B;Mudgal T R;Reddy P P; Basavaiah N (NO, Agharkar Research Institute, G.G. Agharkar Road, Pune-411 004) : Micropaleontology and mineral magnetic evidence of the holocene mudflats of Navlakhi, Gulf of Kachchh. J Indian Geophys Union 2004, 8(1), 71-7.

A combination of foraminiferal and mineral magnetic analyses has been used to reconstruct the depositional environment of the clays from a 3.5 m shallow core of the mudflats of Gulf of Kachchh. The overall foraminiferal assemblage is related to the Early Holocene high sea level. The quantitative analyses of the two most common families viz., Nonionidae and Elphidiidae of the clays established definite relations between the counts of Elphidiidae and the values of magnetic parameters. The relatively lower values of ARM/SRIM, S-ratio and χ correspond to the lower counts of Elphidiidae inferring low discharge peiods during drier climates of weaker monsoons. Similarly, high values of magnetic parameters correspond to the higher counts of Elphidiidae inferring high discharge periods of wetter climates of stronger monsoons. During wet periods of monsoonal reinforcements occurring at the early and middle (?) Holocene, it is postulated that there is an overall reduction in magnetic grain size as reflected in higher values of ARM/SIRM, low haematite content from high S-ratio values and increase in percentage abundance of the micro-fauna of Elphidiidae and vice versa.

3 illus, 17 ref

000105   Purdom J F W (Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, Colorado State University-Foothills Campus,Fort Collins, Colorado - 80523-1375) : (NULL). Mausam 2003, 54(1), 141-54.

Addresses using satellite data for nowcasting severe storm and their intensity in the 0-6 hour time frame. Weather, and weather related phenomena extend across a broad range of scales. In meteorology the like between the synoptic scale and the mesoscale is many times a key factor in controlling the intensity of local weather. The only observing tool capable of monitoring weather across those scales (and those scales interactions) is the geostationary imagery from polar orbiting satellites helped advance understanding of synoptic scale phenomena, imagery from geostationary satellites is advancing our understanding of the mesoscale. A number of important discoveries using geostationary satellite imagery have had a dramatic impact on mesoscale meteorology and, provide short tern forecasts and warnings for disaster related weather events, including areas of incipient squall line development; location of regions with high probability of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms; mesoscale convective complexes; and areas with heavy convective rainfall. As exciting as current capabilities are, satellite systems that will come into being during the next several years will provide capabilities well beyond the present ones.

15 illus, 39 ref

000104   Puranik R B;Padole V R (Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science Dep, Dr. PDKV, Akola) : Sand mineralogy of some vertisols and alfisols of Vidarbha. PKV Res J 1999, 23(2), 85-91.

The soil profile from Khapa forest range derived from basaltic material is prefominated by opaque minerals followed by quartz. The soil profiles developed from sandstone (Agarazari and Babulkhed) and quartzite (Thana) are dominated by quartz followed by feldspar whereas soil profile from Khapa forest range derived from ganite-gneiss are dominated by mica (biotite) followed by quartz. Feldspar is the predominent mineral in light fraction while opaque minerals are concentrated in heavy fraction of fine sand soil separate of profiles of basaltic origin. Soil profiles derived from sandstone and quartzite contains more than 90% light fraciton of minerals of fine sand are dominated by quartz followed by altered feldspar. Heavy fraction of fine sand is dominated by ilmenite/magnetite. The soil profile developed from granite-gneiss is rich in biotite and muscovite mica in light fraction while heavy fraction is dominated by garnet. Thus, the mineral assemblage of coarse and fine sand of soil profiles derived from basaltic parent material are of younger origin as the minerals present are readily weatherable whereas soil profile developed from sandstone and quartzite have los weatherability and also low inherent fertility. The mineralogy of soil profile derived from granite-gneiss have abundance of biotite-muscovite mica which indicate that the soil have potential reserve of potassium.

4 tables, 12 ref

000103   Prasad V S (NO, National Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasting Mausam Bhawan Com, New Delhi - 110003) : Impact of high resolution satellite wind vector data on NCMRWF assimilation and forecasting system. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 237-46.

High resolution Atmospheric Motion Vector (AMV) data and Ocean surface wind vectors from QuikScat scatterometer have recently become available at NCMRWF. Efforts are on to assimilate these new data sets in Global Data Assimilation and Forecasting (GDAF) system operational at NCMRWF. In this study an attempt is made to quantify the impact of the new data set through an Observational System Experiment (OSE). The impact has been examined in terms of various objective scores and the circulation features. It is clearly seen that the inclusion of the new data set results in some improvement in the forecast skill, also in reproduction of synoptic circulations in better way.

4 illus, 6 tables, 19 ref

000102   Pandey J S;Joseph V;Kaul S N (National Environmental Enng Res inst (NEERI), , Nagpur 440 020) : Ecological economics of watlands : a case study. J Indian Ass Envir Mgmt 2003, 30, 190-7.

8 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

000101   Panda N K;Rajagopalan V;Ravi G S (Atomic Mineral Directorate for Exploration and Res, Dep of Atomic Energy BSOI Group, Visakhapatnam 530 018) : Rare-earth-element geochemistry of placer monazites from kalingapatnam coast, Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh. J Geol Soc India 2003, 62(4), 429-38.

4 illus, 3 tables, 32 ref

000100   Pal P K;Kishtawal C M;Agarwal N (Meteorology and Oceanography Group, Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad - 380015) : Multifeature classification based rainfall estimation using visible infrared TRMM data. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 67-74.

An attempt has been made to estimate the rain potential of clouds using the signatures in visible and infrared spectral channels by multi spectral classification approach. The data for this study was obtained from Visible Infrared Scanner (VIRS) and TRMM Microwave Instrument (TMI) onboard Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite. Fifteen VIRS derived parameters have beem used for classification and the clouds were separated into 24 classes using K-Mean classification algorithm. Six out of these 24 classes were found to have high raining probability as well as high cumalative contribution to the total rainfall (-80). A regrssion analysis has been performed to explain the TMI rainfall rate in term of features derived from VIRS observations for these six classes. The results of classification and verification have been discussed.

3 illus, 5 tables, 8 ref

000099   Narsimha Reddy M;Babu E V S S K;Leelanandam C (Geol Dep, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad 500 007) : Petrography, meneral chemistry and geothermobarometry of the inukurti anorthosite complex and associated rocks from the nellore schist belt, Andhra Pradesh. J Geol Soc India 2003, 62(4), 413-28.

The Inukurti Anorthosite Complex (IAC) forms a small elliptical dome 91.5 x 1.0 km) within the Archaean metamorphosed volcano-sedimentary sequences of the nellore Schist Belt (NSB). The IAC comprises dominantly of anorthositic rocks, which are cut by mafic sills and dykes; volumentrically insignificant lenses and bands of diorite occur along its periphery. All the rocks are deformed and metamorphosed under amphibolite facies conditions, but exhibit relict magmatic jextures despite metamorphic recrystallisation of deformation. The minerals from anorthosites, diorites and amphibolites exhibit compositional characteristics distinct to each group. Garnet hornblende plagioclase quartz equilibria from the IAC indicate a narrow range of metamorphic equilibration temperature between 644 and 570C, but a broad range of pressure between 7.6 and 2.7 kbar. Geothermobarometry on zoned garnet porphyroblasts indicates that the rocks of the IAC were subjected to decompression of the order of about 5 khar from 7.6 to 2.7 kbar related to rapid exhumation.

6 illus, 9 tables, 29 ref

000098   Mishra A (NO, Badalkhol Sanctuary, Jashpur, Chhattisgarh) : Geomorpho-silvicultural appraisal of erosional patern of Jashpur plateau and vicinity. Ecol Envir Conserv 2003, 9(3), 309-12.

Geomorphology of an area is the result of asymmetric pattern of erosion. Resulting soil allows many types of vegetation suited for new set of circumstances. Though, there can be no hard and fast rule for vegetation and geology of any area, but on very keen observation, it was traced in Jashpur that type of vegetation can broadly be decided by erosional phase and agent/geological unit combination, (as this can produce soils having versatile nature on edaphic norms). Some species are identified on many aspects and localities having different degree of erosion.

000097   Manikiam B (Disaster Management Support, ISRO HQs, Antariksh Bhavan, New B.E.L. Road, Bangalore - 560 094) : Remote sensing applications in Disaster management. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 173-82.

The statistics of the disaster events shows the alarming trend of increasing damage and economic loss due to increasing population and development activities in vulnerable areas. Space based system with synoptic and repetitive coverage, have unamonstrated their capability in providing vital information and services in a disaster situation. Earth obsevation satellites provide comprehensive, synoptic and multi temporal coverage of large areas in real time and at frequent intervals and thus have become valuable monitoring tools. The most important applications of satellites are in detecting, providing and delivering early warnings through earth observations, data relay, navigation, and communication capabilities. Satellites are particularly suited to deliver locale-specific disaster warning and communications to remote, rural and under-developed areas. With the experience gained through pilot scale studies and operational use of space data, the concept of a space based observation and communication system for disaster management is being evolved. The most important step is to assess the overall requirements of users at various levels and the delivery mechanisms that could provide the services effectively. The elements of such a system therefore will consist of database design near real time monitoring/mapping modelling tools and framework networking solutions and multi-agency interface. A review of the existing capabilities of space system and a proto-type design of an information system is made.

3 illus, 1 table, 2 ref

000096   Mahajan P N (NO, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune - 411008) : Satellite data diagnostics of Monsoon disturbance. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 165-72.

Daily variations of geophysical parameters such as sea surface wind speed, integrated water vapour, integrated cloud liquid water and precipitation rates associated with different stages of monsoon disturbances have been analyzed over the Indian region. For this purpose, DMSP-SSM/I and IRS-P4 MSMR satellite data have been utilized during the years 1992 and 2000 respectively for monitoring, analysis and depiction of monsoon systems particularly the depressions over the Indian region. Suitable algorithms developed by national and international researchers have been applied to SSM/I and MSMR data. Two typical cases of monsoon depressions (22-27 July 1992 and 19-24 August 2000) developed over the Bay of Bengal are illustrated. It is observed that prior to the formation of monsoon depressions there was strengthening of surface winds (15-17) ms-1) to the south of low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. Highest calues of integrated water vapour, integrated cloud liquid water and precipitation rates observed from SSM/I and MSMR data were of the order of (70-80 kg m-2), (1.8-2.2 kg m-2) and (20-25 mm hr-1) respectively. These hoghest values of geophysical parameters were specially associated with the southwest sector of the monsoon depressions. Results of study suggest that estimated geophysical parameters obtained from SSM/I and MSMR data can be used with some confidence for prediction of different weather systems over the Indian region.

2 illus, 52 ref

000095   Liu G (NO, Florida State University, Tallahassee, ) : Determination of cloud and precipitation characteristics in the monsoon region using Satellite microwave and Infrared observation. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 51-66.

The mean vertical precipitation profiles showed that stratiform rains have a constant rainfall rate below freezing level and a sharp drop-off above, regardless over land or ocean. Convective rain profiles, on the other hand, often have the maximum rainfall rate below the freezing level, implying a significent growth of raindrops by warm microphysical processes, such as coalescence. It is also found that given the same surface rainfall rate, the amount of ice particles above freezing level is substantially greater for covective rains over land than over ocean, which explains the difference of scattering signatures between rains over the two different surface types. It is also demonstrated that the sub-pixel variability of rains is largely responsible for the mismatch between plane-parallel model simulations and actual satellite observations.

12 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

000094   Lingeswara Rao S V (Geol Dep, S V Univ, Tirupati 517 502) : Cluster analysis of groundwater quality data of venkatagiri taluq, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh. J Geol Soc India 2003, 62(4), 447-54.

An assessment of the quality of groundwater for the Venkatagiri taluq of Nellore district has been carried out with an objective to determine the hydrogeochemical variability. A total of 120 samples of groundwater were collected from wells disributed over different geological formations such as gneisses, schists, phyllites and quartzites. The groundwater samples were analysed for the major chemical constituents, viz. Ca, mg- Na. K (Cations); Co_{3,D>, HCO3, SO,v>4}.Cl(Anions); pH and EC. Cluster analysis, a multivariate sttistical tool, has been used in the study as a qualitative means for differentiating groundwaters into distinctive types. Based on hydrogeochemistry, chemical variability deciphered from Cluster analysis suggests three distinct types of groundwater, viz. Mg-Cl-Ca type, Na-HCO₃ type and CO₃-pH type. Distribution of these groundwater types and their quality have been found to be in direct relation with the host rocks of the area.

4 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

000093   Le Marahall J;Leslie L M;Seecamp R;Rea A (NO, Bureau of Meteorology, Melbourne, Australia) : (NULL). Mausam 2003, 54(1), 39-50.

As the spatial, temporal and spectral resolution of visible and infrared radiance observations from space has improved, their utility for estimating atmospheric motion, and, in particular their benefit to Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) has increased/ The utility of these data has also been aided by increased computer power, improved NWP models and the use of improving data assimilation techniques. This review provides a brief history of the generation and application of Atmosphere Motion Vectors (AMVs), including a short descrtiption of high spatial and temporal resolution AMV processing. All AMV data types are both suitable and now used for operational regional ang global NWP and the data selection and quality control issues important to NWP are discussed. A brief examination of preparations for future advanced instruments is also undertaken.

3 illus, 1 table, 84 ref

000092   Kumaran K P N;Shindikar M R;Mudgal T R (Geology and Palaeontology Group, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune-411 004) : Floristic composition, palynology and sedimentary facies of Hadi mangrove swamp (Maharashtra). J Indian Geophys Union 2004, 8(1), 55-63.

The mangrove profile of Hadi has been subjected to palynological analysis and sedimentary facies study. On the basis of identifiable taxa, number of ecological complexes has been recognized. No organic recovery at 50 cm level and its conspicuous absence may be related to an ecological shift probably as a result of a natural cause. The abundance of spores of a freshwater flood plain fern (Ceratopteris thalictroides) at 100 cm level suggests a possible influx of freshwater. Further, the recovery of good mangrove pollen (Rhizophoraceae and Avicenniaceae) between 130 and 140 cm interval indicates luxuriance of mangrove as a result of periodic influx of freshwater. As the sustenance of mangroves is related to hydrodynamics and sedimentology, the mangrove swamps form an ideal storage site for palaeomonsoon records. There is hardly any input of environmental magnetism along with pollen analysis from the mangrove sediments of India for high-resolution palaeoclimatic study. Hence, the importance of an integrated study of mangrove sediments has been discussed using Hadi swamp profile.

3 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

000091   Kulkarni A V;Rathore B P (Marine and Water Resources Group, Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad - 380015) : Snow cover monitoring in Baspa basin using IRS WiFS data. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 335-40.

Seasonal snow cover monitoring was carried out in the Baspa river basin using IRS IC, ID and P3 WiFS data. In the study, a period between October and June for years starting from 1996-97 to 2001-2002 was used. A total of 57 scenes were analyzed. Systematic analysis of changes in snow cover suggests that extent of snow cover in early winter, i.e. October to January of 2001-2002 and mid December to mid February 2000-2001 is substantially lower than year 1997-98 and 1998-99. This low snow cover is caused due to lower snowfall in the early part of winter and abnormally high temperature. On the other hand snow accumulation pattern in year 2000-2001 is completely different. Overall snow cover is very high in the month of November-December. However, from the beginning of December snow cover started to reduce and this trend continues up to middle of February. This melting of snow cover in the peak of winter, i.e. January and February is very unusual observation. In addition, overall snow extent is almost 30 less than average of four years. This has also affected snow depletion pattern, for example, at the beginning of May 1998 approximately 85 percent basin was covered by snow and in the year 1999 only 74 of basin was covered by snow. Melting and retreat of snow cover was analyzed using depletion curves. Snow depletion curve suggests an altitude zone between 3000 to 3600 m is free of snow by behinning of May and altitude between 3600 and 4200 m is cleared by beginning of June and higher attitude zone between 4200 to 4800 m is cleared by middle of June.

6 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

000090   Krishnamurti T N;Vijaya Kumar T S V;Mackey B; Cubucku N;Ross R S (Meteorology Dep, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Fl 32306-4520) : Current thrusts on TRMM and SSM/I based modeling studies on Heavy rain and Flooding episodes. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 121-40.

Study includes forecasts using multimodels from a number of global operational centers and a multianalysis component, which is based on the FSU global spectral model that utilizes TRMM and SSM/I data sets and a number of rain rate algorithms. The differences in the analysis arise from the use of these different rain rate algorithms within physical initialization, which in turn, produces distinct diffrences among dicergence, heating, moisture, and rain rate descriptions. A total of 11 models, of which 5 represent global operational models and 6 represent multianalysis forecasts from the FSU model initialized by different rain rate algorithms, are embedded in the multianalysis/multimodel system studied here. The TRMM and the SSM/I rainfall data sets derived from microwave instruments are key to these marked improvements of rainfall forecasts. The statistical biases of the models are determined from a multiple linear regression of these forecasts against a 'best' rainfall analysis field, which is based on a TRMM and SSM/I data set that utilizes rain rate algorithms recently developed at NASA Goddard. Deals with recent flood episodes over India, Bangadesh, the United States of America, Mozambique/Madagascar and the Philippines. These result compare the performance of the superensemble against the best and lowest performing model, the ensemble mean and the control experiment (that does not use any TRMM or SSM/I data sets). Overall thses results show great promise over the current best models.

15 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

000089   Khadse G K;Nanoti M V (Geo-environment Management Div, NEERI, Nagpur 440 020) : Remote sensing and GIS technologies in management of soil and land resources for ecorestoration of watershed. J Indian Ass Envir Mgmt 2003, 30, 185-9.

The various thematic maps, viz. land use/land cover, slope, physiography and soil, wastelands/degraded lands. with categorisation of existing forest in the area were prepared using satellite data (IRS-IC LISS-III) and SOI toposheets. these maps were integrated with collateral data to identify the potential and problematic regions and to suggest optimal land use plan, keeping in view the concepts of ecorestoration of an area. Attempt was made to assess the land capability classification and soil site suitability evaluation of these lands in order to put it in optimal alternatie uses. Existing flora, especially the tree species and the more common lower vegetation of the area were studied. Based on potential, limitations, local needs and meteorological conditions local-specific action plant for natural resources development was generated. The application of land-use surveys supported by remote sensing and GIS technologies found helpful in (a) assessing the present status of land-use and environmental degradation and (b) identification of integrated ecorestoration measures in a typical watershed on basaltic terrain in central India.

2 tables, 11 ref

000088   Khadkikar A S;Basavaiah N;Gundurao T K; Rajshekhar C (Geology and Palaeontology Group, Agharkar Research Institute, G.G. Agarkar Road, Pune-411 004) : Palaeoenvironments around the Harappan port of Lothal, Gujarat, western India. J Indian Geophys Union 2004, 8(1), 49-53.

The palaeogeography and palaeoenvironments around Lothal, a Harappan port town, are reported based on remote sensing, environmental magnetic and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies respectively. The results show that the uppermost part of the sediment record north of Lothal are characterised by low χ_fd implying reduced monsoon rainfall. This reduction of monsoon rainfall was accompanied by high sea levels and is comparable with other global sea level and palaeoclimatic records.

2 illus, 14 ref

000087   Kar S C;Patinaik S;Rupa K;Prasad V S;Singh S V (NO, National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting, New DElhi - 110003) : Impact of surface wind and Moisture data from Microwave sensors in the analysis and predicition of weather in the Indian ocean region. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 225-36.

Meteorology data from microwave sensors are very useful over the data sparse region such as the Indian Ocean. Assimilation experiments have been carried out at NCMRWF using surface wind speeds and total precipitable water content (TPWC) from microwave sensors on board various satellites providing meteorological data. These data when assimilated at NCMRWF have affected the analyses and forecast significantly during monsoon seasons. The dry bias of the analyses gets removed with these data and description of monsoon circulation improved. Several experiments have been carried out using data from the Indian remote sensing satellite IRS-P4. The analyses of Orissa super cyclone improved considerably when data from various microwave sensors were used. TPWC data seems to be very crucial parameter for modeling purpose. Due care must be taken in the retrieval and assimilation techniques so that this parameter is represented correctly.

8 illus, 16 ref

000086   Joshi P C;Naryanan M S;Bhatia R C;Manikiam B; Kirankumar A S (NO, Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad - 380 003) : Evolution of indian satellite meteorological programme. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 1-12.

Recent times have witnessed great strides in weather monitoring and forecasting. One of the key contributors to this development has been space based observations. Space technology has emerged as one of the most fascinating technical achievements and is developing as a powerful tool to study the complex earth-atmosphere system. The space-based observations covering large areas on repetitive basis has been found to be ideal to meet the large observational requirements of weather prediction. Indian programme in satellite meteorology started with Bhaskara satellites in late seventies and the INSAT 1 series in early 80's and has now graduated into a full-fledged mission contributing significantly to weather and climate services and research. The paper highlights the the achievements so far and future plans for advanced missions.

6 illus, 7 tables, 20 ref

000085   Joseph P V;Sooraj K P;Rajan C K (Centre for Monsoon studies, Atmospheric Science Dep, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Cochin - 682016) : Conditions leading to Monsoon onset over Kerala and the associated hadley cell. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 155-64.

Monsoon onset over Kerala (MOK) is an important event in relation to the Asian Summer Monsoon and the global atmosphere and Ocean. It marks the beginning of an intense and large covective heat source north of the equator over the tropical Indian and west Pacific ocean and an intense low level jet stream that feeds moisture to the heat source, both having a life span of about 100 days from MOK. Satellite data is ultilized to monitor the slow evolution of this heat source which first forms near the equator over an area with large SST gradient ( in the south-north direction) and slowly moves towards the warm pool over the southeast Arabian Sea. A Monsoon Hadley cell (MHC) is associated with this large convective heat source which is particularly strong over the south-east Arabian Sea at MOK. The ascending branch of the MHC is over this heat source and its descending branch is over the subtropical south Indian ocean. The low level branch of the MHC called V850 is a strong meridional southerly flow at 850 hPa crossing the equator between the longitudes 35(F128>)E and 55(F128>

6 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

000084   Hinsman D E (NO, Satellite activities office, world meteorological organization P.O.Box, Switzerland) : (NULL). Mausam 2003, 54(1), 13-24.

Provides an historical description of the space based configuration of the GOS and the role that the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS) has had in its implementation. Fundamental to the space-based configuration has been WMO user requirements. The WMO technical commission with the lead responsibility for the World Weather Watch is the Commission for Basic Systems (CBS). CBS has developed a review process to compare user requirements for WMO programmes and WMO supported programmes with expected observing system capabilities. The evolution of user requirements has resulted in the need for a review of the present configuration of the space-based global observing system. CBS has decided to use its review process to evaluate user requirements and anticipated capabilities in order to propose an evolution of the present configuration. This paper also describes the review process and recent WMO decisions that are part of a concerted effort to provide a GOS for the following decades capable of meeting the stringent and increasing demands of WMO members.

2 illus

000083   Govindan A;Rao J N;Senthivel E (Asian Biostratigraphic Services, , H-53, Central Avenue, Chennai 600 080) : Orbitoides tissoti (schlumberger) - Campanian larger foraminifera from cauvery basin, India. J Geol Soc India 2003, 62(4), 405-12.

Subsurface sediments from a well in Ramnad sub-basin have revealed the presence of the forminiferal genus Orbioides from the Upper Cretaceous sequence. Detailed morphometric analyses of these specimens have confirmed the record of Orbitoides tissoti (Schlumberger), a species known from the stratotype Campanian exposed at Aubeterre-Sur Dronne section, France. This is the first record of the genus Orbitoides from Cauvery Basin as well as from the Indian region. The chronostratigraphic value of the species of Orbitoides in the Upper Cretaceous biostratigraphy has been stressed.

14 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

000082   Gairola R M;Varma A K;Agarwal V K (Oceanic Sciences Div, Meteorology and Oceanography Group, Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad - 380 015) : Rainfall estimation using spaceborne microwave radar and Radiometric measurements. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 89-106.

Deals with some of the recent remote sensing techniques for the estimation of rainfall mainly from passive and active microwave measurements from space. The sensitivity analysis based on forward approach following the radiative transfer modelling using data from ECMWF and mesoscale models is presented. The inverse methods of retrieving rainfall from satellite microwave measurements mainly from the multiple regression and neural network are presented based on the senstivity analysis. The simulations are carried out for the multichannel measurements from TRMM-TMI, DMSP-SSM/I and Indian IRS-P4-MSMR radiometric channels and are assessed with the actual observations thereof. A few examples of the rainfall patterns are described and compared with some of the standard products from TRMM radiometer and radar. The examples of monthly rain rates derived from MSMR, are also shown qualitatively and quantitatively, for a typical monsoon month of August for brevity out of there consecutive years of analysis. Though the status of rainfall estimation presented is not exhaustive one, it is presented in view of the preparedness for the future missions like, Megha-Tropiques and Global Precipitation Mission.

15 illus, 77 ref

000081   Devendra Singh;Bhatia R C;Srivastav S K (Satellite Meteorology Div., India Meteorological Dep, New Delhi - 110 003) : Retrieval of atmospheric parameters from NOAA-16 AMSU data over Indian region - preliminary results. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 107-10.

With the establishment of a new High Resolution Picture Transmission (HRPT) reception system at IMD, New Delhi, the real time data from microwave sounding instruments onboard the NOAA-K,L,M and N series of satellites has also become available. The raw HRPT data is being interfaced with the recently acquired new 'ATOVS and AVHRR Preprocessing Package (AAPP), to perform temperature and moisture retrievals from AMSU data of NOAA-16 satellite using two separate shemes: Inversion Coupled Imager (ICI) and Neural Network (NN) approach. NOAA-16 satellite data over Indian region were used for retrieving temperature and moisture profiles for the month of January, 2002. The temperature and moisture retrieval results are evaluated by computing the bias and mean square (RMS) difference using collocated ECMWF analysis. The results based on the analysis of data set for the month of January, 2002 shows that ICI approach yield better results for all atmospheric levels. The RMS errors in temperature profiles are found to be less than 4oC at all pressure levels. The RMS errors in relative humidity are found to be less than 20 at all pressure levels. Intercomparison of the results revealed that bias and RMS error are less for ICI scheme using forecast field compared to ICI without using forecast field and Neural Network approach.

2 illus, 9 ref

000080   Devarajan M K (Geol Survey of India, Operation M P H, jabalpur 482 003) : Earthquke swarm activity around village bamhori, Seoni district, Madhya pradesh: a preliminary study. J Geol Soc India 2003, 62(4), 498-502.

Bamhori village in the Seoni district of madhya Pradesh has been experiencing tremors at irregular intervals since February 2000. People of this and a few surrounding village felt nearly 350 tremors between February and May 200. The tremors of April 16 and May 28, 2000 were widely felt and created great deal more panic than usual. The recurrence of numerous tremors of low magnitude, often accompanied by acoustic emissions, confined within a small area shows that the earthquake activity is of swarm type. Since some of the major earthquakes in the Deccan Volcanic Province were preceded by swarm type activity, the Bamhori swarm warrants monitoring and detailed analysis.

^ssc3 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

000079   Desai P v S;Jayaraman V;Navalgund R R; Rajaratnam P;Sridharan R;Subbaraya B H (Space Dep, Antariksh Bhavan, Bangalore - 560 094) : (NULL). Mausam 2003, 54(1), 263-76.

The radiation budget is an important driver as well as indicator of climate. Radiative fluxes from various satellites/sensors have been compared - e.g. NOAA-AVHRR, INSAT-VHRR, ERBSAT-ERBE. These have been standardized, and utilised in tuning/selecting climate models. Also, special radiative characteristics of the cloud systems in the Indian region have been brought out from such studies.

2 illus, 98 ref

000078   Deotare B C;Kajale M D;Rajaguru S N;Basavaiah N (NO, Deccan College Postgraduate and Research Institute, Pune-411 006) : Late quaternary geomorphology, palynology and magnetic susceptibility of playas in western margin of the Indian Thar Desert. J Indian Geophys Union 2004, 8(1), 15-25.

Multidisciplinary studies of Bap-Malar and Kanod playas in the arid western margin of the Thar desert have been carried out to understand past climate changes in this region. These studies are well supported by AMS ¹⁴C dates and archaeological material preserved on dunes and pediments surrounding the playas. Present investigations show that the playas originated during the Last Glacial Maximum (<62>15 ka) and survived with fluctuating hydrology till 5 ka. The lake full stage is suggested by rarity of gypsum, increased proportion of paramagnetic minerals and relative increase in organic material in playa sediments. On the other hand, predominance of gypsum, decrease in paramagnetic minerals and organic material indicate ephemeral stage of these playas. Though lake full stage was between 8 ka and 6 ka, these playas remained brakish to saline throughout their existence. Biomass was predominantly C4 type and overall vegetation was grass dominagted. Peak of aridity affected human life in the area, as indicated by rarity of upper Palaeolithic sites. On the other hand, there is prolific development of human occupation during the Mesolithic cultural stage between 8 ka and 6 ka when the climate was relatively wet. Even after drying of playas around 5 ka, pastoral human activity contunued int he Thar till about 1.5 ka in favourable ecological niches in otherwise water starved western margin of the Thar.

4 illus, 4 tables, 33 ref

000077   Das I;Mohan M (NO, Space Applications Centre, Ahemdabad - 380 015) : Detection of marine aerosols using Ocean colour sensors. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 327-34.

Ocean colour sensors are equipped with atnospheric correction bands operating in the near infrared region of the spectrum. At these wavelengths, the ocean surface, because of high infrared absorption by water, acts as a dark back ground and the sensor detected radiance is due to solar radiation backscattered by the atmospheric air molecules and aerosols called Rayleigh and aerosol path radiances respectively. From the radiances in the atmospheric correction bands, after accounting for Rayteigh path radiances, it is possible to determine aerosol parameters like aerosol optical depth (AOD) and particle size distribution index. While sensors like IRS P3 MOS-B, IRS P4 OCM, NOAA-AVHRR, etc detect AOD in the total atmospheric column, IRS P3 MOS-A sensor can detect AOD in two atmospheric layers by exploiting the differential absorption property of oxygen at four narrow band channels at the o2A band around 760nm. The method of determination from ocean colour sensors and the results from IRS P3 MOS-B, IRS P4-OCM and IRS P3 MOS-A radiance data are presented and discussed.

6 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

000076   Das Gupta M;Mitra A K;Prasad V S;Rajan D (National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Mausam Bhawan Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi - 110003) : Impact of ATOVS temperature and moisture profiles on NCMRWF analysis and prediction. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 215-24.

Global high resolution (120 km) ATOVS temperature and moisture profile data from polar orbiting satellites NOAA 15 & 16 is been made available to user community recently by NESDIS (National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service). NCMRWF also has started using these products in its operational global data assimilation system. Extensive impact assessment experiments have been conducted prior to its operational utilization. Impact is also studied during the onset phase of southwest monsoon over India. Results of these experiments are presented in this article. Study show that the impact of ATOVS data is seen on the mean analysed and predicted fields upto 120 hrs prediction specially over the oceanic region. It also reveals that the utilization of these data is able to predict the rainfall over the Indian peninsular region and the adjoining ocean in more realistic manner upto 72 hr forecast, beyond which there is hardly any meaningful improvement.

8 illus, 11 ref

000075   Dadhwal V K;Sehgal V K;Singh R P;Rajak D R (Crop Inventory & Modelling Div, ARG, RESA Space Applications Centre (ISRO), Ahedabad - 380015) : Wheat yield modelling using Satellite remote sensing with Weather data : recent Indian experience. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 253-62.

Recent work on new approaches and development of yield models for wheat-using space borne remote sensing data in India is discussed. Direct vegetation index (VI)yield empirical models at farm and district scale explain significant variation in yield. The sensitivity of these models to scene and sensor characteristics and crop discrimination has been quantified. Improvements in direct VI-yield models through addition of weather data during grain filling stage has been demonstrated at farm and district scales. Use of physical approaches for yield modelling through derivation of LAI and spectral emergence and peak vegetative stage from RS data has been presented. The approach showing most promise is to use crop simulation models that inherently integrate response of crop to daily weather inputs with additional RS-derived LAI. Results from such studies in farmer's field and at regional scale are reviewed.

6 illus, 4 tables, 35 ref

000074   Chakraborty A;Srinivasan J (Centre for Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore - 560 012) : Comparison of Radiative fluxe at the top of the atmosphere from INSAT and ERBE. Mausam 2003, 54(1), 299-314.

An accurate knowledge of radiative fluxes at the Top of the Atmosphere (TOA) is necessary to study the variability of climate. Many geostationary satellitews have been measuring radiative fluxes in a narrow spectral band in the infrared and visible regions during the past 30 years. This data will be useful for climate studies if it can be converted to total radiative fluxes. In this paper we demonstrate that the errors in monthly mean Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) at the TOA obtained from the Indian geostationary satellite INSAT-1B is less than 15 W m-2 in most of the regions when compared to the data from the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE). This indicates that the conversion of INSAT narrowband flux to broadband flux does not result in large errors. This could be on account of high water vapour content in the Indian region. The error in INSAT OLR has been shown to be dependent on account of the isolropic reflectance assumption. No such bias was aoticed over land. This low albedo bias in INSAT was removed by adding a constant term equal to 2 over ocean. It has been shown that the effect of Sun Glint in clear sky albedo can be removed if two images per day are used for the calculation of albedo. The difference in net radiation at the TOA between INSAT and ERBE has been shown to be within 10 W m-2. In some regions, such as Saudi Arabia (from December 1988 to March 1989) the difference between ERBE and INSAT estimated net radiation (-10 W m-2) was found to be less than the difference between two ERBE satellite observations (-20 W m-2) indicates clearly that diurnal variation of net radiation can cause large errors in the estimates of monthly mean net radiation.

14 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

000073   Bhosle A B (P G Dep of Environ Sci, Yeshwant Maha Vidyalaya, Nanded 431 602) : The iron content in the river Godavari at Nanded and its impact on river ecology. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2002, 12(3), 193-9.

Natural waters can be very heterogeneous vertically, horizontally and with time. This is not only to man-made pollution, but also can be caused by natural phenomena such as erosion, currents, thermocline and precipitation washout of dust. The total iron content of river Godavari was investigated thrice in a month during year 1997. The overall study showed the fluctuations in the iron content more than permissible limit prescribed by indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The iron was maximum (5.63, 2.35 and 1.91 mg/l in US, MS & DS) during november and minimum (1.3, 0.63 and 0.60 mg/l in US, MS and DS) during June

2 illus, 1 table, 18 ref