011231   Rawat T P S;Joshi G B;Basu B;Absar N (Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration & Research, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110 066) : Occurrence of proterozoic black shale-hosted uranium mineralisation in Tal group, Sirmour district, Himachal Pradesh. J Geol Soc India 2010, 75(5), 709-14.

Black shale type uranium deposits, though of low grade (<0.001 to 0.05% U₃O₈), contain large uranium resources because of their immense volume. The Neoproterozoic-Cambrian Krol-Tal Himalayan sequence covering a cumulative area of about 1000 sq km in five different synclinal basins from Sirmour district, Himachal Pradesh in the west to Nainital district, Uttar Pradesh in east contain such black shale horizons. The uranium mineralisation found in black shale in the Nigalidhar syncline of Himachal Pradesh and its implication of being an indicator for search of such uranium deposits in Himalayas is discussed.

3 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

011230   Mundepi A K;Mahanan A K (NO, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, 33, General Mahadeo Singh Road, Dehradun, Email: akmundepi@wihg.res.in) : Site response evolution and sediment mapping using horizontal to vertical spectral rations (HVSR) of ground ambient noise in Jammu city, NW India. J Geol Soc India 2010, 75(6), 799-806.

The technique of ground ambient noise (micro tremor) measurement and analysis has been successful for site characterization in many places around the world. This technique has the advantage of being a fast and easy way to estimate the effect of ground motion characteristics due to an earthquake. Single station ground ambient noise (micro tremor) measurements were carried out at 136 sites in the municipal limit of Jammu city, NW Himalaya. This extensive survey allows the estimation of fundamental resonance frequencies (0.432 to 7 Hz) of the region and identifies the areas prone to site amplification. The thickness of the soft sediments has been derived using empirical relationship that comes out to be 14 to 295 mts above the bedrock. The results are in good agreement with the 1-D profile derived using MASW measurements from representative sites. The resonance frequency and sediment thickness is in good agreement with the geological distribution of sedimentary units, indicating a progressive decrease of the fundamental resonance frequencies from the northeastern part (where the bedrock outcrops is exposed) to the southwestern and southern side where a thick sedimentary cover is estimated.

6 illus, 1 table, 34 ref

011229   Malarkodi N;Keller G;Fayazudeen P J; Mallikarjuna U B (Geology Dep, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore-560 056) : Foraminifera from the early Danian intertrappean beds in Rajahmundry quarries, Andhra Pradesh. J Geol Soc India 2010, 75(6), 851-63.

Intertrappean beds exposed between upper and lower traps of the Government and Sunnamrayalu quarries of Rajahmundry were analyzed based on benthic and planktic foraminifera, ostracodes and algae observed in thin sections. Planktic foraminifera indicate deposition occurred in the early Danian Parvularugoglobigerina eugubina (Pla) zone shortly after deposition of the lower trap flows. The most diverse planktic assemblages were deposited in limestones of the middle intertrappean interval and indicate an upper Pla age, or subzone Pla(2), as marked by the co-occurrence of P. eugubina, Globoconusa daubjergensis, Parasubbotina pseudabulloides and Subbotina triloculinoides. Reworked late Maastrichtian planktic foraminifera are common in a limestone interval and suggest erosion of uplifted Cretaceous sediments. Benthic foraminiferal assemblages indicate deposition occurred predominantly in shallow inner shelf to brackish environments. Similarly, ostracodes indicate variable environments ranging from inner neritic to brackish with fresh water influx, as also indicated by the presence of fresh water algae. These data confirm an overall deepening from restricted shallow marine to estuarine, lagoonal and finally open marine conditions followed by abrupt emersion and paleosoil deposition prior to the arrival of the upper trap flows at or near the base of C29n.

4 illus, 4 plate, 60 ref

011228   Lakshminarayana G;Manikyamba C;Khanna T C; Kanakdande P P;Raju K (NO, Geological Survey of India, Bandlaguda, Hyderabad-500 068, Email: cmaningri@yahoo.com) : New observations on Rajahmundry traps of the Krishna-Godavari basin. J Geol Soc India 2010, 75(6), 807-19.

The Rajahmundry Traps of the Krishna Godavari Basin (K-G Basin) consist of three distinct basalt flows interbedded with two intertrappean sedimentary horizons, which in turn are underlain by the late Cretaceous fossiliferous limestone bed (infratrappean) and overlain by the Cenozoic Rajahmundry Formation (conglomerate/sandstone). Among the three, the lower flow is characterized by the presence of the physical volcanological features such as rootless cones, tumuli and dyke like forms along with single to multitier columnar and radial jointing. The middle and upper flows are simple, massive and vesicular and exhibit spheroidal weathering. Physical volcanological features and lithological attributes indicate that the lower flow was formed by an explosive volcanic activity in hydrous environment, followed by sub aerial eruption to form the middle and upper flows. The fossiliferous limestone bed is a representative horizon for the K-T boundary mass extinction caused due to intense volcanism. Intertrappean sediments exhibit weathered soil profiles (palaeosols) with limestone beds denoting a distinct time gap during various phases of lava eruption. Evaluation of the palaeogeographic scenario of the Krishna and Godavari Rivers does not provide any evidence for the existence of Cretaceous palaeovalley which would have provided pathway for lava transportation from the Deccan volcanic province of western India to the K-G Basin situated along the east coast. The present study opens up an alternative approach to explain the origin of basalt flows at Rajahmundry. In all probability the lavas could be intrabasinal. NW-SE and NE-SW faults or their intersection zones are probable pathways for lava eruption in the K-G Basin.

6 illus, 45 ref

011227   Lakhmapurkar J;Bhati N (NO, Gujarat Ecology Society, 3, Synergy House, Subhanpura, Vadodara-390 023, Email: nilesh_geol@yahoo.com) : Geo-environmental appraisal of the Meda creek, Saurashtra, Gujarat. J Geol Soc India 2010, 75(5), 695-703.

Water chemistry, sediment texture, clay mineralogy and foraminiferal contents from the bottom of Meda creek were studied to assess the geo-environmental status of the creek. Water quality data for three seasons suggests domination of marine environment as pH remained above 8 and salinity above 35%ρ throughout. Clay dominate the bottom sediments, except near mouth. Montmorillonite, illite and kaolinite are the major clay minerals in the sediments. In absence of any source rock in the catchment of the Meda creek, the presence of illite and, kaolinite indicates their transportation and depositions from near coastal waters during high tides. Ammonia sp. is the most dominating foraminifera. Reworked forms as well as angular asymmetric forms of foraminifera were dominant in clay rich areas of the creek.

5 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

011226   Laila Banu N R;Reginald M (Botany & Research Centre Dep, Scott Christian College, Nagercoil Kanyakumari District-629 003, Email: laila_n_banu@yahoo.com) : Assessment of the physico-chemical parameters of puthalam saltpan water of Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India. J Pl Dev Sci 2010, 2(3-4), 179-82.

An attempt has been made to determine the water quality in Puthalam saltpan during 2010. Water samples were collected and the physico-chemical parameters were analyzed. Throughout the observation period the pH was alkaline. The temperature ranges from 21°PC to 28.8°C. High salinity was observed and it attributed to the low amount of rainfall in that season and low salinity was observed in winter. TDS and calcium content was higher in summer and low in autumn. High concentration of sodium and potassium observed in spring. Sulphate attains high value in summer and it was low in spring. Chloride expressed minimum value in winter but maximum in autumn. This study provides baseline information of the physico-chemical parameters for further assessment and monitoring of this type of ecosystems.

1 table, 12 ref

011225   Kolawole F;Anifowose A Y B (Applied Geology Dep, Federal Technology Univ, P. M. B. 704, Akure, Nigeria, Email: folapoint@yahoo.com) : Remote sensing analysis of a dextral discontinuity along Ifewara-Aungeru area, Nigeria, West Africa. Indian J Sci Technol 2011, 4(1), 46-51.

The Ifewara-Zungeru megastructure is an over 550 km long NNE-SSW trending fault stretching from the south just east of Ijebu Ode, through Ifewara and Okemesi to the southwestern edge of the River Niger around Lafiagi. It reappears beneath the sediments of the Nupe Basin and extends northeastwards for over 300 km, through Zungeru to Kalangai. Detailed remote-sensing mapping of the lateral extent of this suspected shear zone using satellite imagery field mapping ground-truthing survey was carried out. Structural analysis of the fault system was done across the entire area that was traversed. The results obtained from this investigation revealed that satellite imagery study of a segment of the megastructure shows a ductile dextral fault zone with a drag towards the NNW direction in Zungeru area. High-level folding of meta-sediments exist within the area with directions almost perpendicular to the general NNE-SSW trend of the host rocks. This faulting caused a measure of morphostructural reorientation of the mylonites and enclosing schistose rocks.

10 illus, 21 ref

011224   Kandwal R;Jeganathan C;Tolpekin V;Kushwaha S P S (Geomatics Div, Civil Engineering Department, IIT Roorkee, Roorkee-247 667, Email: rashmi.kandwal@gmail.com) : Discriminating the invasive species, 'Lantana' using vegetation Indices. J Indian Soc Remote Sens 2009, 17(2), 275-90.

Invasive species have been the focus of environmentalists due to their undesired impact on the ecosystem. Spread of Lantana (Lantana camara L.), an invasive plant species, has been found in diverse geophysical environments causing a threat to the native flora. Various eradication programmes have been attempted such as burning, chemical sprays, bio-control agents and physical plugging mechanism for removing such invasive species in India. The efforts and success of these programmes need to be augmented with a correct, quick and cost effective technique of mapping in order to locate them, understand their spatial extent and hence make the process comprehensive. Also Lantana's appearance as dense vegetation patches in remote sensing data causes problems for estimating forest canopy density. Remote sensing provides a possible solution in qualitatively and quantitatively evaluating terrestrial surface vegetation cover using spectral measure-ments. This research paper addresses issues and techniques adopted to detect and extract Lantana, and can be used for various applications in forestry as well as in eradication programmes. This study attempted to understand the appropriate band combination using Landsat data and generating vegetation indices in order to extract Lantana patches in an accurate manner. Twenty nine different vegetation indices were analyzed for their effectiveness in differentiating Lantana from other classes. The study showed that SAVI (Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index) is most favorable in discriminating Lantana followed by Perpendicular Vegetation Index-3 in the optimum bio-window (February to April.

7 illus, 3 tables, 34 ref

011223   Javed A;Khanday M Y;Ahmed R (Geology Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002) : Prioritization of sub-watersheds based on morhometric and land use analysis using remote sensing and GIS techniques. J Indian Soc Remote Sens 2009, 17(2), 261-74.

Watershed prioritization has gained importance in natural resources management, especially in the context of watershed management. Morphometric analysis has been commonly applied to prioritization of watersheds. The present study makes an attempt to prioritize sub-watersheds based on morphometric and land use characteristics using remote sensing and GIS techniques in Kanera watershed of Guna district, Madhya Pradesh. Various morphometric parameters, namely linear and shape have been determined for each sub-watershed and assigned ranks on the basis of value/relationship so as to arrive at a computed value for a final ranking of the sub-watersheds. Land use/land cover change analysis of the sub-watersheds has been carried out using multi-temporal data of IRS LISS II of 1989 and IRS LISS III of 2001. The study demonstrates the significant land use changes especially in cultivated lands, open scrub, open forest, water bodies and wastelands from 1989 to 2001. Based on morphometric and land use/land cover analysis, the sub-watersheds have been classified into three categories as high, medium and low in terms of priority for conservation and management of natural resources. Out of the seven sub-watersheds, two sub-watersheds viz., SW1 and SW6 qualify for high priority, whereas SW7 has been categorised as medium priority based on the integration of morphometric and land use change analysis.

3 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

011222   Hunse T M;Najeeb K M;Rajarajan K;Muthukkannan M (NO, Gentral Ground Water Board, 27 th Main, 7th Cross, H.S.R. Layout, Sector-1, Bangalore-560 102, Email: kmdnajeeb@gmail.com) : Presence of radon in groundwater in parts of Bangalore. J Geol Soc India 2010, 75(5), 704-8.

Presence of high levels of Radon (²²²Rn) gas was reported from groundwater in Bangalore. To ascertain the ground reality and the nature of the hazards, if any, a study was conducted by the Central Ground Water Board, Bangalore in and around Bangalore city. Groundwater samples from borewells and a dug well were collected and analysed. Available data on Radon gas from both groundwater and surface water sources were also compared. The presence of Radon gas and its concentration in groundwater were examined with respect to geology and well depths. The results are discussed in the paper.

5 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

011221   Hazra S;Saha P;Ray J;Podder A (Geology Dep, Calcutta Univ, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019, Email: jsray65@botmail.com) : Simple statistical and mineralogical studies as petrogenetic indicator for neoproterozoic mylliem porphyritic granites of east khasi Hills, Meghalaya, Northeastern India. J Geol Soc India 2010, 75(5), 760-8.

The porphyritic granite body (<126> 600 Ma) around Mylliem (25°32'N : 91°52'E), east Khasi hills district, Meghalaya occurs as a distinct intrusive body into the host rock of low- grade meta-sediments belonging to Proterozoic Shillong Group. The porphyritic granite body manifests prominent lath- shaped feldspar phenocrysts giving rise to dominant porphyritic texture. Further, this porphyritic granite body is characterized by primary foliation (defined by parallely arranged feldspar laths), tongues and appophyses and xenoliths of older metamorphics. Petrographically, the Mylliem porphyritic granite is grey leucocratic, coarse grained, phanerocrystalline with modal variants ranging from granite to granodiorite tending to tonalite. Simple statistical studies based on correlation coefficient values involving modal variables of the Mylliem porphyritic granite bodies appear significant in majority of the cases indicating magmatic crystallization. Use of relevant thermometric method indicates temperature of equilibration of the body in the range of 369°C to 507°C. The crystallization of the Mylliem porphyritic granite pluton initiated at an average lithostatic pressure in the tune of<126> 11 Kb followed by dominant PH₂O controlled milieu. Spatially projected mineralogical parameters suggest a general trend of the magmatic cooling of the body from margin inward with sudden influx of volatile matters that occasionally offsets mineralogical trends.

9 illus, 6 tables, 18 ref

011220   Ghosh J K;Dubey A (Civil Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand-247 667, Email: gikumfce@iitr.ernet.in) : Impact of India's new map policy on accuracy of GIS theme. J Indian Soc Remote Sens 2009, 17(2), 215-21.

With the declaration of India's new map policy (NMP), user community is looking towards its impact on spatial accuracy of GIS theme maps arising out of transformation from existing system (Polyconic Projection on Everest 1830 spheroid datum) to Open series maps (OSM in UTM projection on WGS 84 ellipsoid) and vice versa. This results in registration error of existing maps with new maps. This study aims at finding out the impact of transformation on the spatial location and to determine the extent to which the existing theme layers can be used along with the new series maps without losing accuracy. Results show that there are some geographic regions in India whose GIS database can be used as it is available, depending on the scale and within the acceptable positional accuracy. For other region, depending on the scale of theme layers, a detail analysis of the situation will be required depending on project requirements.

3 illus, 4 tables, 10 ref

011219   Farooqui A;Naidu T Y (NO, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53, University Road, Lucknow-226 007, Email: afarooqui_200@yahoo.com) : Thecamoebians and palynological assemblage in Gautami-Godavari river mouth, India: environment and sea level since 3000 years. J Geol Soc India 2010, 75(6), 841-50.

Palaeoclimate and palaeoecological study was carried out using palynological and thecamoebian evidences buried in <126> 4 m vertically exposed sediment section (12 km inland from the present shoreline) of Late Holocene age along the banks of Gautami-Godavari River and from three shallow cores from its Nilarevu tributary, Andhra Pradesh. Inferred climatic periods include (1) a basal cold/arid period (<126>3000-2000 yrs BP) with dominance of Botryococcus and other fresh water algal remains coupled with abundance of 25 species of thecamoebians indicating shallow and lentic ecosystem during most of the period and (2) a relatively warm/wet conditions (since <126>2000 yrs BP) reveal lotic fresh water ecosystem characterized by the evidences of tree palynotaxa and low percentage of thecamoebians. The three shallow cores (0.5 -1 m) near the mouth (<126>8 km stretch) of the Nilarevu tributary reveal fluvio-marine deposition in the top 50-80 cm sediment unlike the deeper fresh water depositional environment suggesting sea water ingression in the recent decades. The study illustrates that the Gautami-Godavari River delta gradually prograded since <126>3000 yrs BP until 100-150 yrs unlike the intermittent relative sea level rise and fall recorded during the same period in the contemporary south-east deltaic areas.

5 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

011218   Chaudhary B S;Aggarwal S (Geophysics Dep, Kurukshetra Univ, Kurukshetra-136 119) : Demarcation of palaeochannels andintegrated ground water resources mapping in parts of Hisar District, Haryana. J Indian Soc Remote Sens 2009, 17(2), 251-60.

Present study deals with the demarcation of palaeocfiannels and mapping of integrated water resources in parts of Hisar district, Haryana using Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS-1D) LISS-III Data of December 21, 2001. The landforms identified are Sand Dune, Dune Complex, Aeolian Plain, Fluvio-aeolian plain, Palaeochannel and Younger Alluvial Plain formed by aeolian, fluvio-aeolian, and fluvial processes. These palaeochannels are first time demarcated in the area. The ground water prospects of various geomorphic units have been assessed. Depth to water level and ground water quality maps were digitized and put in to GIS format. Ground water prospects and quality maps were integrated and depth to water level information was draped on it to prepare final integrated ground water resources map. This map depicts ground water prospects, quality and depth together in a single map, which will help in and ground water exploration.

8 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

011217   Chalapathi Rao N V (Centre of Advanced Study in Geology, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: nvcr100@gmail.com) : Glimmeritic enclave in a lamprophyre form the Settupalle alkaline pluton, eastern ghats moile belt. J Geol Soc India 2010, 75(6), 783-90.

A rare occurrence of glimmeritic (mica-rich) enclave - composed of abundant modal biotite, subordinate proportions of clinopyroxene and apatite, minor amounts of feldspar, carbonate and sphene - is reported from the lamprophyre of Settupalle alkaline pluton, Eastern Ghats mobile belt (EGMB), India. The enclave displays very coarse grained equigranular texture (mica laths up to 5 mm and clinopyroxene grains up to 4 mm). In comparison, the host lamprophyre exhibits a marked porphyritic-panidiomorphic texture comprising phenocrysts of clinopyroxene; other phases such as biotite and potash- and plagioclase- feldspar are restricted to the groundmass. A tight closeness in mineral chemistry of the glimmerite and lamprophyre imply a possible genetic relationship between their parent magmas. Glimmeritic enclave is construed to be an autolith of the proto-lamprophyre magma, which failed to reach the surface, and lined the wall-rock along the conduit of the lamprophyric intrusion. Glimmerite enclave provides a direct evidence for the multi-stage modification of the lithospheric mantle due to the infiltration of the potassium-rich hydrous melts such as lamprophyres. Mineralogy of the glimmeritic enclave is also similar to that of a vein component of the hydrous, mafic and potassic-ultrapotassic veined lithosphere in the EGMB.

2 illus, 5 tables, 38 ref

011216   Bikramaditya Singh R K (NO, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun-248 001, Email: rkaditya17@rediffmail.com) : Geochemistry and petrogenesis of granitoids of lesser Himalayan crystallines, western Arunachal Himalaya. J Geol Soc India 2010, 75(4), 618-31.

Low to medium grade crystalline rocks locally known as Bomdila Group extensively covers the Lesser Himalayan region in Western Arunachal Himalaya. This Group consists dominantly of mylonitic gneisses of granitic composition of Palaeoproterozoic age, named as Bomdila mylonitic gneiss (BMG) and a small body of hornblende bearing granite of Mesoproterozoic age known as Salari granite (SG). The BMG is affinity to peraluminous (A/CNK > 1.1) with high content of SiO₂, K₂O/Na₂O ratio, normative corundum, high ratio of FeO^t/MgO in biotite (3.21-5.11) that shows characteristics of S-type granite whereas SG has granodiorite composition with high Na₂O, low K₂O, presence of hornblende, normative diopside, low A/CNK ratio (<60>1.1) and low FeO'/MgO ratio in biotite (1.58-1.60) indicates metaluminous I-type granite affinity. The SG has more fractionated nature of REE [(Ce/Yb)_N = 9.06-18.53] and minor negative Eu anomalies [Eu_N/Eu* = 0.69-0.94] as compared to BMG which has less fractionation of REE [(Ce/Yb)_N = 5.95-9.16] and strong negative Eu anomalies [EuN/Eu* = 0.37-0.43]. Geochemical and petrological studies suggest that the SG and BMG are not genetically related; SG appears to have derived from igneous source whereas the BMG have been derived from sedimentary source, however these granitoids might have produced during the same thermal event.

10 illus, 3 tables, 47 ref

011215   Bhushan S K;Sahoo P (NO, MSPL Limited, Baldota Enclave, Abheraj Baldota Road, Hospet-583 203, Email: shibbanb@yahoo.co.in) : Geochemistry of clastic sediments from Sargur supracrustals and Bababudan group, Karnataka: implictions on Archaean Proterozoic boundary. J Geol Soc India 2010, 75(6), 829-40.

The sediments from three stratigraphic levels in the Bababudan schist belt of Dharwar craton exhibit great diversity in major, trace and rare earth element (REE) geochemistry and thus interpreted to represent significant compositional variation in the source rocks. Detailed geological and geochemical studies have been carried out on clastic rocks constituting the Archaean Sargur supracrastals and the Bababudan belt of Dharwar craton (DC), southern India for understanding the geochemical characteristics and to define the Archaean-Proterozoic Boundary (APB/QPC) in southern India. There is significant contrast in the geochemical signatures for the sediments from these stratigraphic levies. The Sargur enclave population is characterised by slight LREE enrichment with (La/Sm) _N ranging from 1.45 to 3.58, almost flat HREE with (Gd/Yb)_N ranging from 0.65 to 1.29 with Eu/Eu* ranging from 0.49 to 0.91 suggesting mafic-ultramafic source rocks in the provenance. On the other hand, the Post QPC (PQPC) rocks are characterised by LREE enrichment with (La/Sm)_N ranging from 2.66 to 7.07, nearly flat HREE with (Gd/Yb)_N ranging from 0.58 to 0.95 and significant depletion of Eu with Eu/Eu* ranging from 0.34 to 0.85, indicating felsic province in the source area. The conglomerates and quartzites representing the QPC are showing mixed nature of these, reflecting the transitional character in depositional-environment. Increase in abundance of REE, K₂O/Na₂O, Th/Sc, La/Sc, Th/U, Hf/Ta and Zr/Y ratios are characteristic of the QPC. The PQPC sediments are enriched in Th, U and HFSE like Hf, Nb, Zr and Y, and depleted in Co and Eu than their older counterparts. These geochemical signatures signify the dominance of mafic-ultramafic rocks in the source area for Sargur rocks and the existence of granite-granodiorite for PQPC elastics. Thus, the unconformity related oligomictic quartz pebble conglomerates (QPC) and quartzites at the base of Bababudan Group resembling the QPC of Witswaterand, South Africa signifies that a stable continental crust had already developed in southern India prior to <126>3.0 Ga.

3 illus, 2 tables, 45 ref

011214   Bhagat R M;Singh S;Sood C;Rana R S;Kalia V; Pradhan;Immerzeel W;Shrestha B (Centre for Geo-Informatics, Research and Training, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Univ, Palampur-176 062, Email: shardasingh@hillagric.ernet.in) : Land suitability analysis for cereal production in Himachal Pradesh (India) using geographical information system. J Indian Soc Remote Sens 2009, 17(2), 233-40.

Land suitability analysis is prerequisite for sustainable agriculture and it plays a pivotal role in the niche based agricultural planning in mountain regions. In this paper different parameters viz. climatic (precipitation and temperature), topographic (elevation), soil type and land cover/land use have been used in order to perform land suitability evaluation for cereals food-grain crops in Himachal Pradesh using Geographic Information System (GIS). The suitability analysis was performed by digital processing of geo-referenced data (elevation, climate, soil and landcover) and calculating potential production areas by combining different types of geographical data through decision rules framed for each crop in Arc View spatial analyst. Suitable areas have been delineated for cereal crops in the form of land suitability maps. In comparison to the actual area under cereal crops, the possibility of further expansion under each cereal crop was determined. These discriminated areas appear suitable for growing these crops and can be harnessed efficiently for achieving long term sustainability and food security.

4 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

011213   Banerjee R;Shivkumar K (NO, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, 1-10-153/156, AMD Complex, Begumpet, Hyderabad-500 629, Email: rahulbnrg@gmail.com) : Geochemistry and petrogenesis of radioactive palaeoproterozoic granitoids of kinwat crystalline inlier, Nanded and Yeotmal districts, Maharashtra. J Geol Soc India 2010, 75(4), 596-617.

Kinwat crystalline inlier exposes Palaeoproterozoic granitoids belonging to the northern extensions of younger phase of Peninsular gneissic complex (PGC) within Deccan Trap country in Eastern Dharwar Craton (EDC) and bounded in south by a major NW-SE trending lineament (Kaddam fault). Geochemdcally, the Kinwat granitoids are similar to high-K, calc-alkaline to shoshonite magnesian granitoids and subdivided into two major groups, i.e. felsic group (pink and grey granites) and intermediate to felsic group (hybrid granitoids). The felsic group (<126>67-74% SiO₂) shares many features with Neoarchaean to Palaeoproterozoic high potassic granites of PGC such as higher LILE and LREE content and marked depletion in Eu, P and HFSE, especially Nb, Ti, relative to LILE and LREE. The hybrid granitoids (-58 - 67% SiO₂) have comparatively higher Ca, Mg and Na contents and slightly lower REE content than the granitoids of felsic group. Both, felsic and hybrid granitoids are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous and belong to highly fractionated I-type suite as evidenced by negative correlation of SiO₂ with MgO, FeO', CaO, Na₂O, A1₂O₃, whereas K₂, Rb and Ba show sympathetic relationship with SiO₂ Moderate to strong fractionated REE patterns (Ce/Yb_N: <126>54-387) and strong negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*: 0.13 - 0.41) are quite apparent in these granitoids. The geochemical characteristics together with mineralogical features such as presence of biotiteihornblende as the dominant ferromagnesian mineral phases point towards intracrustal magma source, i.e. derivation of magma by partial melting of probably tonalitic igneous protolith at moderate crustal levels for felsic granites, whereas hybrid granitoids appear to be products of juvenile mantle-crust interaction, in an active continental margin setting. Anomalous radioelemental concentration (upto 0.033% U₃O8 and 0.30% ThO₂; n=61) has been recorded in Kinwat granitoids, especially close to the contact zones with mafic intrusives and shear zones. Distribution patterns of heat producing elements (U, Th and K) in these granitoids have indicated substantially high heat production values (9.55-97.78 uWnT3), which might have played important role in uranium remobilisation and concentration by supporting hydrothermal gradient along the dilatant structures. Considering highly labile nature of uranium in this reactivated terrain, the Kinwat granitoids form a fertile provenance to mineralisation under favourable conditions, especially in Neoproterozoic cover sediments in adjoining areas.

11 iilus, 7 tables, 17 ref

011212   Amutha R;Porchelvan P (NO, Vellore Institute of Technoogy, Vellore-632 014, Email: amuthanithy@gmail.com) : Estimation of surface runoff in malattar sub-watershed using SCS-CN method. J Indian Soc Remote Sens 2009, 17(2), 291-304.

Watershed management plays a vital role in water resources engineering. Watershed based on water resources management is necessary to plan and conserve the available resources. Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques can be effectively used to manage spatial and non spatial database that represent the hydrologic characteristics of the watershed use as realistically as possible. The present study area is Malattar sub-watershed (4C2B2) lies in the region Gudiyattam Block, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu. The daily rainfall data of Gudiyattam rain gauge station (1971-2007) was collected and used to predict the daily runoff from the watershed using Soil Conservation Service - Curve Number (SCS - CN) method (USDA, 1972) and GIS. Monthly and annual runoff have been calculated from the monthly rainfall data for the years of 1971 to 2007 in the watershed area. The average minimum and maximum rainfall for the years of 1971 to 2007 is 35.30 mm and 111.61 mm respectively and average runoff for the year of 1971 to 2007 is 31.87 mm³ and 47.04 mm³ respectively. The developed rainfall-runoff model is used to understand the watershed and its runoff flow characteristics.

5 illus, 5 tables, 5 ref

011211   Achyuthan H;Flora O;Braida M;Navin Shankar Navin;Stenni B (Geology Dep, Anna Univ, Chennai-600 025) : Radiocarbon ages of pedogenic carbonate nodules from Coimbatore region, Tamil Nadu. J Geol Soc India 2010, 75(6), 791-8.

Discusses the limitation of radiocarbon dates on the pedogenic calcic nodules formed in situ within the vertisols in the upland region of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The radiocarbon ages were obtained using low-level scintillation counters and the dates range from <126>24 to 31 ¹⁴C kyrs BP. The ages correlate with the marine isotope stage of Late MIS3. However, since the calcic nodules are pedogenised and formed in an open system, the ¹⁴C ages should only be considered as estimates and not absolute ages because of the possibility of open-system behaviour with respect to carbon. Thus, we express caution in the interpretation of these and other radiocarbon ages obtained on pedogenic carbonate nodules. Multiple sub-mm size subsamples could provide more reliable age estimates.

4 illus, 1 tables, 29 ref

010234   Zhang X F;Tang D L;Li Z Z;Dai X J (NO, College of Marine Sciences, Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitatio, 999 Hucheng Huan Road, Lingang Xincheng, Shanghai, China, 201 306) : Spatio-temporal dynamics of suspended sediment concentration during the 2004 Sumatra tsunami. Indian J Mar Sci 2010, 39(3), 313-22.

Spatio-temporal dynamics of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in Indian Ocean during the 2004 Sumatra tsunami was analyzed using satellite data. Surface SSC in epicenter area increased notably right after the tsunami week (about 200% higher than that in the same period in earlier 4 years); the surface SSC in a deep water area about 1600 km from the epicenter area did not increase after the tsunami. Increase of SSC in the epicenter area may be mainly caused by the transportation of SSC by the tsunami backwash. Range of spatial clustering in SSC significantly decreased during the tsunami week. It may be related to the tsunami waves that diluted the spatial clustering level in SSC. A new spatio-temporal correlation model shows that the fluctuation in the spatio-temporal correlation surface of SSC appeared remarkably intense round the tsunami. Study reveals that the tsunami considerably disturbed the spatio-temporal dynamics in SSC.

5 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

010233   Yogeswari P;Sekar A S S;Mahendiran N (Civil Engineering Dep, R. V. S. College of Engineering & Technology, Dindigul-624 005) : GIS based morphometric analysis of a microwatershed at Varaganadhi basin, south Tamil Nadu, India. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2009, 8(3), 555-60.

The geomorphologic conditions are essential pre-requisites in understanding the water bearing characteristics of hard rocks. Hence, in the present paper efforts have been made to identify the spatial distributed nature of the Varaganadhi watershed using Geographical Information System (GIS). GIS has also been used to describe the various thematic layers such as physiography, landuse/landcover, geomorphology, soil, etc. The morphological parameters such as stream order, stream length, bifurcation ratio, form factor, circulatory ratio, elongation ratio, drainage density, drainage frequency, ruggedness number, etc. were computed. Thematic maps pertaining to landuse/cover, geology, and geomorphology were colleted from PWD of Periyakulam, Theni, Tamilnadu. These maps were scanned and the images were georeferenced in Geomedia software and the basic morphometric parameters were calculated. Integration of base maps and morphometric parameters with geoprofessional techniques, has led into the delineation of the areas suitable for adapting soil and water conservation measures. In addition, usage of GIS in watershed management studies can help the planners in carrying out various watershed developmental activities like construction of culverts, design of spillways of small dams, construction of flood protection levees and agriculture, etc.

1 illus, 2 tables, 4 ref

010232   Yadav J K S;Chakarborty A K;Giri R K (India Meteorological Dep, , New Delhi-110 003, Email: jksmet@gmail.com) : Technical feasibility on reception of VHRR signals from Kalpana -1 satellite in the event of contingency with the existing operational ground receiving system. Mausam 2010, 61(1), 81-9.

National Satellite Meteorological Center (NSMC), of India Meteorological Department is performing the vital role of receiving signals of meteorological data transmitted by KALPANA-1/INSAT series of national satellites and processing the data to generate various meteorological products for monitoring meteorological, environmental and climatological conditions. The satellite signals are currently being received through a 7.5 m diameter parabolic dish antenna installed at INSAT Earth Station of IMD located at Mausam Bhawan Complex, New Delhi. In this study an attempt has been made to receive and process the VHRR signals of KALPANA-1 through a smaller (3.8m) diameter parabolic dish antenna available at earth station. The link calculations have been made to show extra 2 db margin what is theoretically required and it will be sufficient for image capturing. We had also compared the result with existing 7.5m diameter antenna and observe that quality of satellite pictures received with 3.8m diameter antenna are also equally good. The purpose of this study is to keep in operational readiness a backup antenna for the reception of KALPANA-1 in the event of any unforseen contingency with the existing 7.5m diameter parabolic dish antenna, using the existing infrastructure of IMD.

13 illus, 2 tables, ref

010231   Yadav B P;Bhan S C (NO, India Meteorological Dep, New Delhi, Email: yadavimd@yahoo.com) : Meteorological factors associaed with july 2005 floods in river Jhelum. Mausam 2010, 61(1), 39-46.

The meteorological conditions leading to the July, 2005 floods in river Jhelura in the state of Jammu & Kashmir have been analyzed in the present study. The floods coincided with a spell of heavy rains over the state during second week of July 2005 caused by the interaction of a westward moving monsoon disturbance over the plains of northwest India and an eastward moving trough in middle troposphere over north Pakistan. Further analysis of precipitation over the state during the preceding winter season shows that there was record snowfall at many stations over the state. The estimate from KALPANA-1 satellite also revealed the highest snow cover area over the region since 1998. The higher volume of snowmelt because of the increased snow cover area seems to have significantly contributed towards the floods.

4 illus, 5 tables, 9 ref

010230   Suresh R (NO, India Meteorological Dep, Chennai, Email: suresh.imd@gmail.com) : Account of level wind shear over Chennai airport - part I : observation and forecasting aspects. Mausam 2010, 61(1), 19-34.

Low level wind shear (LLWS) is an aviation hazard. LLWS cases reported by the air crews over Chennal airport frorn 1987 to 2007 (barring 1992 and 1993 during which period no report is readily available for analysis) have been analysed threadbare. The most favourable time / period of occurrence of LLWS have been documented which has prophylactic value to issue LLWS alert in current weather reports. Richardson number and turbulence index (Tl) have been computed for the reported cases of LLWS and the efficacies of these thermodynamical indices have been documented. There were cases of active moderate / severe LLWS cases lasting even beyond 10 hrs duration in contrary to the general belief that LLWS is a short lived phenomenon. The urgency / necessity of having a sizeable LLWS database to devise a suitable warning strategy have been highlighted.

6 illus, 5 tables, 34 ref

010229   Suresh M;Gurugnanam B;Vasudevan S;Rajeshkanna B;Dharanirajan K;Prabhakaran N (Earth Sciences Dep, Geographic Information Technology Lab, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu) : Hydrogeochemical studies by multivariate statistical analysis in upper thirumanimuthar sub-basin, Cauvery river, Tamil Nadu, India. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2009, 8(4), 693-700.

Deals with the study of hydrogeochemistry of groundwater by multivariate statistical techniques such as factor and cluster analyses. The upper Thirumanimuthar sub-basin, Cauvery River, hard rock terrain in Salem District covering an area of about 346.40 km² has been selected for the study. Fifty one samples were collected during premonsoon season 2007 and analysed for various water quality parameters like pH, EC, TDS, Ca, Mg, Na, K, HCO₃, CO₃, SO₄, Cl and TH. Hydrogeochemical data of 51 groundwater samples were subjected to Q-and R- mode factor and cluster analysis. R-mode analysis reveals the interrelations among the variables studied and the Q-mode analysis reveals the interrelations among the samples studied. The R-mode factor analysis shows that Na and Cl with HCO₃ account for most of the electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids of the groundwater. The 'single dominance' nature of the majority of the factors in the R-mode analysis indicates non-mixing or partial mixing of different types of groundwaters. Both Q-mode factor and R-mode cluster analyses show that there is an exchange between the river water and adjacent groundwater. Cluster classification map reveals that 97.79% of the study area comes under cluster I classification.

3 illus, 3 tables, 33 ref

010228   Singh R P;Chaturvedi P (NO, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Schmid College of Science,, One University Drive, Orange CA 92866, USA, Email: rsingh@chapman.edu) : Comparison of chlorophyll concentration in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea using IRS-P4 OCM and MODIS Aqua. Indian J Mar Sci 2010, 39(3), 334-40.

Ocean Color Monitor (OCM) onboard the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite IRS-P4 has been used to retrieve chlorophyll concentration in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea using a bio-optical algorithm. Cloud masking and atmospheric corrections have been performed before applying mapping function to derive chlorophyll concentration from IRS-P4 OCM data. Chlorophyll concentrations have been retrieved from IRS P4 OCM, and used MODIS chlorophyll product during the summer and winter seasons at every 1 degree latitude along the eastern and western coast of India for the period 2000-2003. The study consists the spatial and temporal monthly variations of chlorophyll concentrations from MODIS data for period July 2002-April 2004. Seasonal dynamics of chlorophyll concentrations along the coastal region and in the open sea of the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea is discussed using IRS P4 OCM and MODIS.

6 illus, 10 ref

010227   Singh P K;Rathore L S;Singh K K;Baxla A K; Mall R K (NO, Agromet Service Cell, Ministry of Earth Science, New Delhi-110 003, Email: pksingh@ncmrwf.gov.in) : Modeling the effect of planting date on maize (Zea mays L.) crop in Sabour region of Bihar using DSSAT v3.5 crop simulation model. Mausam 2010, 61(1), 75-80.

CERES-Maize model calibrated for local conditions of Sabour has been used to evaluate the relevance medium range weather forecast relative to the maize crop growth period. The procedure is to place the reference year's daily weather into the model up to the time the yield prediction is to be made and sequences of historical data (one sequence per year) after that time until the end of growing season to give yield estimates. A procedure that makes use of historical weather data, medium range weather forecast (mrwf) and current weather data in conjunction with the CERES-Maize model was developed to arrive at a probable distribution of predicted yields. The lower temperature and more solar radiation in tassel emergence to dough stage silk emergence to physiological maturity phase and lower maximum temperature are found favorable to contribute more in increasing the grain yields. The CERES- Maize model correlated for the genetic coefficient predicts the silking dates and physiological maturity very well. Kharif maize gave the highest grain yield of 3490 kg/ha in 1999 and the lowest of 2474 kg/ha in 1979. Among eight different sowing dates the lowest average grain yield was 3190 kg/ha for the last sowing date and the highest average grain yield was 3313 kg/ha in 2^nd sowing date. The 25 percentiles were less than the mean grain yields and also 75 percentiles.

1 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

010226   Sikka D R;Tyagi A;Ram L C (NO, , 40 Mausam Vihar, New Delhi-110 051, Email: drsikka@yahoo.com) : Large scale fluctuations of the continental tropical convergence zone (CTCZ) during pilot CTCZ phase- 2009 and the evolution of monsoon drought in 2009. Mausam 2010, 61(1), 47-74.

Summer monsoon season of the year 2009 resulted in a major drought on the scale of India with rainfall deficiency of 23% from the normal. This was the monsoon season when a pilot phase of the programme Continental Tropical Convergence Zone (CTCZ), a planned multiyear programme to understand the complex interactions among the land, ocean, atmosphere, biosphere components of the regional monsoon climate system, was undertaken. The paper attempts to document the major features in the evolution of monsoon 2009 and provides a preliminary diagnosis of the causes for monsoon drought.

29 illus, 8 tables, 14 ref

010225   Shaji E (Geology Dep, Kerala Univ, Kariavattom, Trivandrum-695 581) : Hydrological impact of a tidal regulator on land and on water in a tropical estuary of Kerala, India. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2009, 8(4), 627-34.

An opportunity to study the effects of artificial structures like tidal regulators on the near-shore environment is provided by the manually operated tidal regulator constructed across a man-made canal in an estuarine environment in the tropical climatic setting of the southern coastal State of Kerala in India. The regulator was constructed across a man-made canal at Pozhikkara in 1957 to control the salt water intrusion into Paravoor Kayal (Kayal = back water or estuary) and to protect a natural estuary. This protection was originally being afforded by a feature locally known as 'Pozhi', which is in fact a natural sand bar occurring along the coast separating backwaters from the sea during the summer, but allowing the sea and the backwater to merge by its erosion during the monsoon. This natural sandbar, thus, protected the Paravoor estuary from sea water ingress from the Lakshadweep sea (of the Indian Ocean) during the summer season. When a situation, where the natural sandbar could not protect the estuary and the inland paddy crops from saline water ingress arose, the concept of an artificial tidal regulator was evolved by the farmers of the Ithikara Ela (Ela = paddy field). An artificial canal was constructed 500 m south of the sandbar by cutting the main land, thus, connecting the lake and the sea. Thereby, around 1 sq. km of land was separated from the main land to become an island with 87 houses and 300 inhabitants. During 1985 the performance of the regulator started deteriorating, finally leading to its collapse in 1990. The water levels in the wells, the EC, pH, TH, Ca, Mg, Na, K, CO₃, HCO₃, SO₄ and Cl were determined in this study. The hydrological impacts of this regulator were (i) the hydraulic continuity of the aquifer has been disturbed, (ii) the dug wells, which used to yield fresh water on the separated land mass, became dry within five years of commissioning of the regulator, as the canal became effluent in nature, (iii) the dug wells were consequently deepened and salt water intrusion began and at present more than 25 wells are saline due to salt water intrusion into the freshwater aquifer of the 1 sq km area, (iv) the Paravoor estuary is becoming more saline day-by-day due to the free flow of saline water through the canal, and (v) the Paravoor estuary is getting filled up with ocean sediments during high tides and sand terraces are being formed within the lake. All these are direct outcome of the badly maintained tidal regulator. As a remedial step the spillway shutters should be refitted immediately. This will help protect the deteriorating environment and ecosystem of Paravoor estuary and the adjoining land. Rainwater harvesting is recommended for the polluted wells. The artificial tidal regulator project was implemented without a proper environmental impact assessment. Detailed environmental impact assessment is essential before implementing such schemes in coastal areas at the interface of varied environments, especially like an estuarine one in the tropics.

9 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

010224   Samuel R S;Gayathri R;Tamilselvi S (NO, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasa College of Engg. & Tech, Chennai, Email: r.gayathari77@rediffmail.com) : Fractal analysis: annual rainfall in Chennai. Mausam 2010, 61(1), 35-8.

The annual rainfall data of Chennai is analyzed using the Fractal Construction Technique. According to Mandelbrot the dimension of any line including nautical lines may not be Euclidean but Fractional, Mandelbrot, 1982. This fractional dimension leads to a repetitive appearance of any pattern. Climate which is usually periodic by nature can be analyzed through this technique. Efforts are on to search the fractal geometry of climate and to predict its periodicity on different temporal scales. This paper estimates the various parameters like Lyapunov exponent, Maximum Lyapunov characteristic exponent, Lyapunov time, Kaplan-Yorke dimension for the annual rainfall of Chennai.

2 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

010223   Samuel M P (NO, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Barapani-793 103) : Evaluation of a traditional community water management structure in Yethadka village of Kasaragod district in Kerala. Indian J Soil Conserv 2010, 38(1), 28-30.

Traditional type of check dams in the Kasaragod district of Kerala, locally known as Kattas proved significant role in water storage and water recharging, which in turn help to meet the drinking water and irrigation requirements of the locality. A field study was conducted in Western Ghats region of Northern Kerala at Yethadka village to test the efficacy and financial viability of a temporary check dam established in a participatory mode. The cost-benefit analysis of the water harvesting system was also carried out to find out its financial viability and social acceptability. The studies suggested that the construction of Kattas ensures a reliable source of water for irrigation during summer months and also helps to increase the groundwater table. The analysis also indicated that establishment of such structure was not only financially viable but a highly attractive proposition, too for low cost harvesting and effective use of channel flows.

1 table, 5 ref

010222   Sabale S M;Ghodake V R;Narayanpethkar A B (Applied Geology Dep, School of Earth Sciences, Solapur University, Solapur, Email: vyanky_g@yahoo.co.in) : Electrical resistivity distribution studies for artificial recharge of groundwater in the Dhubdhubi basin, Solapur district, Maharashtra, India. J Indian Geophys Union 2009, 13(4), 201-7.

Electrical resistivity distribution at different depth horizons for the Dhubdhubi Basin in Solapur District, Maharashtra has been delineated and represented by contour maps at different electrode spacing. These are correlated with local Geology for a semi quantitative interpretation to detect the potential zones of groundwater. The selection of sites and depth at which the artificial recharge is possible and the structures required are also suggested.

10 illus, 9 ref

010221   Ramesh Chand;Mohapatra M (NO, India Meteorological Dep, New Delhi-110 003, Email: r58cg@yahoo.co.in) : Diagnostic study of a recurving cyclone - 'MALA' over the bay of Bengal. Mausam 2010, 61(1), 11-8.

A very severe cyclonic storm "Mala" (25-29 April 2006) developed over south east Bay of Bengal. Initially the system moved northwestwards while intensifying into the stage of cyclonic storm during 25-26^th April 2006. It then recurved and moved in a north-northeasterly direction and crossed Arakan coast as a very severe cyclonic storm on 29^th April, 2006 causing loss of life and property over the region. The unique features associated with this system was the continuous intensification after the recurvature.Various diagnostic features associated with intensification and movement of this system have been analysed and discussed. The study highlights the use of different dynamic and thermodynamic parameters as precursors for prediction of intensity and movement of the system. It also discusses the interaction of very severe cyclonic storm Mala with a vortex over the south Indian Ocean.

6 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

010220   Ramaiah N;Fernandes V;Paul J T;Jyothibabu R; Mangesh G;Jayraj E A (NO, National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa-403 004, Email: ramaiah@nio.org) : Seasonal variability in biological carbon biomass standing stocks and production in the surface layers of the Bay of Bengal. Indian J Mar Sci 2010, 39(3), 369-79.

As a part of the Bay of Bengal Process Study, several biological characteristics were investigated during summer monsoon (SuM; July-August 2001), fall inter monsoon (FIM, September-August 2002), spring inter monsoon (SpIM; April-May 2003) and northeast monsoon (NEM, Dec 2005-January 2006). Chl a carbon during SuM, FIM, SpIM and NEM averaged 688, 767, 1212 and 1057 mg C m^-2 in the western Bay (WB) 518, 904, 789 and 1023 mg C m^-2 in the central Bay (CB). Primary productivity (PP) averaged 326, 281, 366 and 280 mg C m^-2 d^-1 in the WB and 144, 306, 241 and 375 mg C m^-2d^-1 in the CB respectively. Shallow euphotic depths (approx., less than 55m) apparently are not conducive for (PP) in the 0-120 m column. Heterotrophic bacterial carbon biomass was sizable and averaged 282, 662, 95 and 288 mg C m^-2 in the WB and was 677, 227, 104 and 333 mg C m ^-2 in the CB during SuM, FIM, SpIM and NEM respectively. They appear very crucial in governing the abundances of microheterotrophs in the southern and, open-ocean regions of the Bay. Microzooplankton were much poorer in abundance than those in the Arabian Sea except during SpIM. Their maximum carbon biomass (WB: 233; CB: 327 mg C m^-2 in the top 120 m was observed during SpIM. In the upper 200 m, the mesozooplankton biomass did not show much variation between the season (WB: 222, 906, 2428 and 988 mg C m^-2 and CB: 587, 1036, 821 and 808 mg C m^-2d^-1 respectively during SuM, FIM, SpIM and NEM). Incidentally it was mostly decoupled with chl a and PP. Cold-core eddies observed during most sampled seasons seem to bear an enhancing influence on the overall biological productivity processes.

4 illus, 3 tables, 46 ref

010219   Raghu V;Venkata Swamy M (NO, A.P. State Remote Sensing Applications Centre (APSRAC), 2nd Fllor, Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DES) Campus, Khairatabad, Hyderabad-500 004, Email: raghuvangeepuram@rediffmail.com) : Remote sensing in ground water exploration for development of temple tourism in Vemulawada, Karimnagar district, Andhra Pradesh. J Indian Geophys Union 2009, 13(4), 183-90.

Tourism is one of the important economic sectors, which is not flourishing as desired due to acute water shortage and other facilities. Proper management of water resources both on surface and underground is essential in areas important for tourism for the development of that industry. Therefore, an effort has been made to address the problem encountered by assessment, exploration and management of water resources using integrated remote sensing based techniques in a prominent pilgrim centre, Vemulawada in Karimnagar district, Andhra Pradesh. High-resolution IRS-IC merged (PAN+LISS-III) satellite data is used and hydrogeomorphological /ground water prospects map is prepared by visual interpretation techniques. Ground truth information is integrated and final map is prepared to aid in ground water exploration. The entire study area is occupied by pink and grey granites of Archaean age intersected by dolerite dykes. On either sides of Maneru River and Mula vagu, the flood plain consists of unconsolidated sediments like sand, silt and clay. Valley fill along local streams comprises of cobbles, pebbles, gravel, sand and silt of recent age. The water demand vis-…-vis water resources availability is evaluated based on hydrogeological set up and field investigations. Both long and short term solutions are given for water resources development at Vemulawada. As a part of the crisis management, (short term measures) ten bore wells are dug in a valley fill near Vemulawada based on recommendations followed by vertical electrical soundings. The wells have yielded a cumulative discharge of 1300 LPM. With the help of remote sensing technology such value additions can be made to enhance the tourism sector in India.

4 illus, 13 ref

010218   Prasanna Kumar S;Nuncio M;Narvekar J;Ramaiah N;Sardesai S;Gauns M;Fernandes V;Paul J T;Jyothibabu R;Jayaraj K A (NO, National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa-403 004, Email: prasanna@nio.org) : Seasonal cycle of physical forcing and biological response in the Bay of Bengal. Indian J Mar Sci 2010, 39(3), 388-405.

Seasonal cycle of the physical processes and the biological response in the Bay of Bengal were studied using co-located physical, chemical and biological data collected along the central and the western Bay covering four seasons from 2001 to 2006. The spring intermonsoon was characterized by warm surface waters with high salinity and less stable water column compared to summer and fall intermonsoon. During summer, freshening due to precipitation and river discharge strongly stratified the upper water column, especially in the north. Continued freshening and presence of low salinity waters during fall intermonsoon sustained the stratification. Presence of cold core eddies controlled the nutrient flux to the upper layers. During winter, the net heat loss from the sea surface led to the surface cooling with coldest sea surface temperature. Comparatively stronger winds were able to initiate wind-mixing as the water column stability was the least during this period. Less stable water column also supported an efficient nutrient supply by cold core eddies. It resulted in the highest mean column integrated chlorophyll as well as primary productivity. Perennially low surface chlorophyll in the Bay of Bengal was largely controlled by the physical processes such as stratification and reduced wind-mixing. The moderate column integrated chlorophyll biomass as well as primary productivity throughout the year was regulated by the presence of mesoscale eddies.

14 illus, 3 ables, 34 ref

010217   Patil C S (NO, Meteorological Centre, Palace Road, Bangalore, Email: cspatilmet@rediffmail.com) : Crop coefficient and water requirement of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. moench). Mausam 2010, 61(1), 121-4.

Based on the result of an experiment conducted from 1997 to 1999 during March-July, a model has been developed for relating crop coefficient of okra with time at Bangalore. The peak value of crop co-efficient was found to be 1.16 on the 9^th week after sowing. On an average okra crop consumed about 547 mm of water during the growth. The mean values of crop coefficients are found to be 0.46, 1.29 and 0.66 during seedling, pod development and maturity stages respectively.

2 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

010216   Narayanpethkar A B;Sabale S M;Ghodake V R (Applied Geology Dep, School of Earth Sciences, Solapur University, Solapur, Email: vyanky_g@yahoo.co.in) : Subsurface resistivity structures for groundwater harvesting in Dhubdhubi basin, Solapur district, Maharashtra, India. J Indian Geophys Union 2009, 13(4), 209-16.

Measurements of electrical soundings in grid have been taken at 40 observation points, covering the entire Dhubdhubi basin, a sub basin of Bhima river in the Solapur District Maharashtra. The results of the sounding data revealed two-, three- and multi-layered earth sections. The resistivity distribution for a= 10 m, in the Wenner configuration, the pre monsoon water level contour map and structure contour map at the base of the first layer, interestingly correlate with each other for most part of the basin. The structure contour maps for five layers and structure profiling along three directions have been drawn and sites for groundwater development and groundwater harvesting are suggested.

12 illus, 6 ref

010215   Mukesh Kumar;Devendra Kumar (Soil and Water Conservation Engineering Dep, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145) : Multiplicative ARIMA modelling of monthly stream flows of Betwa river. Indian J Soil Conserv 2010, 38(2), 62-8.

Multiplicative ARIMA (p,d,q)x(P,D,Q)_w models of different orders were tried for modelling of monthly stream flow of Betwa River. The parameters of multiplicative ARIMA models were computed by a seasonal ARMA (P, Q) fitted to the D-th seasonal difference of the data coupled with an ARMA (p, q) model fitted to the d-th difference of the residuals of the former model. The goodness of fit of models was tested by Box-Pierce Portmanteau test and by comparison of historical and forecasted data correlograms. Forecasting performance of the models was evaluated by using the goodness of fit tests. The lower values of integral square error and higher values of correlation coefficient and coefficient of efficiency for multiplicative ARIMA (2,0,0)x(0,1,2)_w model indicated closer agreement between forecasted and historical monthly stream flow series data.

5 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

010214   Mohapatra M;Naresh Kumar;Bandyopadhyay B K (India Meteorological Dep, Northern Hemispheric Analysis Centre, New Delhi-110 003, Email: mohapatra_imd@yahoo.com) : Unperecedented rainfall over Bangalore city during octobar, 2005. Mausam 2010, 61(1), 105-12.

The Central Observatory of India Meteorological Department (IMD) at Palace Road, Bangalore reported a record highest monthly rainfall of 604 mm during October, 2005. It was the highest ever monthly rainfall recorded over Bangalore city. However, the surrounding stations in Bangalore district recorded less rainfall. To find out the physical processes leading to this rainfall, the characteristics of rainfall over different stations in Bangalore urban and rural districts during October, 2005 and associated synoptic and thermodynamic features during the month are analysed. The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect and role of pollution parameters and their relationship with this rainfall have also been analysed. This study can be utilized in better understanding of the impact of urbanization and pollution on rainfall, especially heavy rainfall. It can also help in predicting the heavy rainfall events over the urban centres. The study endorses the earlier finding that the UHI effect leads to moisture convergence and pollutants may work as hygroscopic nuclei over the region to enhance rainfall near the urban centre.

4 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

010213   Mohanty A K;Satpathy K K;Sahu G;Hussain K J; Prasad M V R;Sarkar S K (NO, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam-603 102) : Bloom of Trichodesmium erythraeum (Ehr.) and its impact on water quality and plankton community structure in the coastal waters of southeast coast of India. Indian J Mar Sci 2010, 39(3), 323-33.

Intense bloom of Trichodesmium erythraeum was observed in the coastal waters (about 600 m away from the shore) of southeast coast of India during the post-northeast monsoon period. The bloom appeared during a relatively high temperature condition with coastal water salinity <62>; 31 psu. A significant reduction in nitrate concentration was noticed during the bloom period, whereas, relatively high concentration of phosphate and total phosphorous was observed. An abrupt increase in ammonia concentration to the tune of 284.36 mmol l^-1 was observed which coincided with the highest Trichodesmium density (2.88 x 10⁷ cells l^-1). Contribution of Trichodesmium to the total phytoplankton density ranged from 7.79% to 97.01%. A distinct variation in phytoplankton species number and phytoplankton diversity indices was noticed. The lowest diversity indices coincided with the observed highest Trichodesmium density. Concentrations of chlorophyll-a (maximum 42.15 mg m^-3) and phaeophytin (maximum 46.23 mg m^-3) increased abnormally during the bloom.

6 illus, 1 table, 41 ref

010212   Kotal S D;RoyBhowmik S K;Mukhopadhyay B (NO, India Meteorological Dep, New Delhi-110 003, Email: sdkotal.imd@gmail.com) : Real time forecasting of the bay of Bengal cyclonic storm "RASHMI" of october 2008 - a statistical dynamical approach. Mausam 2010, 61(1), 1-10.

A four-step statistical-dynamical approach is applied for real time forecasting of the Bay of Bengal cyclonic storm "RASHMI" of October 2008 which made landfall near Khepupara (Bangladesh) around 2200 UTC of 26 October 2008. The four-step approach consists of (a) Analysis of Genesis Potential Parameter (GPP), (b) Track prediction, (c) Intensity Prediction by Statistical Cyclone Intensity Prediction (SCIP) model and (d) Prediction of decaying intensity after the landfall. The results show that the analysis of Genesis Potential Parameter (GPP) at early stages of development strongly indicated that the cyclone "RASHMI" had enough potential to reach its cyclone stage. The 48 hours landfall forecast position error based on 0000 UTC on 25 October shows that the error varies from around 10 km to 95 km and landfall time error varies from 12 hours early to 23 hours delay by different numerical models (NWP). The consensus forecast (ensemble) based on these NWP models shows that landfall forecast position error is around 10 km and landfall time error is around 2 hours delay. The updated 24 hours forecast based on 0000 UTC of 26 October shows improvement in the forecast. The model predicted landfall position error varies from around 10 km to 55 km with landfall time 6 hours early to 3 hours delay. The Multiple Model Ensemble (MME) forecast shows that the landfall forecast position is close to observed landfall point and the landfall time is early by 2 hours. The JMA (Japan Meteorological Agency) and ensemble forecasts are found to be consistent both in terms of 24-hourly forecasts position, landfall point and landfall time. The 12-hourly intensity prediction up to 24 hours forecasts based on 0000 UTC on 26 October show that the model (SCIP) could pick up the intensification of the cyclone. The model forecasts till the landfall point show that there is an underestimation of intensity by 2 knots and 8 knots at 12 hour and 24 hour forecasts respectively. The 6-hourly decaying intensity forecast after the landfall shows an overestimation of 6 knots and 10 knots at 6-hour and 12-hour forecasts respectively. The approach provided useful guidance to the forecasters for real time forecasting of the cyclone.

4 illus, 4 tables, 11 ref

010211   Khatibi F S;Yamakanamardi S M (Studies in Engironmental Science Dep, Mysore Univ, Manasagangothri, Mysore-570 005) : Role self help groups in watershed management, and envitonmental sustainability: experiences of Mysore resettlement and development agency (Myrada) in Karnataka state, India. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2009, 8(3), 437-46.

United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992, places great emphasis on the adoption of 'participatory techniques' to encourage full public participation in water resources management and development. Experiences of some Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) showed watershed management through Self Help Groups (SHGs). SHGs are the voluntary Organizations, which disburse micro credit to members, which facilitates them to enter into entrepreneurial activities. This enables in mobilizing people's participation right from its conception to the implementation of project. In India, during mid 1980s SHGs were promoted by Mysore Resettlement and Development Agency (MYRADA) and this Organization has 30 years experience in accompanying SHGs. The present paper intends to study MYRADA's experiences about watershed management and environmental sustainability, especially where SHGs are active, and the role of women's SHGs for water resource management. The paper concludes with some of the recommendations on how SHGs can become agents for water conservation and environmental sustainability.

2 illus, 20 ref

010210   Kane R P (Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais-INPE, C. P. 515, 12245-970- Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP, Brazil, Email: kane@dge.inpe.br) : Erraticness of the rainfalls in different regions of India. Mausam 2010, 61(1), 113-6.

In the different regions of India, there is no evidence of rainfalls being more erratic (larger standard deviations) in more recent years. In the past, the peaks seem to have occurred during 1880-1890 and 1950-1960 in some regions, a separation of <126>70 years. If meaningful, it could be indicative of a likely peak during 2020-2030.

1 illus, 2 tables, 4 ref

010209   Jagadeeswara Rao P;Harikrishna P;Srivastav S K;Satyanarayana P V V;Vasu Deva Rao B (NO, College of Engineering, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: pjr_geoin@rediffmail.com ) : Selection of groundwater potential zones in and around Madhurawada dome, Visakhapatnam district - a GIS approach. J Indian Geophys Union 2009, 13(4), 191-200.

Hydrogeomorphological mapping coupled with hydrogeological investigations has been carried out to evaluate groundwater potential zones in and around Madhurawada. The study area, geologically a dome, is spread over 190 km2 in Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) in Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh. Thematic layers of drainage, geology, geomorphology, lineaments and well inventory have been generated by using toposheet (No.65O/5), GSI geology map, IRS-ID, LISS-III, April, 2004 digital data. Inventory of twenty four dug wells during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods of 2008 reveals that the water table fluctuates from 1.5 to 12 m bgl. Four rock types are observed, khondalite is the major type and others are later intrusives into the country rock. Ten hydrogeomorphic units are delineated on satellite data, out of which five are recharge zones and five are run-off zones. The five recharge zones, pediplain shallow, pediplain moderate, pediplain deep, valley fill shallow and piedmont slope have been intersected with geology in ArcGIS-9.1 environment. A buffer zone has been generated to lineament map to establish its influence on groundwater occurrence and distribution. The groundwater potential zones identified through GIS analysis have been classified in to five categories from very low to high.

6 illus, 4 tables, 10 ref

010208   Goutam Kumar;Ramanathan A L;Rajkumar K (NO, School of Environmental Science, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110 067, Email: goutamses@gmail.com) : Textural characteristics of the surface sediments of a tropical mangrove ecosystem Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat, India. Indian J Mar Sci 2010, 39(3), 415-22.

Mangroves in gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat, India has been studied for grain size spectrum and textural parameters namely phi mean, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis. Grain size spectrum shows a marked variation in the upstream riverine input stretch. Variation of energy conditions is controlled by the fluvial profile in the channel. Textural pattern shows complicated profile as a result of the fluctuation in the physico-chemical conditions due to fluvial-marine interaction. Abundance of very fine sand to fine sand shows the prevalence of comparatively low energy condition in the mangrove creek zones. Linear Discriminate Function Analysis (LDF) of the samples indicates shallow marine environment origin for all samples collected from this mangrove ecosystem. Riverine sediments show a wide range of textural facies including muddy sand. It has also been observed that a progressive enrichment of silty-sand in the downstream region. CM diagram (C= one percentile in microns, M=Median in microns) of Gulf of Kachchh sediments suggests that deposition takes place by (1) rolling (2) rolling and suspension and (3) graded suspension. Rolling and suspension population is dominant in the river/creeks deposits, which is also supported by uniform grain size distribution of sediment load augmented by turbidity current.

4 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

010207   Gandhi N;Satya Prakash;Ramesh R;Sanjeev Kumar (NO, Physical Research Lab, Navarangpura, Ahmedabad-380 009) : Nitrogen uptake rates and new production in the northern Indian Ocean. Indian J Mar Sci 2010, 39(3), 362-8.

Nitrogen-15 based new production measurements initiated during the last decade in the northern Indian Ocean are summarized. Two different biogeochemical provinces in eastern Arabian Sea have been recognized during the late winter monsoon: less productive southern (non-bloom) and more productive northern (Noctiluca scintillans bloom) regions. The southern sector is characterized by low column N-uptake and very low f-ratio (<126>5.5 mmol N m²d^-1 and 0.4 respectively). The f ratio, although low, increased progressively towards north. This increase may be the effect of more intense winter cooling towards the north. The northern part is a highly productive zone, with very high N-uptake and significantly high f ratio (<126>19 mmol N m²d^-1 and 0.8 respectively). New production during the pre-monsoon in the Bay of Bengal is higher than that in the post-monsoon. New production for the region during the pre-monsoon averages around 5 (±4) mmol N m^-2d^-1, almost twice the average value observed during the post-monsoon (2.6 mmol N m^-2d^-1). Average f ratio for the entire region increases to 0.70 (±0.1) during pre-monsoon from 0.5 during the post-monsoon.

2 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

010206   Ganda S C;Midya S K (Atmospheric Science Dep, Calcutta Univ, Kolkata, Email: sadhab.ganda@epcos.com) : Short term stratospheric ozone trend over dumdum and its relation with flare index of northern hemisphere. Mausam 2010, 61(1), 117-20.

This paper presents an analysis of the effect of flare index (Q) on the stratospheric ozone concentration over Dumdum station, Kolkata for the period 1979-95. As Dumdum is situated in northern hemisphere we have considered the flare index values for the northern hemisphere only.

7 ref