015687   Sudarsana Raju G (Geology and Geoinformatics Dep, Yogivemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, Email: gsraju05@gmail.com) : Delineation of groundwater prospects zones in and around Kadiri , Anatapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(3), 759-69.

Delineation of groundwater prospects zones have been carried out in and around Kadiri, Anantapure district, Andhrapradesh by using IRS P6 LISS111 Geocoded FCC data in conjunction with Survey of India toposheet (1:50000 scale) and field inputs were used for thematic mapping. Important geomorphic units identified through visual interpretation of FCC include residual hills, denudational hills, dissected pediments, structural hills, linear ridges, pediplain, alluvium and colluviums. In addition, lineaments were mapped since they act as conduits for groundwater recharge. Majority of lineaments NW-SE, E-W, and NE-SW along with a subordinate N-S set have been recognized. Based on hydrogeomorphological, geological and lineament mapping the study area has qualitatively been categorized into four groundwater prospects zones, viz, high, medium, low and poor. The study reveals that12.57% of area has high groundwater prospects, 6.45% area with medium 51.48% of the area low and 29.47% area poor groundwater prospects.

5 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

015686   Singh O P;Prasad O (NO, India Meteorological Dep, New Delhi-110 003, Email: singh.op@imd.gov.in) : District-level forecast of northeast monsoon rainfall over Tamil Nadu using Indian ocean dipole mode index. Mausam 2011, 62(2), 229-34.

The northeast monsoon season (October-December) contributes a substantial percentage of annual rainfall over Tamilnadu. The present paper describes a method for prediction of northeast monsoon rainfall (NEMR) over Tamilnadu on smaller spatial scale, i.e., district-level with sufficient lead time. Tamilnadu has been divided into ten homogeneous clusters of districts and the predictions are made for each cluster with lead times of two and one months using Indian Ocean dipole mode (IODM) index. A stronger western pole of IODM during August-September is associated with enhanced northeast monsoon activity over most of the districts of Tamilnadu. The predictions on the basis of regressions developed from NEMR and IODM index data have been validated for six years from 1997-2002. For many districts the mean errors between actual (realized) and predicted rainfall are within ±10%. Hence, using IODM index, it is possible to predict the NEMR activity over most of the districts of Tamilnadu with a lead time of two months, with only exception of NEMR over Kanyakumari which is not significantly correlated to IODM phenomenon.

3 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

015685   Singh O P;Harvir Singh (NO, India Meteorological Dep, New Delhi-110 003, Email: singh.op@imd.gov.in) : Use of scatterometer based surface vorticity fields in forecasting genesis of tropical cyclones over the north Indian Ocean. Mausam 2011, 62(1), 61-72.

Utilizing surface vorticity fields computed with the ocean surface wind speed and direction data obtained from QuikSCAT, a study has been undertaken to investigate the increase in surface vorticity during the genesis phase of tropical cyclones over the north Indian Ocean. Six named tropical cyclones; Agni, Hibaru, Mala, Akash, Nargis and Phyan which formed over the region during 2004-2009 have been selected for this purpose. It has been found that there was a steep rise in scatterometer based surface vorticity before the formation of a cyclone in the cyclogenesis region. The peak surface vorticity in the genesis region was observed on the day of intensification of the vortex to the depression stage or a day earlier. However, the rising trend in the genesis region begins a few days before the formation of the system. Thus, the surface vorticity fields derived on the basis of scatterometer data can provide predictive indication of the genesis of tropical cyclones over the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea with a lead time of 2-3 days. Using this technique it is possible to increase the lead time of pre-cyclone watch period over the north Indian Ocean. No relationship was found between the peak surface vorticity anomaly during the genesis phase and the surface vorticity anomaly at the time of peak intensity of the system during its life cycle. In other words, the peak surface vorticity anomaly during genesis phase does not provide any indication of future maximum intensity of the cyclone.

6 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

015684   Singh N (Room No 457, Theoretical Physics Laboratory, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad-380 009, Email: navinder.phy@gmail.com ) : Quantum transport in mesoscopic systems coulomb blockade and kondo effect. Resonance 2010, 15(11), 988-1002.

Short introduction to the quantum transport in mesoscopic systems is given, and various regimes of quantum transport such as diffusive, ballistic, and adiabatic are explained. The effect of interactions and inelastic scattering along with the characteristic coherent effects of mesoscopic systems give interesting new mesoscopic effects, such as Coulomb Blockade and Kondo Resonance. The basic physics of these phenomena is explained in simple language. In the end, some current research problems in this field are discussed.

2 illus, 22 ref

015683   Singh C;Mohapatra M;Bandyopadhyay B K;Tyagi A (India Meteorological Dep, Lodi Road, New Delhi-110 003, Email: csingh1964@gmail.com) : Thunderstorm climatology over northeast and adjoining east India. Mausam 2011, 62(2), 163-70.

In this study an attempt has been made to develop climatology of thunderstorm, hail and squall over the northeast and adjoining east India region based on data of 26 India Meteorological Department (IMD) observatories for the months of April and May during 1981-2008. The data of 8 Indian Air Force (IAF) observatories in these regions which are available for the period of 1991-2008 have also been considered. The interannual & intraseasonal variation, climate change aspects and diurnal variation of occurrence of thunderstorms have been analysed and discussed. The frequency and time of occurrence of thunderstorm, hail and squall days over the region show large spatial variation. The orographically dominant regions as well as the coastal areas are more prone for such activity. There is increasing trend in number of thunderstorm days over some parts of south coastal Orissa and coastal West Bengal and decreasing trend over some parts of north coastal Orissa, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura in recent years.

7 illus, 11 ref

015682   Shyam R;Kalwania G S (Chemistry Dep, S.K. Government College, Sikar-332 001, Email: gskalwania@gmail.com) : Ground water chemistry: a case study of eastern part of Sikar city (Rajasthan), India. Int J appl Engng Res Dindigul 2011, 2(2), 367-8.

For major ions evolution and classification of ground water in eastern part of Sikar city, 21 ground water samples have collected and analyzed for different water quality parameters, such as pH, EC, TDS, TH, TA, DO, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, carbonate, bicarbonate, chloride, nitrate, sulfate and fluoride with the help of standard methods recommended by American Public Health Association. The analysis indicated that EC, TDS, nitrate, chloride and fluoride content in some samples are at alarming state as compared to the WHO standards for drinking purposes, thereby suggesting the need for treatment and precautionary measures for use of the particular ground water. To classify the ground water ability for different purposes, various plots like U.S. salinity, Durov, Schoeller diagrams have been drawn and chemical indices like sodium absorption ratio, percent sodium, residual sodium carbonate, permeability index and chloro alkaline indices are calculated.

3 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

015681   Sharma A K;Datta S M;Baluja K L (NO, Meteorological Dep, New Delhi, Email: aksimd@hotmail.com) : Global analysis of long-term trends in total ozone derived from Dobson or ground based instrument data. Mausam 2011, 62(1), 103-7.

4 illus, 2 tables, 4 ref

015680   Scaria R;Vijayan P K (Geography Dep, Government College, Chittur, Kerala, Email: richardscaria0707@egmail.com) : Sustainable rural development with the application of spatial information technology and Mahatma Gandhi national rural employment guaranteed scheme. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(4), 1058-71.

Information technology has emerged as an inevitable phenomenon influencing every walk of life in all sections of in the present society. With the ease of availability of enormous computing power and convenient access to large volume and variety of data and information, the structure functions of all human organizations will undergo profound transformation in this century. Nations are engaged in exploiting this phenomenon for many of their environmental and socio-economic requirements. Timely and reliable information on cost effective manner in spatial and temporal domain, which can act as a reliable base line information on natural resources at scale ranging from regional to micro levels, can be generated by geographic information system (GIS), which can help for integrated analysis of natural resources inventory, management and planning the strategy for sustainable development and stand as a power effective administrative and management tool as decision making. The study integrates the advantages of Geomatics technology and the man power of MNREGS for the rural development activities.

3 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

015679   Roostaei S;Alavi S A;Nikjoo M R;Kamran K V (Geogrpahy Dep, Univeristy of Tabriz, Iran, Email: a.alavi88@ms.tabrizu.ac.ir) : Evaluation of object-oriented and pixel based classification methods for extracting changes in urban area. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(3), 738-49.

Study focuses on the comparison between three image classifications of remote sensing imagery to estimate change detection in urban area (Tabriz, Iran) by Post Classification Comparison (PCC) technique. In order to investigate an appropriate method for extracting changes, pixel-based image classifiers such as: Maximum likelihood Classifier (MLC), Neural Network Classification (NN) and an Object-Oriented (OO) image Classifier were tasted and compered by using Landsat TM and ETM+ image respectively belong to 1990 and 2010. A priori defined five land cover classes in classification scheme were built-up, vegetated area, bare areas, water bodies and roads. The accuracy of each method was assessed using reference dataset from high resolution satellite image and aerial photograph. The results shows that the MLC method has achieved an overall accuracy of 69% with kappa coefficient of 0.67, NN 92% overall accuracy with a kappa coefficient of 0.90 and object oriented with 94% overall accuracy and 0.92 coefficient kappa. The PCC technique reliably identified area of change was used as the change detection technique for evaluating the three classification method. Different classification methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. Quantitative results shows that, the MLC method is found to be unable to differentiate urban areas such as Built-up, Roads and Barren, the Object-Oriented Classifier has superior performance in classifying Vegetation and Water areas and the Neural Net Classifier also has the best performance in classifying Built-up, Road and Barren areas.

13 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

015678   Ravi Kiran;Bains G S (Agrometeorology Dep, Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali College of Horticulture, Bharsar-246 123, Email: ravikiransaxena@rediffmail.com) : Evaluating water use efficiency in summer green gram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) under changed hydrothermal regimes. Mausam 2011, 62(1), 107-11.

3 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

015677   Ramesh Chand;Singh U P;Singh Y P;Siddique L A;Kore P A (NO, India Meteorological Dep, New Delhi, Email: r58cg@yahoo.co.in) : Analysis of weekly rainfall of different period during rainy season over Safdarjung Airport of Delhi for 20th century-a study on trend, decile and decadal analysis. Mausam 2011, 62(2), 197-204.

The analysis of weekly rainfall and of different period during rainy season of Safdarjang airport using techniques like trend and decile have been attempted. Decadal analysis is also attempted to see any changes during the entire period. Rainy season is defined as rainfall received from week no. 23rJ to 38th. Weekly rainfall data for period 1901 to 2000 is utilized for this location. As week is a shorter period to analyze rainfall for the season groups of different periods consisting of 4 weeks such as 1-4 as 'A', 5-8 as 'B' and so on up to 'D' is formed. For study of progressive season combination of groups such as ' A+B', A+B+C and 'A+B+C+D' are also subjected to analysis as done for weekly as well for group. The average weekly rainfall distribution indicates very high positive value of coefficient of correlation (0.94) significant at 1% level. The coefficient variation (C.V.) of weekly average rainfall shows consistency from decade 5th to 8lh and 10th. Profile of average C.V. of weekly rainfall for 100 years shows consistency from week 4 to 11. Week no. 8 shows peak of rainfall. Overall decile analysis of weekly rainfall shows increasing tendency from week no. 1 to 8 for all deciles and then decreasing tendency from week no. 9 on words for all decile values. Trend analysis of group 'C' shows significant positive tendency with correlation as +0.20 significant at 5% level. However trend analysis of deciles of all groups shows very high C.C. around +0.95 at 1% level. Trend analysis of combination of groups shows positive trend for A+B+C and for A+B+C+D with a C.C. of 0.25 and 0.20 at 5% level. Trend of deciles for these groups also shows very high C.C. values around +0.95 at 1% level. Average, excess and deficient rainfall seen at Safdarjung airport is 5th, 7th and 4th decile with values as 594, 708 and 472 mm respectively. Analysis of two halves of century, viz., 1901-50 and 1951 -2000 shows no significant trend.

5 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

015676   Raghu Babu K;Sudarsana Raju G (Geology and Geoinformatics Dep, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, Email: dr.kr@rediffmail.com) : Application of remote sensing for delineation of uranium bearing Vempalli dolomites in and around Tummalapalli area, Cuddapah Basin, India. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(3), 842-52.

Uranium mineralization within the Vempalli dolomites of Cuddapah Super group in Mabbuchintalapalli, Tummalapalli area falling in the Survey of India Toposheet No. 57 J/7. The Remote Sensing data obtained from IRS P6 LISS III imagery of both the areas is taken as reference for the Interpretation studies. The Remote Sensing data obtained from IRS P6 LISS III imagery of both the areas is taken as reference for the Interpretation studies. The associations of alteration processes throughout and near the mineralized sectors appear to play an important role in the distribution and localization of the mineralization. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of LISS III data for detecting alteration zones as well as Uranium mineralization in parts of Cuddapah basin. Image processing techniques were applied on the digital subset LISS III data covered studied areas. These techniques generated several products of enhanced satellite imagery such as ratio images, principal component analysis and edge enhancement techniques which have been successfully used in the lithological discrimination of alteration zones and uranium bearing dolomites, structure, geomorphology, alteration zones etc., of the study area. Extensive field geologic studies in the pronounced zones delineated by the image lead to the identification of mineralized locations.

8 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

015675   Pandey P;Venkatraman G (Centre of Studies in Resources Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai-400 076, Email: pratimapandey@iitb.ac.in) : Generation and evaluation of Cartosat -1 DEM for Chhota Shigri Glacier, Himalaya. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(3), 704-11.

Digital elevation model (DEM) is a simple representation of a surface in 3 dimensional way with height as the third dimension along with x and y in rectangular axes. DEM has wide applications in various areas like disaster management, hydrology and water management, geomorphology and in urban development. Valuable information about a terrain can be inferred by exploiting a DEM in proper way. Study of DEM becomes very useful for studying mountainous terrain such as Himalaya which is otherwise hard to access due to harsh weather and inaccessibility. Cartosat-1 or IRS P5 (Indian Remote Sensing Satellite) is a state-of-the-art remote sensing satellite built by ISRO which is mainly intended for cartographic applications. The satellite carries two panchromatic cameras which are capable of acquiring stereoscopic data along the orbital track. The high resolution stereo data have great potential to produce high-quality DEM. Discusses the generation of DEM from Cartosat -1 data for Chhota Shigri glacier (Himachal Pradesh, India). The DEM from Cartosat data was generated both using ground control points (GCPs) and without GCPs. The accuracy of both the DEM has been assessed.

8 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

015674   Pal D S;Sreejith O P;Nargund S G;Musale M; Tyagi A (NO, India Meteorological Dep, Pune, Email: sivapai@hotmail.com ) : Present operational long range forecasting system for southwest monsoon rainfall over India and its performance during 2010. Mausam 2011, 62(2), 179-96.

At present, India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues various monthly and seasonal operational forecasts for the south-west monsoon season using models based on latest statistical techniques with useful skill. Operational models are reviewed regularly and improved through in house research activities. For the forecasting of the south-west monsoon season (June - September) rainfall over the country as a whole, a newly introduced statistical ensemble forecasting system is used. In addition, models have been developed for the forecast of the monsoon season rainfall over four geographical regions (NW India, NE India, Central India and South Peninsula) of the country and forecast for the rainfall over the second half of the monsoon season over the country as a whole. Models have also been developed for issuing operational forecast for the monthly rainfall for the months of July, August & September over the country as a whole. Operational forecasts issued by IMD for 2010 south-west monsoon rainfall have been discussed and verified. In addition, the experimental forecasts for the season rainfall over the country as a whole based on both statistical and dynamical models received from various climate research institutes within the country other than IMD are also discussed. The operational monthly and seasonal long range forecasts issued for the 2010 southwest monsoon season for the country as a whole were accurate. However, forecasts for the season rainfall over the 4 geographical regions (Northwest India, Central India, Northeast India and south Peninsular India) were not accurate as the forecast for South Peninsular India overestimated the actual rainfall and that for northeast India underestimated the actual rainfall. The experimental forecasts for the season rainfall over the country as whole from various climate research institutes within the country showed large variance (91 % - 112% of LPA).

7 illus, 8 tables, 46 ref

015673   Mohapatra M;Biswas H R;Sawaisarje G K (NO, India Meteorological Dep, New Delhi, Email: mohapatra_imd@yahoo.co.in) : Spatial variability of daily rainfall over northeast India during summer monsoon season. Mausam 2011, 62(2), 215-28.

The summer monsoon rainfall over northeast India shows characteristic spatial and temporal variability due to the interaction of basic monsoon flow with orography and the synoptic scale systems developing over Indian region. The aim of this study is to find out the main features of spatial variability of daily monsoon rainfall over northeast India and associated synoptic systems. The principal component analysis (PCA) is a good tool to filter out the main components from the noise and this is applied to daily monsoon rainfall (June-September) data of 50 almost uniformly distributed stations of northeast India over a period of 10 years (1991-2000). The association of synoptic systems with significant principal components (PC) has been confirmed by analyzing daily synoptic systems over northeast India and neighbourhood during the same period. Eight PCs explaining about 46% of the total variance of daily monsoon rainfall over northeast India are significant and can be attributed to different physical processes. The first PC associated with good monsoon condition over northeast India may be attributed to low over Sub Himalayan West Bengal (SIIWB). Similarly, the second PC may be attributed to good monsoon condition due to low level cyclonic circulation (cycir) over East Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh (EVIPC), third PC to good monsoon condition due to depression over Bihar, fourth PC to good monsoon condition due to low level cycir over Arunachal Pradesh, fifth and sixth PCs to weak monsoon condition due to low over west central Bay and cycir extending upto mid tropospheric level (MTL) over North Coastal Andhra Pradesh respectively, seventh and eighth PCs to rainfall activity due to cycir extending upto MTL over Bangladesh and northwest Bay respectively. According to rotation of these significant PCs in S-mode. northeast India consists of eight homogeneous regions with the rainfall over each region being dominantly associated with one significant PC.

8 illus, 4 tables, 26 ref

015672   Midya S K;Saha U (Atmospheric Sciences Dep, Calcutta University, Kolkata, Email: drskm06@yahoo.co.in) : Rate of change of total column ozone and monsoon rainfall - a co-variation with the variable component of 10.7 cm solar flux during pre-monsoon period. Mausam 2011, 62(1), 91-6.

Critical analysis is done on the variation of the rate of change of Total Column Ozone (TCO) over Dum Dum (22° 38' N, 88°26' E) and Total Monsoon Rainfall over Gangetic West Bengal with the variable component of 10.7 cm solar flux during different seasons for the period 1997- 2005. An anti-correlation is observed between the variable component with the rate of change of TCO during the pre-monsoon and monsoon period and significant positive correlations during the post-monsoon and winter seasons. Quite insignificant positive correlations are observed between the variable component and Total Monsoon Rainfall during different seasons for this period. A co-variation is observed with the increase in the variable component of 10.7 cm solar flux throughout the period of study only during the pre-monsoon season. Possible explanations are also presented.

7 illus, 20 ref

015671   Midya S K;Dutta A K;Panda P (Atmospheric Sciences Dep, Calcutta Univ, Kolkata-700 019, Email: drskm06@yahoo.co.in ) : Association of major earthquakes (magnitude ≥ 6 richter scale) with geomagnetic index K_p during the period 2001-2007. Mausam 2011, 62(2), 245-52.

A critical study of variation of geomagnetic activity index Kp for the period 2001-2007 have been made and its close association with major earthquakes (magnitude ≥ 6 Richter scale) is presented. From statistical analysis it is confirmed that when Kp touches 0 or 0+ values, major earthquakes take place within 48 hours. This is also explained considering the motion of the molten metal inside the outer core of earth.

3 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

015670   Michel K A;Alphonse Y K;Yves A A;Jean B (Earth Sciences and Mineral Resoruces Dep, Institut National Polytechnique Felix Houphouet-Boigny, PO Box 1093, Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, Email: michel.a_kouassi@yahoo.fr.ou) : Application of statistical and Hydrochemical methods to the analysis of the groundwater in the Guiglo-Duekou‚ area (Western area of Ivory Coast). Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(4), 949-62.

Several hydrogeological studies have been conducted throughout the Ivory Coast for a better (quantitative and qualitative) assessment of groundwater resources. The results obtained in these studies are extremely encouraging and contributed in particular to a better understanding of the hydrogeochemistry of groundwater. However, despite these considerable achievements, efforts still need to be made. In the western region, which is now the new Cocoa belt, such studies are virtually nonexistent. Therefore, the study was undertaken in order to contribute to the knowledge of the hydrogeochemistry of aquifers in the West of Ivory Coast. The study was conducted specifically in the Guiglo-Duekou‚ area which is located between latitudes 7°00 and 7°42' North and longitudes 6°28' and 6°50' West. The objective of this study is the hydrogeochemical characterization of groundwater for the understanding of its mineralization. This work was conducted from the results of the analyses of physical and chemical parameters of water and relied on a sample of 48 drillings. The methodology used is based on a combination consisting of statistical methods (Normalized Principal Component Analysis and Ascending Hierarchical Classification) and hydrochemical (Index of base exchange). The results of statistical analysis have identified two main mechanisms that are responsible for the evolution of the mineralization of the groundwater of the Guiglo-Duekou‚ area. The first mechanism is the phenomenon of mineralization coupled with the residence time which reveals the hydrolysis of silicates after the infiltration of water enriched in CO₂ from the ground. The second mechanism is the oxidation-reduction phenomenon, related to turbidity, to the concentrations of iron and manganese. The index hydrochemical study showed that the third phenomenon responsible for the mineralization of groundwater is the ion exchange between water and rock. These results contribute to a better understanding of hydrogeochemical properties of the groundwater of the crystalline basement of Archean and SASCA areas of Ivory Coast.

5 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

015669   Mazumdar A B;Khole M;Sunitha Devi S (NO, Meteorological Office, Pune-411 005) : Weather in India - winter season (January-February 2010). Mausam 2011, 62(1), 119-32.

1 illus, 8 tables

015668   Mazumdar A B;Khole M;Sunitha Devi S (NO, Meteorological Office, Pune) : Hot weather season (march-may 2010). Mausam 2011, 62(2), 261-86.

2 illus, 12 tables, ref

015667   Mannu Ram;Moti Lal (NO, Meteorological Centre, Lucknow, Email: mannu.ram@imd.gov.in) : Semi-quantitative precipitation forecasts for river sharda catchment by synoptic analogue method. Mausam 2011, 62(2), 256-60.

1 illus, 3 tables, 3 ref

015666   Lakshumanan C;Pradeep Kishore V;Viveganandan S;Krishnakumar P;Muthusankar G (Centre for Remote Sensing, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli-620 023, Email: drlaks@gmail.com ) : Landuse/land cover dynamics study in Nilgiris district part of Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(3), 921-33.

Rapid Landuse and Land cover dynamics were investigated in the Nilgiris district of Tamilnadu State during the periods 1973-2009 by the combined use of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques. Landsat-MSS, Landsat-TM and IRS-P6-LISS III satellite imageries were used to assess the Landuse and Land cover changes through visual interpretation techniques. The detailed analysis has revealed that the area under forest and settlement increased 9.35 km² and 1.02 km² every year for the past 36 years respectively. Whereas the forest plantation, tea plantation, barren rocky land and agro-horticulture shows a considerable declining for the period of 36 years. Encouragement of tourism and industrial development has altered the natural system of Nilgiris environment. The Nilgiris today is the most industrialized and commercialized hill area in the state. The rabid commercialization without corresponding improvements in infrastructures and amenities has long begun to strain the carrying capacity of the hills.

9 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

015665   Kulandaivelu E;Soundararaj M;Guhan M V (Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai-6, Meteorological Office, Airport, Tiruchirapalli, Email: metmds@snl.com) : Cloud burst during south west monsoon season at Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu. Mausam 2011, 62(2), 253-6.

4 illus, 5 ref

015664   Kishor Kumar;Devrani R;Kathait A;Aggarwal N (Geotechnical Engineering Div, Central Road Research Institute, Mathura Road, New Delhi, Email: rahuldevrani18@gmail.com) : Micro-hazard evaluation and validation of landslide in a part of North Western Garhwal Lesser Himalaya, India. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(3), 888-901.

Large number of natural factors control the occurrence of landslide phenomenon. However, anthropogenic activities, added with natural factors contribute handsomely to destabilize the hill slopes. The Himalaya being unique in its physiographic, tectonic and climatic characteristics coupled with many natural and man-made factors is inherently prone to landslides. The study includes a study of certain parameters (as factors), selected as per their role in inducing landslides in one of the hazard prone regions of Northwestern Himalaya. A base map on 1:500 scale was prepared using high precision Total Station and GPS that was further divided into equal sized grids measuring 45m X 45m. The parameters such as lithology, structures, slope gradients, landuse and landcover and groundwater condition have been quantified and statistically analyzed for evaluating the landslide hazard potential of each of the grid. Based on the integration of qualitative and quantified weightages given to each factor of each grid, a micro-hazard zonation map of the area has been developed for guiding the remedial actions required for preventing the landslides. The results were compared with results of geomechanical classification. i.e. RMR and SMR; of same site to support modified methodology .The map has been physically verified and was found to be mostly accurate.

9 illus, 8 tables, 48 ref

015663   Karmarkar S;Mahbub Alam M (Bangladesh Meteorological Dep, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Email: malam@phy.kuet.ac.bd;mdalam@gmail.com) : Modified instability index of the troposphere associated with thunderstorms/nor'westers over Bangladesh during the pre-monsoon season. Mausam 2011, 62(2), 205-14.

The present study is an attempt to study different Modified Stability Indices in relation to the occurrence of severe thunderstorms/nor' westers in order to find out the critical values of different modified indices favorable for the formation of thunderstorms in Bangladesh. Computations have also been made for the stations in and around Bangladesh for studying the spatial distribution of the modified stability indices. The Modified Instability Indices such as Modified Cross Total Index (MCT), Modified Vertical Total Index (MVT), Modified Total Totals Index (MTV), Modified SWEAT Index (MSWI), Modified K-Index (MKI) and Modified Energy Index (MEI) show greater instability of the troposphere in the morning as compared to CT, VT, TT, SWI, KI and El. The critical values of different modified instability indices at 0000 UTC over Dhaka are: MCT <62> 20° C, MVT <62> 26° C, MTV > 46° C, MSWI <62> 300, MKI ≥ 40° C and MEI <60> -6 joules/gm respectively for the nor'westers to occur in Bangladesh. The spatial distributions of modified stability indices have revealed that maximum instability lies over the area of surface low pressure especially over Bihar, West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh at 0000 UTC on the dates of occurrence of nor'westers. Nor'westers occur at the eastern end of the maximum instability. For severe nor'westers of tornadic intensity, the critical values of different modified instability indices at 0000 UTC over Dhaka are: MCT ≥ 20° C, MVT ≥ 28° C, MTT ≥ 50° C, MSWI ≥500, MKI ≥ 42° C and MEI <60> -8 joules/gm respectively for the nor'westers to occur in Bangladesh.

11 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

015662   Jegankumar R;Nagarathinam S R;Kannadasan K (Geography Dep, School of Geosciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Email: jegankumar@gmail.com) : Spatial distribution of rainfall in Salem and Namakkal districts. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(4), 986-1004.

Spatial distribution of rainfall shows a unique pattern in Salem and Namakkal Districts. By analyzing the long term rainfall data, the results shows that Summer contributes 18.73%, Southwest monsoon produces 40% and North east 40%. The average mean rainfall of the study area is 844.49mm. The variability indicates higher variability in winter to compare other seasons. Similarly precipitation ratio is carried out to bring out the anomalies in the distribution and the rainfall frequency is calculated to understand the occurrences. GIS is effectively used in this attempt to compute and produce maps.

8 illus, 5 tables, 26 ref

015661   Jaswal A K;Koppar A L (NO, India Meteorological Dep, Pune-411 005, Email: akjaswal@imdpune.gov.in) : Recent climatology and trends in surface humidity over India for 1969-2007. Mausam 2011, 62(2), 145-62.

Annual and seasonal trends in specific humidity, relative humidity and dry bulb temperature based upon 215 stations across India are studied. The results of trend analysis show evidence of an increase in air moisture content over India during 1969-2007 with more than 90% stations showing increasing trends in specific humidity. Climatological means of specific humidity and relative humidity for the country are 14.1 g/kg and 63.9% respectively and trends are significantly increasing for all periods except for relative humidity in monsoon season. Annual trends in specific humidity, relative humidity and dry bulb temperature are +0.23 g/kg per decade, +0.85% per decade and +0.04° C per decade respectively. Seasonal trends in specific humidity, relative humidity and dry bulb temperature are statistically significant and highest in summer (+0.30 g/kg per decade), winter (+1.49% per decade) and monsoon (+0.11° C per decade) respectively. Spatially, the increasing trends in specific humidity and relative humidity are more coherent over north, northwest, central and southeast India. Spatial patterns of trends in relative humidity and dry bulb temperature are complementary and strongly correlated. Relative humidity trends are consistently decreasing over Jammu and Kashmir and northeast India. Increasing trends in summer season relative humidity and monsoon season dry bulb temperature over large parts of the country contribute significantly to upward trend in human discomfort. The spatial patterns of discomfort index show that the aerial extent of uncomfortable conditions increases both north and westwards as season progresses from summer to monsoon.

8 illus, 4 tables, 40 ref

015660   Jasrotia A S;Ajay Kumar;Aasim M (P.G. Geology Dep, Univeristy of Jammu, Jammu-180 006, Email: asjasrotia@yahoo.com) : Morphometric analysis and hydrogeomorphology for delineating groundwater potential zones of Western Doon Valley, Uttarakhand, India. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(3), 878-87.

Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques have been effectively used for the analyses of the morphometric analysis of the Western Doon Valley. The drainage network of the watershed was delineated using satellite data IRS-1D (LISS-III data) and Survey of India toposheets were used as reference. The morphometric analysis of the watershed has been carried out using ERDAS Imagine 9.2 and ARC GIS-9.2 version. The drainage network of the study area covering 789.26 km², which exhibits dendritic drainage pattern. The stream order ranges from first to sixth order. The drainage density of the study area varies between 1.12 to 3.75 km/km² which observed that area is highly permeable and structurally controlled. The bifurcation ratio varies from 2.47 to 4.49 and the elongation ratio vary from 0.37 to 0.68 which reveals that Western Doon Valley is an asymmetrical longitudinal synclinal valley which extends for about 34 km. in length and 20 km in width and lies between two major rivers of Indian sub-continent. Hydrogeomorphologically the Western Doon Valley is classified into different zones covered by denudational hills, residual hills, high dissected hills, moderately dissected structural hills, upper piedmont, lower piedmont, older terrace, younger terrace and flood plain. The excellent groundwater potential zones are associated with the younger terraces and flood plains of Tons river, Asan river and Yamuna river and parts of adjacent lower piedmont unit. Good groundwater potential zones are associated with the part of older terrace (alluvium) and lower piedmont unit. Moderate groundwater potential zones fall in the lower part of the upper piedmont. Low groundwater potential zone falls in the upper part of the upper piedmont units, adjacent to structural hills. Very low potential zone includes residual hills, denudational hills, and structural hills with high slope are grouped together as runoff zone in the study area.

30 ref

015659   Jangra S;Mohan Singh (NO, DAV College, Abohar-152 116, Email: suman2010@live.com) : Analysis of rainfall and temperatures for climatic trend in Kullu valley. Mausam 2011, 62(1), 77-84.

Kullu valley is famous for tourism and agricultural activities but recently it has assumed importance for studies on climatic variability. There is an increasing trend in minimum and maximum temperatures but no trend in annual rainfall. The slope of regression line for annual rainfall was negative at Bajaura and positive at Katrain but both were non significant. The coefficient of variation for annual rainfall (22%) and for monsoon rainfall (33%) was showing the consistence of annual and southwest monsoon rainfall but, a shifting of monsoon from its wettest months was observed. The rainfall was most variable during post monsoon season at Bajaura and in winter at Katrain. The decreasing rate in rainfall was higher during the recent period than the decadal period. Monthly, seasonal and annual average minimum temperature was showing decreasing trend at Bajaura and an increasing trend at Katrain, but, maximum temperature is increasing at both the stations. The minimum temperature was most variable during the winter season whereas the maximum temperature was during summer. Higher the altitude higher the variability in minimum temperature but lower the altitude higher the variability in maximum temperature. Both maximum and minimum temperatures were showing a higher rate of increasing during the recent period.

2 illus, 5 tables, 15 ref

015658   Gupta S;Roy M (Environmental Science Dep, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan-713 104, Email: srimantagupta@yahoo.co.in) : Land use /land cover classification of an urban area- a case study of Burdwan Municipality, India. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(4), 1024-36.

Work explains the Land Use/ Land Cover classification of urban area (the Burdwan municipality, West Bengal, India) using Geographical Information System and Remote Sensing software. Mapping of the Classification is done with the help of existing Burdwan municipality ward map and IRS-P6 LISS-IV image of January 7, 2008, having a resolution of 5m ' 5m and a hand held Gramin12 Global Positioning System receiver. Supervised Land Use/Land Cover classification algorithm (Maximum likelihood with null class) is run into PCI Geomatica V.10.1 software. The classification shows 83.01% average accuracy and 76.47% overall accuracy .The output classified map reveals that Burdwan Municipality Area is divided into 35 no of wards having a total area of 25.29 square kilometres. Depending upon United States Geological Survey classification system an urban classification scheme is generated where Burdwan municipality area is divided into 7 major Land Use/ Land Cover classes and subclasses. Using the software, ward wise area statistic is calculated. The area statistics of Land Use/ Land Cover classes of an area is very important for future development.

5 illus, 5 tables, 15 ref

015657   Gupta S;Banerjee U S (Environmental Science Dep, The University of Burdwan, Golapbag-713 104, Email: banenvs@gmail.com) : Geochemistry of the river Damodar - the influence of the geology and weathering environment on the dissolved load. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(3), 853-67.

Study of geochemical assessment of river water quality and its possible contamination was carried out with the objective of identifying the occurrence of various geochemical processes and suitability of these water resources for irrigation, potability and other ancillary uses by local inhabitants. Analytical findings were plotted in geochemical facies diagrams to find out the variability in Damodar river water quality. The study revealed that calcium and bicarbonates are the dominant ions in all the samples analyzed. The Piper trilinear diagrams reveal that Ca-HCO₃ is the dominant hydro-chemical facies in the Damodar river water in the study area. The Wilcox diagram, which shows the plot of percent sodium with the total ionic abundance, indicates that river water in the study area chiefly falls within excellent-to-good quality class. The source of the ions in the water was examined and classified accordingly using Gibb's diagram and the diagram shows that rock weathering plays the key role in controlling the hydro-geochemistry of the Damodar river. Water quality parameters was compared with the prevalent environmental standards indicates that, with few exceptions, the Damodar river water in the study area is fit for drinking and irrigation use and is free from alkali and salinity hazards.

4 illus, 2 tables, 36 ref

015656   Goswami U;Dutta M N (Applied Geology Dep, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh-786 004, Email: ugoswamidu@gmail.com) : Ground water prospect in the adjoining areas of the belt of Schuppen: Kharsang oilfield area of Arunachal Pradesh, North-East India. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(3), 787-804.

Kharsang Oilfield, operated by GeoEnpro Petroleum Limited, is located at Kharsang and Jairampur Circles of Changlang district in Arunachal Pradesh. Geologically the Kharsang oil field is a roll over anticline associated with the Margherita Thrust System of the Belt of Schuppen where the older Tertiary sediments in the Kharsang area are lying over the younger Tertiaries owing to the effect of the Margherita thrust. Thus the Barails occur immediately below the 10 to 50 m thick alluviums while the younger Namsangs occur in the deeper horizons below the Margherita Thrust zone. At present, the total water requirement (about 100 klpd) of the oilfield is entirely drawn from the Namphuk river flowing across the area. In order to create an alternate source based on ground water, a hydrogeological study was carried out in an area of 32 km² covering Kharsang Oilfield and its adjoining areas for finding out the feasibility of construction of moderately deep tube wells with suitable discharge. For this purpose hydrometeorology, soil characteristics, topographic relief & slope, thickness & extension of subsurface aquifer zones and various hydrogeologic characteristics have been studied for the assessment of ground water prospect of the area. Three potentially favourable zones have been identified which have the potential for providing a sustained supply of water but only at a relatively lower yield.

7 illus, 7 tables, 16 ref

015655   Essa K S M;Ghobrial R A R;Mina A N;Higazy M (Mathematics and Theoretical Physics Dep, Nuclear Research Centre, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt, Email: essa_ksm@yahoo.com) : Calculation of crosswind integrated concentration by using different dispersion schemes. Mausam 2011, 62(1), 51-60.

Gaussian model is the most extensively used model for local dispersion. The Gaussian formula for a continuous release from a point source (GPM) is integrated to get crosswind integrated concentration. Different schemes such as Irwin, power law, Briggs, Standard method, and split sigma theta method can be used to obtain integrated concentration. Also downwind speed in power law, plume rise and Statistical measures are used in the model to know which is the best scheme agrees with the observed concentration data obtained from Copenhagen, Denmark.

2 illus, 9 tables, 18 ref

015654   El Aouli E H;Amaouain H (LAGAGE Lab, Geology Dep, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, PO Box: 8106, Agadir 80000, Morocco, Email: hassan.elaouli@laposte.net) : New petrology and geochemistry data of lower cryogenian mafic rocks of Precambrian Igherm inlier (Western Anti-Atlas, Morocco). Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(3), 750-8.

Lower Cryogenian mafic magmatism from the Igherm inlier (Moroccan western Anti-atlas) have tholeiitic, calc-alkaline and alkaline affinities. Doleritic dyke swarms with various directions and gabbroic intrusive bodies were emplaced during Neoproterozoic times (PII), cutting across either Eburnean (PI) schists and granites or Neoproterozoic (PII) limestones and quartzites. All these rocks were deformed by the main panafrican schistosity and covered by molassic and volcanic Upper Neoproteroroic series. Three main groups of mafic rocks were recognized by the means of petrography and relative chronology. Using incompatible trace elements and rare earth elements, this magmatism appears as truly heterogeneous : the group 1 has tholeitic affinities whereas the groups 2 and 3 have calc-akaline and alkaline affinities respectively. The group 1 is earlier, as shown by the intrusive character of the dykes of the other two groups, into the gabbroic bodies of the first group. The geodynamical environment of the mafic magmatism in the inlier of Igherm can be described as linked to a major distensive regime contemporaneous of, or occuring immediately after, the oceanic opening already described in Central Anti-Atlas (Bou Azzer and Siroua ophiolites). The chemical heterogeneities observed in the three groups can be related to heterogeneities of mantellic sources and/or various partial melting ratios of the sub-continental mantle.

4 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

015653   Dutta S;Narkhedkar S G;Sikka D R;Sunitha Devi (NO, India Meteorological Dep, Pune, Email: dutta.drsomenath@gmail.com ) : Dynamical comparison between two recent drought southwest monsoon seasons 2002 and 2009 over India. Mausam 2011, 62(2), 133-144.

An attempt has been made to compare dynamically the recent two drought years, viz., 2002 and 2009, from energetics aspects. For that different energy terms, their generation and conversion among different terms have been computed during 1s1 May - 30th September for the above two years over a limited region between 65° E & 95° E, 5° N & 35° N. These computations are based on daily NCEP 2.5° x 2.5° data during lsl May - 30th September of the above two years. The study shows that although for both the years we had drought, the mean monsoon circulation itself was much weaker in 2009 as compared to 2002, in daily, monthly as well as in the seasonal scale. The weaker mean monsoon circulation, in daily scale, has been demonstrated by comparatively longer spells during June-September 2009 with negative value of conversion of zonal available potential energy to zonal kinetic energy p(A_z,K_z)]. Large negative values of the monthly total as well as seasonal total of |C(A_z,K_z)] indicate weaker mean monsoon circulation in monthly and in the seasonal scale. The study also shows that in both years, the Seasonal total (June-September) of conversion of zonal available potential energy to eddy available potential energy [C(A_z, A_E)] was positive, but in 2009 its order of magnitude was 10^-4 J/kg/cm²/sec where as in 2002 it was 10'^-6J/kg/cm²/sec, indicating that the influence of mid-latitude westerly was much more in 2009, which may have attributed towards weaker mean monsoon circulation in 2009.

3 illus, 24 ref

015652   Dhorde A A;Dhorde A;Joshi G (Geography Dep, Nowrosjee Wadia College, Pune, Email: anarghawakhare@gmail.com) : (NULL). Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(4), 1037-57.

Impervious surfaces can be defined as any material that prevents the infiltration of water into the soil. Impervious surfaces not only indicate urbanization, but also are major contributors to the environmental impacts of urbanization. As the natural landscape is paved over, a chain of events is initiated that typically ends in degraded water resources. The study is an attempt to develop a multiple regression model for extraction of impervious surface at a pixel level for a watershed using IRS P-6 (LISS-III) and Landsat TM image. The regression equation that was generated involved a number of parameters such as band values, NDVI, Tasseled Cap (Band-II) values, slope, elevation, and population density which were used to predict the percent area that is covered with impervious surfaces. Impervious surfaces were extracted village wise and impervious surface coefficients were calculated for the entire study area. These two multi-date images are classified to obtain the land use pattern and correlate it with the impervious surface retrieved from the images. The final output obtained from regression model is critically important to the design and implementation of land use plans and strategies aimed at preventing water quality impairment from urban non-point pollution.

12 illus, 5 tables, 29 ref

015651   Deka J;Tripathi O P;Khan M L (Forestry Dep, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Nirjuli-791 109, Email: jyotishmandeka@gmail.com) : Urban growth trend analysis using Shannon Entropy approach - a case study in North-East India. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(4), 1072-78.

Urbanization is considered as the most influential drivers of land use and land cover change associated with growth of populations and economy. The integration of remote sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) technique acts as an effective tool for detecting urban growth and modelling in the recent years. In order to maintain a systematic urban growth pattern at regional or global level, effective planning has to be first prepared at local level. The study aims to quantifying the urban growth in Jorhat district of Assam using Shannon's Entropy Approach. The entropy values obtained in the study were 2.32 in 1996 and 2.49 in the year 2010 which are closer to the upper limit of log (n), i.e. 2.63, indicating a dispersed development. The study also emphasizes the potentiality of Landsat TM data in the urban studies at local level. The present finding will have high utility in understanding the present and projecting the future growth scenario. This will further help in preparation of effective planning and management strategies for controlled and systematic urban growth both at regional as well as local level.

2 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

015650   Das A;Mondal M;Das B;Ghosh A R (NO, West Bengal State Council of Science and Technology (DST), , Email: milanmondal2055@gmail.com) : Analysis of drainage morphometry and watershed prioritization in Bandu watershed, Purulia, West Bengal through remote sensing and GIS technology. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(4), 1005-23.

Study area, Bandu watershed of Purulia District extends from 23° 20' N to 23°47' N' and 86° 0' E to 86° 30' E. The study area is under the upper catchment of Kasai river, Purulia district is a drought prone district of the West Bengal. Inspite of considerable amount of rainfall, due to heavy runoff the main problem of this area is scarcity of water as well as soil erosion. It has been accepted that for sustainable rural livelihood water and soil conservation is a must. The most suitable way to achieve this is micro-watershed development. But there is an acute shortage of technical manpower to handle such a huge volume of survey related work. For that reason, application of Remote Sensing and GIS has become a necessity. Moreover since fund is limited, watershed prioritization is highly required.

8 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

015649   Chopra N (Geography Dep, National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune-411 023, Email: narayan_chopra@yahoo.com) : Land use planning of southern part of Sonbhadra District, U.P., using remote sensing techniques. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(4), 34-48.

Of late, growing population pressure and human activities are increasing the demand on the limited land resources, both for agricultural and other land uses. To meet this unprecedented demand of land for various pursuits, reliable and comprehensive information on the spatial distribution of land use/land cover categories and their status under the present usage is a prerequisite for planning, utilisation and management of land resources of the region. Precisely, for this very reason the present study, through visual interpretation, aims to obtain the information on the status of land resources in the region south of the River Son, Sonbhadra District, U.P. Remote Sensing data in the form of FCC on 1:50,000 of 1RS-1A (LISS-II) for the entire study area for the period of Feb. 1991 (consisting of 14 scenes) have been used in the study. Maps on various themes, viz, Land Use/Land Cover, Geomorphic Units, Soils, Ground Water Potential, and Environmental Degradation have been generated using aforementioned satellite data coupled with ground truth. All these maps were critically evaluated and the problem areas were identified and land use plan has been suggested for the overall development of the study area. The study highlights the great merit of recording land use pattern on maps are that each parcel of land can be precisely located and the aerial relationships of different uses analysed in a way that is not possible with a variety of other methods, viz. statistical data, etc., often collected for quite different purposes.

5 illus, 40 ref

015648   Charan Singh (NO, India Meteorological Dep, New Delhi-110 003, Email: csingh1964@gmail.com) : Unusual long and short spell of fog conditions over Delhi and northern plains of India during December-January, 2009-1010. Mausam 2011, 62(1), 41-50.

Sheet of fog is a common scenario during December-January months, which not only occurs in northern India but also in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Maximum fog frequency is noticed in Delhi and adjoining areas. This also affected the maximum temperature during January 1969-88, it varied between 20.6-21.5°C and during 2005 it was 18.9° C and 19.03°C during 2010. Formation of fog and its sustainability mainly depends upon surface wind, relative humidity, minimum temperature and persistency. Maximum dense fog was 285, 190 and 176 hours in 1998-99, 2002-03 and in 2009-10 respectively. During the month of January 2010 there were 5 western disturbances which enhanced the moisture over northern India, surface wind speed remained around 5 kt or less. Inversion in lower levels and freezing level has also been taken into consideration. No significant relation was found between fog and freezing level. However, inversion layer played an important role in formation of fog. Visible satellite imageries have also been taken into consideration to monitor fog over vast area of northern India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

10 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

015647   Chandra Bose A S;Viswanadh G K;Giridhar M V S S (Civil Engineering Dep, Government Polytechnic, Warangal-506 001, Email: smilesubhashbose@yahoo.com) : Computation of watershed parameters using geoinformatics. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(3), 770-86.

Primary objective of the study is to evaluate watershed parameters using remote sensing and geographic information systems for Kadam watershed which is a part of Middle Godavari (G-5) sub basin of Godavari river basin, India. Preparation of maps such as Contour map, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), Flow direction map, Study area boundary map, Slope map, Aspect map, View shed map, Thiessen polygon network map Soil map and Mandal administrative boundary map have been prepared in GIS environment in order to compute watershed parameters which are useful for various applications of watershed hydrology. The maximum and minimum elevations in the study area from the contour map were found to be 350 m and 160 m respectively. Slope map indicated mild to steep slopes varying from 0 to 28 percent for the study area. The areas of Thiessen polygons namely Bazarhatnoor, Boath, Ichoda, Indervelly, Kadam, Khanapur, Neredigonda and Utnoor have been found to be 257.00, 341.61, 279.26, 299.51, 211.73, 421.30, 303.00 and 504.13 sq km respectively. The areas of the soil units viz., 19, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 66 and 68 were found to be 15.38, 276.89, 17.27, 494.65, 388.87, 1278.32, 25.57 and 98.17 sq km respectively.

10 illus, 4 tables, 7 ref

015646   Chakraborty S;Imtiyaz M;Isaac R K (Soil Water Land Engineering & Management Dep, Vaugh School of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, SHIATS, Allahabad-211 007) : Probability analysis for prediction of rainfall of Raipur region (Chhattisgarh). Allahabad Fmr 2012, 68(2), 6-15.

Consecutive days of annual maximum rainfall data corresponding to different return periods are required for economic planning and design of hydraulic structures like small dams, bridges, culverts, drainage works etc. Different probability distribution models namely, Normal, Log Normal, Log Pearson type III and Gumbel were tested for Raipur Region by comparing the Chi-square values. The Gumbel distribution was found to be fit best for one day annual maximum rainfall. Log Pearson type III distribution was found to be best fitted for two, three and four consecutive days of annual maximum rainfall. Normal distribution was found to be best fitted for five consecutive days annual maximum rainfall. The one day annual maximum rainfall and two to five consecutive days annual maximum rainfall exhibited strong Linear relationships (R² = 0.9191 to 0.9494). The regression equations developed in the present studies can be successfully used for prediction of rainfall of consecutive days ranging from two to five annual maximum rainfalls with one day annual maximum rainfall for Raipur region.

4 tables, 23 ref

015645   Boori M S;Amaro V E;Targino A (Post-graduation Program in Geodynamic and Geophysics, Center of Exact, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RB, Brazil, Email: msboori@gmail.com) : Coastal risk assessment and adaptation of the impact of sea-level rise, climate change and hazards: a RS and GIS based approach in Apodi-Mossor¢ estuary, Northeast Brazil. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(3), 815-32.

Northeast Brazil is physically and socio-economically vulnerable to accelerated sea-level rise, due to its low topography and its high ecological and touristic value. The main threats in Apodi-Mossor¢ estuary that could be connected with sea-level rise and climate change are the flooding of coastal areas, erosion of sandy beaches and the destruction of harbor constructions and hazards. Assessment of the potential land loss by inundation has been based on empirical approaches using a minimum inundation level of 1m and a maximum inundation level of 10m. The s¢cio-economic impacts have been based on two possible alternative futures: first a worst situation measured by the economic condition in the maximum inundation level and second; a best situation measured by combining the sustainability on first scenario with the minimum inundation level. Inundation analysis, based on GIS and a modelling approach to erosion, has identified on 22 locations and the socioeconomic sectors that are most at risk to accelerated sea-level rise, climate change and hazards. Results indicate that 15.74% (216.10km²) and 26.43% (362.81km²) of the area will be lost by flooding at minimum and maximum inundation levels, respectively. The most severely impacted sectors are expected to be the residential and recreational areas, agricultural land and the natural ecosystem. Shoreline erosion is -5.38m/yr since 2003 to 2010 and it`s affect 21.48% the total area in the Apodi-Mossor¢ estuary which is very high vulnerable area. Potential strategies to ameliorate the impact of global climate change through sea level rise and coastal hazards include: wetland preservation; beach nourishment at tourist resorts; and the afforestation of dunes. As this coast is planned to become one of the most developed tourist resorts in RN state by 2012, measures such as building regulation, urban growth planning and development of an Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan, are recommended for the region.

6 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

015644   Bijeesh K V (NO, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom, Email: bijeesh@codexremote.com.br) : Remote sensing approach for monitoring debris-covered glaciers in the high altitude Karakoram Himalayas. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(3), 833-41.

Debris-covered glaciers, unlike other types of glaciers, are difficult to map using visible and infrared imagery. Moreover, high altitude glaciers are difficult to map using fieldwork data due to the inaccessibility. In this study, supraglacial debris cover is mapped using Landsat TM and ETM+ images acquired from 1990 to 2010 and a digital elevation model (DEM) which is derived from Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) acquired in 2002. Image processing steps and vectorisation were done using Erdas 2011 and ArcGIS software packages. Different methods include manual, semi-automatic, modified semi-automatic, and automatic method using thermal wavebands. Application of band ratio images is also used. Changes in debris extent and debris-covered glaciers in the study site during this period were also calculated. These methods for mapping supraglacial debris cover were found to give comparable results. However some discrepancies may arise due to the poor spatial resolution of images, seasonal variations and lack of fieldwork. It is expected that a high spatial and spectral resolution imagery combined with field work data and surface ablation characteristics would produce better map of debris-covered glaciers.

5 illus, 24 ref

015643   Anil N C;Jagannadha Rao M;Jai Sankar G; Greeshma Gireesh A G;Sailaja U;Shravan Kumar A (Geo Engineering Dep, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, Email: nathianil@gmail.com) : Monitoring of urban land use/Land cover (LULC) changes in parts of greater Visakhapatnam municipal corporation (GVMC) and surrounding areas, A.P - using remote sensing and GIS techniques. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2012, 2(4), 974-85.

Urban areas are changing due to various human activities, natural conditions and developmental activities. According to the user requirements, updating of land use maps are required to various departments and hence information of land use/land cover in the form of maps and statistical data are very vital for spatial planning, management and proper utilization of land. An attempt is made to study the changes of land use and land cover between two data sets with a span of 12 years of Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) and surroundings areas. The study has been done through Remote Sensing and GIS approach using SOI topo sheets, and IRS LISS-III 1998, IRS LISS-III 2010 satellite data. The present study has brought to light that the land use/land cover classes like built-up land has increased from 15.38% to 27.71% during 1998-2010 with a net increase of 12.33%, industrial area has increased from 6.48% to 8.32% with a net increase of 1.84% during the years 1998-2010 and also area under plantations has increased from 10.42% to 10.87% during 1998-2010 with a net increase of 0.45%. But some classes like forest area have decreased from 27.95% to 18.34% with a net decrease of 9.61% during the years 1998-2010. And it was found that harbour area has remained unchanged during 1998-2010 which can be considered as a positive trend. The reasons for this increase and decrease have been discussed. Another important outcome of the study is the trend of illegal construction activity on the hill slopes of the study area. This aspect is taken up as on a priority bases in the study. The results indicate that during the study period (1998-2010). The hill slope occupation has been increased significantly from 1.88% (11.72sq.km) to 5.57% (34.65sq.km) indicating enormous rate at which the hill slopes are being occupied. This is an alarming indication for the GVMC to take immediate and necessary steps. So in order to monitor the land use/land cover pattern, proper land use planning is essential for a sustainable development. This is especially needed for the situation of hill slope occupation, otherwise this will have severe environmental impacts on natural drainage, slope vegetation, groundwater recharge besides resulting slope collapse. However the land use/land cover data of other classes during the study period (1998-2010) indicated certain changes which may not indicate significant environmental impact, however these trends need to be closely monitored for any complications that may arise in future, especially with regard to hill slope occupation.

5 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

015642   Ali M;Singh U P;Joardar D (NO, Flood Meteorological Office, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Email: mehfoozali.syed@gmail.com) : QPF model for lower Yamuna catchment, synoptic analogue method. Mausam 2011, 62(1), 27-40.

Formulates a synoptic analogue model for issuing Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) for Lower Yamuna Catchment (LYC) based upon eleven years data (1998-2008) during southwest monsoon season. The results so derived were verified with realized Average Areal Precipitation (AAP) for the corresponding synoptic situation during 2009 southwest monsoon season. The performance of the model was observed Percentage Correct (PC) up to 86% and for extreme events showed 100% correct with Heidke Skill Score (HSS) value 0.9. The experience during south west monsoon 2009 has shown that Synoptic analogue model can produce 24 hours advance QPF with accuracy and greater skill to facilitate the flood forecasters of Central Water Commission.

9 illus, 4 tables, 24 ref

014531   Yeshodha L;Meenambal T;Rajakumara H N; Arunachalam S (Civil Engineering Dep, Adhiyamaan College of Engineering, Hosur-635 109, Tamil Nadu) : Geospatial modelling of groundwater fluctuation using remote sensing and GIS-a case study for hosur union. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2010, 9(3), 553-8.

Study of groundwater fluctuation in the study area using remote sensing and GIS technique. In this study, Hosur Union of Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu, was selected as the study area. The base map of the study area was prepared by using Survey of India Toposheet at a scale of 1:50000. The groundwater fluctuations were studied for varying rainfall intensity. The analysis was carried out using spatial interpolation technique and Thiessen polygon method. For the analysis by spatial interpolation technique, the water level fluctuations for every 4 years interval were considered. In this technique, spline method was used to create the continuous surface for groundwater data. This method considers the distance between both - unknown points and known points and measures the spatial correlations between two points so that the weights can change according to the spatial arrangements of samples. In Thiessen polygon method, Voronoi polygons were created so that every location within a polygon is closer to the sample point in that polygon than any other sample point. The Voronoi mapping tool provides a number of methods for assigning or calculating values to polygons. The results by both the methods indicated that the overall groundwater potential is low in the study area.

8 illus, 5 ref

014530   Yeshodha L;Meenambal T;Rajakumara H N (Civil Engineering Dep, Adhiyamaan College of Engineering, Hosur, Tamil Nadu) : Assessment of groundwater potential in Hosur union in Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu, India. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2010, 9(4), 683-6.

Groundwater abstraction is increasing day by day due to its increasing demand for various uses. Hosur Union of Krishnagiri district completely depends on groundwater for drinking purpose, since the surface water from Penniyar river is very limited. In the study the assessment of groundwater quantity of this region is taken up, to ascertain the safe yield. The study reveals that the magnitude of annual rainfall and groundwater potential has a decreasing trend. The discharge rate is more than the recharge rate, leading to depletion of the groundwater level. The critical drawdown and safe yield have also been determined.

5 illus, 2 tables, 4 ref

014529   Vivek Kumar;Anklin M (Research and Development, Endress+Hauser Flowtec AG, Kaegen Str. 7, Reinach (BL) CH-4132, Switzerland, Email: vivek.kumar@flowtec.endress.com) : Numerical simulations of coriolis flow meters for low reynolds number flows. MAPAN 2011, 26(3), 225-35.

In process industries Coriolis mass flow meters (CMFs) are widely employed for measuring mass flows. Quite often, especially in the oil and gas (O&G) industry, owing to fluids with high viscosities, flow measurements may lie in low Reynolds number regions. At low Reynolds numbers (Re), a CMF reading may deviate under the influence of fluid-dynamic forces. With the help of extensive Fluid-Structure-Interaction simulations (FSI), a detailed insight into physical mechanisms leading to this deviation is provided. The main finding is that this deviation is a function of the Reynolds number and the effect can be explained by a periodic shear mechanism which interacts with the oscillatory Coriolis force and reduces the tube deflection. Experimental results with and without a correction for this effect are shown and compared with corresponding numerical results. If the low Reynolds number effect were ignored, it would lead to errors as large as 0.5% to 1% at Re = 800, however by measuring the Re and making corrections, the effect is reduced to <60> 0.2%.

8 illus, 8 ref

014528   Talukdar A K;Deka S;Hussain A (Chemistry Dep, Gauhati Univ, Guwahati, Assam) : Evalution of water quality index at Goalpara town and its surrounding areas in Assam, India. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2010, 9(3), 615-20.

Water quality index (WQI) of Goalpara town and its surrounding areas in Assam was studied and evaluation made for suitability of water for drinking purposes. Twenty groundwater samples from tube wells and open wells were collected during the period from November, 2007 to March, 2008 and chemically analyzed. It was found that WQI of tube well is 5.5% excellent, 60% good, 14% poor and 20% very poor for drinking purpose, while for open wells it was 38% good, 31% poor and 31% very poor. Comparatively tube wells water is better than the open wells water. It was found that excessive application of fertilizers, pesticides and irregular uses are mostly responsible for degrading water quality, and to mitigate it proper treatment and measures have to be taken.

3 illus, 4 tables, 11 ref