Linkage of urban expansion and land surface temperature using geospatial techniques for Jaipur City,India

The aim of this study is to understand the land use change and urban expansion of Jaipur City of Rajasthan (India). Landsat 5 TM and Landsat 8 OLI satellite data of 4 years, i.e., 1993, 2000, 2010, and 2015 are used for land use and land surface temperature (LST) analysis. ERDAS Imagine and ArcGIS software are used to conduct the analysis. Urban settlement increased from 13.5 to 57.3% in the study period. Open land is mainly changed to urban areas. Urban settlement is also expanded to peri-urban area of Jaipur City. Jaipur City expanded along three directions i.e., north, west, and south and less development is found in the east direction. Based on radial analysis, it is observed there is not much development within the periphery of 2 km (close to city center) but maximum growth is observed within the distance from 4 to 6 km radius of city center. Expansion intensity was observed highest in the period 2015–2010 from 6 km onwards and reached to a maximum value close to 17 km²/year. In LST analysis, there is less change in extreme temperature, but more areal increase in average temperature range (30–35 °C). Urbanization is the main driving process of land cover changes and consequently changes in LST.     

Characterisation of recharge processes and groundwater flow mechanisms in weathered-fractured granites of Hyderabad (India) using isotopes

In order to address the problem of realistic assessment of groundwater potential and its sustainability, it is vital to study the recharge processes and mechanism of groundwater flow in fractured hard rocks, where inhomogeneties and discontinuities have a dominant role to play. Wide variations in chloride, δ¹⁸O and ¹⁴C concentrations of the studied groundwaters observed in space and time could only reflect the heterogeneous hydrogeological setting in the fractured granites of Hyderabad (India). This paper, based on the observed isotopic and environmental chloride variations of the groundwater system, puts forth two broad types of groundwaters involving various recharge processes and flow mechanisms in the studied granitic hard rock aquifers. Relatively high ¹⁴C ages (1300 to ～6000 yr B.P.), δ¹⁸O content (?3.2 to ?1.5‰) and chloride concentration (<100 mg/l) are the signatures that identified one broad set of groundwaters resulting from recharge through weathered zone and subsequent movement through extensive sheet joints. The second set of groundwaters possessed an age range Modern to ～1000 yr B.P., chloride in the range 100 to ～350 mg/l and δ¹⁸O from ?3.2 to +1.7‰. The δ¹⁸O enrichment and chloride concentration, further helped in the segregation of the second set of groundwaters into three sub-sets characterized by different recharge processes and sources. Based on these processes and mechanisms, a conceptual hydrogeologic model has evolved suggesting that the fracture network is connected either to a distant recharge source or to a surface reservoir (evaporating water bodies) apart from overlying weathered zone, explaining various resultant groundwaters having varying ¹⁴C ages, chloride and δ¹⁸O concentrations. The surface reservoir contribution to groundwater is evaluated to be significant (40 to 70%) in one subset of groundwaters. The conceptual hydrogeologic model, thus evolved, can aid in understanding the mechanism of groundwater flow as well as migration of contaminants to deep groundwater in other fractured granitic areas.     

Quantitative analysis of morphometric parameters of Kali River basin,southern India,using bearing azimuth and drainage (bAd) calculator and GIS

This study deals with the application of visual basic program ‘bearing, azimuth and drainage (bAd) calculator’ which employs a new and easy methodology for extraction of watershed morphometric parameters. Using bAd calculator, morphometric analysis was carried out for the Kali River basin of southwest coast of India. The basin forms a part of the Western Ghats, which is an important mountain range of the Indian sub-continent and runs nearly parallel to the coast. Spatial maps of six morphometric parameters have been prepared from the results obtained. Various linear, areal, shape and relief morphometric parameters of fifth and sixth order basins have been calculated and interpreted. Majority of the sub-basins show less uniform values (~3 to 4) of R _bm which indicate the uniform and systematic branching pattern of streams. High D _d zones are found in the Western Ghats region, whereas low D _d zones are observed in the eastern part of the basin and near the estuary. The eastern part of the basin shows low F _s values, whereas NW and SW parts of the basin show high F _s values. Compared to manual measurement, bAd calculator requires minimal time to quantify the morphometric parameters. Experimental results show that the software is effective in calculating drainage parameters such as drainage density, frequency, bifurcation ratio, etc., using the text file of ESRI shapefile.     

Disaster diaspora and the consequences of economic displacement and climate disruption,including Hurricanes Matthew (October 8, 2016) and Florence (September 14, 2018) in Robeson County,North Carolina

Natural Hazards - This paper presents a case study of Robeson County’s challenges in addressing the double-barrel disasters of Hurricane Matthew in 2016 (Category 5) and Hurricane Florence in...     

Paleocurrent analysis of the athgarh sandstone (upper Gondwana), Cuttack District,Orissa (India)

The Athgarh Sandstone (Upper Gondwana) of Jurassic age exposed in Orissa on the southeastern margin of India comprises almost horizontal medium- to coarse-grained pebbly sandstone interbedded with thin layers of white clay and carbonaceous shale. The cross-bedded sandstone beds within the formation display tabular cross-bedding, having an average thickness of 30 cm and average inclination of 13°. The mean foreset azimuth is 128° (nearly southeast). A total of 537 measurements of cross-beddings from 28 localities, over an area of 500 sq.km, were taken.The study of cross-bed data indicates transportation of sediments by water currents flowing in a southeasterly direction during the deposition of the Athgarh Sandstone. The mean azimuth, thickness and inclination of the cross-beds and sample variance of the area indicate a fluviatile environment of deposition. The dispersal pattern of the currents in the southeastern part of the area suggests proximity to the shore line.     

Ichnofabric analysis of the Tithonian shallow marine sediments (Bhadasar Formation) Jaisalmer Basin,India

The shallow marine sedimentary sequence of the Jaisalmer Basin exhibits one of the important and well-developed Tithonian sedimentary outcrops for western India. The ichnology and ichnofabric of the lower part of Bhadasar Formation (i.e., Kolar Dongar Member) belonging to Tithonian age are presented and discussed. The Kolar Dongar Member represents a shallow marine succession that contains 16 ichnotaxa: Ancorichnus ancorichnus, Conichnus conicus, Gyrochorte comosa, cf. Jamesonichnites heinbergi, Imponoglyphus kevadiensis, Laevicyclus mongraensis, Monocraterion tentaculatum, Ophiomorpha nodosa, Palaeophycus tubularis, P. bolbiterminus, Phycodes palmatus, Planolites beverleyensis, Rhizocorallium isp., Rosselia rotatus, R. socialis, and Teichichnus rectus. The ichnofabric analysis divulges five distinct ichnofabrics, each typifying distinct depositional environment within shallow marine conditions. The ichnofabric Ophiomorpha 1 with syn-sedimentary faulting exemplifies high energy conditions typical of lower shoreface environment, whereas the Ophiomorpha 2 ichnofabric typifies upper shoreface environment. The Ancorichnus ichnofabric reflects lower offshore condition of deposition. The high ichnodiversity Ancorichnus–Rosselia ichnofabric is indicative of inner shelf conditions, while low ichno-diversity Teichichnus ichnofabric indicates prevalence of low energy brackish bay environment. Thus, Tithonian Kolar Dongar Member indicates depositional environment ranging from shoreface to offshore to inner shelf and finally to brackish bay environment.     

Tectonostratigraphy and base-metal mineralization controls, Aravalli province (western India): New interpretations from geophysical data analysis

Analysis and synthesis of multi-disciplinary geoscience information from geological literature/maps and from digitally-processed aeromagnetic and gravity data pertinent to the Aravalli province were carried out to address some hitherto unresolved questions about the tectonostratigraphy of this Archaean–Proterozoic metallogenic province. Based on the magnetic anomalies, several tectonic domains were identified. These domains, bounded by regional-scale geophysical lineaments, have distinct crustal, lithological, metamorphic, and metallogenic characteristics and correlate broadly with lithostratigraphic belts identified by several earlier workers. New interpretations on the tectonostratigraphy and the base-metal mineralization controls in the Aravalli province are as follows. The Hindoli sequences, in the eastern parts of the province, constitute an independent Palaeo–Proterozoic tectonic domain and do not form part of the Archaean basement complex. The base-metal-bearing metasedimentary enclaves in the central parts of the province also constitute an independent Palaeo–Proterozoic tectonic domain, which is quite distinct from the surrounding (basement complex?) rocks. The base-metal-bearing metavolcano-sedimentary sequences in the western parts of the province constitute an independent Neo–Proterozoic tectonic domain. The base-metal deposits in the province are spatially associated with the regional-scale lineaments and with the mafic metavolcanic rocks deduced from the aeromagnetic data. The regional-scale lineaments, which possibly represent Proterozoic crustal-scale faults, are plausible structural controls on the base-metal mineralization in the province. The mafic metavolcanic rocks are plausible heat-source controls on the SEDEX- and/or VMS-type base-metal mineralizations and are possible metal-source controls on the VMS-type base-metal mineralization in the province.     

Sedimentary record of the northward flight of India and its collision with Eurasia (Ladakh Himalaya,India)

Abstract

— Stratigraphic and petrographic analysis of the Cretaceous to Eocene Tibetan sedimentary succession has allowed us to reinterpret in detail the sequence of events which led to closure of Neotethys and continental collision in the NW Himalaya.

During the Early Cretaceous, the Indian passive margin recorded basaltic magmaüc activity. Albian volcanic arenites, probably related to a major extensional tectonic event, are unconformably overlain by an Upper Cretaceous to Paleocene carbonate sequence, with a major quartzarenite episode triggered by the global eustatic sea-level fall at the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary. At the same time, Neotethyan oceanic crust was being subducted beneath Asia, as testified by calc-alkalic volcanism and forearc basin sedimentation in the Transhimalayan belt.

Onset of collision and obduction of the Asian accretionary wedge onto the Indian continental rise was recorded by shoaling of the outer shelf at the Paleocene/Eocene boundary, related to flexural uplift of the passive margin. A few My later, foreland basin volcanic arenites derived from the uplifted Asian subduction complex onlapped onto the Indian continental terrace. All along the Himalaya, marine facies were rapidly replaced by continental redbeds in collisional basins on both sides of the ophiolitic suture. Next, foreland basin sedimentation was interrupted by fold-thrust deformation and final ophiolite emplacement.

The observed sequence of events compares favourably with theoretical models of rifted margin to overthrust belt transition and shows that initial phases of continental collision and obduction were completed within 10 to 15 My, with formation of a proto-Himalayan chain by the end of the middle Eocene.     

Tectonostratigraphy and base-metal mineralization controls,Aravalli province (western India): New interpretations from geophysical data analysis

Analysis and synthesis of multi-disciplinary geoscience information from geological literature/maps and from digitally-processed aeromagnetic and gravity data pertinent to the Aravalli province were carried out to address some hitherto unresolved questions about the tectonostratigraphy of this Archaean–Proterozoic metallogenic province. Based on the magnetic anomalies, several tectonic domains were identified. These domains, bounded by regional-scale geophysical lineaments, have distinct crustal, lithological, metamorphic, and metallogenic characteristics and correlate broadly with lithostratigraphic belts identified by several earlier workers. New interpretations on the tectonostratigraphy and the base-metal mineralization controls in the Aravalli province are as follows. The Hindoli sequences, in the eastern parts of the province, constitute an independent Palaeo–Proterozoic tectonic domain and do not form part of the Archaean basement complex. The base-metal-bearing metasedimentary enclaves in the central parts of the province also constitute an independent Palaeo–Proterozoic tectonic domain, which is quite distinct from the surrounding (basement complex?) rocks. The base-metal-bearing metavolcano-sedimentary sequences in the western parts of the province constitute an independent Neo–Proterozoic tectonic domain. The base-metal deposits in the province are spatially associated with the regional-scale lineaments and with the mafic metavolcanic rocks deduced from the aeromagnetic data. The regional-scale lineaments, which possibly represent Proterozoic crustal-scale faults, are plausible structural controls on the base-metal mineralization in the province. The mafic metavolcanic rocks are plausible heat-source controls on the SEDEX- and/or VMS-type base-metal mineralizations and are possible metal-source controls on the VMS-type base-metal mineralization in the province.     

Implications of shearing on drainage network development in Achankovil Shear Zone,South India: insights from DEM-based geomorphic indices and longitudinal profile analysis

The Achankovil Shear Zone (AKSZ) in the Southern Granulite Terrain separates the Trivandrum block from the Madurai block. Various geomorphic indices and longitudinal profiles of the river systems in the AKSZ, viz., Achankovil river basin (ARB) and Kallada river basin (KRB), were derived from SRTM DEM to decipher the influence of shearing and deformation on the regional drainage evolution. Although hypsometric analysis of the basins implies old stage of geomorphic evolution, horizontal shifts in the channel plan form are restricted (except in the Tertiary sediments), suggesting the structural controls over the drainage organization, which are also supported by the high topographic sinuosity. The transverse topographic symmetry (T) vectors indicate a southwesterly migration for the upstream channel segments of both ARB and KRB, while the northwesterly migration of the downstream courses can be correlated with the dextral shearing of the AKSZ. Even though the shear zone is considered to be the block boundary between the charnockite of Madurai and khondalite of Trivandrum blocks, the moderate to low profile concavity (θ) values are probably the result of suppressing the effect of the block–boundary interactions by shearing and denudation. The study proposes a model for evolution of drainage network in the AKSZ, where the mainstream of the basins was initially developed along NE–SW direction, and later the upstream and midstream segments were reoriented to the NW–SE trend as a result of intense shearing. Overall, the present study emphasizes the significance of geomorphic indices and longitudinal profile analysis to understand the role of shearing and deformation on drainage evolution in transcrustal shear zones.     

Petrofacies,provenance, and paleocurrent analysis of Pachmarhi sandstone (Early Triassic), Satpura basin,Central India

The Satpura Gondwana basin hosts a ～5 km thick siliciclastic succession that unconformably overlies the Precambrian basement. The Gondwana sequence in this basin starts from Early Permian (Talchir Formation) to Lower Cretaceous (Jabalpur Formation). The aim of this study is to (1) identify the source rock (provenance) for Early Triassic Pachmarhi sediments in the Satpura Gondwana succession and (2) to understand the relative role of tectonics and climate in determining the sandstone composition. These sandstones are medium to coarse-grained, moderately to moderately well sorted, subangular to subrounded, of moderate sphericity, and composed of several varieties of quartz, feldspar, rock fragments, and micas. Petrographically, the Pachmarhi sandstones are mostly quartzarenite and subarkose. The petrofacies in Qt–F–L and Qm–F–Lt triangular diagrams show that the bulk of the Pachmarhi was derived from continental (cratonic) source, especially from craton interior. Petrofacies, together with paleocurrent data, suggest that Pachmarhi Formation was deposited by a network of braided river system, which flowed dominantly from southeast to northwest. The study suggests that the sediments were mostly derived from Precambrian granites, gneiss, and metasedimentary basement rocks straddling the southern margin of the basin. Paleocurrent data also corroborates this contention.     

Groundwater assessment in Salboni Block, West Bengal (India) using remote sensing, geographical information system and multi-criteria decision analysis techniques

An approach is presented for the evaluation of groundwater potential using remote sensing, geographic information system, geoelectrical, and multi-criteria decision analysis techniques. The approach divides the available hydrologic and hydrogeologic data into two groups, exogenous (hydrologic) and endogenous (subsurface). A case study in Salboni Block, West Bengal (India), uses six thematic layers of exogenous parameters and four thematic layers of endogenous parameters. These thematic layers and their features were assigned suitable weights which were normalized by analytic hierarchy process and eigenvector techniques. The layers were then integrated using ArcGIS software to generate two groundwater potential maps. The hydrologic parameters-based groundwater potential zone map indicated that the ‘good’ groundwater potential zone covers 27.14% of the area, the ‘moderate’ zone 45.33%, and the ‘poor’ zone 27.53%. A comparison of this map with the groundwater potential map based on subsurface parameters revealed that the hydrologic parameters-based map accurately delineates groundwater potential zones in about 59% of the area, and hence it is dependable to a certain extent. More than 80% of the study area has moderate-to-poor groundwater potential, which necessitates efficient groundwater management for long-term water security. Overall, the integrated technique is useful for the assessment of groundwater resources at a basin or sub-basin scale.     

Dental microwear texture analysis of late Pliocene Procynocephalus subhimalayanus (Primates: Cercopithecidae) of the Upper Siwaliks, India

Late Pliocene Procynocephalus subhimalayanus from the Upper Siwaliks, India is known from only three specimens. The dietary proclivities of this taxon have implications for reconstructing the paleoecology of the Upper Siwaliks. The dental microwear texture properties of Procynocephalus are compared to those from extant tropical forest primates including Alouatta palliata (n = 11), Cebus apella (n = 13), Gorilla gorilla (n = 9), Lophocebus albigena (n = 15) and Trachypithecus cristatus (n = 12). Dental microwear textures are generated by scanning the surface enamel of Facet 9 using white-light confocal microscopy at 100x. Four variables were extracted from scale-sensitive fractal analysis, and the data were ranked before ANOVA with post-hoc tests of significance and multivariate analyses were performed. Procynocephalus clusters closest to Lophocebus, Cebus and some Gorilla specimens suggesting hard-object feeding characterized a portion of its diet. The dental microwear texture of Procynocephalus supports interpretations of widespread grasslands of the Late Pliocene Kansal Formation (Pinjor zone). The extreme enamel complexity characterizing Procynocephalus may derive from consumption of underground storage organs, or other foods with high grit loads. Foods consumed near ground level carry a heavy load of abrasive minerals possibly contributing to greater enamel surface complexity and textural fill volume.     

Hydrochemistry of groundwater (GW) and surface water (SW) for assessment of fluoride in Chinnaeru river basin,Nalgonda district, (AP) India

Hydrochemical studies were conducted in Chinnaeru river basin of Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh, India, to explore the causes of high fluorides in groundwater and surface water causing a widespread incidence of fluorosis in local population. The concentration of fluoride in groundwater ranges from 0.4 to 2.9 and 0.6 to 3.6 mg/l, stream water ranges from 0.9 to 3.5 and 1.4 to 3.2 mg/l, tank water ranges from 0.4 to 2.8 and 0.9 to 2.3 mg/l, for pre- and post-monsoon periods, respectively. The modified Piper diagram reflects that the water belongs to Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–HCO₃ ^? to Na⁺–HCO₃ ^? facies. Negative chloroalkali indices in both the seasons prove that ion exchange between Na⁺ and K⁺ in aquatic solution took place with Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ of host rock. The interpretation of plots for different major ions and molar ratios suggest that weathering of silicate rocks and water–rock interaction is responsible for major ion chemistry of groundwater/surface water. High fluoride content in groundwater was attributed to continuous water–rock interaction during the process of percolation with fluorite bearing country rocks under arid, low precipitation, and high evaporation conditions. The low calcium content in rocks and soils, and the presence of high levels of sodium bicarbonate are important factors favouring high levels of fluoride in waters. The basement rocks provide abundant mineral sources of fluoride in the form of amphibole, biotite, fluorite, mica and apatite.     

Paleochannel and paleohydrology of a Middle Siwalik (Pliocene) fluvial system,northern India

Late Cenozoic fresh water molasses sediments (+6000 m thick) deposited all along the length of the Himalayan fore deep, form the Siwalik Supergroup. This paper reports the results of the paleodrainage and paleohydrology of the Middle Siwalik sub-group of rocks, deposited in non-marine basins adjacent to a rising mountain chain during Pliocene. Well-exposed sections of these rocks have provided adequate paleodrainage data for the reconstruction of paleochannel morphology and paleohydrological attributes of the Pliocene fluvial system.     

Application of a resistivity survey and geographical information system (GIS) analysis for hydrogeological zoning of a piedmont area, Himalayan foothill region, India

A Geographical Information System (GIS) has been used for the integration of the results of 70 vertical electrical soundings and hydrogeological data in the piedmont zone of the Himalayan foothills region of Uttaranchal, India. Indian remote sensing (IRS) LISS-III data has been used to prepare thematic maps for the geomorphology and slope maps of the area. The ranges of electrical resistivity values have been assigned to the different formations by calibrating electrical resistivity values with the borehole data. Electrical resistivity, groundwater level monitoring, and borehole and remote sensing data have been integrated in the GIS analysis to delineate the hydrogeological zoning in the study area. Suitable weights were assigned to the different features affecting the groundwater potential. The total score for a particular location is translated in terms of groundwater potential of the area. The results indicate that the southern part of the study area has a very good groundwater potential for meeting the demand of water for irrigation and domestic purposes whereas the steeply sloping area in the northern part, having high relief, has a poor groundwater potential. The resulting delineation of groundwater potential zones are in general agreement with the available yield data of the tube wells.

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Resumen Se ha utilizado un Sistema de Información Geográfica (SIG) para la integración de los resultados de 70 sondeos eléctricos verticales y datos hidrogeológicos en la zona piamonte de la región al pie de los Himalaya de Uttaranchal, India. Se han utilizados datos de sensores remotos Indios (IRS) LISS-III para elaborar mapas temáticos de la geomorfología y mapas de pendientes del área. Se han asignado los rangos de valores de resistividad eléctrica a diferentes formaciones mediante la calibración de valores de resistividad eléctrica con datos de barrenos. Se han integrado datos de resistividad eléctrica, monitoreo de niveles de agua subterránea, y barrenos, y datos de sensores remotos mediante un análisis SIG para delimitar la zonificación hidrogeológica del área de estudio. Se asignaron pesos apropiados a las diferentes características que afectan el potencial del agua subterránea. El puntaje total de un lugar particular se ha transformado en términos de potencial de agua subterránea del área. Los resultados indican que la parte sur del área de estudio tiene muy buen potencial de agua subterránea para satisfacer la demanda de agua por riego y uso doméstico mientras que el área de pendientes pronunciadas en la parte norte, de alto relieve, tiene potencial pobre de agua subterránea. La delimitación de zonas potenciales de agua subterránea encaja muy bien con los datos disponibles de rendimiento de pozos entubados.

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Résumé Un système d’information géographique (SIG) a été utilisé pour l’intégration de résultats en provenance de 70 sondages électriques et données hydrogéologiques dans la zone de piedmont, au pied de l’Himalaya dans la région de Uttaranchal en Inde. Des données du satellite IRS LISS-III ont été utilisées pour préparer des cartes thématiques sur la géomorphologie et les pentes de la zone d’étude. Les valeurs de résistivités électriques ont été assignées aux différentes formations en les calibrant sur les données de sondages. La résistivité électrique, la piézométrie, et les données de sondages et de télédétection ont été intégrées dans une analyse par SIG pour délimiter les zones hydrogéologiques de l’aire d’étude. Des poids ont été assignés aux différents éléments affectant le potentiel en eau souterraine. Le résultat final pour une localisation particulière est traduit en terme de potentiel en eau souterraine. Les résultats indiquent que la partie Sud a un potentiel très bon pour la demande en eau domestique et eau d’irrigation, tandis que les zones plus pentues dans la partie Nord, caractérisée par un relief élevé, présente un potentiel assez pauvre. La délinéation globale des zones à différents potentiels s’accorde assez bien avec les données disponibles concernant la capacité des puits.