Hydrogeochemical investigation and groundwater quality assessment of Pratapgarh district,Uttar Pradesh

Hydogrochemical investigation of groundwater resources of Paragraph district has been carried out to assess the solute acquisition processes and water quality for domestic and irrigation uses. Fifty-five groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, hardness, major anions (F^?, Cl^?, NO₃, HCO₃ ^?, SO₄ ^2?) and cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺). Study results reveal that groundwater of the area is alkaline in nature and HCO₃ ^?, Cl^?, Mg²⁺, Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ are the major contributing ions to the dissolved solids. The hydrogeochemical data suggest that weathering of rock forming minerals along with secondary contributions from agricultural and anthropogenic sources are mainly controlling the groundwater composition of Pratapgarh district. Alkaline earth metals (Ca²⁺+Mg²⁺) exceed alkalis (Na⁺+K⁺) and weak acid (HCO₃ ^?) dominate over strong acids (Cl^?+SO₄ ^2?) in majority of the groundwater samples. Ca-Mg-HCO₃ and Ca-Mg-Cl-HCO₃ are the dominant hydrogeochemical facies in the groundwater of the area. The computed saturation indices demonstrate oversaturated condition with respect to dolomite and calcite and undersaturated with gypsum and fluorite. A comparison of groundwater quality parameters in relation to specified limits for drinking water shows that concentrations of TDS, F^?, NO₃ ^? and total hardness exceed the desirable limits in many water samples. Quality assessment for irrigation uses reveal that the groundwater is good for irrigation. However, values of salinity, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), %Na and Kelley index are exceeding the prescribed limit at some sites, demanding adequate drainage and water management plan for the area.     

Uranium (U) concentration and its genetic significance in the phosphorites of the Paleoproterozoic Bijawar Group of the Lalitpur district,Uttar Pradesh,India

The paper presents the uranium (U) concentration and distribution pattern in the Paleoproterozoic phosphorites of Lalitpur district of Uttar Pradesh. The study of thin sections, SEM and XRD reveal that apatite is the essential phosphate mineral while quartz and feldspars are the dominant gangue in the phosphorites of the investigated area. The collophane is observed to be mostly oolitic in form and microspherulitic in texture. The major element geochemistry indicated that the phosphorite samples are rich in P₂O₅, CaO, SiO₂ and Fe₂O₃ whereas depletion of MgO, MnO, K₂O and Al₂O₃ was observed. The CaO/P₂O₅ ratio ranges from 1.13 to 1.46 which is slightly lower than that of cations and anions substituted francolite (1.621) and close to that of carbonate-fluorapatite (1.318). The trace element geochemistry indicates that the phosphorites of Lalitpur have the significant range of U concentration (1.67 to 129.67 μg/g) which is more than that of Th (0.69 to 0.09 μg/g) among the analysed trace elements in the phosphorite samples of the area. The positive correlation of U with P₂O₅, CaO and U/P₂O₅ indicates a close association of U with phosphate minerals like collophane (apatite), whereas negative correlation of U with SiO₂ and Fe₂O₃ may be due to mutual replacement. The antipathetic relationship of U with Ni may be an indication of high oxidizing conditions, whereas sympathetic relationship of U with K₂O points towards higher alkaline conditions of the basin of deposition during phosphatization. The variable concentration of U and its relationship with significant major and trace elements in most of the phosphorite samples lead one to believe that the deposition of these phosphorites might have taken place in highly alkaline medium during fairly oxidizing to weakly reducing environmental conditions of geosynclinal basin.     

Geochemistry of phosphate bearing sedimentary rocks in parts of Sonrai block,Lalitpur District,Uttar Pradesh,India

Major, trace and rare earth elements of phosphatic rocks around Sonrai block of Paleo-Mesoproterozoic age having phosphatic breccia, quartzite, shale, sandstone, limestone and ironstone, have been determined to evaluate their correlation, relationship with the phosphorus content, the nature of possible substitution of various elements and regional distribution pattern over the area. The study indicates that the number of elements is substituted in the apatite structures; few of them are associated with phosphate and carbonate minerals. The variable concentration of major, trace and rare earth elements in the phosphatic rocks has been influenced by various physico-chemical processes involved during weathering and leaching of the source rocks. The distribution of the major, trace and rare earth elements is controlled by the environmental variations in the sediment water interface. The majority of trace elements were mainly influenced by the principle adsorbents like the phosphate minerals in addition to clay, iron oxides and silicate minerals. The PAAS normalized REE patterns of Sonrai block of phosphorites are characterized by negative Ce anomalies and Positive Eu anomalies. It is inferred from the distribution and interrelationship of major, trace and rare earth elements that the deposition of phosphate minerals might have occurred in highly oxidizing to slightly reducing conditions in supratidal to intertidal continental margins and shallow marine environment. The deposition was controlled by marine upwelling leading to excess charge of phosphate in certain zones of phosphogenic basins, lithologic facies variations in restricted circulations of basinal waters and electrochemical factors such as negative Eh, pH and other factors, which influenced the deposition of phosphates. The replacement, precipitation in voids and fissures and diagenesis were also important mechanisms of phosphate generation in Sonrai basin. The main source for various elements may be the minerals of cratonic mass of Bundelkhand Granitic Complex, a basement of Bijawar Basin, which also provided land derived phosphorus through weathering of the terrestrial cover.     

Boron in the carbonate rocks of the Kajrahat formation Mirzapur district,Uttar Pradesh

Boron content has been determined in the acid insoluble fraction of the carbonate rocks of the Kajrahat formation. Their comparison with the boron content of the shales of known environment suggests brackish to marine salinity levels during deposition. The dolomites register higher salinity conditions than the limestones. The salinity of the basin may have changed at intervals.     

Trace elements in groundwater of Hindon-Yamuna interfluve region, Baghpat district, Western Uttar Pradesh

The present study was carried out in parts of Hindon-Yamuna interfluve region to evaluate the concentration of trace elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, B and Pb) in groundwater. Pre-monsoon groundwater samples were collected in 2007 from 22 locations distributed throughout the study area, and were analyzed using Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass-Spectrophotometer (ICPMS). Trace element analyses show high concentration levels for Al and Cr in almost all groundwater samples. Relatively high values are also reported for Pb, Se, Fe and Mn (as per B.I.S (1991) standard for drinking water) in few samples. These high concentrations of metal ions in groundwater were probably due to discharge of untreated effluents from Textile, dyeing and other industries. As far as Al is concerned, its source is rather enigmatic.     

Cut slope stability evaluation of NH-21 along Nalayan-Gambhrola section, Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, India

In the present work a ready reckon (a handbook used for computation/reference) model for the evaluation of slope instability of road sections, particularly in mountainous terrain, is presented. The integrated approach incorporates different aspects of physical and geotechnical parameters, structural kinematics and the role of different clay minerals constituting the slope-forming materials, aimed at deciphering and understanding the mechanisms that controlled the slope instability. The role of the major sets of discontinuities, derived from stereo plots of structural data, with regard to the total number of unstable slopes present in each segment was considered, and the critical section was determined. The intense monsoon season rainfall in the area not only contributed to weathering of the rock mass, but also increased the water content in the clays that were present, leading to a reduction in the stability of natural slopes. The study revealed that where the slopes displayed relative presence of montmorillonite clays, with significant swelling capacity, failures were more frequent.     

Rock slope stability and excavatability assessment of rocks at the Kapikaya dam site,Turkey

This paper presents the slope stability and excavatability assessment of rocks at the Kapikaya dam site that contains diabases. Both field and laboratory studies were carried out. The field study involved detailed discontinuity surveys. Laboratory tests were carried out to determine uniaxial compressive strength, Young's modulus, unit weight, point load strength index and shear strength parameters of discontinuities.Kinematical and numerical analyses were performed to determine right and left slopes at the dam site. According to kinematical analyses, the types of planar and wedge failure are not expected at the site. Also, shear strength reduction analyses was carried out using Phase² for the right and left slopes at the dam site. According to results of numerical analysis, Strength Reduction Factor (SRF) of the right and left slopes are 8.08 and 6.5 respectively and any rotational failure will not occur. The excavation category of the diabases was determined as easy ripping for the right slope and easy-hard ripping for the left slope.     

Petrology of pelitic schists and gneisses of Chaubattia-Ranikhet area,Almora district,Uttar Pradesh,India

The pelitic schists and gneisses of the area are free from staurolite, kyanite and sillimanite, though they are metamorphosed in middle to upper amphibolite facies.The plots of analyses of pelitic rocks in the AKF diagram show that these rock of the area under study have low Al₂O₃/FeO + MgO ratio as compared to staurolite-kyanite-bearing assemblages of the adjoining area. It is thus evident that chemical composition of the rock has played an important role in the formation of these minerals and the general absence of staurolite and aluminosilicates in the area may be related to deficiency in excess Al₂O₃.The field and textural relation and chemical variation of the gneisses suggest that they are formed due to introduction of granitizing solution of cotectic minimum composition into the schists. It is assumed that such melt was derived from the deeper zone where the rocks were metamorphosed in upper amphibolite or granulite facies. On the basis of this study it is also suggested that regional metamorphism, granitization and deformation are interrelated in the area.

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Zusammenfassung Die pelitischen Schiefer und Gneise von Ranikhet enthalten keinen Staurolith, Disthen oder Sillimanit, obwohl diese Gesteine in einer mittel- bis hochgradigen Amphibolitfazies metamorphisiert worden sind.Die darstellenden Punkte aus den chemischen Analysen pelitischer Gesteine im AKF-Diagramm zeigen, daß diese Gesteine ein niedrigeres Al₂O₃/FeO+MgO-Verhältnis haben als die Staurolith-Disthen-führenden Paragenesen der angrenzenden Gebiete. Daraus geht hervor, daß der Gesteinschemismus für die Bildung dieser Mineralparagenese wichtig ist und das Fehlen von Staurolith und Alumosilikaten auf einen ungenügenden Al₂O₃-überschuß zurückzuführen ist.Auf Grund der Geländebeobachtungen und der texturellen Verhältnisse kann man schließen, daß die Gneise durch Eindringen granitischer Schmelzen von kotektischer Zusammensetzung in die Schiefer entstanden sind. Es ist anzunehmen, daß solche Schmelzen in der Tiefe gebildet sein müssen, in der die Gesteine die obere Amphibolit- und Granulitfazies erreicht haben. Auf Grund dieser Untersuchung läßt sich feststellen, daß in diesem Gebiet die Regionalmetamorphose, Granitisation und Deformation zeitlich und räumlich miteinander verknüpft sind.

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Résumé Les schistes pélitiques et gneiss de Ranikhet ne contiennent pas de staurotide, disthène ou sillimanite, bien que ces roches aient été métamorphisées en un faciès moyennement à hautement amphibolitique.Le diagramme AKF des analyses chimiques de ces roches pélitiques montre qu'elles ont un rapport Al₂O₃/FeO + MgO inférieur aux paragénèses à staurotide et disthène des régions voisines. C'est done le chimisme des roches qui est important pour la formation de ces paragénèses et l'absence de staurotide et de silicates d'alumine résulte d'un excès en A₂O₃ insuffisant.Partant d'observations sur le terrain et des conditions de texture on peut conclure que les gneiss se sont formés par la pénétration de bains de fusion granitiques de composition cotectique dans les schistes. Il faut admettre que ces bains de fusion ont pris naissance à une profondeur où les roches ont atteint le faciès à amphibolite et granulite supérieur. Cette étude montre que dans cette région la métamorphose régionale, la granitisation et la déformation sont liées dans le temps et l'espace.

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GIS based morphometric analysis of Yamuna drainage network in parts of Fatehabad area of Agra district,Uttar Pradesh

Remote Sensing and GIS techniques have been proved to be efficient tools in the delineation, updating and morphometric analysis of drainage basin. The present study incorporates a morphometric analysis of three sub-basins of Fatehabad area of Agra district using remote sensing and GIS techniques. The morphometric parameters of the sub-basins are classified under linear, areal and relief aspects. The drainage pattern exhibited by the main river Yamuna and its tributaries shows a dendritic pattern indicating homogenously underlain material while the mean bifurcation ratio values suggest that the geological structures are not disturbing the drainage pattern. The form factor value of sub-basins suggests that the main basin is more or less elongated. Circularity ratio values of the three sub-basins fall within range of elongated basin and low discharge. The area has low density indicating that the region has high permeable sub-soil material and dense vegetation. The values of drainage texture, drainage density and infiltration number indicate that sub-basin-III has the highest infiltration rate and low runoff, hence contributing most to the underground water resources. This study also indicates porous and permeable sub-soil condition in sub-basin-III. The values of sub-basin-I indicate low permeable subsoil material owning to high infiltration number value, hence low infiltration and high runoff.     

Origin of the sparry magnesite deposits around Bauri,Almora district,Uttar Pradesh,India

Seven pockets of variable dimensions of strata-bound sparry magnesite within the Middle Proterozoic Gangolihat Formation around Bauri in the Almora district, Kumaun, Lesser Himalaya, have been investigated petrographically and geochemically. The lenses and pockets of megacrystalline, bladed, occasionally stellate, magnesite aggregates invariably enclosed by stromatolitic or massive dolostones, often exhibit a concordant relationship with the latter. Besides the sharp contrast in crystal-linity of magnesite and dolostones and the patches of the latter in the former, relict features such as layers of chert, cryptocrystalline silica veins and stromatolitic structures are discernible in the magnesite. There is a gradual increase in MgO and FeO with a corresponding decrease in CaO, and a striking depletion in Sr from dolostone to magnesite but no noteworthy variation in other major or minor elements nor in insoluble contents. Both the dolostones and magnesites are characterised by the same range of oxygen isotope ratios. However, a marked enrichment of lighter carbon isotopes in magnesites is noted. Based on these observations, it is inferred that the magnesite around Bauri is a product of diagenetic magnesitisation of penecontemporaneous dolomite in a restricted biohermal tidal flat environment.     

SMR geomechanics and kinematic analysis near Rasulpur,Fatehpur Sikri,Uttar Pradesh

Slope stability of mine slopes is often associated with safety and economics during excavation. Sandstone is excavated from Rasulpur area of Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh for the purpose of crushed, decorative and dimension stones. In the present paper an attempt has been made to characterize the rock slope faces into different stability classes. Characterization is based on geological and geotechnical parameters recorded on the outcrop during field investigation and supplemented by geomechanical properties by the laboratory test for strength of the rock intact. SMR Geomechanics classification is used to identify the stability class and remedial measures are also suggested to reduce any possible hazard. Kinematic analysis of slope was also investigated to determine the probability of any possible structurally controlled failure. On the basis of SMR Geomechanics calculations slope under investigation lies under good stability class i.e. 2a and 2b. Installation of nets during excavation can be done and for better safety spot and systematic rock bolting can be done. Kinematic study reveals that toppling failures may occur, special care must be given to the joint set which can trigger toppling failure.     

Groundwater hydrochemistry of a sugarcane cultivation belt in parts of Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, India

The Kali-Hindon is a watershed in the most productive central Ganga plain of India. The whole area is a fertile track with sugarcane being the principal crop. Systematic sampling was carried out to assess the source of dissolved ions, impact of sugar factories and the quality of groundwater. Thirty-six samples were collected covering an area of 395 km². The quality of groundwater is suitable for irrigational purposes but is rich in SO₄ which is not best for human consumption. Graphical treatment of major ion chemistry helps identify six chemical types of groundwater. All possible species such as Na–Cl, K–Cl, Na–HCO₃, Na–SO₄, Ca–HCO₃, Mg–HCO₃, Ca–SO₄ and Mg–SO₄ are likely to occur in the groundwater system. The most conspicuous change in chemistry of groundwater is relative enrichment of SO₄. The interpretation of data reveals that SO₄ has not been acquired through water–rock interaction. The source of SO₄ is anthropogenic. Sugar factories alone are responsible for this potential environmental hazard.     

Occurrence of scheelite-powellite in the rocks of Mahakoshal Group, Wyndhamganj area, Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh

Scheelite and Powellite occur as dissemination and fractures filling in the hornfels and tourmaline-garnet granite in the Palaeoproterozoic rocks of Mahakoshal Group, at about 2.5 km north of Wyndhamganj, Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh. This new find opens new vistas for the search of tungsten mineralization along the contact zones of Mahakoshal Group and the younger granite.     

Gradient profiling for the investigation of groundwater saturated fractures in hard rocks of Uttar Pradesh,India

Gradient profiling (GP) has been successfully utilized as a preliminary tool to identify fractured zones saturated with groundwater in hard-rock areas of Robertsganj, Sonebhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Conducting geoelectrical sounding at randomly selected places may not provide fruitful results since fractures are sparsely distributed in hard rocks. In gradient profiling, current electrodes with large separation remain fixed while the potential dipole is moved between the current electrodes in the central one-third portion of the profile at a small station interval. A GP survey was conducted along seven profiles having different lengths in two small sectors of the study area. Low resistive zones have been identified which correspond to the fractured zones. A few geoelectrical soundings were carried out to investigate the depth and thickness of the fractured zones. Two test boreholes, one drilled in each sector, yielded continuous discharge of fresh water (18,000–24,000 L/h). The present study confirms the findings of previous work that the GP survey is a powerful initial technique that identifies the presence of a fractured zone, especially in a hard-rock area covered with a thin soil layer.     

Techniques for slope stability analysis: Site specific studies from Idukki district,Kerala

The occurrences of slope failures are frequent in Idukki district of Kerala state particularly along the road cuttings and hill slopes causing disruption in traffic, loss of lives and property. This demands a critical evaluation of stability of slopes along the hill roads. This paper deals with stability analysis of a typical hard rock profile at Chuzhappu and a lateritic profile at Kumili along the road connecting Kottayam and Kumili. A large number of factors have been examined and studied; the orientation of discontinuities has been identified as one of the major inherent factors influencing slope instability along Chuzhappu hard rock profile. These have been analysed carefully using stereographic/equal area projection technique in order to determine the vulnerability to slope failure and to understand the type of rock slide that can occur in this profile. The buoyant force of water acting along the discontinuities after heavy rain storm further aids the down slope movement. As the laterite slope is mostly homogeneous, Bishops method and Swedish method were adopted for stability analysis of laterite slope at Kumili. The study also examines the efficacy and applicability of the different methods employed in soil mechanics to assess the stability of laterite slope.The results obtained by this method are compared by actual field conditions. The stability assessment indicates that two sectors at Chuzhappu and one sector at Kumili profile are at the geo-technical threshold of failure, when piezometric head rises during rainstorm. The study indicates that these methods are highly useful in determining the Factor of Safety in profiles with similar geological setting.     

A new slope mass rating in mountainous terrain, Jammu and Kashmir Himalayas: application of geophysical technique in slope stability studies

The slopes of western Lesser Himalaya (at Sangaldhan Block of Udhampur near Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir India) are being severely affected by tectonic and erosional activities. These activities result in deposit of a thick cover of rock fragments and overburden just above the hard rock. The thickness of overburden cover has directly affected the stability of slope in the study area, though the traditional stability estimation techniques, rock mass rating and slope mass rating, rate this area as moderately stable which does not represent the real stability condition. In this research work, the geotechnical and geophysical surveys have been carried out to reckon the slope stability conditions more accurately as compared to traditional slope stability estimation techniques. A new rating, new slope mass rating, is developed, which gives a better picture of the stability of slopes. It incorporates a new parameter of overburden thickness profile, along with slope angle and other associated factors on the slopes of the mountainous terrains. The vertical electrical sounding surveys were conducted for the demarcation of rock–overburden interface and for determining the overburden cover. This new classification depicts an increase of 12.84 % in unstable slope areas giving a better assessment and factual picture of slope stability in our study area. This study also enumerates the importance of geophysical applications in slope stability studies. The research work is applicable in mountainous terrains such as Himalaya, and the major component of the application is the orientation of overburden or the profile of thickness in relation with slope of surface.     

Hydrochemical appraisal of groundwater and its suitability in the intensive agricultural area of Muzaffarnagar district,Uttar Pradesh,India

Muzaffarnagar is an economically rich district situated in the most fertile plains of two great rivers Ganga and Yamuna in the Indo-gangetic plains, with agricultural land irrigated by both surface water as well as groundwater. An investigation has been carried out to understand the hydrochemistry of the groundwater and its suitability for irrigation uses. Groundwater in the study area is neutral to moderately alkaline in nature. Chemistry of groundwater suggests that alkaline earths (Ca + Mg) significantly exceed the alkalis (Na + K) and weak acids exceed the strong acids (Cl + SO₄), suggesting the dominance of carbonate weathering followed by silicate weathering. Majority of the groundwater samples (62%) posses Ca–Mg–HCO₃ type of hydrochemical species, followed by Ca–Na–Mg–HCO₃, Na–Ca–Mg–HCO₃, Ca–Mg–Na–HCO₃–Cl and Na–Ca–HCO₃–SO₄ types. A positive high correlation (r ² = 0.928) between Na and Cl suggests that the salinity of groundwater is due to intermixing of two or more groundwater bodies with different hydrochemical compositions. Barring a few locations, most of the groundwater samples are suitable for irrigation uses. Chemical fertilizers, sugar factories and anthropogenic activities are contributing to the sulphate and chloride concentrations in the groundwater of the study area. Overexploitation of aquifers induced multi componential mixing of groundwater with agricultural return flow waters is responsible for generating groundwater of various compositions in its lateral extent.     

土石坝边坡稳定性分析的温控参数折减有限元法

将土石坝渗流的有限元计算和坝坡稳定分析的强度折减有限元法相结合,对土石坝坝坡的稳定性进行分析。考虑渗流作用时,首先采用有限元法计算坝体渗流场,通过迭代计算出稳定渗流的逸出点和浸润线位置,并根据水力梯度计算坝体所受的渗透力;然后将渗流分析所确定的渗流力与土体自重、浮力、地震力等荷载共同施加在坝体上,采用温控参数折减有限元法计算土石坝坝坡的临界失稳状态及其所对应的安全系数。分析结果表明,采用此方法进行土石坝坝坡稳定分析是合理的,且大大提高了计算效率     

基于广义Hoek-Brown强度准则的PEM节理边坡可靠性分析

广义Hoek-Brown强度准则(简称GH-B准则)作为估计完整岩石或节理岩体剪切强度的半经验准则,已成为岩体强度预测及数值计算领域中应用最广的准则之一。经验公式中涉及3个与岩体特性有关的材料参数m_b、s和a,实际应用中还不能直接对这3个参数进行精确取值,只能通过中间变量推导或结合地质经验来确定。为尽可能大地消除因用Hoek-Brown经验公式(简称H-B经验公式)的中间变量推导带来的累积误差,消除边坡稳定性评价结果的偏差,提出了从基本随机变量着手,考虑基本变量的可变性与不确定性,借助可靠性理论来综合分析评价边坡潜在破坏概率和风险程度的方法。研究基于GH-B准则的节理岩质边坡的可靠性问题,首先从决定H-B经验公式的4个基本参数GSI、σ_ci、mi和D出发,研究变量的分布概型及取值范围,然后引入到H-B经验公式中去,利用有效地可靠性计算方法求解边坡的失稳概率,将统计矩点估计法(PEM法)引入到节理岩质边坡失稳概率的求解中,通过对一开挖桥墩承台边坡的可靠性分析表明,基于GH-B准则的PEM方法提高了稳定性评价的客观性,结果更加真实可靠。     

Rock mass classification and assessment of stability of critical slopes on national highway-22 in Himachal Pradesh

Rock slopes require geo-engineering evaluation to assess the instability of critical slopes leading to landslides particularly in Himalayan terrain where rocks are highly jointed, fractured and weathering prone. Interplay of discontinuities in the rocks coupled with other parameters is one of the prime causes of failure of slopes. Engineering rock mass classification, such as, rock mass rating (RMR) and slope mass rating (SMR) along with geological strength index (GSI) have widely been used for stability assessment of rock slopes above tunnel portals, and these classifications are employed here for assessment of stability of slopes of critical nature along Rampur-Powari highway in Himachal Pradesh. In the present study, out of 154 numbers of slopes, a total of 29 have been selected for assessment of their criticality by employing RMR, SMR and GSI.