Characteristics of surface ozone in Agra,a sub-urban site in Indo-Gangetic Plain

In the present study, measurements of surface ozone (\(\hbox {O}_{3}\)) and its precursors (NO and \(\hbox {NO}_{2}\)) were carried out at a sub-urban site of Agra (\(27{^{\circ }}10'\hbox {N}\), \(78{^{\circ }}05'\hbox {E}\)), India during May 2012–May 2013. During the study period, average concentrations of \(\hbox {O}_{3}\), NO, and \(\hbox {NO}_{2}\) were \(39.6 \pm 25.3\), \(0.8 \pm 0.8\) and \(9.1 \pm 6.6 \, \hbox {ppb}\), respectively. \(\hbox {O}_{3}\) showed distinct seasonal variation in peak value of diurnal variation: summer \({>}\) post-monsoon \({>}\) winter \({>}\) monsoon. However, \(\hbox {NO}_{2}\) showed highest levels in winter and lowest in monsoon. The average positive rate of change of \(\hbox {O}_{3}\) (08:00–11:00 hr) was highest in April (16.3 ppb/hr) and lowest in August (1.1 ppb/hr), while average negative rate of change of \(\hbox {O}_{3}\) (17:00–19:00 hr) was highest in December (–13.2 ppb/hr) and lowest in July (–1.1 ppb/hr). An attempt was made to identify the \(\hbox {VOC--NO}_{\mathrm{x}}\) sensitivity of the site using \(\hbox {O}_{3}/\hbox {HNO}_{3}\) ratio as photochemical indicator. Most of the days this ratio was above the threshold value (12–16), which suggests \(\hbox {NO}_{\mathrm{x}}\) sensitivity of the site. The episodic event of ozone was characterized through meteorological parameters and precursors concentration. Fine particles (\(\hbox {PM}_{2.5}\)) cause loss of ozone through heterogeneous reactions on their surface and reduction in solar radiation. In the study, statistical analyses were used to estimate the amount of ozone loss.     

Effect of solar flare on the equatorial electrojet in eastern Brazil region

The effect of solar flare, sudden commencement of magnetic storm and of the disturbances ring current on the equatorial electrojet in the Eastern Brazil region, where the ground magnetic declination is as large as \(20^{^{\circ }}\hbox {W}\) is studied based on geomagnetic data with one minute resolution from Bacabal during November–December 1990. It is shown that the mean diurnal vector of the horizontal field was aligned along \(2{^{\circ }}\hbox {E}\) of north at Huancayo and \(30{^{\circ }}\hbox {W}\) of north at Bacabal during the month of December 1990. Number of solar flares that occurred on 30 December 1990 indicated the direction of solar flare related \(\Delta H\) vector to be aligned along \(5{^{\circ }}\hbox {E}\) of north at Huancayo and \(28{^{\circ }}\hbox {W}\) of north at Bacabal. This is expected as the solar flare effects are due to the enhanced conductivity in the ionosphere. The SC at 2230 UT on 26 November 1990 produced a positive impulse in \(\Delta X\) and negative impulse in \(\Delta Y\) at Bacabal with \(\Delta H\) vector aligned along \(27{^{\circ }}\hbox {W}\) of north. At Huancayo the \(\Delta H\) vector associated with SC is aligned along \(8{^{\circ }}\hbox {E}\) of north, few degrees east to the alignment of the diurnal vector of H. The magnetic storm that followed the SC had a minimum Dst index of –150 nT. The corresponding storm time disturbance in \(\Delta X\) at Huancayo as well as at Bacabal were about –250 nT but \(\Delta Y\) at Bacabal was about +70 nT and very small at Huancayo, that give the alignment of the H vector due to ring current about \(16{^{\circ }}\hbox {W}\) of north at Bacabal and almost along N–S at Huancayo. Thus alignment of the \(\Delta H\) vector due to ring current at Bacabal is \(14{^{\circ }}\hbox {E}\) of the mean direction of \(\Delta H\) vector during December 1990. This is consistent with the direction of ring current dependent on the dipole declination at the ring current altitude which is about \(5{^{\circ }}\hbox {W}\) of north over Bacabal and the deviation of declination due to the ring current during disturbed period given by the angle (\(\psi \)-D).     

Comparison of earthquake source characteristics in the Kachchh Rift Basin and Saurashtra horst,Deccan Volcanic Province,western India

Seismic source parameters of small to moderate sized intraplate earthquakes that occurred during 2002–2009 in the tectonic blocks of Kachchh Rift Basin (KRB) and the Saurashtra Horst (SH), in the stable continental region of western peninsular India, are studied through spectral analysis of shear waves. The data of aftershock sequence of the 2001 Bhuj earthquake (\(M_{w}\) 7.7) in the KRB and the 2007 Talala earthquake (\(M_{w}\) 5.0) in the SH are used for this study. In the SH, the seismic moment (\(M_{o})\), corner frequency \((f_{c})\), stress drop (\(\varDelta \sigma \)) and source radius (r) vary from \(7.8\times 10^{11}\) to \(4.0\times \)10\(^{16}\) N-m, 1.0–8.9 Hz, 4.8–10.2 MPa and 195–1480 m, respectively. While in the KRB, these parameters vary from \(M_{o} \sim 1.24 \,\times \, 10^{11}\) to \(4.1 \times 10^{16}\) N-m, \(f_{c }\sim \) 1.6 to 13.1 Hz, \(\varDelta \sigma \sim 0.06\) to 16.62 MPa and \(r \sim 100\) to 840 m. The kappa (K) value in the KRB (0.025–0.03) is slightly larger than that in the SH region (0.02), probably due to thick sedimentary layers. The estimated stress drops of earthquakes in the KRB are relatively higher than those in SH, due to large crustal stress concentration associated with mafic/ultramafic rocks at the hypocentral depths. The results also suggest that the stress drop value of intraplate earthquakes is larger than the interplate earthquakes. In addition, it is observed that the strike-slip events in the SH have lower stress drops, compared to the thrust and strike-slip events.     

Stable carbon and oxygen isotope study on benthic foraminifera: Implication for microhabitat preferences and interspecies correlation

Stable isotopes of benthic foraminifera have widely been applied in micropalaeontological research to understand vital effects in foraminifera. Isotopic fractionations are mainly controlled by ontogeny, bottom/pore water chemistry, habitat preference, kinetic effect and respiration. Discontinuous abundance of a species for isotopic analysis has forced us to select multiple species from down-core samples. Thus standardisation factors are required to convert isotopic values of one species with respect to other species. The present study is pursued on isotopic values of different pairs of benthic foraminifera from the Krishna–Godavari basin and Peru offshore to understand habitat-wise isotopic variation and estimation of isotopic correction factors for the paired species (Cibicides wuellerstorfi–Bulimina marginata, Ammonia spp.–Loxostomum amygdalaeformis and Bolivina seminuda–Nonionella auris). Infaunal species (B. marginata, Ammonia spp. and N. auris) show a lighter carbon isotopic excursion with respect to the epifaunal to shallow infaunal forms (C. wuellerstorfi, L. amygdalaeformis and B. seminuda). These lighter \(\updelta ^{13}\) \(\hbox {C}\) values are related to utilisation of \(\hbox {CO}_{2}\) produced by anaerobic remineralisation of organic matter. However, enrichment of \(\updelta ^{18}\) \(\hbox {O}\) for the deeper microhabitat (bearing lower pH and decreased \({\hbox {CO}_{3}}^{2-})\) is only recorded in case of B. marginata. It is reverse in case of N. auris and related to utilisation of respiratory \(\hbox {CO}_{2}\) and internal dissolve inorganic carbon pool. Estimation of interspecies isotopic correction factors for the species pairs (\(\updelta ^{13}\) \(\hbox {C}\) of C. wuellerstorfi–B. marginata, L. amygdalaeformis–Ammonia spp., N. auris–B. seminuda) and \(\updelta ^{18}\) \(\hbox {O}\) of C. wuellerstorfi–B. marginata are statistically reliable and may be used in palaeoecological studies.     

Interpretation of magnetic fabrics in the Dalma volcanic rocks and associated meta-sediments of the Singhbhum Mobile Belt

The present work deals with the generations of Fe–Ti oxides and the variation in magnetic fabrics of the Dalma lavas and associated meta-sediments of the Singhbhum Mobile Belt (SMB) in relation to tectonics. Generations of the Fe–Ti oxides are different in meta-sediments and volcanics, the former preserving upliftment related oxidised grains, whereas the latter contains fresh grains prompting towards their upliftment due to plume upwelling before the volcanic eruption. In the meta-sediments, the magnetic fabric has close accordance with \(\hbox {D}_{2}/\hbox {F}_{2}\) event revealing synchronous development with \(\hbox {D}_{2}\). The Dalma thrust developed a sudden break in the homogeneity of the magnetic fabrics of the rocks where the magnetic foliations are all parallel to the Dalma thrust. This also causes \(P_{j}\) to be highest in this sector. The magnetic fabrics of volcanic rocks are different from the meta-sediments and record no signature of deformation. The pattern of distribution of susceptibility axes are in accordance with the subaerial lava flows. However, their \(\hbox {K}_{1}\) and \(\hbox {K}_{2}\) dispersed throughout the periphery with \(\hbox {K}_{3}\) clustering at the centre. This infers towards the fact that although the volcanism took place in a subaerial environment, calm aqueous environment was locally present where the oblate grains settled on the eruption surface with their \(\hbox {K}_{3}\) vertical.     

Geochemistry and geochronology of the mafic dikes in the Taipusi area,northern margin of North China Craton: Implications for Silurian tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogen

The Taipusi area in the Bainaimiao Arc Belt is located in the northern margin of the North China Craton, at the southern margin of the middle Central Asian Orogenic Belt. It is characterized by large exposures of mafic dikes. In this contribution, we present first-hand whole-rock major and trace elements, zircon U–Pb geochronology and in situ trace element geochemistry data for these mafic rocks, which reveal their petrogenesis and tectonic evolution. These mafic dikes display varied compositions of \(\hbox {SiO}_{2}\) (49.42–54.29%), \(\hbox {TiO}_{2}\) (0.63–1.08%), \(\hbox {Al}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}\) (13.94–17.60%), MgO (4.66–10.51%), \(\hbox {Fe}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}\) (1.59–3.07%), FeO (4.60–6.90%), CaO (4.57–8.91%), \(\hbox {Na}_{2}\hbox {O}\) (1.61–4.26%), \(\hbox {K}_{2}\hbox {O}\) (0.92–2.54%) and \(\hbox {P}_{2}\hbox {O}_{5}\) (0.11–0.29%). They are mainly of high-K calc-alkaline series with indistinct Eu anomalies, enriched in large ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Ba, K and Sr) but depleted in high field strength elements (e.g., Nb, P and Ti). These suggest that the crystallizing magma was derived from enriched mantle altered by metasomatic fluids in a subduction setting with imprints of active continental margin features. The high concentrations of Hf, U, Th, Pb and Y, pronounced positive Ce but slightly negative Eu anomalies in zircons indicating that the magma underwent a fractional crystallization and crustal contamination process, with medium to high \(f\hbox {O}_{2}\). Zircon LA–ICP–MS U–Pb dating yielded concordant ages of 437–442 Ma for these mafic dikes, which is consistent with the early Paleozoic volcanic arc magmatic activity in the Bainaimiao area. Hence, we conclude that the Bainaimiao Arc Belt is a continental arc formed by the southward subduction of the Paleo-Asian ocean during early Paleozoic.     

Geochemical assessment of fluoride enrichment and nitrate contamination in groundwater in hard-rock aquifer by using graphical and statistical methods

This systematic study was carried out with objective to delineate the various sources responsible for \(\hbox {NO}_{3}^{-}\) contamination and \(\hbox {F}^{-}\) enrichment by utilizing statistical and graphical methods. Since Central Ground Water Board, India, indicated susceptibility of \(\hbox {NO}_{3}^{-}\) contamination and \(\hbox {F}^{-}\) enrichment, in most of the groundwater, \(\hbox {NO}_{3}^{-}\) and \(\hbox {F}^{-}\) concentration primarily observed \({>}45\) and \({>}1.5~\hbox {mg/L}\), respectively, i.e., higher than the permissible limit for drinking water. Water Quality Index (WQI) indicates \({\sim }22.81\%\) groundwater are good-water, \({\sim }71.14\%\) groundwater poor-water, \({\sim }5.37\%\) very poor-water and 0.67% unsuitable for drinking purpose. Piper diagram indicates \({\sim }59.73\%\) groundwater hydrogeochemical facies are Ca–Mg–\(\hbox {HCO}_{3 }\) water-types, \({\sim }28.19\%\) Ca–Mg–\(\hbox {SO}_{4}\)–Cl water-types, \({\sim }8.72\%\) Na–K–\(\hbox {SO}_{4}\)–Cl water-types and 3.36% Na–K–\(\hbox {HCO}_{3 }\) water-types. This classification indicates dissolution and mixing are mainly controlling groundwater chemistry. Salinity diagram indicate \({\sim }44.30\%\) groundwater under in low sodium and medium salinity hazard, \({\sim }49.66\%\) groundwater fall under low sodium and high salinity hazard, \({\sim }3.36\%\) groundwater fall under very-high salinity hazard. Sodium adsorption ratio indicates \({\sim }97\%\) groundwater are in excellent condition for irrigation. The spatial distribution of \(\hbox {NO}_{3}^{-}\) indicates significant contribution of fertilizer from agriculture lands. Fluoride enrichment occurs in groundwater through the dissolution of fluoride-rich minerals. By reducing the consumption of fertilizer and stress over groundwater, the water quality can be improved.     

Petrography and geochemistry of the Proterozoic sandstones of Somanpalli Group from Pomburna area,Eastern Belt of Pranhita–Godavari Valley,central India: Implications for provenance,weathering and tectonic setting

In this paper, we, for the first time, report geochemistry of sandstone from Somanpalli Group from Pomburna area in the Eastern Belt of Pranhita–Godavari (PG) Valley, central India and studied to infer their provenance, intensity of paleo-weathering and depositional tectonic setting. Petrographic study of sandstones show QFL modal composition of arenite. Chemical results show high \(\hbox {SiO}_{2}\) and CIA but lower \(\hbox {Al}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}, \hbox {TiO}_{2}\), Rb, Sr, \(\hbox {K}_{2}\hbox {O}\) indicating mixed sources. Major elements chemistry parameters such as, \(\hbox {K}_{2}\hbox {O/Al}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}\) ratio and positive correlation of Rb with \(\hbox {K}_{2}\hbox {O}\), reflects a warm and humid climate for study area. The tectonic discrimination plots (\(\hbox {SiO}_{2}/20\)–\(\hbox {K}_{2}\hbox {O} + \hbox {Na}_{2}\hbox {O}\)–\(\hbox {TiO}_{2} + \hbox {Fe}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3} + \hbox {MgO};\,\hbox {K}_{2}\hbox {O}/\hbox {Na}_{2}\hbox {O}\) vs. \(\hbox {SiO}_{2}\); Th–Sc–Zr/20) indicate dominantly passive margin and slight active tectonic setting. Concentrations of Zr, Nb, Y, and Th are higher compared to the UCC values and the trends in Th/Cr, Th/Co, La/Sc and Cr/Zr ratios support a felsic and mafic source for these sandstones and deposition in passive margin basin. Chondrite normalized REE pattern reflects LREE depletion, negative Eu anomaly and flat HREE similar to UCC, felsic components. ICV value (0.95) also supports tectonically quiescent passive margin settings. CIA values (74) indicate high degree of chemical weathering and warm and humid paleoclimatic condition.     

New paleomagnetic results on $$\sim $$2367 Ma Dharwar giant dyke swarm,Dharwar craton,southern India: implications for Paleoproterozoic continental reconstruction

Here we report new paleomagnetic results and precise paleopole position of the extensional study on \(\sim \)2367 Ma mafic giant radiating dyke swarm in the Dharwar craton, southern India. We have sampled 29 sites on 12 dykes from NE–SW Karimnagar–Hyderabad dykes and Dhone–Gooty sector dykes, eastern Dharwar craton to provide unambiguous paleomagnetism evidence on the spectacular radiating dyke swarm and thereby strengthening the presence of single magmatic event at \(\sim \)2367 Ma. A total of 158 samples were subjected to detailed alternating field and thermal demagnetization techniques and the results are presented here along with previously reported data on the same dyke swarm. The remanent magnetic directions are showing two components, viz., seven sites representing four dykes show component (A) with mean declination of \(94{{}^{\circ }}\) and mean inclination of \(-\,70{{}^{\circ }}\) (\(\hbox {k}=87\), \(\upalpha _{95}=10{{}^{\circ }}\)) and corresponding paleopole at \(16{{}^{\circ }}\hbox {N}\), \(41{{}^{\circ }}\hbox {E}\) (\(\hbox {dp}=15{{}^{\circ }}\) and \(\hbox {dm}=17{{}^{\circ }}\)) and 22 sites representing 8 dykes yielded a component (B) with mean declination of \(41{{}^{\circ }}\) and mean inclination of \(-\,21{{}^{\circ }}\) (\(\hbox {k}=41\), \(\upalpha _{95}=9{{}^{\circ }}\)) with a paleopole at \(41{{}^{\circ }}\hbox {N}\), \(200{{}^{\circ }}\hbox {E}\) (\(\hbox {dp}=5{{}^{\circ }}\) and \(\hbox {dm}=10{{}^{\circ }}\)). Component (A) results are similar to the previously reported directions from the \(\sim \)2367 Ma dyke swarm, which have been confirmed fairly reliably to be of primary origin. The component (B) directions appear to be strongly overprinted by the 2080 Ma event. The grand mean for the primary component (A) combined with earlier reported studies gives mean declination of \(97{{}^{\circ }}\) and mean inclination of \(-\,79{{}^{\circ }}\) (\(\hbox {k}=55\), \(\upalpha _{95}=3{{}^{\circ }}\)) with a paleopole at \(15{{}^{\circ }}\hbox {N}\), \(57{{}^{\circ }}\hbox {E}\) (\(\hbox {dp}=5{{}^{\circ }}\), \(\hbox {dm}=6{{}^{\circ }}\)). Paleogeographical position for the Dharwar craton at \(\sim \)2367 Ma suggests that there may be a chance to possible spatial link between Dharwar dykes of Dharwar craton (India), Widgemooltha and Erayinia dykes of Yilgarn craton (Australia), Sebanga Poort Dykes of Zimbabwe craton (Africa) and Karelian dykes of Kola-Karelia craton (Baltica Shield).     

Early Neoarchaean A-type granitic magmatism by crustal reworking in Singhbhum craton: Evidence from Pala Lahara area,Orissa

Several volumetrically minor \(\sim \)2.8 Ga anorogenic granites and rhyolites occur along the marginal part of the Singhbhum craton whose origin and role in crustal evolution are poorly constrained. This contribution presents petrographic, geochemical, zircon U–Pb and trace element, and mineral chemical data on such granites exposed in the Pala Lahara area to understand their petrogenesis and tectonic setting. The Pala Lahara granites are calc-alkaline, high-silica rocks and define a zircon U–Pb age of 2.79 Ga. These granites are ferroan, weakly metaluminous, depleted in Al, Ca and Mg and rich in LILE and HFSE. They are classified as A2-type granites with high Y/Nb ratios. Geochemical characteristics (high \(\hbox {SiO}_{2}\) and \(\hbox {K}_{2}\hbox {O}\), very low MgO, Mg#, Cr, Ni and V, negative Eu anomaly, flat HREE and low Sr/Y) and comparison with melts reported by published experimental studies suggest an origin through high-temperature, shallow crustal melting of tonalitic/granodioritic source similar to the \(\sim \)3.3 Ga Singhbhum Granite. Intrusion of the Pala Lahara granites was coeval with prominent mafic magmatism in the Singhbhum craton (e.g., the Dhanjori mafic volcanic rocks and NNE–SSW trending mafic dyke swarm). It is suggested that the \(\sim \)2.8 Ga A-type granites in the Singhbhum craton mark a significant crustal reworking event attendant to mantle-derived mafic magmatism in an extensional tectonic setting.     

Carbon dioxide,water vapour and energy fluxes over a semi-evergreen forest in Assam,Northeast India

The eddy covariance method is a powerful technique for quantification of \(\hbox {CO}_{2},\) \(\hbox {H}_{2}\)O and energy fluxes in natural ecosystems. Leaf area index (LAI) and its changes are significant drivers of \(\hbox {CO}_{2}\) and \(\hbox {H}_{2}\)O exchange in a forest ecosystem due to their role in photosynthesis. The present study reports the seasonal variation of \(\hbox {CO}_{2}\) and energy fluxes and their relationship with other meteorological parameters of a semi-evergreen primary forest of Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India during February 2016–January 2017. The diurnal pattern of half hourly average \(\hbox {CO}_{2 }\) fluxes over the forest was found to be mostly dominated by the incident photosynthetically active radiation. During the period of study, diurnal variations of \(\hbox {CO}_{2}\) flux showed a maximum value of \(-9.97\,\upmu \)mol \(\hbox {m}^{-2}\hbox {s}^{-1}\) in the month of June during summer which is also the beginning of the monsoon season. The monthly averaged diurnal \(\hbox {CO}_{2}\) flux and variation in LAI of the forest canopy closely followed each other. The annual net ecosystem exchange of the forest estimated from the \(\hbox {CO}_{2}\) flux data above the canopy is 84.21 g C \(\hbox {m}^{-2}\,\hbox {yr}^{-1}\). Further studies are in progress to confirm these findings. The estimated average annual evapotranspiration of the semi-evergreen forest is 2.8 ± 0.19 mm \(\hbox {day}^{-1}\). The study of partitioning of energy fluxes showed the dominance of latent heat fluxes over sensible heat fluxes. The energy balance closure was found to increase with an increase in instability and the highest closure of around 83% was noted under neutral conditions.     

Structural and luminescent characterisation of uraniferous fluorapatite and haematite associated with phosphatic rocks of the Bijawar group in Sagar District,Madhya Pradesh (India)

The structural and spectroscopic characteristics of phosphatic ferruginous shale samples from the Bijawar Group rocks from Sagar District of Madhya Pradesh (India) have been probed for identification of uranium species. Fluorapatite (\(\hbox {Ca}_{5}\hbox {(PO}_{4})_{3}\hbox {F}\), FAP) and haematite (\(\upalpha \)-\(\hbox {Fe}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}\)) were identified as the main phases in the separated mineral concentrates. The photoluminescence (PL) and X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) studies pointed to a strong experimental evidence of both U(IV) and U(VI) oxidation states in the mineral concentrate portion obtained from the same parent host rock. The PL spectrum has confirmed the charge transfer (f–d) transition bands in UV and near-UV regions with emission peaks at ca. 290, 313, 336, 399 and 416 nm, which has been attributed to the substitution of \(\hbox {Ca}^{2+}\) ions by U(IV) in FAP and broad structureless emission due to stabilisation of U(VI) as \(\hbox {UO}_{6}^{6-}\) in haematite. Time-resolved spectroscopy studies have revealed biexponential decay components lasting 2–5 ns for U(IV) species and \(10\,\upmu \hbox {s}\) for U(VI) species. These characterisations revealed the fundamental information about the oxidation state and form of uranium in this region. Remediation measures for the Bijawar region are also suggested.     

Variations of trace gases over the Bay of Bengal during the summer monsoon

In situ measurements of near-surface ozone (\(\hbox {O}_{3})\), carbon monoxide (CO), and methane (\(\hbox {CH}_{4})\) were carried out over the Bay of Bengal (BoB) as a part of the Continental Tropical Convergence Zone (CTCZ) campaign during the summer monsoon season of 2009. \(\hbox {O}_{3}\), CO and \(\hbox {CH}_{4}\) mixing ratios varied in the ranges of 8–54 ppbv, 50–200 ppbv and 1.57–2.15 ppmv, respectively during 16 July–17 August 2009. The spatial distribution of mean tropospheric \(\hbox {O}_{3}\) from satellite retrievals is found to be similar to that in surface \(\hbox {O}_{3}\) observations, with higher levels over coastal and northern BoB as compared to central BoB. The comparison of in situ measurements with the Monitoring Atmospheric Composition & Climate (MACC) global reanalysis shows that MACC simulations reproduce the observations with small mean biases of 1.6 ppbv, –2.6 ppbv and 0.07 ppmv for \(\hbox {O}_{3}\), CO and \(\hbox {CH}_{4}\), respectively. The analysis of diurnal variation of \(\hbox {O}_{3}\) based on observations and the simulations from Weather Research and Forecasting coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) at a stationary point over the BoB did not show a net photochemical build up during daytime. Satellite retrievals show limitations in capturing \(\hbox {CH}_{4}\) variations as measured by in situ sample analysis highlighting the need of more shipborne in situ measurements of trace gases over this region during monsoon.     

Audio-magnetotelluric investigation of sulfide mineralization in Proterozoic–Archean greenstone belts of Eastern Indian Craton

Greenstone belts are well known for gold occurrences at different regions of the world. The Dhanjori basin in the eastern Singhbhum region shows major characteristics of a rifted greenstone belt. Initially, we conducted 14 audio-magnetotelluric (AMT) measurements for a profile of \(\sim \)20 km in the frequency range of 1 kHz to 10 Hz over this rather complex geologic environment covering Dhanjori Volcanics (DhV) and Kolhan Group (KG). Subsequently, gravity and magnetic surveys were also conducted over this AMT profile. The purpose of the survey was to identify and map conductive features and to relate them to metallogeny of the area along with the mapping of the basement of Dhanjori basin. The strike analysis showed \(\hbox {N30}^{\circ }\hbox {W}\) strike for DhV for all the frequencies and for sites over KG domain in the frequency range of 100–10 Hz, but for KG domain, the obtained strike in 1 kHz to 100 Hz is \(\hbox {N45}^{\circ }\hbox {E}\). As the combination of transverse electric (TE), transverse magnetic (TM) and tipper (Tzy) can recover the electrical signature in complex geological environment, we discuss the conductivity model obtained from TE+TM+Tzy only. The inversion was carried for the regional profile with 14 sites and for 7 sites over KG domain. Conductivity model shows two well resolved conductors, one each in KG and Quartz Pebble Conglomerate Dhanjori (QPCD) domains respectively showing common linked concordant features between these regional and KG profiles. The conductors are interpreted as sulfide mineralization linked with QPCD group of rocks which may host gold. These conductors are also horizontally disposed due to the intrusive younger Mayurbhanj Granite. These intrusives correlate well with the gravity modeling as well. The thickness of the Dhanjori basin at the central is about 3.0 km, similar to that from gravity modeling. The conductivity model also indicates the presence of shallow conductors, but could not be resolved due to lack of high frequency data. However, the results from the close-by drill site indicate the presence of shallow sulfide mineralization hosting gold. The deep level conductors delineated from AMT studies are associated with gravity high and low magnetic. ICP-AES results of Dhanjori samples show significant concentration of gold \(\sim \)5.0 g/t, which is of economic consideration. Thus, it can be inferred that the conductors have evidences of sulfide mineralization which host gold.     

Rootless calc-silicate folds in granite: An implication towards syn- to post-plutonic emplacement

Deformation of the Champaner Group of rocks that form a part of Southern Aravalli Mountain Belt, western India, occurred during the Grenville orogeny (ca. 1400–935 Ma). Two phases of deformation are recorded: \(\hbox {D}_{1}\), persistent throughout the group and characterised by westerly plunging tight isoclinal folds and \(\hbox {D}_{2}\), a localized phase of deformation associated with shortening of the earlier folds from the eastern margin. Both the phases of deformation are in association with the syn-tectonically emplaced Godhra granite. The present work records rootless calc-silicate folds in granite belonging to the older formation, located at the eastern fringe of the Champaner Group. Field evidences suggest superimposition of Type 2 interference pattern trending NE–SW over rootless Type 0 of varying trends from NW–SE to N–S. The superposed pattern obtained from the field study differs in terms of structural trends with the neighbouring Precambrian stratigraphic units. These stratigraphic units include the Champaner Group to which the study area belongs, the Kadana Formation of the Lunavada Group and Pre-Chamapaner Gneissic Complex. Rootless character of folds found within the study area imply syn-post plutonic emplacement of Godhra granite.     

Near InfraRed Imaging Spectrograph (NIRIS) for ground-based mesospheric OH(6-2) and $$\hbox {O}_{2}$$(0-1) intensity and temperature measurements

This paper describes the development of a new Near InfraRed Imaging Spectrograph (NIRIS) which is capable of simultaneous measurements of OH(6-2) Meinel and \(\hbox {O}_{2}\)(0-1) atmospheric band nightglow emission intensities. In this spectrographic technique, rotational line ratios are obtained to derive temperatures corresponding to the emission altitudes of 87 and 94 km. NIRIS has been commissioned for continuous operation from optical aeronomy observatory, Gurushikhar, Mount Abu (\(24.6^{\circ }\hbox {N}\), \(72.8^{\circ }\hbox {E}\)) since January 2013. NIRIS uses a diffraction grating of 1200 lines \(\hbox {mm}^{-1}\) and 1024\(\times \)1024 pixels thermoelectrically cooled CCD camera and has a large field-of-view (FOV) of \(80^{\circ }\) along the slit orientation. The data analysis methodology adopted for the derivation of mesospheric temperatures is also described in detail. The observed NIRIS temperatures show good correspondence with satellite (SABER) derived temperatures and exhibit both tidal and gravity waves (GW) like features. From the time taken for phase propagation in the emission intensities between these two altitudes, vertical phase speed of gravity waves, \(c_{z}\), is calculated and along with the coherent GW time period ‘\(\tau \)’, the vertical wavelength, \(\lambda _{z}\), is obtained. Using large FOV observations from NIRIS, the meridional wavelengths, \(\lambda _{y}\), are also calculated. We have used one year of data to study the possible cause(s) for the occurrences of mesospheric temperature inversions (MTIs). From the statistics obtained for 234 nights, it appears that in situ chemical heating is mainly responsible for the observed MTIs than the vertical propagation of the waves. Thus, this paper describes a novel near infrared imaging spectrograph, its working principle, data analysis method for deriving OH and \(\hbox {O}_{2}\) emission intensities and the corresponding rotational temperatures at these altitudes, derivation of gravity wave parameters (\(\tau \), \(c_{z}\), \(\lambda _{z}\), and \(\lambda _{y})\), and results on the statistical study of MTIs that exist in the earth’s mesospheric altitudes.     

Episodic crustal growth in the Bundelkhand craton of central India shield: Constraints from petrogenesis of the tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite gneisses and K-rich granites of Bundelkhand tectonic zone

Tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite gneisses (TTG) and K-rich granites are extensively exposed in the Mesoarchean to Paleoproterozoic Bundelkhand craton of central India. The TTGs rocks are coarse- grained with biotite, plagioclase feldspar, K-feldspar and amphibole as major constituent phases. The major minerals constituting the K-rich granites are K-feldspar, plagioclase feldspar and biotite. They are also medium to coarse grained. Mineral chemical studies show that the amphiboles of TTG are calcic amphibole hastingsite, plagioclase feldspars are mostly of oligoclase composition, K-feldspars are near pure end members and biotites are solid solutions between annite and siderophyllite components. The K-rich granites have biotites of siderophyllite–annite composition similar to those of TTGs, plagioclase feldspars are oligoclase in composition, potassic feldspars have \(\hbox {X}_{\mathrm{K}}\) ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 and are devoid of any amphibole. The tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite gneiss samples have high \(\hbox {SiO}_{2}\) (64.17–74.52 wt%), \(\hbox {Na}_{2}\hbox {O}\) (3.11–5.90 wt%), low Mg# (30–47) and HREE contents, with moderate \((\hbox {La/Yb})_{\mathrm{CN}}\) values (14.7–33.50) and Sr/Y ratios (4.85–98.7). These geochemical characteristics suggest formation of the TTG by partial melting of the hydrous basaltic crust at pressures and depths where garnet and amphibole were stable phases in the Paleo-Mesoarchean. The K-rich granite samples show high \(\hbox {SiO}_{2}\) (64.72–76.73 wt%), \(\hbox {K}_{2}\hbox {O}\) (4.31–5.42), low \(\hbox {Na}_{2}\hbox {O}\) (2.75–3.31 wt%), Mg# (24–40) and HREE contents, with moderate to high \((\hbox {La/Yb})_{\mathrm{CN}}\) values (9.26–29.75) and Sr/Y ratios (1.52–24). They differ from their TTG in having elevated concentrations of incompatible elements like K, Zr, Th, and REE. These geochemical features indicate formation of the K-granites by anhydrous partial melting of the Paleo-Mesoarchean TTG or mafic crustal materials in an extensional regime. Combined with previous studies it is interpreted that two stages of continental accretion (at 3.59–3.33 and 3.2–3.0 Ga) and reworking (at 2.5–1.9 Ga) occurred in the Bundelkhand craton from Archaean to Paleoproterozoic.     

Fluvial geochemistry of Subarnarekha River basin,India

The fluvial geochemistry of the Subarnarekha River and its major tributaries has been studied on a seasonal basis in order to assess the geochemical processes that explain the water composition and estimate solute fluxes. The analytical results show the mildly acidic to alkaline nature of the Subarnarekha River water and the dominance of \(\hbox {Ca}^{2+}\) and \(\hbox {Na}^{+}\) in cationic and \(\hbox {HCO}_{3}^{-}\) and \({\hbox {Cl}}^{-}\) in anionic composition. Minimum ionic concentration during the monsoon and maximum concentration in the pre-monsoon seasons reflect concentrating effects due to decrease in the river discharge and increase in the base flow contribution during the pre-monsoon and dilution effects of atmospheric precipitation in the monsoon season. The solute acquisition processes are mainly controlled by weathering of rocks, with minor contribution from marine and anthropogenic sources. Higher contribution of alkaline earth \((\hbox {Ca}^{2+}{+}\,\hbox {Mg}^{2+})\) to the total cations \((\hbox {TZ}^{+})\) and high \((\hbox {Na}^{+}+\hbox {K}^{+})/\hbox {Cl}^{-}\), \((\hbox {Na}^{+}+\hbox {K}^{+})/\hbox {TZ}^{+}\), \(\hbox {HCO}_{3}^{-}/(\hbox {SO}_{4}^{2-}+\hbox {Cl}^{-})\) and low \((\hbox {Ca}^{2+}+\hbox {Mg}^{2+})/(\hbox {Na}^{+}+\hbox {K}^{+})\) equivalent ratios suggest that the Subarnarekha River water is under the combined influence of carbonate and silicate weathering. The river water is undersaturated with respect to dolomite and calcite during the post-monsoon and monsoon seasons and oversaturated in the pre-monsoon season. The pH–log \(\hbox {H}_{4}\hbox {SiO}_{4}\) stability diagram demonstrates that the water chemistry is in equilibrium with the kaolinite. The Subarnarekha River annually delivered \(1.477\times 10^{6}\) ton of dissolved loads to the Bay of Bengal, with an estimated chemical denudation rate of \(77\hbox { ton km}^{-2}\hbox { yr}^{-1}\). Sodium adsorption ratio, residual sodium carbonate and per cent sodium values placed the studied river water in the ‘excellent to good quality’ category and it can be safely used for irrigation.     

Indian summer monsoon forcing on the deglacial polar cold reversals

The deglacial transition from the last glacial maximum at \(\sim \)20 kiloyears before present (ka) to the Holocene (11.7 ka to Present) was interrupted by millennial-scale cold reversals, viz., Antarctic Cold Reversal (\(\sim \)14.5–12.8 ka) and Greenland Younger Dryas (\(\sim \)12.8–11.8 ka) which had different timings and extent of cooling in each hemisphere. The cause of this synchronously initiated, but different hemispheric cooling during these cold reversals (Antarctic Cold Reversal \(\sim \)3\(^{\circ }\hbox {C}\) and Younger Dryas \(\sim \)10\(^{\circ }\hbox {C}\)) is elusive because \(\hbox {CO}_{2}\), the fundamental forcing for deglaciation, and Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, the driver of antiphased bipolar climate response, both fail to explain this asymmetry. We use centennial-resolution records of the local surface water \(\delta ^{18}\hbox {O}\) of the Eastern Arabian Sea, which constitutes a proxy for the precipitation associated with the Indian Summer Monsoon, and other tropical precipitation records to deduce the role of tropical forcing in the polar cold reversals. We hypothesize a mechanism for tropical forcing, via the Indian Summer Monsoons, of the polar cold reversals by migration of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone and the associated cross-equatorial heat transport.