Mixed Layer Depth and its Variability in the Eastern Equatorial Indian Ocean as Revealed by Observations and Model Simulations

Mixed layer depth (MLD) variability in the Eastern Equatorial Indian Ocean (EEIO) from a hindcast run of an Ocean General Circulation Model (OGCM) forced by daily winds and radiative fluxes from NCEP-NCAR reanalysis from 2004 to 2006 is investigated. Model MLD compares well with the ～20,000 observations from Argo floats and a TRITON buoy (1.5°S and 90°E) in the Indian Ocean. Tests with a one-dimensional upper ocean model were conducted to assess the impact on the MLD simulations that would result from the lack of the diurnal cycle in the forcing applied to the OGCM. The error was of the order of ～12 m. MLD at the TRITON buoy location shows a bimodal pattern with deep MLD during May–June and December–January. MLD pattern during fall 2006 was significantly different from the climatology and was rather shallow during December–January both in the model and observation. An examination of mixed layer heat and salt budget suggested salinity freshening caused by the advective and vertical diffusive mixing to be the cause of shallow MLD.     

Some new exact solutions with finite central parameters and?uniform radial motion of sound

We present three new categories of exact and spherically symmetric Solutions with finite central parameters of the general relativistic field equations. Two well behaved solutions in curvature coordinates first category are being studied extensively. These solutions describe perfect fluid balls with positively finite central pressure, positively finite central density; their ratio is less than one and causality condition is obeyed at the centre. The outmarch of pressure, density, pressure-density ratio and the adiabatic speed of sound is monotonically decreasing for these solutions. Keeping in view of well behaved nature of these solutions, one of the solution (I₁) is studied extensively. The solution (I₁) gives us wide range of Schwarzschild parameter u (0.138≤u≤0.263), for which the solution is well behaved hence, suitable for modeling of Neutron star. For this solution the mass of Neutron star is maximized with all degree of suitability and by assuming the surface density ρ _b =2×10¹⁴ g/cm³. Corresponding to u=0.263, the maximum mass of Neutron star comes out to be 3.369 M _Θ with linear dimension 37.77 km and central and surface redshifts are 4.858 and 0.4524 respectively. We also study some well known regular solutions (T-4, D-1, D-2, H, A, P) of Einstein’s field equations in curvature coordinates with the feature of constant adiabatic sound speed. We have chosen those values of Schwarzschild parameter u for which, these solutions describe perfect fluid balls realistic equations of state. However, except (P) solution, all these solutions have monotonically non-decreasing feature of adiabatic sound speed. Hence (P) solution is having a well behaved model for uniform radial motion of sound. Keeping in view of well behaved nature of the solution for this feature and assuming the surface density; ρ _b =2×10¹⁴ g/cm³, the maximum mass of Neutron star comes out to be 1.34 M _Θ with linear dimension 28.74 km. Corresponding central and surface redshifts are 1.002 and 0.1752 respectively.     

A study-based ranking of LiDAR data visualization schemes aided by georectified aerial images

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) collects dense 3D topographic information in the form of points. LiDAR data can be displayed either through direct rendering of the point cloud or by generalizing features extracted through classification or segmentation. We are working in the domain of visualizing LiDAR data sets and have developed certain pipelines for visualization. These pipelines have been presented elsewhere. We present a technique for the evaluation of visualization schemes for LiDAR data, by conducting a visualization experience survey for 13 pre-processing and visualization schemes where 60 participants rated these schemes on a 10 point scale on a questionnaire. The paper establishes a ranking for the different visualization schemes described herein. Finally, this paper establishes that our heuristic-based algorithm (presented elsewhere) performs almost equal to a classification-based visualization pipeline made using professional software. We believe that the presented technique can be used to assess other geospatial visualization schemes.     

Atmospheric boundary layer studies at Jodhpur during MONTBLEX using sodar and tower

A monostatic sodar was set up at Jodhpur, near the western end of the monsoon trough, to investigate the atmospheric boundary layer dynamics. A 30 m instrumented tower was also located close to the sodar antenna. Data were collected from June to August during the monsoon period of 1990, as also from July 1992 to September 1993. Thermal plumes, surface-based stable layers (both flat or short spiky top and tall spiky top), elevated/multi-layers with or without undulations and dot echo structures were seen; however, erosion of the morning inversion layer in the form of a rising layer with growing thermal plumes under it was rarely seen, and that too only during the winter period. The observed structure of the stable layer with tall spikes and its depth have been found to be correlated with the intensity of the monsoon spell; the dot echoes have been found to be correlated with the approach of a monsoon depression near Jodhpur; and the elevated/multilayers have been attributed to the formation of a subsidence (shear instability).     

Quantified landslide hazard assessment based on finite element slope stability analysis for Uttarkashi–Gangnani Highway in Indian Himalayas

Natural Hazards - In the Indian Himalayan region, landslide is one of the most recurring natural disasters intimidating human lives and is detrimental to infra-structures,...     

Resource potential and planning for exploration of the Hebrus Valles,Mars

Mars is the only extraterrestrial body which could host primitive lifeforms and also has the potential to host a human base in the near future. Towards fulfilling these objectives, several remote sensing missions and rover based missions have been sent to Mars. Still, confirmation of existing or extinct life on this planet in any form has not been achieved and possibly human missions at selected sites in the future are the key to addressing this problem. Here, we have used remote sensing data from Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter(MRO; NASA), Mars Global Surveyor(MGS; NASA), Mars Odyssey(NASA) and Mars Express(MEX; ESA) to devise an exploration strategy for one such area known as Hebrus Valles, which is a potential site for human exploration of the surface of Mars. A geological context map of the Hebrus Valles and Hephaestus Fossae region has been prepared and a candidate landing site has been proposed in the Hebrus Valles region. Suitable rover paths have been worked out from the proposed landing site for harnessing the science and resource potential of the region. The proposed landing site is located in the equatorial region at(20?40′N, 126?23′E) and due to its proximity to the Potential Subsurface Access Candidates(PSACs) in the region, such as sinkholes and skylights and also other resources such as crater ejecta, silicate material and fluvial channels, the site is appropriate for exploration of the region.