Geomorphology and the controls of geohydrology on waterlogging in Gangetic Plains,North Bihar,India

Waterlogging is a complex phenomenon, the severity of which depends on a number of natural as well as anthropogenic factors. The present study pertains to the evaluation of control exerted by various factors, viz geomorphology, relief, groundwater fluctuation, rainfall, catchment area and canal–road network density, on waterlogging in the north Bihar region of Gangetic Plains. Satellite images IRS P6 LISS III acquired in the years 2005 and 2006 were used to map temporal variability in surface waterlogging which revealed a reduction of 52 % in the waterlogging area during the pre-monsoon. The seasonal groundwater fluctuation was examined using 2005–2006 pre- and post-monsoon water level data. It clearly indicated that a large portion of the area was also under highly critical groundwater level occurring at a depth of less than 1 m belowground surface during the post-monsoon periods. The percentage of waterlogged area per square kilometer in each geomorphological unit clearly depicts that the Kosi megafan (Lower), because of a high density of paleochannels, comprises the highest post-monsoon waterlogged area. The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) data were analyzed for the period 1998–2009 to examine the spatial variability of rainfall over the entire catchment during the monsoon period. The high incidence of post-monsoon surface waterlogging delineated through satellite data and high average rainfall (>1,100 mm) in the same area indicates a positive relationship between rainfall and surface waterlogging. Waterlogging is more prominent in the lower relief zones, but anomalous relative rise in waterlogging within 40–50 m of relief zone was attributed to anthropogenic factors primarily related to the development of canal network.     

Deposition of heterogeneous radiocolloid from groundwater on enclosing rocks

A model of precipitation of radiocolloid particles on enclosing rocks at colloid-facilitated transport of radionuclides by groundwater is considered. The model proposed is based on probabilistic analysis of deposition of heterogeneous colloidal particles on fixed sites of groundwater filtration channels, which are formed by connected systems of pore_ and fracture voids in enclosing rocks. The model takes into account heterogeneity of the system of colloidal particles and competition of different particles for the same potential deposition sites. Theoretical analysis is based on the solution of the system of Kolmogorov-Feller equations. The limit values of the obtained solutions correspond to the equilibrium distribution of radiocolloid particles of different sizes between the groundwater and the enclosing rocks. In the case of a homogeneous system of particles, the obtained distribution is reduced to the Langmuir isotherm.     

Kinetik der Methanfermentation des Klärschlammes

Zusammenfassung In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird die Fermentation der organischen Stoffe des Kl?rschlammes vom kinetischen Standpunkt untersucht. Für die Faulgasproduktion ist die T?tigkeit der Methanbakterien entscheidend. Bei der ?batch?-Fermentation des Kl?rschlammes mit Trockensubstanzgehalt von 5% wurde die maximale Wachstumsrate der Methanbakterien für die folgenden Inkubationstemperaturen bestimmt: für 20°C 0,02 Tage⁻¹, für 30°C 0,09 Tage⁻¹, für 50°C 0,17 Tage⁻. Im semikontinuierlichen Prozess wurde der spezifische Wirkungsgrad als Quotient der aus 1 Liter Faulraum produzierten Faulgasmenge (im ml) zum Inhalt der organischen Stoffe im Rohschlamm (in g/l) ausgedrückt. Die Abh?ngigkeit des spezifischen Wirkungsgrades von der Raumbelastung für Temperaturen von 20°C, 30°C und 50°C wurde graphisch dargestellt. Die Verdünnungsrate, bei der die maximalen Werte des spezifischen Wirkungsgrades erreicht wurden, sind für 20°C 0,12 Tage⁻¹, für 30°C 0,21 Tage⁻¹ und für 50°C 0,28 Tage⁻¹. Entsprechende Werte des spezifischen Wirkungsgrades waren der Reihe nach: 20 ml/g pro Tag, 63 ml/g pro Tag und 100 ml/g pro Tag. Die minimale Generatinsdauer der Methanbakterin betr?gt für 20°C 3,1 Tage, für 30°C und 50°C weniger als 2,5 Tage. Aus dem Vergleich des ein- und zwistufigem Betriebs geht hervor, dass bei einer l?nger als 10 Tage w?hrenden Aufenthaltsdauer der spezifische Wirkungsgrad der beiden Systeme identisch ist, bei kürzerer Aufenthaltsdauer leistet jedoch der einstufige Betrieb mehr.

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Summary The purpose of this study is to estimate the fermentation of the organic matter in sewage sludge from the point of view of kinetics. The activity of methane bacteria seems to be essential for the sludge gas production. In the batch fermentation of sludge containing about 5% of dry solids, the maximal growth rate for methane bacteria at given incubation temperatures was found to be: at 20°C 0,02 days⁻¹, at 30°C 0,09 days⁻¹, and at 50 °C 0,17 days⁻¹. For the semi-continous process, the specific efficiency of the fermentation system was expressed as the relation between the quantity (in ml) of sludge gas produced daily in a one liter digestion area and the volatile solids content in raw sludge (in g/l). The dependence of the specific efficiency upon the volume load at temperatures of 20°C, 30°C, and 50°C was determined graphically. The dilution rate for maximal values of the unit efficiency attained was at 20°C 0,12 days⁻¹, at 30°C 0,21 days⁻¹, and at 50°C 0,28 days⁻¹, corresponding maximal values of specific efficiency were 20 ml/g per day, 63 ml/g per day and 100 ml/g per day. Minimal generation time of methane bacteria is at 20°C 3,1 days, at 30°C and at 50°C less than 2,5 days. Comparison betwen single stage and two-stage operations, with detention periods of more than 10 days, shows that the specific efficiency is very much the same in both systems. However, at shorter detention periods and with the same digestion capacity, the single stage operation is more efficient.

     

The dynamical evolution of stellar-planetary systems

We have carried out numerical simulations of the dynamical evolution of young stellar-planetary groups using various means to choose the initial conditions, which reflect the various assumptions about the physics of planetary formation: that planets form in circumstellar disks or simultaneously with stars as a result of the fragmentation of molecular clouds. The main classes of stable stellar-planetary systems resulting from the dynamical evolution of groups are identified (the outer planets around binary stars and “star + planet” binary systems), and their main characteristics analyzed. The probabilities of the formation of various types of planetary systems are estimated. A preliminary analysis of the migration of planets under the action of perturbations from stars is performed in the framework of the adopted model. It is shown that this migration can occur both towards and away from the star.     

Automatic Tree Identification and Diameter Estimation Using Single Scan Terrestrial Laser Scanner Data in Central Indian Forests

Forest inventory parameters, primarily tree diameter and height, are required for several management and planning activities. Currently, Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) is a promising technology in automated measurements of tree parameters using dense 3D point clouds. In comparison with conventional manual field inventory methods, TLS systems would supplement field data with detailed and relatively higher degree of accurate measurements and increased measurement frequency. Although, multiple scans from TLS captures more area, they are resource and time consuming to ensure proper co-registration between the scans. On the other hand, Single scans provide a fast and recording of the data but are often affected by occlusions between the trees. The current study evaluates potential of single scan TLS data to (1) develop an automatic method for tree stem identification and diameter estimation (diameter at breast height—DBH) using random sample consensus (RANSAC) based circle fitting algorithm, (2) validate using field based measurements to derive accuracy estimates and (3) assess the influence of distance to scanner on detection and measurement accuracies. Tree detection and diameter measurements were validated for 5 circular plots of 20 m radius using single scans in dry deciduous forests of Betul, Madhya Pradesh. An overall tree detection accuracy of 85 and 70% was observed in the scanner range of 15 and 20 m respectively. The tree detection accuracies decreased with increased distance to the scanner due to the decrease in visible area. Also, estimated stem diameter using TLS was found to be in agreement with the field measured diameter (R² = 0.97). The RMSE of estimated DBH was found to be 3.5 cm (relative RMSE ~20%) over 202 trees detected over 5 plots. Results suggest that single scan approach suffices the cause of accuracy, reducing uncertainty and adds to increased sampling frequency in forest inventory and also implies that TLS has a seemingly high potential in forest management.     

Evaluating Long-Term Evolution of Radionuclide Migration Conditions from a Repository at the Yenisei Site (Krasnoyarsk Krai)

The article considers the procedure aimed to identify and select the factors, events, and processes that can have an effect on the long-term safety of radioactive waste repository to be constructed at The Yenisei Site (Krasnoyarsk krai). The geological factors to be taken into account in the development of scenarios for safety assessment are determined. Tentative quantitative forecasts of radionuclide migration are made taking into account possible climate evolution and vertical rise of the territory. The sensitivity of radionuclide migration model to variations in these factors is assessed.     

Vacuumless topological defects in Lyra geometry

Few years ago, Cho and Vilenkin have proposed that topological defects can arise in symmetry breaking models without having degenerate vacua. These types of defects are known as vacuumless defects. In the present work, the gravitational field of a vacuumless global string and global monopole have been investigated in the context of Lyra geometry. We find the metric of the vacuumless global string and global monopole in the weak field approximations. It has been shown that the vacuumless global string can have repulsive whereas global monopole exerts attractive gravitational effects on a test particle. It is dissimilar to the case studied in general relativity.     

Evaluating factors responsible for contrasting signature of wasteland development in northern and southern Ganga Plains (Bihar State,India) with focus on waterlogging

The present study provides assessment of wasteland development in Bihar State based on satellite data. Wasteland covers 6.90 % (6,501 km²) of the state area and exhibits dominance of waterlogged areas in North Bihar (25.28 %) and scrubland (26.61 %) in South Bihar. The waterlogged areas in the state are dominantly associated with northern Bihar plains (94 %) with minor development (6 %) in southern Bihar plains. Such unequal distribution of waterlogged land areas in northern and southern Bihar plains is largely governed by high cumulative discharge generated in the large catchment area in Himalayan mountain ranges in the upland areas of northern Bihar plains in contrast to low cumulative discharge generated within small catchments in the Chota Nagpur Plateau in the southern Bihar plains. It is evaluated that the relief and groundwater level define the primary controlling factors, whereas rainfall, watershed area, and upland/plain ratio exert secondary control. Lower relief areas with high rainfall exhibit high soil moisture thereby inducing conditions of waterlogging. The study signifies the potential of satellite image-based evaluation of waterlogging through the use of Digital Elevation Model, Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission-based rainfall measurement, and temporal waterlogging assessment together with other terrain parameters for conceptual understanding of waterlogging in northern Bihar plains.