Cyclonic microzonation

A procedure for cyclonic microzonation of coastal regions with the help of the cyclone track records is outlined using a sound method of statistical forecast and finding wind speed at a site with the help of standard wind field model. The procedure can be adopted for regions where directly measured wind speeds are scarce like, coastal regions of the developing and under developed countries. For the purpose of microzonation, the regions along with the available cyclone tracks are mapped using GIS. The area is then divided into a number of grids. The centre of the grid (site) is taken as the centre of the circle of influence. The cyclonic wind speeds at the site are estimated from the tracks falling within the influence circle. Distribution of the cyclonic wind speed at the site is then obtained from the estimated cyclonic wind speeds. Assuming the arrival of cyclone to be a Poisson process, a cyclone hazard curve, denoting the annual probability of exceedance versus cyclonic wind speed is determined. From the hazard curves drawn for different sites of the region, cyclonic microzonation map is prepared for different return periods of the cyclonic wind speed. The procedure is illustrated by applying it to microzone a very crucial coastal region of Andhra Pradesh in India, for which cyclone track records are available.     

Geochemistry of groundwater,Burdwan District,West Bengal,India

Hydrogeochemical investigations are carried out in the different blocks of Burdwan district, West Bengal, India in order to assess its suitability for drinking as well as irrigation water purpose. Altogether 49 representative groundwater samples are collected from bore wells and the water chemistry of various ions viz. Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, CO₃²⁻, HCO₃⁻, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻ and NO₃⁻ are carried out. The chemical relationships in Piper and Gibbs diagram suggest that the groundwater mainly belongs to alkali type and Cl⁻ group and are controlled by rock dominance. A comparison of groundwater quality in relation to drinking water quality standards proves that most of the water samples are suitable for drinking water purpose whereas groundwater in some areas of the district has high salinity and high sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), indicating unsuitability for irrigation water and needs adequate drainage.     

Shear Behaviour of Loose and Compacted Pond Ash

Massive utilization of pond ash in earth works requires thorough understanding of its geotechnical characteristics, especially strength characteristics. Here in this paper, a detailed experimental study carried on the strength and other geotechnical characteristics of pond ash samples, collected from inflow and outflow points of two ash ponds in India, are presented. Strength characteristics were investigated using consolidated drained (CD) and undrained ( [`(\textCU)] \overline{\text{CU}} ) triaxial tests with pore water pressure measurements, conducted on loose and compacted specimens of pond ash samples under different confining pressures. Ash samples from inflow point exhibited behaviour similar to sandy soils in many respects. They exhibited higher strengths than reference material (Yamuna sand), though their specific gravity and compacted maximum dry densities are significantly lower than sands. Ash samples from outflow point exhibited significant differences in their properties and values, compared to samples from inflow point. Shear strength of the ash samples from outflow point are observed to be low, particularly in loose state where static liquefaction is observed.     

The nature and engineering behavior of carbonate soils at Bombay High,India

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a laboratory investigation undertaken to study the nature of two submarine carbonate soils from Bombay High off the west coast of India, as well as to study the shear and plasticity behavior of their sand and silt‐clay fractions, respectively. Scanning electron micrographs reveal that the carbonate content in both soils is comprised primarily of nonskeletal particles of various types. X‐ray diffraction and infrared absorption analyses indicate that in one soil the carbonate fraction consists of calcite and aragonite minerals, whereas in the other soil dolomite is also present. The non‐carbonate fraction of both soils is comprised primarily of quartz and feldspar, and also some clay minerals. The nature of the carbonate fraction of the two soils indicates that they were formed by different depositional processes.

During drained triaxial shear the nonskeletal sand grains of both soils exhibit a lower degree of crushing when compared with that of the skeletal carbonate sands, and thus appear to be stronger foundation material.

Although the carbonate contents of the silt‐clay fractions of the two soils are similar, they exhibit markedly different plasticity characteristics . This is probably because of the microlevel cementation produced by carbonate material in one soil.

This study leads one to the conclusion that carbonate content alone should not be treated as a parameter which controls the engineering behavior of submarine soils; the nature and form of carbonate material must also be identified.     

Structure of neutron star cores

After reviewing the outer and central regions of a neutron star, we discuss the central region and the possibility that the core has a solid structure. We present the work of different groups on the solidification problem, suggesting that the neutron star-cores are indeed solid.     

Biomarker responses in Macoma nasuta (Bivalvia) exposed to sediments from northern San Francisco Bay

Our study investigates biomarker responses and survival of Macoma nasuta exposed to sediments collected from six locations in northern San Francisco Bay. Biomarkers analyzed were stress proteins (hsp70) in gill, mantle and digestive gland, lysosomal membrane damage and histopathologic lesions. Sediments and clam tissues were analyzed for a comprehensive suite of heavy metals and trace organic pollutants. Sediment grain size and organic carbon content were determined. Clams accumulated metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (aldrin and p,p(')-DDT and its metabolites p,p(')-DDD and p,p(')-DDE). Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis revealed that mortality, hsp70 in gill and histopathologic lesion scores in gonads, and lysosomal membrane damage were significantly correlated with tissue concentrations of DDT and/or its metabolites. Tissue concentrations of metals, in particular nickel, chromium, and copper, were associated with macrophage aggregates in digestive gland and germ cell necrosis. Cadmium was linked to mortality and lysosomal membrane damage.     

Elastic wave velocities in rocks

Summary Compressional wave velocity has been measured in the laboratory by the ultrasonic pulse technique in a number of rock specimens of different geological formations collected from different parts of India. The effect of water saturation on the velocity in some of the porous samples has been investigated. The velocity in some polycrystalline aggregate crystals and in some ores has also been determined. The accuracy of measurements varies from 1 to 2 per cent. The results of measurements with geological details are presented in tabulated form.This paper is published by the kind permission of the Director General, Geological Survey of India.     

Interpretations of self potential anomalies due to localised causative bodies

Summary Some direct methods of interpretation of SP anomalies that may arise from localised causative bodies have been developed in this paper. The models of the current sources that have been considered here are the cases of 1. single vertical dipole, 2. a pair of similar and similarly situated vertical dipoles and 3. an inclined dipole. A set of three master curves has been prepared in terms of which the interpretation in the first and the third case is complete. With an additional assumption that the distance between the dipoles is small, the second case also is completely solved with the help of the same set of master curves.Published under the kind permission of the Director General, Geological Survey of India, Calcutta.