Annual Report 2006-2007

CERN-India Collaborative Projects

DST (along with DAE) continued its funding for participation of Indian groups in CMS and ALICE experiments at the up-coming Large Hadron Collider at CERN, Geneva. These projects were monitored by a high-level Committee comprising of Secretary, DAE and DST. These projects were progressing as per the schedule of these large international collaborative experiments. Earth And Atmospheric Sciences

Deep Continental Studies

• Seismic Reflection / Refraction Investigations along Vattalkundu-Kalugumalai-Kanyakumari over Southern Granulite Terrain (SGT)

As a part of the integrated geophysical study, under DCS program of DST seismic reflection and refraction investigations were conducted along the geotransect Vattalkundu-Palani, to analyze the nature and tectonic implications of different neo-proterozoic blocks/ shear zones juxtaposed in the region viz Madurai Block, Kerala-Kondalite Belt and Achankovil Shear Zone.etc.

Seismic reflection Refraction data acquisition in the region of South Indian Granulite Terrain along the profiles, Kalugumalai-Kanyakumari (140 km) and Shanmuganallur-Alangulam-Ambasamudram (47 km) and refraction data along Vattalakundu- Kalugumalai-Kanyakumari (260 km) was completed, using 24-bit Radio Frequency Telemetry System (Eagle-88) and its accessories. Recording parameters were chosen as per need and desired detail (100 m -50 m shot/receiver interval, source size, sampling interval 1, 2 or 4 ms for the profiles.

The tomographic method used relies on first arrival travel times, which are picked with high precision (uncertainty of ~25 ms) by visual interpretation of seismic records. This is well suited for imaging smooth, overall subsurface velocity distribution. The lateral and vertical velocity variation of shallow upper crust is consistent with subsurface geology. The bulk rock types in this area are basically high-grade metamorphic charnockites and granulites, which are highly heterogeneous in terms of velocity distribution. The AKS shear zone is characterized by large velocity gradients down to a maximum depth of 8 km (Figure. 11) and represent sharp velocity contrasts within surrounding units forming fault blocks of alternate horsts and grabens.

• Magnetotelluric Studies in NE Region:

Magnetotelluric studies conducted over the Rangia-Guwahati-Dauki and Tawang-Tejpur-Diphu profiles in the NE Indian region are indicative of a complex tectonics, with thrusting at deeper levels along two major NW dipping thrusts; the Brahmaputra thrust, coinciding with the river Brahmaputra and another thrust, which coincides with the Dauki fault at some places. About 100 km of the oceanic crust from the Bay of Bengal, seems to have subducted beneath the Indian continental crust along the Dauki thrust in the Shillong region. The oceanic nature of this crust is corroborated by the borehole studies in Bengal sediments. The high shear wave velocity of 4.0 km/s observed in the Shillong region correcspoding to this crust also support this conjecture. The Brahmaputra thrust seems to be an intracratonic thrust in the Indian continent.

Fig. 11. Shear zare characterized by large velocity gradients.

The signatures of the Oldham fault are rather weak, but consistently observed over both the profiles. This seems to be an en echelon reverse fault with a southerly dip, located over the northern margin of the Shilong plateau and the Mikir hills. The shallow level tectonic movements are governed by the relative deformability of the different blocks, with the Proterozoic rock masses of Shillong plateau and Mikir hills seem move eastwards in to the surrounding, easily deformable sedimentary column, thus leading to the strike-slip movements observed along the Dauki fault in Shillong region (Fig. 12). Although the interpretation of the Tawang-Tejpur-Diphu data is preliminary at present, the northward dip of the thrusts up to Diphu/Dimapur, conform to the Himalayan orogen, indicating a stronger influence of this orogen than the Indo-Burman subduction in this region.

• Petrology and Radio Isotope Systematics of Precambrian Mafic Igneous Rocks from the Southern Bastar: Implication for Evolution of Sub-Continental Lithosphere of Central Indian Craton

U-Pb dates of 1891.1±0.9 Ma (baddeleyite) and 1883.0±1.4 Ma (baddeleyite and zircon) for two dykes from the BD2 mafic dyke swarm, southern Bastar craton, and 1884.9±7.2 Ma (baddeleyite) for a mafic sill from the Cuddapah basin, Dharwar craton, indicate the presence of a previously unrecognized 1891-1883 Ma Large Igneous Province that spans ~600 km of the south Indian shield. Contextural Electron Microprobe chemical U-Th-total Pb monazite dating yields a crystallization age of 1881±20 Ma for the same BD2 dyke dated at 1891.1±0.9 Ma, and a similar age of 1887±21 Ma was determined for this same monazite crystal by in situ Laser Ablation - Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry. A weighted mean Electron Microprobe chemical U-Th-total Pb baddeleyite age for four BD2 mafic dykes and the Pulivendla sill yields a composite weighted mean age of 1899±35 Ma for this southern Bastar-Cuddapah Large Igneous Province.

Fig. 12 Shallow level tectonic movements leading to strike-slip movements observed along the Dauki fault in Shillong region.

From this multidisciplinary approach we conclude that in addition to baddeleyite, late-crystallizing monazite also shows excellent promise for contextural chemical and isotopic dating studies of Precambrian mafic dyke swarms. A preliminary U-Pb date on rutile from the metamorphosed HMD mafic dyke swarm of the southern Bastar craton, yields a minimum age of emplacement for the swarm of 2101±11 Ma, and this date

Fig. 13 Preliminary U-Pd date of Southern Bastar craton.

may coincide with the timing of regional greenschist grade metamorphism. See figure mentioned above for details.

The record of widespread ~1.9 Ga mafic magmatism and concomittant intracontinental rifting and basin development preserved along much of the southeastern margin of the south Indian shield, may be a reflection of ocean opening that occurred further outboard during breakout of the Dharwar protocontinent from a larger parental supercontinent at ~1.9 Ga. Analogous 1879-1872 Ma dolerite intrusions in the Waterberg Group and the genetically related Soutpansberg graben preserved in the Kalahari craton (Hanson et al., 2004a: S. Afr. J. Geol. 93, 233-254) may have been a proximal counterpart to the 1891-1883 Ma southern Bastar- Cuddapah Large Igneous Province and associated rifting. We show how these events may help to shed light on the configuration and break-up history of 1.9 Ga expanded Ur. Considered in tandem with equivalent aged intraplate mafic magmatic provinces that have been previously identified within 1.9 Ga proto-Nena, these findings may help to elucidate major geodynamic processes such as mantle plume activity, Atlantic style global tectonic cycles, and mantle superplume events which may have been operating at that time.

• Setting up of a National Facility for Geochronology and Isotope Geoscience at the Pondicherry University

The National Facility for Geochronology and Isotope Geosciences has been established at Pondicherry University with the objective of determination of absolute ages of rocks and geological events and also to determine rates of various earth processes. A Thermal Ionization Mass-Spectrometer (TIMS), model Triton of Thermo-Finnigan (Germany) make was installed, and after elaborate testing using a series of international isotope standards, Sr (NIST-SRM 987), Nd (La Jolla) and Pb (NIST-SRM 981) this facility has become operational. An ultra-clean isotope chemical lab provided with a constant supply of filtered and temperature and humidity controlled air and a fume extraction and exhaust blower has been prepared for processing geological samples. While carrying out isotope geochronological studies it is essential to measure isotope composition, as well as, determine concentration of the parent and daughter nuclides using isotope dilution technique. Isotope tracer solutions for Rb, Sr, Sm, and Nd were prepared and calibrated using pure element standards and inter-laboratory calibration standards. The USGS rock standards, BCR-2 and BHVO-1 were also analyzed and it was found the abundances of Rb, Sr, Sm, and Nd determined were within the range of the recommended values. Thus the facility has become fully usable for both isotope composition analysis and determination of parent and daughter element abundances in geological samples.

The Hutti Schist Belt in the Archean Dharwar Craton is an important greenstone belt and a major producer of gold in India. The age determination of metavolcanics rocks has been carried out using Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd systematics using the National Facility for Geochronology and Isotope Geosciences at Pondicherry. A wholerock Sm-Nd isochron age of 2664 ± 86 million years has been obtained on the metavolcanics samples from E-W arm and a similar Rb-Sr isochron age of 2674 ± 120 million years was been obtained on the metavolcanics samples from N-S arm of the Hutti Schist Belt. These ages are consistent with the ages earlier reported on metavolcanics (amphibolites) from Kolar and Ramagiri schist belts in the eastern Dharwar Craton. A basic granulite sample from Namakkal has been studied to understand age of peak metamorphism. Employing Sm-Nd systematics a mineral isochron age of 879 ± 9 million years (Fig. 14) has been obtained which represents age of granulite facies metamorphism of rocks in this terrane. Thus the facility has been successfully tested and subsequently being used for geochronological research.

Triton - Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer installed at Pondicherry University along with an ultra-clean laboratory for chemical processing of geological samples prior to isotope analysis.

• ICP-MS National Facility (CSIR-DST Funded Project) at NGRI, Hyderabad

The ICP-MS Lab at NGRI has been catering to several in-house and sponsored projects. About 6000 samples were analyzed for trace, REE, PGE and Au during Jan-Nov. 2006. ICP-MS was extensively utilized for generating geoanalytical data by universities, national laboratories, research organisations and industrial establishments, some of which are listed below.

• A five day Training Course on "Applications of ICP-MS in Earth System Sciences" sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi was organized by the National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad from 26th to 30th June 2006, with an objective to impart theoretical and practical training on geochemical analysis of major, minor, trace and ultra-trace elements including rare earth elements (REE) and precious metals for studies in Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences. Seventythree participants comprising research scholars and staff members from various universities and R&D organizations across the country attended this training programme, which was inaugurated by Dr.P.M.Tejale, Director General, Geological Survey of India (GSI). On all the five days, participants were given practical training in batches at different labs, which include ICP-MS, AAS, GF-AAS, XRF, EPMA, MC-ICP-MS, GC-MS, ICP-AES and wet-chemical lab.

Fig. 14. Sm-Nd evolution diagram showing regression of data from whole rock, two garnet fractions, Enstatite, Diopside, plagioclase and biotite from the granulite sample 6/1 collected from the north of CSZ. The 879 million years age represents timing of peak granulite facies metamorphism.

• R&D Studies

Analytical methods were developed for the estimation of iodine in soil samples, trace elements in rainwater, trace elements in air particulates, plant samples, blood plasma. Black shales, phyllites were collected from Mizoram for studying the PGE in non-conventional rock types.

• D. Platinum Group of Elements (PGE) in Environment

Environmental samples like soils and road dust collected along the main roads, highways, residential and industrial areas of Hyderabad city were studied to assess the concentration of PGE (Pt, Pd, Rh) in different polluted and un-polluted areas of the city, as these elements are emerging as a new source of environmental pollution and are affecting human health. Fine fractions (< 75 m) of the road dust samples were analysed by ICP-MS after preconcentraion by NiS-Fire Assay. The total PGE ( Pt, Pd, Rh) varied from 8.4 ng/g to 81.2 ng/g. Preliminary results for the anthropogenic PGE emissions to the environment indicate a common traffic related source of these metals that are released due to the surface abrasion of catalytic convertors used in automobiles. Data indicate that higher PGE levels occurred in dust samples taken from traffic junctions & signals rather than accelerating speed zones (Fig. 15). This suggests that the traffic flow conditions, such as erratic stop-start flows have a greater influence on PGE particle release in the adjacent roadway environment than driving speed. The results obtained indicate that the concentration levels of PGE are steadily increasing and these metals are accummulating in the environment causing ecosystem risk.

Atmospheric Sciences

MONTCLIM (Monsoon and Tropical Climate Programme) & Agrometeorology

Studies related to the physics and dynamics of monsoons, coupled land-ocean-atmospheric system, Agrometeorology and indigenous development of technology for atmospheric science applications are being supported under MONTCLIM program. In order to study the effect of weather and climate in the tropics, efforts are being made to improve parameterization of land-ocean-atmospheric processes in the atmospheric general circulation models (GCM). During the period under report, two meetings of the 'Project Advisory and Monitoring Committee on Weather and Climate Research Programs' were organized. A group monitoring workshop was organized in which 14 completed projects were evaluated and monitored the progress of the 25 ongoing projects.

About 15 new research proposals have been approved for support. The salient achievements under the above programs are as follows:

• Atmospheric Dynamics and Ocean-Atmosphere Coupled Modeling:

Completed the studies on the variability of Eurasian and Tibetan snow depths and subsequent Indian summer monsoon circulation and rainfall. The annual and decadal time scale analysis revealed considerable influence on the subsequent Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall. Modeling the biosphere-atmosphere interaction showed the influence of land surface processes on the monsoon circulation. Study of air-sea interaction using Arabian Sea Monsoon Experiment data set is under progress.

• Mesoscale Modeling of High Impact Weather Events

Recognizing the need to simulate the high impact weather events like, tropical cyclones, heavy rainfalls, snowfalls, thunderstorms, fog etc. a brainstorming workshop has been organized to assimilate the knowledge in this endeavor and to prepare an action plan to pursue research activity towards improving the short-range dynamical prediction capability in the country. A mesoscale dynamical model (MM5) has been used to predict heavy precipitation events that occurred along the west coast of India during the monsoon season of 2002. For this purpose the model is designed to have three two-way interactive nested domains with 54, 18 and 6 km. For each case study, 7 experiments were conducted. The results indicated that the experiment with the assimilation of satellite winds and special observations during ARMEX at the initial time and with 12 hour nudging produces the best intensity and distribution of the rainfall. Similarly the heavy rainfall events of Mumbai have been analyzed.

Numerical experiments were conducted to predict the rainfall distribution during periods of wet and normal spells of the monsoon rainfall. Three case studies have been chosen during which the rainfall distribution was normal without any heavy rainfall and another three cases with spells of heavy rains over the west coast region. The results clearly indicate that the model predicts the wet and dry spells satisfactorily indicating that the model doesn't produce spurious rain. One case study has been performed in which the MM5 model was integrated for a nine day period, which starts with a three day dry spell followed by three day wet spell, again followed by a three day dry spell. The results indicate that the model could predict the transition from dry to wet spell and then wet to dry spells.

• Severe Thunderstorms: Observations and Regional Modeling (STORM):

In order to undertake detailed investigations on the 'Norwesters' or severe thunderstorms in the eastern and northeastern regions of India, prepared a Science Plan on 'Severe Thunderstorms: Observations and Regional Modeling (STORM)'. Considering the complex physical processes, intensive observational strategy and modeling activities required for a longer period, a "Programme Implementation Committee (PIC) on STORM" has been constituted. A pilot experiment was carried out during 14 April-31 May 2006, by integrating the available observational systems in the region and also established a meso network of automatic weather stations. Prepared detailed weather summary during the intensive observing period, distributed the datasets. Initial scientific results have been discussed at a STORM: Data Analysis workshop. Three sub-groups have been constituted to prepare the detailed implementation plan to extend the study to north-east India, begin with a pilot study during April-May 2007. Initiated the establishment of a 50 meter micrometeorological tower with six levels of sensors for continuous monitoring at Kharagpur and 30 meter tower at Guwahati. A series of familiarization workshops and training programs on basic aspects of thunderstorms and utilization of high frequency data like Doppler Weather Radar to investigate the dynamics of the Thunderstorms and modeling towards developing better prediction capabilities.

• Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosols:

Diurnal variation of surface ozone levels during winter and summer seasons at four observational locations were found to be less at Okhla, an industrial location, than those at Pune, Darjeling and Delhi. The range of ozone variation is less at Darjeeling than those at the other locations. Seasonal variations in the ambient air quality, total suspended particulate matter (TSP) at Mohal and Kullu may be due to vehicular emission during peak tourist season and bio-mass burning during winter. Washout effect due to rain results in minimum level of TSP and PM10. The monthly SO2 level recorded at Mohal and Kullu (tourist spots) are less than the ambient air quality standards. Precipitation samples were collected in eight different environments around, "National Capital Region" of Delhi during the monsoon season and analyzed. Rain water was found to be alkaline in nature with an average pH value of 6.22. Studies on the impact of urban air pollution in Delhi, indicated a weak association between air pollution and respiratory health. It was observed that individuals from higher pollution zone have lower mean level for each parameter i.e., lower lung efficiency as compared to those from lower pollution zone. There was a highly significant linear relationship between increasing age and occurrence of symptoms. In both pollution zones, there was a greater proportion of symptomatic among male subjects than among females. Further measurements of physiochemical parameters and aerosols at these environments are in progress.

Continuous monitoring of composition of aerosols during the episodic (dust and rain) events and radiative forcing of aerosols in Kanpur region is in progress. Monthly, seasonal and inter-annual variability of the aerosol parameters are investigated to understand the nature of the aerosol loading in the Kanpur region. Anthropogenic aerosols dominate in the winter and post monsoon seasons, whereas the natural dust dominates in the pre-monsoon season. In the monsoon season, the relative contribution of anthropogenic and natural dust aerosols is similar. In general, aerosol loading in Kanpur is very high and complex in nature due to possible mixing of anthropogenic and natural aerosols. Aerosols in Kanpur result in reduction of ~20% of the incoming sunlight and cause high lower atmospheric heating. The increasing aerosol burden in the region causing more surface cooling and atmospheric heating, ultimately will affect the regional hydrological cycle. Studies on aerosols and black carbon and their impacts in Raipur, Chattisgarh region are in progress. Seasonal and temporal variation of suspended particulate matter is being studied.

Studied the distribution of boundary layer ozone and its precursors in the foothills of Himalayas using a Chemistry-Transport Model forced with dynamical fields and new emission inventories of pollutants. It was found that the region is highly vulnerable to human induced pollutant emissions due to conducive synopticweather pattern which make it a source regions of ozone precursors within which these tracers remain confined and reinforce photochemical production of ozone. In addition, the continental tropical convergence zone and long range transport play a vital role. As a result, elevated levels of ozone concentration with large seasonality are noticed. Data of surface ozone (O3) and its precursors namely, NOX and CO from a tropical semi-urban site at IITM, Pune (18 N, 73 E) have been analyzed to study the spatial distribution of these tracers and their diurnal and seasonal variations. Observations have been made round the clock with a resolution of one hour. The inter-correlation of ozone with its precursors on hourly scale, daily and monthly averages have been made. Measurements at Pune show high levels of ozone, exceeding 90 ppb on a few occasions. Ozone concentration is highest during noontime. Experimental results have been compared with the results obtained using 3-D chemical-transport Model simulations. Model reproduces the diurnal and seasonal patterns of ozone reasonably well excepting those few occasions, especially during the monsoon season where local factors abruptly played a significant role.

Agrometeorology

Field experiments on 'Yield Prediction Models in Banana' indicated that the base temperature at which growth starts in banana was identified to be 140C. Secondary corm formation is an integral part of crop cycle of banana crop raised from suckers and it is being reported for the first time. The new corm was observed to develop above the planted corm. This planted corm gradually becomes necrotic, deteriorates and falls off towards the time the crop comes to maturity. Secondary corm formation and development is affected by low temperature. The thermal units required for each biotic event was worked out at each locations. The thermal units requirement is based on the corm size and this explains the reasons for early bunch production of large sized corms. The process of outward opening of the bunch and hands were found to be affected by altitude.

Field experiments on land-surface processes, radiation balance of wheat crop were carried out. The study indicated higher wind speed during booting phase was detrimental for wheat. Higher wind may cause lodging of crop resulting in poor yield. Daily mean incident solar radiation during the crop season received by the wheat field was 393 W/m², 19.5% reflected back to the atmosphere as albedo, while 63% remained as net radiation. The experimental data sets required for the 'Soil Plant Atmosphere Water (SPAW)' model were collected and analyzed for rabi wheat crop. SPAW model was used to simulate soil moisture profiles in sandy loam soil of Anand under wheat crop grown over a period of three years (2001-04) to test the validation of the model and demonstrate its capability for identifying the threshold soil moisture needed for irrigation scheduling. The testing and validation process of the model for kharif groundnut crop is in progress.

A study for prediction of mustard aphid based on crop-weather-aphid relationship under Punjab conditions, is underway. Regression analysis revealed that aphid population was negatively correlated with maximum and minimum temperature whereas it was positively correlated with relative humidity. Historical data on aphid incidence was analysed in relation to rainfall, date of sowing, wind direction and degree days. Diurnal cycle of Photo synthetically active radiation (PAR) was recorded at one hour interval. PAR Interception was recorded at flowering and siliqua formation stage of the crop growth and relationship between PAR interception and dry matter accumulation and leaf area index was worked out. The intercepted PAR ranged from 70 to 90 percent. With an increase in the LAI, PAR interception also increased to a level of optimum LAI beyond which no significant increase was observed in radiation interception.

Evaluation of potential productivity of major oil seed crops in Punjab using crop simulation models is being carried out. The sensitivity analysis was performed for 6 constants which control the phonological development of the crop to determine their effect on pod and seed yield. Also the sensitivity analysis was performed for 8 constants which control the growth and yield attributes of the groundnut crop to determine their effect on pod and seed yield. The field crop data, weather and soil information are being put in dynamic crop growth simulation model for groundnut. The sensitivity analysis, calibration and validation of the model using field data is currently in progress. A study is initiated for validation and application of dynamic CERES-Wheat model for simulating growth and yield of wheat in temperate Kashmir. Also initiated studies towards the integration of application of medium range weather forecasts and Agromet databank facility towards providing skillful advisories to the farmers of Andhra Pradesh. Five Agroclimatic field units, viz., Rajendranagar, Anakapalli, Tirupathi, Jagityal and Anantapur located in different agroclimatic regions of Andhra Pradesh have been selected for detailed study. Apart from the routine climatological data analysis, weekly water balance and water requirement of the principle crops have been estimated. Also carried out the probability analysis of rainfall, water requirement satisfaction index and moisture adequacy indices towards skilful advisory services to the farmers of the region.

Field experiments on N2O emission from Ahu rice ecosystem of northeast India has been completed. Experiment on N2O emission from Sali/monsoon rice is still in progress. The observational data revealed that there exist wide fluctuations in N2O emission rates in different rice varieties in relation to soil and plant factors. Important plant factors (leaf number, tiller number, root-shoot biomass etc.) associated with N2O emission have been identified. These may be good information in the study of N2O mitigation and its transport regulation to the atmosphere. Studies on N2O emission and its relation to crop photosynthetic rate and light transmission in rice crop in the Assam region are in progress.

Experiments to study the micro climatic relations in the commercial production of cut flowers and foliage in the Kerala region (Nelliampathy and Vellanikkara) are in progress. Varietal difference was significant in cut flower and pot plant varieties of anthurium. In cut flower varieties, time taken for flowering was significantly more at Nelliampathy. Plant height, plant spread, leaf size, number of leaves and number of flowers were significantly higher at Nelliampathy. Also quality of flowers in terms of colour, size and post harvest longevity was higher at Nelliampathy. Pot plant varieties showed almost similar pattern except for the number of leaves, which was higher at Vellanikkara. All these could be attributed to the low mean temperature at Nelliampathy. The optimum temperature range preferred by anthurium is 18 - 280C and the temperature available at Nelliampathy is more congenial than that at Vellanikkara, which has resulted in the better performance of the plants. Among orchids, Dendrobium is not suitable for growing at Nelliampathy as none of the varieties flowered even after one year of growth. Monopodial orchids can be grown in both the locations. In gerbera flower characters were better at Nelliampathy and incidence of pests and diseases was less.

The Expert Committee reports on i) Agrometeorology in India: A kaleidoscopic view of activities and Vision for R&D in Agrometeorology have been published and distributed to all concerned towards accelerating the research activities in Agrometeorology.

• Technology Development for Atmospheric Sciences:

Initiated a project on the development of hand-held Sun Photometer, with capability to monitor the surface ozone and aerosol optical depths. Operationalized the indigenously developed Wind Profiler - Radio Acoustic Sounding System (WP/RASS) for continuous atmospheric monitoring at Pune. Special observational studies are being planned to study thunderstorms and rain drop-size distribution using WP/RASS during 2007-09 period. ICRP (Indian Climate Research Programme)

Studies related to temporal and spatial variability of climate, past climate and climate change and relationships between climate and agriculture are being coordinated under ICRP. Special emphasis was given to evolve and implement multi-agency, multi-disciplinary coordinated field experimental campaigns to investigate the land-ocean-atmosphere interactions and their role in monsoon variability. Successfully planned and completed the observational campaigns of the Arabian Sea Monsoon Experiment (ARMEX) during 2002, 2003 and 2005. The initial results of the ARMEX were published as a special issue of the Journal 'Mausam', January, 2005. ARMEX data analysis workshop has been organized at Goa in which the scientific results were presented and consolidated report on the objective-wise achievements is under preparation.

Field campaign on Continental Tropical Convergence Zone (CTCZ):

A Brainstorming Seminar on 'Continental Tropical Convergence Zone (CTCZ)' was organized to assess the scientific potential to initiate another large scale monsoon experiment. About 40 organizations showed their interest in participation in the multi-disciplinary campaign mode observational program. A Scientific Steering Committee and three sub-groups for CTCZ have been constituted for preparing detailed science and implementation plans to be implemented during 2007-2010. Preparation of the detailed science plan and implementation strategy is being carried out by three sub-groups. Based on the recommendations of the committee initiated the establishment of micrometeorological tower and land-surface process studies at Ranchi. Also initiated studies on aerosol-cloud interactions during peak convection over the central India. Several project proposals are under evaluation for consideration support to meet the scientific objectives of CTCZ.

Extended Range Monsoon Prediction (ERMP):

Dynamical long range monsoon forecasting is an important problem with implications in varied socioeconomic sectors. Inter-comparison of general circulation model simulations of the monsoon seasonal rainfall during the period 1985 to 2004 with observed sea surface temperature at five initial conditions on a single computational platform has been initiated. The initial results indicate that all the models are able to simulate excess and deficit rainfall in certain years suggest the kind of research and developmental work required for improving the models for better dynamical seasonal rainfall forecasts.

The NCEP/ NCAR reanalysis and outgoing long-wave radiation (OLR) data on pentad basis for 3 years are suggestive of interactions between the West African and the Indian summer monsoon systems on lowfrequency sub-seasonal scales. Pentad OLR data are used to describe the signature of possible eastward moving Madden Julian Oscillation on 30-50 day scale toward near-equatorial warm pool of the Southeast Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Modeling the monsoon behavior towards developing an efficient monsoon prediction from 10-30 days and seasonal scale is very much essential.

To deliberate on the recommendations of the 'Workshop on Extended Range Monsoon Prediction (ERMP) organized at SAC, Ahmedabad, during March, 2004 four Working Groups have been constituted on the following aspects i) Observational Systems ii) Models and Diagnostics iii) Computing and Human Resources iv) Field Campaigns. Five meetings of the Working Groups were organized during the period under report. Based on the report of the Working Group on Models and Diagnostics, sincere efforts are put by all the modelers to provide experimental ERMP for 2005 and 2006. This is the first time all the atmospheric modelers are working together for evolving a national programme on ERMP. An attempt is also made for empirical prediction of active and weak phases of the Indian summer monsoon. The transitions from active to break conditions are intrinsically more chaotic than transitions from active to break. Further, active monsoon conditions would be much more difficult to predict than breaks. An empirical model for prediction of monsoon breaks upto 18 days in advance is demonstrated. This model has high potential for applying it on real time extended range prediction of monsoon breaks in the years to come.

Paleoclimate Studies:

Long-term climate change in western Himalaya using high-resolution tree-ring data obtained from samples of Cedrus deodara (Himalayan cedar) and Pinus gerardiana (chilgoja pine) from various sites in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. A 1584-year long ring-width chronology of Himalayan pencil cedar (Juniperus macropoda) using increment core and disc samples, collected from moisture stressed sites in Keylong, Lahul, Himachal Pradesh was developed. This makes the longest record of tree ring chronology from the Indian region. The preliminary study has indicated the possibility of developing more than 1000-year long chronologies of Pinus gerardiana and Cedrus deodara from this region. Initiated studies to develop chronology using biological growth trend to obtain low frequency variations in climate in Himalayan region .

Arabian Sea Monsoon Experiment (ARMEX):

Successfully completed the observational study on Arabian Sea Monsoon Experiment (ARMEX) as per the implementation plan. The main aim of this large-scale land-ocean-atmosphere field experiment was to obtain more insight into the intricacies involved in the formation and development of the off-shore vortex and the warm pool over the Arabian Sea. About 24 organizations participated in this national endeavor. All the observational data sets are collated and the quality checked data sets were made available to the Indian scientific community for detailed analysis. Due to various constraints, time series observations of sufficient duration required for ocean heat budgets could not be carried out during ARMEX-field phase of 2003. A special 21-day cruise on ORV Sagar Kanya was organized during April-May, 2005 to meet the objectives of ARMEX that could not be accomplished during 2003. A met-ocean buoy was deployed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai, with additional sensors for this experiment. The buoy was successfully retrieved without any loss of sub-surface data.

The presence of aerosols over Arabian Sea during summer monsoon season decreases the short wave radiation arriving at the surface by as much as 21 W m-2 and increases top of the atmosphere reflected radiation by 18 W m-2. The indirect effect of sea-salt aerosols (at the top of the atmosphere) is as large as - 7 4 W m-2 when compared to direct effect of -2 1 W m-2 ). These values are larger than anthropogenic aerosol forcing reported over this region. The magnitude of indirect effect is several-fold larger than the direct effect of sea-salt aerosols. Radiative transfer calculations show that at the observed levels of aerosol optical depth, the absorption in the solar spectrum exceeds the emission in the infrared around noon hours. This can result in the near-surface inversion. While the aerosol effects on radiation have been discussed in literature, this is the first study that showed that natural aerosols can influence the air-sea interactions directly.

Numerical modeling of the off-shore trough and associated heavy rainfall events during ARMEX was carried out. Four cases of heavy rainfall along the west coast of India during ARMEX-1. During July, 2002, the boundary layer moisture convergence was inhibited as a result of reduced convective heating in the middle and upper troposphere. The dryness continued until the boundary layer can be moistened by advective processes and was carried out upto 3.0 KMs to shallow convective boundary layer during the suppressed convection period had a single mixing line through the cloud and inverstion layer. However, with deep convective boundary layers at times, double mixing lines were noted, possibly due to precipitation and reevaporation process. The boundary layer height (BLH) increased significantly during active convection processes just before the onset of heavy rainfall. The diurnal variability of BLH over Goa was more pronounced than that observed over the Arabian Sea. However, the average BLH over the Arabian Sea off the west coast of India during the convectively active case was higher than that observed over Goa.

The study of atomosphere-land-ocean interactions indicated that the heat budget of the eastern Arabian Sea behaves similar to that of Bay of Bengal, implying the role of low salinity in the thermodynamics of the upper layer. On interannual time scales the heat budgets of the eastern Arabina Sea and Bay of Bengal are strongly controlled by the winds through the latent heat flux. The formation of barrier layers following the rain events observed during the summer monsoon of 2002 also confirms the importance of salinity in thermodynamics of the eastern Arabian Sea. However, longer time series measurements are necessary to quantify these effects. Hydrographyic observations showed that the upwelling first starts in the south and then propagates towards north. It reaches off Goa in October.

Expendable Bathy Thermography (XBT) observations were systematically collected at fortnightly intervals along a triangular transect (Kochi-Minicoy-Kavaratti-Chetlat-Kochi). Occurrence of temperature inversions and their spatial and temporal variation in the Lakshadweep Sea (LS) during winter season is one of the new findings. Percentage of occurrence of temperature inversions in the LS showed considerable year to year variability. Inversions first appeared off Kochi during December, by January they moved westwards and occupied the entire region by February, thus indicating westward migration of temperature inversions. Numerical simulation also showed such a westward propagation of temperature inversions in the LS with a phase shift. Temperature inversions occur in the LS during winter, coinciding with the arrival of Bay of Bengal low salinity waters. These low salinity waters and the temperature inversions propagated westwards together. This is the first observational evidence for the westward propagation similar to the "Lakshadweep High" propagate westwards as a consequence of westward propagating Rossby waves. The formation, westward propagation and eventual annihilation of the barrier layer in the LS are thus a consequence of ocean dynamics and near-surface thermodynamics involving air-sea fluxes. The ARMEX data also revealed that the remotely forced ocean dynamics plays an active role in the genesis and collapse of the core of the warm pool in the South-Eastern Arabian Sea.

During ARMEX, extensive measurements of aerosol spectral optical depth, mass concentration and mass size distribution of ambient aerosols as well as mass concentration of aerosol Black Carbon (BC) were made on board ORV Sagar Kanya during the inter-monsoon period over the Arabian Sea adjoining Indian peninsula. Simultaneous measurements of Aerosol optical depth (AOD) were made at different regions over the adjoining Indian land mass. Mean AODs over the ocean (0.44) were comparable to those over the coastal land (0.47) but were lower than the values observed over the plateau regions of central Indian Peninsula (0.61). A substantial reduction in the atmospheric forcing observed was compared to those reported during north-east monsoon is attributed to the reduced BC mass fraction. This large in-homogeneity in aerosol forcing over the ocean and land at short time scales as well as their sensitivity to the nature of the air-backtrajectories have important implications in assessing climate impact. Further, observations during April, 2005 indicated that the effective heat flux determines mixed layer temperature. The observed and predicted mixed layer temperatures are in good agreement.

Other Atmospheric Sciences Programs Supported

The Programme Advisory Committee on Atmospheric Sciences (PAC-AS) held its two meetings during the period of the report and considered 17 new projects (including one training school + one international workshop) for financial support. Out of these, 09 were recommended for approval, six for reformulation and two were deferred. 11 ongoing projects were also monitored through physical presentation by the concerned PIs. Besides these, the Committee also discussed and finalize a number of policy issues.

In addition to the above, a major programme/facility entitled "Setting up a ST Radar facility at ARIES, Nainital" approved in principle for implementing the same. Efforts are also being made to generate a new programme called "All India Network of ST Radar Facilities (AINSTRAF)" for setting up 10 ST Radar Facilities (excluding the above said ST Radar facility for setting the same at ARIES, Nainital ) under the same in different parts of our country during the coming year under the overall umbrella of ESS Division (DST).

Some of the highlights on the progress/achievements related to this program are as detailed below:-

• Newly Sanctioned Projects:

Eleven new projects were approved and sanctioned/likely to be sanctioned during the period such as :

1. Role of Atmospheric boundary layer processes on internal gravity wave modes during thunderstorm development
   
2. Graph Theory in The Study of Severe Thunder Storms
   
3. Characteristics of low Latitude Magnetic Pulsations Over 2 solar Cycles-Proxies for space Climate
   
4. Occurrence of Norwester and other Forms of Developments over Gangetic West Bangal Statistics and Model Simulation
   
5. A Study of Wind Movements in a Downburst in a Thunderstorm
   
6. Chemical Composition of Precipitation and Aerosols in and around Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam
   
7. Study of speciation of selected metals in ambient air at Hyderabad
   
8. 3-D Simulation for Cyclone Prone Vulnerable Flood Zones and … And Post - Cyclone Period
   
9. Atmospheric Chemical Modeling in relation to photo-chemical smog over Delhi
   
10. Studies on Magnetospheric Ultra Low Frequency (ULF) Waves and Forecasting Space Weather
    
11. Size and chemical composition distribution of particulate matter indifferent indoor microenvironments

• Manpower Development

Considering the future needs of suitable trained manpower in Atmospheric Sciences, necessary efforts were made for organising Summer/Winter Schools, Contact Courses Training and Workshops etc, during the period in the different parts of our country. So far, only one training programme on "Training School on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with Thrust on Atmospheric Sciences" was organized at Bangalore University, Bangalore. One more international workshop entitled "Eleventh International Workshop on Technical and Scientific aspects of MST Radar" are expected to be held during the year with the partial support from the programme. Efforts are still being made to organize more courses, training, summer/winter schools etc. during the period.

• Ongoing Projects

Fog Prediction Model over Delhi by IIT, Delhi

Fog is a common occurrence during winter season in Delhi and the increased frequency of fog in past few decades could be attributed to increased urbanization of this mega-city. Studies on radiation fog prediction are few in literature. Hence, the objective of this project is to apply empirical and dynamical models for fog simulations and validate these for fog predictions.

Empirical model is based on input parameters such that routine observations are adequate for predictions. The model requires routinely observed and derived parameters such as dry bulb temperatures, relative humidity, wind speed, cloud cover, dew point temperature, kinematic heat flux etc. The model is used with the data for December and January 1996-2002 for the daily forecast of occurrence of fog and the time of onset. The predictions show about 74 % success in the occurrence and 51% for the time of onset of fog.

However, empirical models lack detailed physics and therefore numerical models that include dynamics within the entire atmospheric boundary layer are useful. A meso- scale model is installed and work is in progress for some numerical experiments.

In addition, the overall life cycle of a fog layer is influenced by air pollutants. There is strong link between aerosol characteristics and fog microphysics. The science dealing with this interrelationship over the region Delhi was explained using pollution data and visibility.

Nonlinear Wave Models to Study Space and Laboratory Phenomena by IIT, Delhi

The main objective of the project is to study the nonlinear effects associated with the large amplitude Kinetic Alfven waves (KAWs) in space plasmas. In order to achieve this objective, the nonlinear dynamical equation has been derived by taking into account the ponderomotive and joule heating nonlinearities. Pseudo spectral method was used for space integration and one dimensional Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) was used, along the magnetic field direction. The numerical simulation results show the formation of intense magnetic filaments of KAWs in steady state. The motion is found to be quasiperiodic and appears to be chaotic for different parameter regimes. Relevence of these studies in coronal heating and solar wind acceleration/turbulence has also been pointed out. We are now developing the transient model by using 2D FFT.

Transionospheric Studies at VHF & L-Band Frequencies in the Low Latitude Sector" by Andhra University, Visakhapatnam

The project is mainly aimed at studying the morphological and spectral characteristics of ionospheric irregularities over Indian sector and their impact on trans-ionospheric communication and space-based navigational systems both during quiet and disturbed geomagnetic conditions, by using a long term database of VHF and L-band scintillations over a low-latitude station, Waltair, along with the simultaneous Ionosonde data acquired from Waltair, Trivandrum and SHAR and to validate the results with the GPS derived L-band scintillation (S4-index) data from the Indian GAGAN program. So far the major achievements are as under:

• The ionospheric irregularities observed during the low sunspot activity period of 2004-2006 are mainly found to be of two types, namely, Plasma Bubble Induced (PBI) and Bottom Side Sinusoidal (BSS) type irregularities.
• The PBI irregularities can cause intense scintillations (> 10 dB) even at L-band frequencies which maximize during the post sunset hours of the equinoxial months posing a major threat to GPS based communication and navigation systems as the GPS receivers are often found to loose their lock whenever the scintillation index, S4, exceeds 0.45 (> 10 dB).
• It has been found that there is a threshold value for the pre-reversal upward ExB drift greater than 30 m/s to trigger intense (> 10 dB) scintillations during the magnetically quiet days of high sunspot year 2001. This threshold value reduces to 20 m/s during the low sunspot year, 2004. These results may be considered as one of the precursors in the prediction for the onset of scintillations.
• During the moderate geomagnetic storm periods, in the longitude sector where the local dusk time coincides with the rapid decrease (- 25 nT/hr or above) in the Dst/ Sym-H index, prompt penetration of eastward electric fields into low latitudes can lead to the development of intense Spread-F as well as VHF and L-band scintillations over equatorial and low latitude sectors.

Laboratory Simulation of Cloud Electrification under Polluted Condition by University of Pune, Pune

The objective of the project is to carry out laboratory simulation experiments on charge transfer during ice- Soft Hail collision when the cloud has been polluted with trace concentrations of various chemicals. The cold room where the experiments are conducted was upgraded. A charge sensitive amplifier using a Platinum target was built. During experiments, Soft hail is grown on the Platinum target. The data on cloud temperature and charge transfer is collected using a data logger system. Charge transfer experiments during ice-soft hail collision with clouds made from (i) distilled water (18.2 M-§Ù) (ii) trace concentrations of inorganic compounds (Ammonium Sulfate and Ammonium Chloride) (iii) trace concentrations of ionic compound (Sodium Chloride) has been completed at temperatures ranging from -8 C to -23 C. The size and number of ice crystals and the Effective Liquid Water Content (Rime Accretion Rate) is also determined by using FORMVAR replication technique.

• Completed Projects :

Consistency of Different Methods to Monitor Eddy Diffusion Coefficients and Energy Dissipation Rates and their Seasonal Variabilities by Nawab Shah Alam Khan Centre for Post Graduate Studies and Research, Anwarul-Uloom College) Hyderabad

Multi beam experiment was conducted on 25th September, 2002 to study aspect sensitivity of turbulent parameters. The refractivity structure constant and eddy dissipation rates are found to decrease continuously with increase in beam angle and the difference is observed to be negligible after about 12o ,where possibly isotropic turbulence scattering starts dominating. Standard errors in the turbulence parameters are also found to change with beam angle with minimum occurring at ~9o-12o.

Turbulence is an important aspect of atmospheric motions especially in the process of diffusion of pollutants in the atmosphere over both large and small scales. Objectives of the project were to study the height variations of turbulent parameters over Gadanki by different methods and to find out variability of these parameters with seasons. Wind data collected by MST radar at Gadanki and temperature profiles from Chennai (IMD) have been used for the study. Profiles of eddy diffusivities computed by different methods (Spectral width, Power method, Zimmerman and Murphy, Tatarski) have been compared. The correction factors to be employed in Spectral width method are found to render the values of turbulent parameters negative especially during strong winds. Estimated values of and are comparable with those available in the literature. Diurnal variation is found to increase with height and is more in summer and equinox compared to winter. Inter-annual variability is observed to be appreciable in troposphere below about 10 km. Special experiments were conducted and two case studies were taken up to study the evolution of turbulence and the effect of aspect sensitivity on turbulent parameters. MST radar was operated continuously for 24 hours on 15-16 July, 2004. Turbulence parameters computed using the high resolution (2.5 minutes in time and 150 m in height) wind data showed presence of turbulence layers in the lower stratosphere between 17 and 20 km after 2200 LT. Wind velocities also got enhanced at the same time. An interpretation in terms of wave scavenging was tested by drawing critical circles and was found to explain satisfactorily the enhanced layers.

Investigation on the Causes Behind Electrical Conductivity Variations. by Centre for Earth Sciences Studies, Thiruvanthapuram

To understand the cause of the inverse relationship seen in atmospheric pressure and atmospheric electrical conductivity both were monitored simultaneously for more than two years. For this, an automatic weather station and Gerdien Condensers designed and fabricated for monitoring polar conductivities were used. The surface radioactivity was also monitored. Further, Aerosols which can influence conductivity was monitored in collaboration with SPL, VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram. So far the major achievements are as under:

• The simultaneous measurements proved that for a variation of ±0.3% in pressure, the conductivity varies to almost ±75%, but inversely. This inverse relationship is seen in all weather and climate conditions.
• More importantly the study proved that atmospheric pressure does not cause the diurnal variation in conductivity.
• Aerosols and surface radioactivity do not seem to influence conductivity, but aerosols seem to have a variation similar to that of pressure.
• Another significant deduction is that a third global element or agency is the cause behind the diurnal variations of all the three.

Studies on Indoor/Outdoor Relation of Air Quality in Residential Homes Located in Different Environment by St. John's College, Agra

Indoor and Outdoor pollutants were measured simultaneously in order to develop a general profile and to assess the relationship between them in homes located in three different microenvironments i.e. urban, roadside and rural of Agra region. The quality of indoor air was found to be generally poorer than the quality of air outdoors and indoor air was strongly influenced by outdoor sources of pollution. All the gaseous pollutants were found well within permissible limits of WHO, NIOSH, OSHA, only short term exposure seems to exceed the limits for few minutes. However PM10 concentrations at all sites exceeded the permissible limits of 100 ug/m3 suggested by WHO. Our results also indicate that currently particulate measurements despite being cumbersome and expensive are likely to be required in most studies of indoor air quality even their physical and chemical characterization should be focused upon as they may offer higher reliability for predicting health impacts and for assessing impacts of interventions.

Modelling and Analysis of Boundary Layer Processes in Weak Wind Conditions by IIT, Delhi

Most of the man made activities take place within the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) and it plays a pivotal role in modifying the atmospheric circulation and the dispersion of air pollutants. Since there is fairly a good understanding of ABL during moderate to strong winds, the dispersion of pollutants under these conditions has been modeled satisfactorily. On the other hand, under weak winds, the turbulence structure of the ABL is poorly known. As a result, the weak and variable winds appear to be amongst the most critical and strongly sensitive situations for the dispersion of air pollutants. The project has advanced the understanding of weak wind surface/boundary layer processes

The indicator for the characterization of strong/weak wind conditions has been proposed in the project. The extent of applicability of universal similarity functions under strong and weak wind stable conditions with respect to the bulk Richardson number has also been analyzed. An upper limit for the bulk Richardson number (RiBu) has been found for the linear similarity functions in the surface layer under stable conditions. In addition the EPRI data (Kincaid, USA) has been used to compute and compare the surface layer parameters with the computed values in case of non-linear similarity functions for stable conditions in the homogeneous surface layer. The surface layer parameters are calculated as functions of RiB in both strong and weak wind conditions The fluxes computed using similarity theory are also validated with the turbulence measurements of CASES 99 experiment (USA). The empirical relationships for eddy diffusivities and drag and heat exchange coefficients have been proposed and the results computed from the proposed formulae are found to be close to various field experiments. These formulations can be used in the atmospheric models for prescribing surface fluxes.

New Initiatives:

All India Network of ST Radar Facilities (AINSTRAF)

• It is a new programme originated in the end of 2005 -06
• Setting up a ST Radar Facility at ARIES , Nainital has been approved in principle for its implementation
  
• Finalization of Implication mechanism along with budget ,etc. and also accordingly planning to release the money for implementation / installation of the ST Radar Facility at ARIES, Nainital is under progress
• Efforts are being made to generate the said new programme called "All India Network of ST Radar Facilities (AINSTRAF)" for setting up 10 ST Radar Facilities (excluding the said ST Radar facility for setting the same at ARIES, Nainital ) in different parts of our country during the 11th plan period under the overall umbrella of ESS Division (DST).

Himalayan Glaciology:

The Himalayan Glaciology Programme was initiated during 1986 with the objectives to understand the behaviour of glaciers in relation to their surrounding environment. The programme is continuing since 1986. The programme is overseen by an Expert committee known as Programme Advisory and Monitoring Committee on Himalayan Glaciology (PAMC-HG). During the period under review the Expert Committee had its two meetings and considered several fresh proposals. The committee also deliberated on various issues for overall development of the Himalayan Glaciology Programme. A brief write-up on the achievements under various projects is given below:

Establishment and Operation of Mountain Meteorological Observatory at Gangotri Glacier.

The project has been executed by establishing one permanent meteorological station at Bhojbasa near Gomukh. The manned observatory at Bhojbasa has been made functional from December, 1999. The meteorological data is manually recorded twice a day as per WMO standard by three trained observers. The data received from Bhojbasa observatory consists of both manually observed and automatic data. The manually observed data are as follows:

• Seasonal Characterization of Ablation, Storage and Drainage of Melt Runoff and Simulation of Streamflow for the Gangotri Glacier :

Hydrological investigations on Gangotri Glacier were started on 1st May, 2006 by National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee. To collect the information on the meteorological variables, a standard meteorological observatory (30 m 30 m) was set up at about 3800 m altitude near the gauging site at Bhojwasa. This observatory was equipped with the meteorological instruments as shown in following Table 1.

• Discharge and Suspended Sediment Data

For collecting discharge data for summer 2006, an additional discharge gauging site was established about 2 km upstream of the previously existing gauging site. Discharge data was collected at both sites for the whole summer period. Analysis of data for both sites is under progress. Samples of suspended sediment were also collected at both sites. The preliminary analysis of data shows relatively high discharge in May, which were suddenly reduced in June due to cold weather conditions.

A view of Gomukh in June 2006.

Glacier Morphology And Quaternary Glacial History Of Durung Drung Glacier, Zanskar Ladakh (Jammu And Kashmir State).

• During the field season 2005-2006, 75 snow stakes were fixed upto an altitude of 4350m asl to assess the snow ablation as well as the snow cover. During the current field season, another 18 stakes were added and extended upto an altitude of 4500m asl. In all, 93 stakes are fixed on the glacier body between an altitude of 4150m asl and 4500m asl.
• Based on the snow stake study, the snow cover for the winter months of 2004-2005 is 12 m and for 2005- 2006 it is 6 m.
• Based on the physical monitoring of the snout, the Durung Drung glacier has retreated by 3.25 m ton 4.95 m from east to west.
• The invasion of WD in the later part of August 2006 resulted in the snowfall to the tune of 0.5 m in the glacier valley.
• Soon after the WD, there was an excessive ablation (3.0 cm/day) in the month of September 2006 in comparison to the months of July (2.67 cm/day) and August (0.75 cm/day) . This resulted in excess discharge near the snout of Durung Drung glacier that lead to the melting of dead ice in front of the snout and forming a melt water lake. The channels on the surface of the glacier body also were flooded with water during the month of September 2006.
• The WD airmas was also responsible in bringing in locust larve (Schistocerca gregaria) that invaded the glacier valley upto an altitude of 4300m asl.
• Detailed geomorphological map from the valley floor to the altitude of 4400 m asl is prepared.
• Four TL/OSL dates, covering the Holocene period, is obtained for the moraine deposits spreading on the valley floor.

Paleo-Glaciers Studies of Upper Alaknanda Catchment (Upstream to Mana) with special reference to Pro-Glacial Geomorphology of Satopnath and Bhagirath Kharak Glacier.

The studies reveal a decline in the recessional trend of both the glaciers. Snouts of Satopanth & Bhagirath Kharak glaciers record a continuous recession. Different sector of snout of both the glaciers indicate different fluctuation pattern. The recession rate of Satopanth glacier is high in comparison to Bhagirath Kharak glacier. Data of 1962 to 2005 indicate that recession of snouts of Bhagirath Kharak and Satopanth glaciers is 4.5 m/ year and 17.99 m/year. However, the retreat of the snout from 2005 to 2006 is very less in comparison to the above mention data. Average annual area vacated by Satopanth glacier, during the period 1962-2005, was more than twice than the area vacated by Bhagirath Kharak glacier.

New Projects Sanctioned:

• Monitoring temporal and spatial variations in snow cover in Indian Himalaya through remote sensing.
• Monitoring of surging glaciers in Indian Himalaya through optical remote sensing and geographical information system.
• Inter and Intra-annual seasonal variability and its effect on snow cover: a study of Kanriz Glacier basin, Zanskar ranges, Ladakh.

Brain Storming Session on Inventory of Himalayan Glaciers.

A Brain Storming Session evoked very good response from the institutions engaged in compilation of glacier inventory and other PI's working on the DST sponsored projects including Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, Lucknow University, UP Remote Sensing Application Centre, Lucknow, besides the host Geological Survey of India. The presence of eminent members of PAMC-HG helped in arriving at significant recommendation.

• Minimum size of the glacier: For inventory purpose the minimum size of the glacier should be 0.5 sq km ( in case of glacieret which is at least 10 m thick) and 1.0 sq km ( for valley and mountain glaciers).
• Glacier Numbering: The numbering system devised by the Geological Survey of India has to be followed. There should not be any change in the numbering upto fifth order basins. It was suggested that the basemap may be provided by Geological Survey of India to other organizations involved in compilation of glacier inventory.
• Depth Estimates: The glacier depth estimations should be a priority item and a few pilot projects should be undertaken to assess the glacier depth by Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Geophysical techniques. Till than the depth estimates suggested by Muller, based on the geomorphology and surface area (Temporary Technical Secretariat Guidelines), should be followed.
• Accuracy Rating: In a fifth order basin ground truth has to be done for at least 1% of the glaciers to be qualified in the glacier inventory
• Repetition of inventory: It was suggested that a minimum five year period should be considered for revisiting the glacier inventory
• Basemap: Only Survey of India toposheets and/or geo-referenced satellite images should be used up as basemap.
• Snout positions: It was also suggested that while carrying out the field checks/ground truth the snout position should be given with respect to a known nala or some prominent location.

New Initiatives:

• Preparation of Glacier Atlas of India.
• Generation of two new projects to study glaciers in N.E. Himalaya.

Other Earth Sciences Programs Supported

Under the scheme, research that enhances the basic understanding of the Indian crust, namely, its evolution, nature of its deformation to the exogenic & endogenic geological process, its effect on climate and viceversa, and several other factors that has a far reaching impact on the man kind are supported.

The Programme Advisory Committee on Earth Sciences (PAC-ES) held 3 meetings and considered around 47 project proposals. Twenty two full fledged projects and three pilot projects were recommended for financial support and an equal number was recommended for modification to sharpen focus, bridge the scientific gaps and attune them with the global trends.

Short Term - Tsunami Related Projects

Soon after the Tsunami struck, the Earth System Sciences Division (ESS Division) of the DST, owning its societal responsibility in assisting the 'Recovery and Rehabilitation' invited researchers to come together for initiating studies in a coordinated way on the following themes:

1. Tsunami inundation mapping (Fig. 16) and critical area identification.
   
2. Location of safe grounds for relocation
   
3. Water quality assessment and Remediation
   
4. Tsunami Sediment Characterization

Fig. 16. Tsunami inundation mapping.

Integrated projects to study the effects on the coastal zones of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were evolved and successfully executed. The first results were disseminated through a one day national workshop - "Indian Ocean Tsunami : Its Impact Assessment and Lessons for Future" and a volume containing the highlights of the findings entitled - 26th December 2004 TSUNAMI - A Geoscientific Perspective was released.

Brainstorming Sessions and Field workshops

To define research activity in the 11th Plan period, five Brainstorming workshops and four field workshops were organized on the following themes :

Brainstorming workshops:

• Paleoclimatic Research in India - Needs, Anticipations and Deliverables.
• Water Resources - Research Issues and Manpower Development.
• Palaeontological Research in India - Future Directions.
• Tectonic Geomorphology - Landform Evolution and Quaternary Tectonics.
• Quantitative Geomorphological studies with special reference to Landscape evolution.

Field Workshops :

• Sub-Himalayan Palaeogene sediments in the context of India-Asia Collision.
• Quaternary Carbonate Deposits of Saurashtra and Kachch, Gujarat.
• Crust-mantle dynamics of Ladakh and Karakoram.
• Geoarchaeology and Human Response to landscape evolution since the last 200 ka.

Highlights of On-going & Completed Projects

Projects supported in the research / academic institutions spread over the country have produced some very exciting results and are reported here.

Himalayan Region:

Himalaya and its adjoining regions have remained interesting for geological investigations for understanding their tectonic evolution as well as its climate forcing on the entire Indian landmass.

Tectonics and Evolution of Himalaya

• Experiments with analogue models, related to the collision of India with Asia explains that a heterogeneous plate, containing a small area of continental lithosphere flanked by oceanic lithosphere, combines strength with buoyancy thereby making the Indian plate an efficient indenter. The western and eastern syntaxes of the Himalaya seems to have developed due to concentration of deformation within Continental Asia, directly in front of the strong horns of