ID: 52342
Title: Discrimination between marls and limestones using intensity data from terrestrial laser scanner
Author: Marco Franceschi, Giordano Teza, Nereo Preto, Arianna Pesci, Antonio Galgaro, Stefano Girardi
Editor: George Vosselman
Year: 2009
Publisher: Elsevier, Vol 64, Issue 6, November 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote sensing
Keywords: Geology, Laser scanning, TLS, Radiometric, Recognition
Abstract: Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) is an active instrument widely used for physical surface acquisition and data modeling. TLS provides both the geometry and the intensity information of scanned objects depending on their physical and chemical properties. The intensity data can be used to discriminate different materials, since intensity is proportional, among other parameters, to the reflectance of the target at the specific wavelength of the laser beam. This article focuses on the TLS-based recognition of rocks in simple sedimentary successions mainly constituted by limestones and marls. In particular, a series of experiments with an Optech ILRIS 3D TLS was carried out to verify the feasibility of this application, as well as to solve problems in data acquisition protocol and data processing. Results indicate that a TLS intensity-based discrimination can provide reliable information about the clay content of rocks in clean outcrop conditions if the geometrical aspects of the acquisition (i.e distance) are taken into account. Reflectance values of limestones, marls and clays show, both in controlled conditions and in the field, clear differences due to the interaction of the laser beam (having a 1535 nm wavelength) with H2O-bearing minerals and materials. Information about lithology can be therefore obtained also from real outcrops, at least if simple alteration of limestones and marls are considered. Comparison between reflectance values derived from TLS acquisition of an outcrop and the clay abundance curves obtained by gas chromatography on rock samples taken from the same stratigraphic section shows that reflectance is linked by an inverse linear relationship (correlation coefficient r = -0.85) to the abundance of clay minerals in the rocks. Reflectance series obtained from TLS data are proposed as a tool to evaluate the variation of clay content along a stratigraphic section. The possibility of linking reflectance values to lithological parameters (i.e.clay content) could provide a tool for lithological mapping of outcrops, with possible applications in various fields, ranging from petroleum geology to environmental engineering, stratigraphy and sedimentology.
Location: 231
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52341
Title: Cyclone track forecasting based on satellite images using artificial neural networks
Author: Rita Kovordanyi, Chandan Roy
Editor: George Vosselman
Year: 2009
Publisher: Elsevier, Vol 64, Issue 6, November 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote sensing
Keywords: Cyclones, Tracking, Artificial neural networks, Hazards, Meterology
Abstract: Many places around the world are exposed to tropical cyclones and associated storm surges. In spite of massive efforts, a great number of people die each year as a result of cyclone events. To mitigate this damage, improved forecasting techniques must be developed. The technique presented here uses artificial neural networks to interpret NOAA-AVHRR satellite images. A multi-layer neural network, resembling the human visual system, was trained to forecast the movement of cyclones based on satellite images. The trained network produced correct directional forecast for 98% of test images, thus showing a good generalization capability. The results indicate that multi-layer neural networks could be further developed into an effective tool for cyclone track forecasting using various types of remote sensing data. Future work includes extension of the present network to handle a wide range of cyclones and to take into account supplementary information, such as wind speeds, water temperature, humditiy, and air pressure.
Location: 231
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52340
Title: Probability, Random variables and Stochastic process
Author: Athanasios Papoulis
Editor: None
Year: 1991
Publisher: Mc Graw-Hill, Inc, Third edition 1991
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Probability, Random variables and Stochastic process
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 213
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52339
Title: Recent developments in the oil and gas sector in India
Author: None
Editor: P K Bhattacharya
Year: 2009
Publisher: TERI,Vol 8, No 3, September, 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: TIDEE- TERI Information Digest on Energy and Environment
Keywords: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, NELP-VIII, Coal bed methane, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL)
Abstract: Exploration and production: The MoPNG (Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas) has launched NELP-VIII on 9 April 2009 offering a total of 70 blocks for exploration. This is the highest number of exploration blocks ever offered. Of these blocks, 24 are in deep water, 28 in shallow water, eight onshore, and 10 classed as Type-S. Also, it has proposed to bring a new area under exploration in western Andaman sea. Along with NELP-VIII, the fourth round of bidding under the CBM (coal bed methane) policy for exploration and production has alos been launched. CBM -IV has offered 10 blocks, covering an area of about 5000 sq km, which are located in the states of Assam, Jharkhand, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. The closing date for the bid, both for NELP-VIII and CBM-IV, has been extended to October 2009. During 2008/09, India ' s production of crude oil was 33.50 MT (million tonnes) against a target of 36.03 MT. It registered a decline of 1.8% compared to 34.12MT produced in 2007/08. Against a target of 36.94 BCM (billion cubic metre), actual production of natural gas stood 32.85 BCM for 2008/09. This is a nomial increase compared to 32.4 BCM recorded in 2007/08. The production of gas in 2009/10 is expected to double from the current level of 82 MMSCMD (million metric standard cubic metre per day) due to the production from RIL (Reliance Industries Ltd)-operated KG (Krishna-Godavari)-D6 block. The production of KG-D6 commenced in April 2009. The natural gas production from CBM during 2008/09 stood at 20 MMSCM (million metric standard cubic metre) against a target of 39 MMSCM.
Location: 231
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52338
Title: Energy efficiency improvement potential for thermal power stations through energy audits
Author: Dr Y P Abbi and V Ramachandra
Editor: P K Bhattacharya
Year: 2008
Publisher: TERI,Vol 7, No 2, June, 2008
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: TIDEE- TERI Information Digest on Energy and Environment
Keywords: Electricity, economic growth, GHGs, BEE, Government of India
Abstract: Energy, particularly electricity, is a crucial input for economic development and for improving the living standard of people. The installed capacity of power in India has been increased from 1362 MW (megawatt) in 1947 to 127 753 MW by December 2006,which is quite impressive in absolute terms. In spite of this capacity addition, the country was facing peak shortages of 14% and energy shortage of 8.8% as on December 2006. If India sustains an economic growth of 8%-10% of GDP (gross domestic product) per annum up to 2030, its primary energy supply will need to grow 3 to 4 times, and electricity supply by 5 to 7 times of the present consumption. Its installed capacity of power generation would increase to 780 000 MW from a current level and annual coal demand would be in excess of 2000 MT (million tonnes). This extraordinary growth in energy demand will place great stress on the financial, managerial, and physical resources of the country. Thus, adoption of energy conservation measures is necessary to reduce energy demand. This would not only save huge investments required in building new capacity, but would also help in abatement of emissions of GHGs (greenhouse gases) and other pollutants. The Energy Conservation Act, 2001 of the Government of India has also included power-generating stations as one of the desined consumers. It is also mandatory to carry out energy audit and report the energy conservation measures adopted to the BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency), Ministry of Power, Government of India. Energy audit of tbe power plant, of course, is the first step towards identifying the energy conservation measures and their potential. Some of the energy conservation measures identified by the authors through the energy audit of thermal power stations, such as (1) reducing excess air, air ingress in air pre-heater, and exit flue gas temperature, (2) optimizing the ratio of primary air and secondary air to boiler, (3) improving condenser performance by increasing cooling water flow, (4) reducing terminal temperature difference in feed water heaters, (5) reducing differential pressure across the feed control station, and (6) installing variable speed drives in condensate extraction pumps, are discussed in detail in this paper.
Location: 231
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52337
Title: Recent developments in the oil and gas sector in India
Author: None
Editor: P K Bhattacharya
Year: 2008
Publisher: TERI,Vol 7, No 3, September, 2008
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: TIDEE- TERI Information Digest on Energy and Environment
Keywords: Oil and Gas industry,
Abstract: The oil and gas industry is the major contributor to the energy requirements of India. India ' s total primary energy consumption was 4040.4 MT (million tonnes) of oil equivalent during 2007/08 of which oil accounted for about 32% of overall energy mix-almost at par with the world ' s average share of oil at 36%. Currently, only 25% of the country ' s oil needs are met through domestic supplies with the balance being met through imports. Natual gas accounted for about 9% of the overall energy mix, which is much lower than world average share of gas at 24% but is beginning to be reckoned as a significant energy source. The major activities and developments in the oil and gas industry during the period 2007/08 are discussed .
Location: 231
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52336
Title: Vehicular pollution and its control through alternatives fuels in India
Author: None
Editor: P K Bhattacharya
Year: 2008
Publisher: TERI,Vol 7, No 4, December, 2008
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: TIDEE- TERI Information Digest on Energy and Environment
Keywords: Motor vehicle, urban air pollution
Abstract: The rapid growth in motor vehicle activity in India and other rapidly industrializing low-income countries is contribution to high levels of urban air pollution, among other adverse socio-economic, environmental, health and welfare impacts. The increased number of vehicles and related pollution, particularly in urban centres of India, has become a serious problem. The number of vehicles increased from 37 million in 1997 to about 72 million in 2004. During the period 1999-2004, there has been 66% increase in two wheelers and 73% increase in the numbers of cars.
Location: 231
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52335
Title: Biodiversity- Causes of its erosion and methods for its rejuvination
Author: H L Kundu
Editor: Director, Zoological Survey of India
Year: 2008
Publisher: Zoological Surey of India, Kokata, November, 2008
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Zoological Research in Human Welfare
Keywords: Biodiversity erosion, anthropocentrism, population, afforestation, incentives, corridors, education and ethics
Abstract: No ecosystem and its biodiversity can continue to survive until it is assured of non-interference from human beings at least, to a large extent. Human beings owing to their higher intellect and anthropocentric attitude have been exploiting the ecosystems since the dawn of agriculture. Mother Earth had no peace. First, in small patches here and there, but later in ever widening patches, the beautiful robe of her has been torn and disfigured. This tendency has accelerated after European renaissance when the intrepid Europeans armed with modern science, fire arms and limitless greed, crossed the seas and spread over Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia. In these countries as the European populations grew and agriculture spread, the native populations dwindled and biodiversity shrunk.Before renaissance the total area of European countries (minus Russia) was 27.9 million sq km. but since then these countries added vast areas of north and south Americas, Australia and New Zealand amounting to 418.5 million sq km into their fold. The population of Europlean blood into these open vast territories also quickly rose. Between 1810 and 1910 this population grew from 5,670,000 to 200,000,000.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52334
Title: Diversity of insect community in fresh water wetlands of West Bengal, India
Author: A. Dutta and D K Bhattacharya
Editor: Director, Zoological Survey of India
Year: 2008
Publisher: Zoological Surey of India, Kokata, November, 2008
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Zoological Research in Human Welfare
Keywords: Insect diversity, freshwater wetland
Abstract: Wetlands offer ample micro-niches to diverse insect groups, which provide significant support to the aquatic food web in this particular ecosystem. Study of diversity, distribution and density of entomofauna in freshwater wetlands of West Bengal particularly in southern district of the state which revealed a total of 120 species of insects belonging to 5 major orders and 21 families, occurring in this special ecosystem. The population density of the order Ephemeroptera is highest in premonsoon period, where as orders Odonata, Coleoptera and Diptera remain highest during post monsoon. The only order Hemiptera actually did not showed any definite seasonal fluctuation. The data on diversity and seasonal occurrence revealed that the coleopteran diversity is highest while Ephemeropterans were lowest. Of the total species present in terms of density Diptera was highest (0.24-516/m2) and lowest Ephemeroptera (0-9.18/m2). The distribution in four microhabitats shows the existence of maximum number of families in weedy area, along with aquatic vegetation and muddy areas near the edge of the wetlands.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52333
Title: Community structure of macrobenthic molluscs of three constrasting intertidal belts of midnapore coast, West Bengal, India
Author: R K Khalua, G Chakravarthy and S K Chakraborty
Editor: Director, Zoological Survey of India
Year: 2008
Publisher: Zoological Surey of India, Kokata, November, 2008
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Zoological Research in Human Welfare
Keywords: Benthic molluscs, Intertidal belts, Midnapore coast, Community analysis
Abstract: Thirteen species of intertidal macrobenthic molluscan species were recorded from different tidal levels (Low Tide level, Mid Tide Level and High Tide Level) of three intertidal belts viz. Junput, Sankarpur and Talsari of Midnapore coast, West Bengal. Community analysis like dominance, richness, diversity, evenness, similarity index and relative abundance were made. Among thirteen species, Cerithidea cingulata was the most abundant species throughout the year. The species diversity and species richness index were recorded maximum during monsoon season; while the evenness index of dominance were found to be higher during premonsoon. Maximum similarity was found in between low tide level and mid tide level in all study sites as revealed by similarity indices.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52332
Title: Zooplankton diversity of freshwater wetlands in the lateritic tracts of South-west Bengal, India
Author: P. Halder, G Bhunia, P Pradhan, S Banerjee and S K Chakraborty
Editor: Director, Zoological Survey of India
Year: 2008
Publisher: Zoological Surey of India, Kokata, November, 2008
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Zoological Research in Human Welfare
Keywords: Zooplankton, lateritic tract, southern-west Bengal, ecologica gradients, wetlands
Abstract: The environment of south-west Bengal is characterized by having hilly lateritic tracts endowed with rapidly depleting forest coverage, high temperature profile, low rainfall and turbid water bodies. An attmept has been made in the present paper to study species composition, density and distribution pattern of zooplankton from different wetlands along a stretch of about 150 kms covering two districts of South-West Bengal viz. West Midnapore and Bankura. Altogether 7 wetlands having different morphometry and ecological conditions were selected for recording the zooplankton diversity in relation to the prevailing major ecological parameters. These wetlands can broadly be classified into four categories viz. an ecorestored forest-covered wetland at Gurguripal ecopark, two natural wetlands having different species composition of macrophytes and as well as different quantum of non-point pollution stress, one natural wetland devoid of any macrophyte and enriched by forest, one large culturable fish pond at the border of Midnapore and Garhbeta subdivision, one artificial impoundment at the foothill of Susunia hills receiving mining discharge and an important vast dam of Kangsabati river at Mukutmonipur of Bankura district A total of 52 zooplankta have been recorded, of which Rotifera, Copepoda, Cladocera, Protozoa, Nematoda and Ostracoda harboured 28, 10, 9, 3, 1 and 1 species respectively along with unidentified larval stages. It has been found that Rotifer zooplankton showed their maximum abundance in all 7 different wetlands followed by Copepoda, Cladocera, Protozoa, Nematoda and Ostracoda, A total of 17 macrophytic vegetation have been found to occur in 7 wetlands, only Sarenga wetland was devoid of any macrophyte. Considerable variations in physicochemical parameters have been observed among all those wetlands, of which variations in dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity (TDS), conductivity and alkalinity were more pronounced. All environmental parameters in relation to the assessed diversity revealed that there appeared no well marked effectiveness of any single environmental factor controlling the distribution of zooplankton. The different ecological parameters exhibited their effectiveness on some zooplankton forms but not on all. On the other hand, it was also noticed that there existed a distinct community interaction in different water bodies which was reflected by the significant positive correlations between different groups. Similarity indices revealed minimum relationship among different water bodies. The differential and spatial distributional pattern has been explained in respect to ecological, biotic and abiotic gradients.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52331
Title: Diversity of macrophyte-associated macroinvertebrates in two wetlands of Southern West Bengal
Author: L Ganesan and R A Khan
Editor: Director, Zoological Survey of India
Year: 2008
Publisher: Zoological Surey of India, Kokata, November, 2008
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Zoological Research in Human Welfare
Keywords: Macrophytes ansd associated macroinvertebrates, Gastropods, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, diversity, density and seasonal variations
Abstract: Two year studies were carried out on the occurrence, diversity and abundance of macrophyte associated macroinvertebrates and related physico-chemical parameters of water quality of two varying freshwater wetlands of souther West Bengal, one a sewage -fed bheri and the other an ox-bow lake. The macrophyte associated fauna of both the wetlands comprised mainly of gastropod molluscs, annelids, arachnids, crustaceans, larval stages of dipterans, ephemeropterans and odonates, both nymph and adult stages of hemiptera and adult stage of coleopteran insects. However, there were great variations in the faunal composition, diversity and density of the two wetlands. Altogether 39 species were recorded from the two wetlands (33 species in the ox-bow lake and 26 in the bheri). The density was considerably high in oxbow lake (annual mean of 3659/m2) than in the bheri (annual mean of 2046/m2). Gastropod mollusc was the dominant fauna with a relative composition of 61.2% in oxbow lake and 35.4% in the bheri. The rich diversity and abundance of macroinvertebrates in the oxbow lake may be attributed to diverse habitat and niches provided by diverse and dense macrophytes, whereas , due to high organic enrichment, sparse vegetation and intense grazing pressure in the bheri both density and diversity was reduced.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52330
Title: Molluscan macrobenthic diversity of brackishwater wetlands in West Bengal
Author: M.Roy, A.Dey, S.Banerjee and N.C.Nandi
Editor: Director, Zoological Survey of India
Year: 2008
Publisher: Zoological Surey of India, Kokata, November, 2008
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Zoological Research in Human Welfare
Keywords: Brackishwater wetlands, molluscan macrobenthos, diversity, frequency of occurrence, seasonal abundance, biomass, cluster analysis
Abstract: A total of 35 species under 19 families, comprising of 26 species of gastropods and 9 species of bivalves have been recorded. Cerithidea (Cerithideopsilla) cingulata was recorded as the most dominant species in all the stations surveyed whereas Cerithidea (Cerithidea) alata was dominant only in the lower littoral zone of the Matla riverbed. Quantitative studies have revealed the highest population density of macrozoobenthic molluscs at manmade Viswabank bheri, Canning (2014.81 ind/m2) in postmonsoon season and at natural Matla char (507.41 ind/m2) in monsoon season. The higest estimated biomass of 447.16 gm/m2 in premonsoon season was observed at Nikarighata bheri, Canning, while the lowest in the Matla riverbed (124.71 gm/m2). In general, molluscan diversity was observed highest in Sagar Island (28 species) over others. F-indexing analysis has revealed that 10 species of gastropods (Assiminea beddomeana, A.brevicula, Neritina (Dostia) violacea, Stenothyra deltae, Gangetia miliacea, Cerithidea (Cerithideopsilla) cingulata, Cerithidea (Cerithidea) alata, Telescopium (T) telescopium, Auricula sp. and Pythia plicata) and 2 species of bivalve (Pelecyora trigona and Meretrix meretrix) can be distinguished as constant species, 8 species of gastropods (Nerita (Amphinerita) articulata, Stenothyra blanfordiana, Littoraria (Littorinopsis) melanostoma, Stenothyra blanfordiana, Thiara (Mainwaringia) paludomoidea, Cerithidea (Cerithidea) obtusa, Nassarius stolatus and Thais blanfordi) and 5 species of bivalves (Anadara granosa, Strigilla splendida, Macoma birmanica, Theora opalina and Donax incarnatus) as almost common and remaining 8 species of gastropods and 2 species of bivalve were almost rare at these sites under investigation.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52329
Title: Biodiversity Conservation: Issues and concern
Author: A.K.Ghosh
Editor: Director, Zoological Survey of India
Year: 2008
Publisher: Zoological Surey of India, Kokata, November, 2008
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Zoological Research in Human Welfare
Keywords: Conservation, Biodiversity
Abstract: The conservation of biological diversity has become an international issue since adaptation of "Convention on Biological Diversity" in 1992. India as a signatory to the convention has completed the current status survey, an action plan for future and enacted a law to conserve and utilize biodiversity in a sustainable manner. The paper discusses the current issues of access and benefit sharing and management of biodiversity at the local level on a participatory mode as also the declining human resources necessary to document biodiversity. Major concerns for future strategic implementation have been focussed at the end.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52328
Title: Emerging perspective-biodiversity and its conservation in India
Author: K.Venkataraman
Editor: Director, Zoological Survey of India
Year: 2008
Publisher: Zoological Surey of India, Kokata, November, 2008
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Zoological Research in Human Welfare
Keywords: Conservation, Biodiversity, Ecological communities
Abstract: This keynote address summarizes what is known of the biological diversity of India and their various ecosystems, from past literature, museum records and other lesser-known sources of information. The synthesis suggests that the number of species known could be of the order 45,000 species of flora and 90,000 species of fauna or higher. However, the inventory is very detailed only in the case of commerically important groups and is very weak with respect to minor phyla or microbial organisms. In terms of spatial coverage, probably only two-thirds of the total area has been covered till today and the remote islands and other ecosystems still virtually remain untouched. It is, therefore, likely that true inventory of biodiversity could be several times higher than what is known today. Lack of trained taxonomists, however, is a serious constraint to achieve this. Conserving what we have today is hampered by lack of management measures including outreach and our ability to predict what would live in India and lack of data relating changes in biodiversity to those of environment.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None