Relief Parameters Research Articles

Application of Remote Sensing, GIS, and Drainage Morphometric Analysis in Groundwater potential Assessment for sustainable development in Iyenda River Catchment, Konso Zone, Rift Valley, Southern Ethiopia

The present study employed remote sensing data, GIS technologies, and drainage morphometric analysis to assess groundwater potential for sustainable development in the Iyenada River Catchment, Rift Valley, Southern Ethiopia. A 30 m spatial resolution Shuttle Radar Topographic Mapper (SRTM) digital elevation model and toposheets were used to demarcate the present study area’s watershed boundary and extract drainage network in Arc GIS software environment. The current study area was divided into eight watersheds, namely WS-1, WS-2, WS-3, WS-4, WS-5, WS-6, WS-7, and WS-8, and the total areal extend is 497.70 Sqkm. The standard formula was used to determine the necessary linear, relief, and spatial morphometric parameters. According to the present investigation results, the current study region includes undulating topography with slopes ranging from 0° to 52°. The groundwater occurrence is inversely proportional to the following morphometric parameter values: stream frequency, drainage texture, drainage density, bifurcation ratio, and form factor; the lower the values, the more significant groundwater occurrence. The groundwater occurrence is directly proportional to the morphometric parameters: compactness coefficient, elongation ratio, circularity ratio, and length of overland flow. The present study areas’ watersheds were prioritized using compound parameter analysis, which combined the mentioned-above morphometric parameters for each watershed. Compound factor values ranging between 3.78 to 5.11 and same was classified into three categories, and priorities were assigned 3.780 - 4.11 (high), 4.12 - 4.78 (medium), and 4.79 - 5.11 (low). The watersheds (WS-2 and WS-4) need immediate attention to minimize the surface runoff and enhance groundwater recharge. The results show that WS-7 having high and WS-1, WS-3, WS-5, WS-6, and WS-8 have medium groundwater potential. Watersheds with poor groundwater potential demand additional thorough research and remedial procedures, including implementing appropriate recharge systems. The current study demonstrates the effective use of remote sensing, GIS, and drainage morphometry in assessing groundwater potential.

Determining the influence of technological parameters of the electron-beam surfacing process on quality indicators

This paper reports the technology and equipment designed for manufacturing parts and components with predefined properties by 3D printing methods. Underlying the technology is the use of a beam of high-power electrons to smelt metal powder in a vacuum chamber with the formation of successive layers that repeat the contours of the digital model of the article. The object of research is the process of surfacing articles from the Ti6Al4Vtitanium alloy powder. The purpose is to determine the optimal surfacing modes based on identifying the effect of process parameters on the quality indicators of articles. The result of the study is the analyzed influence of technological parameters on the properties of articles. The optimum energy density of the beam of 44.5 J/mm3has been determined. Based on the research results, 25 experimental samples were printed. Three beam speed modes were used: 270, 540, and 780 mm/s. For each mode, the dynamic focusing current varied from −1.2 to 1.27 A in increments of about 0.3 A. The articles were carefully examined. A method of raster electron microscopy was used to study the morphology of the samples' surfaces in several zones, namely in the central zone and along the contour; the roughness parameters of the surface micro relief, as well as the presence of defects (pores, non-melting, micro irregularities, inclusions), were established. It has been found that the articles are characterized mainly by a homogeneous micro relief of the profile. The structure of surfaces, formed in different zones depending on technological modes, differs in its morphology. Surfacing modes have been established that have the practical application: beam speed, 780 mm/s; power, 675 W; dynamic focus current, from –1.2 to 0 A. This provides for the minimal parameters of the surface micro relief and the absence of defects such as shrinkage pores, non-melting, as well as a minimum number of inclusions.

Single intra-articular injection with or without intra-osseous injections of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of osteoarthritis knee: A single-blind, randomized clinical trial

BackgroundSubchondral bony structure damage plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) knee. An intra-articular injection cannot reach the damaged subchondral bony structure and treat its pathologies effectively. The objective of the study was to compare the clinical effects of single intra-articular injection with or without intra-osseous injections of PRP in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) knee. MethodsThis was a single-blind, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial. Fifty patients, with OA knee (K&L grade III), with ages between 50 and 65 years, were randomly allocated into ‘intra-osseous, intra-articular PRP’ (‘IO+IA-PRP’) (n = 25) or ‘intra-articular PRP’ group (‘IA-PRP’) (n = 25). Patients in the ‘IO+IA-PRP’ group received 18 ml PRP injection, and the ‘IA-PRP’ group received 8 ml PRP injection. Intra-osseous injections were given at the tibial plateau (5 ml) and femoral condyle (5 ml), along with intra-articular knee injection (8 ml), under fluoroscopic guidance. Outcomes were measured using VAS-pain, the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), and the treatment satisfaction scale. All patients (n = 50) were followed up till six months. ResultsThe mean age was 57.12(4.27) years and 57.00(4.96) years in the ‘IO+IA-PRP’ and ‘IA-PRP’ groups. Both groups showed significant improvement in pain relief (VAS pain) and KOOS parameters: pain, symptoms, ADL function, sport and recreation function, and quality of life. Compared to the ‘IA-PRP’ group, the ‘IO+IA-PRP’ group showed a greater reduction of VAS pain at six months. However, no significant difference was obtained in VAS pain-relief between these two groups (p = 0.422) at six months. Similarly, at 6 months, in inter-group comparison, except ‘sport and recreation function’ (p < 0.05), no significant differences were obtained in mean-scores of KOOS parameters: pain (p = 0.514); symptom (p = 0.148), ADL-function (p = 0.991), QoL-(p = 0.376). Patients in the ‘IO+IA-PRP’ group complained of significant ‘injection-associated’ adverse events and consumed a greater number of Acetaphenomen. ConclusionsBoth groups showed significant improvement following the intervention. Intra-osseous PRP injections did not provide any additional benefit over intra-articular PRP injection until six months regarding pain relief and functional improvement.

Hydrological study of a basin for the evaluation of the potential of a pico hydroelectric power station in a rural area

The goal of the study was to estimate the average monthly runoff from a basin for the development of a pico hydropower in a rural-mountainous area of the jungle (Satipo) on Peru. Due to the lack of hydrometeorological data in hilly and remote basins in Peru, a hydrological estimate is essential to determine the hydroenergy potential in the study basin. First, the geomorphological parameters (shape and relief parameters) of the basin were determined and, subsequently, a precipitation analysis was made considering the data from 17 meteorological stations. To verify the homogeneity of the rainfall records, a consistency analysis was carried out using a double accumulation analysis. To estimate the flows of the study basin, in the absence of hydrometric information, the flow transposition method was used, in which the flows of the Ourohuari basin were transported. Likewise, it was verified that the geomorphological and hydrometeorological characteristics are similar, for this, a t-test was carried out for independent samples to verify the similarity in the annual precipitation between both basins. Finally, it can be concluded that the geomorphological characteristics and flow regular throughout the year in the Cashingari basin are favoring the development of a pico hydropower.

High-power single-mode 894\xa0nm VCSELs operating at high temperature (>\u20092\xa0mW @ 365\xa0K)

In this study, we realize the high-power output of a single-mode 894 nm vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) at high temperature. The effects of the dimensional parameters of oxide aperture and surface relief on the transverse mode and threshold gain of VCSEL were analyzed. Through collaborative optimization of the oxide aperture and relief, the VCSEL with 8 µm oxide aperture diameter and 5 µm surface relief inner diameter can operate at high temperature of 365 K with single-mode output power of 2.02 mW and side-mode suppression of 29.2 dB.

Microgeomorphometric Analysis And Prioritization of Soil Erosion Vulnerable Sub-watersheds by Using Remote Sensing and GIS for Zuari River Basin, Goa, India

Watershed prioritization for the identification of susceptible sub-basins for soil erosion in the Zuari river basin is carried out by using quantitative micro-geomorphometric analysis. The basin is divided into 10 sub-watersheds along with the stream order up to 7th order in Arc GIS software with the help of DEM data. Linear, areal, and relief parameters have been evaluated using Remote Sensing data and GIS techniques. Each parameter is examined independently as an indicator and appropriate rankings have been assigned by considering its role in soil erosion. Compound parameter values are calculated for all the sub-watersheds and the lowest compound value is allotted for the highest priority. Five priority levels are identified for the categorization of sub-watersheds, such as low, very low, moderate, high, and very high for conservation and planning of soil resource management. Three sub-watersheds scored very low compound value and hence are high priority basins which indicate the susceptible areas of intense soil erosion and need immediate action plans.

Objective and subjective evaluation of environmental noise in the Polytechnic Center Campus - UFPR

Noise pollution affects quality of life, well-being, and is a public health problem. In educational environments, high noise levels affect the concentration and performance of students. The Polytechnic Center Campus of UFPR is affected by several sound sources and frequented by a large number of users, which points to the need for noise management. Faced with this problem, the present study objectively and subjectively evaluates the noise in the campus. The methodology consisted of measurements that followed the standards of NBR 10151/2019 at 20 points in the region; the elaboration of maps from the insertion of parameters of relief, traffic, and characteristics of buildings and roads, calibrated according to the data collected in the measurements; and questionnaires about noise nuisance in the campus, answered by 400 users of the site. Measurement results show that the limits established at national and municipal level were not respected in a large part of the area under study. Sound maps show the surroundings of the campus delimited by dark colors that indicate high levels of noise, and internal areas demarcated by colors that represent sound pressure levels above the allowed. Interviews indicate that 60% of respondents feel annoyed by noise in the campus, and 40% consider the level of environmental noise to be reasonable. The conclusion regarding noise pollution and the influence on performance points to the need for noise control measures in the area.

Drainage morphometry based sub-watershed prioritization of Kalinadi basin using geospatial technology

Watershed management is an essential part to achieve sustainability. In the case of large watersheds, management and conservation practices cannot be implemented efficiently over the entire area due to inadequate human resources and financial support. Therefore, prioritizing the sub-watersheds and implementation of management practices would be a viable technique to ensure sustainability within the watershed. In this study, sub-watershed prioritization is carried out for the Kalinadi basin based on erosion susceptibility using morphometric analysis. SRTM DEM is used to extract stream network and delineate the sub-watersheds using ArcGIS software. Further, the Kalinadi basin is divided into eight sub-watersheds and morphometric analysis performed. In the current study, for prioritizing the sub-watersheds, nineteen morphometric parameters are considered which include linear, aerial and relief aspects. The results of linear, aerial and relief parameters of every sub-watershed are given with ranks based on their influence on soil erosion and then subjected to compound parameter analysis which is used to prioritize each sub-watershed. The morphometry-based prioritization findings demonstrate that Sub watershed-8 (SW-8), SW-4 and SW-5 face high risk, SW-6, SW-7 and SW-2 face medium risk whereas SW-3 and SW-1 face a low risk of soil erosion. The results can be used by the decision-making authorities to plan and implement the watershed management practices optimally to control soil erosion.

Thick forest floors in the Calcareous Alps – Distribution, ecological functions and carbon storage potential

The thickness and composition of forest floors plays an essential role for the efficiency and resilience of mountain forests to store carbon, water and nutrients. Up to now, the distribution of particularly thick organic forest floors (TOFF) in the Bavarian Calcareous Alps is poorly known and their ecosystem services deserve increased consideration under climate change. We wanted to improve the knowledge of the TOFF-distribution and to investigate the forcing processes and ecological functions of TOFF. We aimed to quantify their carbon storage potential and to model areas in which humus management is mandatory for sustainable forest use. We drew a stratified sample of soil profiles. Through the combination of relief and soil parameters, we identified crucial control variables and modelled actual and potential (without human disturbance) forest floor thickness in the Bavarian Calcareous Alps based on quantile regression and Generalized Additive Models (GAM). TOFF were predicted to occur on approximately 10% of the forest area of the Bavarian Alps. A decisive condition for the development of TOFF was the absence or only shallow development of mineral fine soil. Contrary to conventional wisdom, these TOFF were found across a wide range of (montane to subalpine) elevations. C-storage of TOFF amounts to ca. 6.9 t C/ha per cm of humus depth and ca. 5.2 Mt C in the study area, resulting in C accumulations comparable to peatlands. TOFF are decisive for the delivery of ecosystem services, especially in the protection forests of the Bavarian Calcareous Alps. Due to the absence or ephemeral depth of mineral soil, all ecological functions depend solely on the forest floor. Therefore, the careful handling of the humus stock is mandatory for a sustainable management in these forests.

ARTHROSCOPIC TREATMENT OF POSTERIOR ANKLE IMPINGEMENT IN PEDIATRIC ATHLETES AND ITS OUTCOMES - A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background:Posterior ankle impingement (PAI) is a known cause of posterior ankle pain in athletes performing repetitive plantarflexion motions, such as in soccer. Even though it is well-described in adults, literature on PAI in pediatric patients is scarce.Purpose:The purpose was to describe prospective outcomes after arthroscopic management of posterior ankle impingement in pediatric and adolescent patients.Methods:An IRB-approved prospective study was performed at a tertiary children’s hospital from 2016-2020. Patients <18 years of age who were diagnosed with posterior ankle impingement and underwent posterior ankle arthroscopy with minimum 3-month post-operative follow-up were included. Data collected included pre-operative demographics and sporting activities, clinical and radiologic findings. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores were collected at the initial and follow-up visits.Results:A total of 50 patients (65 ankles; 28 females), were included with mean age 13.3 years. Football and soccer were the most commonly implicated sports. All patients underwent initial conservative management including relative rest, immobilization and/or physical therapy for an average period of 44 weeks. The indication for surgery was failure of conservative management to improve symptoms. All patients underwent posterior ankle arthroscopy with arthroscopic confirmation of impingement pathology followed by debridement. The pathology was predominantly bony (Os trigonum, Stieda process) in 54%, and predominantly soft tissue (low flexor hallucis longus belly, ganglion cyst in the ankle, hypertrophied posterior ankle ligaments) in 46%. All 50 patients (100%) returned to sports at an average 8.5 ± 4.1 weeks. 51 ankles had radiographs done at 1 years post-operatively which did not show recurrence or any new osseous abnormalities. At mean follow up of 26 months, there was a statistically significant improvement in VAS scores (7.0 to 0.53, p<0.05) and AOFAS scores (63.9 to 95.6, p<0.05) from pre- to post-operative final follow-up. Complications included numbness over lateral part of the heel (sural nerve distribution) in 1 patient.Conclusion:The first prospective study on pediatric PAI demonstrates that arthroscopic treatment, after failed conservative management, allowed patients to return to prior level of activity and sports, and resulted in improved pain relief and higher functional parameters. Complications associated with this procedure were minimal.

Suitability of satellite remote sensing data for yield estimation in northeast Germany

Information provided by satellite data is becoming increasingly important in the field of agriculture. Estimating biomass, nitrogen content or crop yield can improve farm management and optimize precision agriculture applications. A vast amount of data is made available both as map material and from space. However, it is up to the user to select the appropriate data for a particular problem. Without the appropriate knowledge, this may even entail an economic risk. This study therefore investigates the direct relationship between satellite data from six different optical sensors as well as different soil and relief parameters and yield data from cereal and canola recorded by the thresher in the field. A time series of 13 years is considered, with 947 yield data sets consisting of dense point data sets and 755 satellite images. To answer the question of how well the relationship between remote sensing data and yield is, the correlation coefficient r per field is calculated and interpreted in terms of crop type, phenology, and sensor characteristics. The correlation value r is particularly high when a field and its crop are spatially heterogeneous and when the correct phenological time of the crop is reached at the time of satellite imaging. Satellite images with higher resolution, such as RapidEye and Sentinel-2 performed better in comparison with lower resolution sensors of the Landsat series. The additional Red Edge spectral band also has advantage, especially for cereal yield estimation. The study concludes that there are high correlation values between yield data and satellite data, but several conditions must be met which are presented and discussed here.

Quantitative Analysis of a River Basin - A GIS-based Approach

The river basin plays a fundamental role in planning the management of natural resources. The hydrological behavior of the basin depends on the geomorphological parameters of the hydrographic basin. In the present study, a morphometric analysis was performed to determine the linear, areal and relief parameters of the Panzara River, the main tributary of the Tapi River, using the Geographic Information System tool. The river basin is of seventh order, showing a dendritic pattern of drainage that indicates the homogeneity in the texture of the basin. The drainage density in the area is 2.56 and the mean bifurcation ratio 5.065 indicates the less impact of structural deformations on the basin. The stream frequency of the basin is 3.20 showing low relief and high permeability. The present study reveals that the applications of GIS techniques are reliable, take less time and are competent to manage large databases for management of river basins.

Geospatial technology for prioritization of Koyna River basin of India based on soil erosion rates using different approaches.

The information about different morphometric parameters of any watershed is necessary for better watershed management and planning. This study aimed to investigate morphometric characteristics, to assess the soil erosion risk, and to prioritize different sub-watersheds of the Koyna River basin, India, with two different approaches using geospatial technology. Different linear, shape, and relief parameters of the basin were estimated and analyzed. The linear and shape parameters indicated that the basin has less flood hazard. The relief parameters indicated that the basin has moderate roughness and unevenness. The parallel drainage pattern is dominant inside the basin due to the highly elongated nature of the basin. The bifurcation ratio (Rb) indicated lithological and geological variations inside the basin. Two different approaches namely morphometric analysis and empirical Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) method were applied for prioritization of different sub-watersheds. Rainfall, soil, digital elevation model (DEM), and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data were used for identifying erosion-prone zones with RUSLE analysis. Based on RUSLE analysis, the entire study area was divided into five soil erosion risk classes namely very slight (80.43 %), slight (14.94 %), moderate (3.21 %), severe (0.79 %), and very severe (0.63%), respectively. Most of the study area was found to be under a very slight soil erosion vulnerability class based on the RUSLE approach. The conservation practices should be carried out as per the priority ranking of different sub-watershed based on soil erosion rates. The results found in this study can surely assist in the implementation of soil conservation planning and management practices to reduce soil loss in the Koyna River basin of India.

Dry grasslands on sedimentary outcrops of the Dniester canyon (Ukraine)

The main aim of this article is to characterize vegetation data of dry grassland communities on sedimentary outcrops of the Dniester Canyon (Ukraine) ecologically and to provide their syntaxonomy. For this purpose, we collected 155 releves, and included published data from Ukrainian and Moldovian literary sources. We used cluster analysis, including the nomenclatural types of previously described relevant associations from the study area and adjacent territories. As a result, we recognized two associations of the order Alysso-Sedetalia and six of the order Stipo pulcherrimae-Festucetalia pallentis. Two associations of pioneer communities with therophytes and succulents were transferred from the endemic alliance Sempervivo ruthenici-Schivereckion of the class Asplenietea trichomanis to the widely spread alliance Alysso-Sedion of the class Sedo-Scleranthetea. Five associations of petrophytic steppes were transferred from different alliances within the classes Festuco-Brometea (Genisto tetragonae-Seselion peucedanifoliae, Festucion valesiacae) and Sedo-Scleranthetea (Alysso-Sedion) to the alliance Galio campanulati-Poion versicoloris within the class Festuco-Brometea. We also described the new association Cephalario uralensis-Agropyretum cristati. Furthermore, we tested for ecological differences between these associations using ecological scales of the Ukrainian flora and measured soil parameters. We conclude that the relief, geological structure, soils, and climate parameters determine the distribution and diversity of the communities as well as their particular floristic features.

Estudio de características morfológicas de la cuenca “Cañitas” y su relación con el riesgo de inundaciones repentinas.

La cuenca Cañita de la parroquia Charapotó abastece el complejo hidráulico de la zona, con el problema de inundaciones repentinas. El análisis de las características morfométricas de una cuenca hidrográfica basándose en parámetros de forma, relieve y red de drenaje, es importante para la modelación hidrológica para predecir la forma en que la lluvia se comporta en su movimiento a través de la escorrentía del sitio, determinar un modelo hidrológico que permita identificar la razón de las inundaciones, además de zonas en las que se pueda mediante obras hidráulicas controlar estas inundaciones. Como objetivo general fue caracterizar morfométrica mente la cuenca para relacionarla con las inundaciones repentinas.

Morphometric characterization of two high Andean basins of Peru using geographic information systems

La caracterización morfométrica de cuencas hidrográficas es importante porque permite describir procesos geomorfológicos e inferir comportamientos hidrológicos: caudales máximos, erosión del suelo y recarga de agua subterránea. En los países en desarrollo, los estudios sobre morfometría de cuencas son escasos; no obstante, su aplicación es sustancial, sobre todo, en regiones no instrumentadas. Se realizó un análisis morfométrico evaluando las características de drenaje de dos cuencas de ríos altoandinos, en la región Junín, Perú: la cuenca del río Anya en el lado oriental de la cordillera y la del río Mchique en el flanco occidental de los Andes centrales. Se delimitaron las cuencas y calcularon los parámetros morfométricos de relieve, forma y drenaje, utilizándose Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG). Ambas cuencas son de orden 3 con patrones de drenaje diferenciados, siendo la cuenca Anya dendrítica y Mchique sub dendrítica con influencia de elementos estructurales dada su forma alargada particular. Los valores bajos de densidad de drenaje (Dd) fijan a las cuencas como de altas tasas de infiltración, sin embargo, estos responden a sus ubicaciones en cabeceras. Los valores de elongación (E) implican una forma alargada para Anya y más para Mchique, lo cual indica una menor vulnerabilidad a inundaciones repentinas y, consecuentemente, una gestión de avenidas más sencilla. El alto factor topográfico (Ft) de las cuencas es indicador de pendientes pronunciadas y, por consiguiente, de mayor intensidad de procesos erosivos. Los resultados pueden ser base de estudios hidrológicos e hidráulicos, manejo de cuencas y gestión de recursos hídricos en la zona.

ANTERIOR INCISURAL SPACE (AIS): ITS TOPOGRAPHY AND SIZE IN THE CRANIAL CAVITY. POSITION OF THE BASILAR ARTERY APEX IN AIS

Objective : to explore microsurgical anatomy of the anterior incisural space (AIS), its topography and size in the skull, and to assess the topography of the basilar artery apex in AIS and find possible craniometric correlations. Materials and methods . In this anatomical study, we used 100 non-fixed heads of people who died from somatic pathology without diseases of the central nervous system. All heads were dissected using standard methods. Then we modelled the topography of the tentorial incisure (TI) in the skull by cutting off the hemispheres at the level of the brain stem in parallel to the free margin of TI. We measured length and width of TI, analyzed its topography in the cranial cavity, performed TI morphometry, and measured cranial indices and angular parameters of the skull base relief. Morphometric analysis of our data was conducted by calculating coefficients and indices. Data analysis was performed using the STATISTICA Statsoft. Microsurgical anatomy of the AIS and TI was studied using the operating microscope MBS-10 and digital video camera Sony HDR-CX560 E. The photos were taken with a 2–8-fold magnification. Results . Results. AIS length varied between 14 and 24 mm, whereas its width was between 24.0 and 36.0 mm. Almost half of all TI samples (42%) had AIS with a length of 17–19 mm. In all series of measurements, the length of the AIS was minimal – 14 mm (6%); 15–16 mm (19%), medium – 17–19 mm (42%), large – 20–22 mm (24%) and maximum – 23–24 mm – 9%. AIS were divided by TI types into four groups: A, B, C, and D. Minimum and small AIS were grouped into into ‘short-size AIS’ [14–16] mm, while large and maximum AIS were grouped into ‘long-size AIS’ [20–24] mm. The proportions of short AIS, long AIS, and medium AIS were 25%, 33%, and 42%, respectively. In group A, long-size AIS were found in 53.68% of samples; in garup B, long-size AIS were found in 3.7% of samples, in group C, there were only large AIS–33.3%; in group D, the maximum size of 24 mm was more frequent – 18.2 %, but the total number of samples with large AIS was two times lower–27.3% than in group A. Group A (sub- and brachycephaly) had the highest percentage of long AIS with a length of 20–24 mm (~54% of cases). The position of the BA in the AIS depends on the AIS length and clivus tilt. Conclusion. The size and topography of the AIS in the cranial cavity vary significantly; this must be taken into account when planning neurosurgical approaches. The concept of limited AIS boundaries, their structural flexibility in terms of surgical approach is the basis for choosing an optimal approach or its direction. The size of the AIS, its anatomical structure, and topography of the borders, access paths through AIS, possibility of manipulations with the content and boundaries of the AIS, the degrees of freedom or limits in acceptable surgical corridors, etc. should be taken into account when planning surgical intervention and choosing an optimal approach.

Features of the earthquakes’ manifestation intensity formation in mountainous areas

Analysis of the destructive earthquakes‘ consequences engineering macro-seismic survey data shows that the earthquakes manifestation degree is in close correlation with the peculiarities of geomorphological conditions. Moreover, this dependence is not of a simple character: there is a clearly expressed multifactorial nature of correlations. The work shows that the earthquakes intensity is determined not only by the relief slope magnitude, but also by the specific location of the site in the mountain range hierarchy. The results of the experimental studies analysis (field and laboratory experiments) are presented. It is noted that from a physical point of view, the relief has a certain potential energy. To estimate the indicated energy, a phenomenological indicator was introduced in the form of the so-called “relief factor”, which is the product of the relief inclination angle by the corresponding height. It is noted that upon reaching the value R=650 (degrees m) the intensity increment is one point. The use of a new relief parameter, which makes it possible to fully take into account the specific conditions of the location of the investigated area, increases the establishment validity of the mechanisms for the earthquake intensity formation in mountainous regions.

Morphometric Analysis of Parvati Basin, NW Himalaya: A Remote Sensing and GIS Based Approach

Abstract Morphometry is a quantitative approach of analysing linear, areal and relief parameters to understand the role of neotectonic activity in geomorphologic evolution of a river basin. In the present study multi-disciplinary integrated approach using morphometric parameters along with remote sensing and GIS technique have been applied for determining the quantitative parameters indicative of neotectonic activity in the Parvati basin, Higher Himalaya. The lineament pattern observed in the basin shows major trend in NE-SW followed by NW-SE and NNE-SSW directions. The basin is a 6th order drainage basin with dominating dendratic – trellis drainage pattern having very strong structural/tectonic control and is in its late youth stage of geomorphic development. Parvati basin shows coarse drainage density with fine texture suggesting more surface runoff and less infiltration in the area. The basin is highly elongated in shape tapering towards the south-west with high susceptibility to erosion with lower peak flow for longer duration. The above observations clearly indicate a tectonic and lithological control over the evolution of drainage pattern of Parvati basin.

A GIS-based assessment in drainage morphometry of WRJ-1 watershed in hard rock terrain of Narkhed Taluka, Maharashtra, Central India

Study area consists of catchments of Wardha river tributaries like Madar River, Jam River and a Wainganga river tributary viz. Chandrabhaga River as the principal drainage area. It extends between N 21°15′ to 21°32′ latitude and E 78°23′ to 78°39’ longitude covering an area of about 252.25 sq. km administratively covering Narkhed taluka of Nagpur district. The NW part mainly of Deccan traps consist of slightly-moderately dissected plateaus. The southern section of Narkhed taluka is composed of gravelly sandy to sandy loam soil while the Gondwana sandstones mostly appear in east of the study region. The study aims at assessment of drainage morphometry of WRJ-1 watershed. Permeability within subsoil of watershed is high with a distinct lesser discharge rate. The watershed was divided into nine sub-watersheds viz. W-1, W-2, M-1, M-2, M-3, M-4, C-1, J-1, and J-2. The sub-watersheds were subjected to morphometric analysis and corresponding linear, areal, relief parameters along with some geomorphic indices of neo-tectonics were computed whose resultants could be treated in GIS environment with landuse/landcover, geology, soil data to locate areas under immediate effect of resource conservation measures for sustainable development and management of natural resources to formulate conservation ideas. Additionally, this study will also help to calculate volume of rivers, tributaries in WRJ-1 thereby forecasting changes in the sediment transport.