Siwalik Research Articles

Passive microwave remote-sensing-based high-resolution snow depth mapping for Western Himalayan zones using multifactor modeling approach

Abstract. Spatiotemporal snow depth (SD) mapping in the Indian Western Himalayan (WH) region is essential in many applications pertaining to hydrology, natural disaster management, climate, etc. In situ techniques for SD measurement are not sufficient to represent the high spatiotemporal variability in SD in the WH region. Currently, low-frequency passive microwave (PMW) remote-sensing-based algorithms are extensively used to monitor SD at regional and global scales. However, fewer PMW SD estimation studies have been carried out for the WH region to date, which are mainly confined to small subregions of the WH region. In addition, the majority of the available PMW SD models for WH locations are developed using limited data and fewer parameters and therefore cannot be implemented for the entire region. Further, these models have not taken the auxiliary parameters such as location, topography, and snow cover duration (SCD) into consideration and have poor accuracy (particularly in deep snow) and coarse spatial resolution. Considering the high spatiotemporal variability in snow depth characteristics across the WH region, region-wise multifactor models are developed for the first time to estimate SD at a high spatial resolution of 500 m × 500 m for three different WH zones, i.e., Lower Himalayan Zone (LHZ), Middle Himalayan Zone (MHZ), and Upper Himalayan Zone (UHZ). Multifrequency brightness temperature (TB) observations from Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2), SCD data, terrain parameters (i.e., elevation, slope, and ruggedness), and geolocation for the winter period (October to March) during 2012–2013 to 2016–2017 are used for developing the SD models for dry snow conditions. Different regression approaches (i.e., linear, logarithmic, reciprocal, and power) are used to develop snow depth models, which are evaluated further to find if any of these models can address the heterogeneous association between SD observations and PMW TB. From the results, it is observed from the analysis that the power regression SD model has improved accuracy in all WH zones with the low root mean square error (RMSE) in the MHZ (i.e., 27.21 cm) compared to the LHZ (32.87 cm) and the UHZ (42.81 cm). The spatial distribution of model-derived SD is highly affected by SCD, terrain parameters, and geolocation parameters and has better SD estimates compared to regional and global products in all zones. Overall results indicate that the proposed multifactor SD models have achieved higher accuracy in deep snowpack (i.e., SD >25 cm) of the WH region compared to previously developed SD models.

Study of mountain ecosystem accounting in lower Himalaya range in Uttarkhand, India using geospatial technology

The study was focused on the systematic investigation of forest cover mapping and the maximum normalized difference vegetation index (NDVImax) pattern. The study was to support the conservation and sustainable management of vital ecosystems by integrating remote sensing and geographic information systems techniques into mountain ecosystem accounting. The study used remote sensing technologies and satellite imagery data, which provides a valuable means to monitor and assess the status and changes in mountain ecosystems. The NDVImax cover study area declined from 44.90 % in 2015 to 43.75 % in 2019, which resulted in a 1.15-square-kilometer reduction in the area with green cover. The percentage of areas such as flood-bare land (0.46 %), scrub land (21.64 %), crop land (4.28 %), built-up areas (1.33 %), bare land (14.7 %), water (1.05 %), wet area (0.05 %), and snow/glacier and snow cover (14.12 %) were used to categorize the land use land cover (LULC) pattern. According to the initial analysis of the MODIS annual mean temperature, in 2015, the satellite sensors recorded a minimum land surface temperature (LST) of −15.3 °C and a maximum value of 33.1 °C. In the additional analysis of the MODIS annual mean temperature in 2019, the sensors recorded a minimum and a maximum LST value of −14.3 °C and 33.4 °C, respectively. The maximum annual mean temperature increased by 0.4 °C between 2015 and 2019 in terms of the annual mean LST. The study revealed the potential to inform policies and strategies for safeguarding mountain ecosystems in the face of ongoing environmental challenges and provide decision-makers with valuable insight.

Variation in plant leaf traits of Rubus ellipticus and Berberis aristata along the altitudinal gradient and aspects in the Lower Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India

Variation in plant leaf traits of Rubus ellipticus and Berberis aristata along the altitudinal gradient and aspects in the Lower Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India

Spatio-temporal variability analysis of evapotranspiration, water use efficiency and net primary productivity in the semi-arid region of Aravalli and Siwalik range, India

Spatio-temporal variability analysis of evapotranspiration, water use efficiency and net primary productivity in the semi-arid region of Aravalli and Siwalik range, India

Ethnomedicinal Importance of Some Plants of Solahsinghi Dhar of Shivalik Range of H.P. for Treatment of Ear and Eye Diseases: A Review

Ethnomedicinal Importance of Some Plants of Solahsinghi Dhar of Shivalik Range of H.P. for Treatment of Ear and Eye Diseases: A Review

Cosmogenic Nuclide Tracking of Sediment Recycling From a Frontal Siwalik Range in the Northwestern Himalaya

AbstractThe Himalayan orogen exports millions of tons of sediment annually to the Indo‐Gangetic foreland basin, derived from both hinterland and foreland fold‐thrust belts (FTB). Although erosion rates in the hinterland are well‐constrained, erosion rates in the foreland FTB and, by extension, the sediment flux have remained poorly constrained. Here, we quantified erosion rates and sediment flux from the Mohand Range in the northwestern Himalaya by modeling and measuring the cosmogenic radionuclide (CRN) 10Be and 26Al concentrations in modern fluvial sediments. Our model uses local geological and geophysical constraints and accounts for CRN inheritance and sediment recycling, which enables us to determine the relative contributions of the hinterland and foreland FTB sources to the CRN budget of the proximal foreland deposits. Our model predictions closely match measured concentrations for a crustal shortening rate across the Mohand Range of 8.0 ± 0.5 mm yr−1 (i.e., approximately 50% of the total shortening across the Himalaya at this longitude) since Ma. This shortening implies a spatial gradient in erosion rates ranging from 0.42 ± 0.03 to 4.92 ± 0.34 mm yr−1, controlled by the geometry of the underlying structure. This erosion pattern corresponds to an annual sediment recycling of ∼2.0 megatons from the Mohand Range to the downstream Yamuna foreland. Converted to sediment fluxes per unit width along the Himalaya, the foreland FTB accounts for ∼21% ± 5% of the total flux entering the foreland. Because these sediments have lower 10Be concentrations than hinterland‐derived sediment, they would lead to ∼14% overestimation of 10Be‐derived erosion rates, based on Yamuna sediments in the proximal foreland.

Influence of Vermicompost, Neem Cake and Biofertilizers on Growth, Yield and Economics of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

The findings of the present investigation titled, Influence of vermicompost, neem cake and biofertilizers on growth, yield and economics of Green gram (Vigna radiata L.), carried out during the kharif season of 2023 at the Baba Farid Institute of Technology's Crop Research Farm in Dehradun. It is situated between latitude 30.3436 and longitude 77.9367. The Shivalik hills and the lower Himalayas in the Indian states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana are home to the extraordinarily wide and lengthy valley known as the doon valley. The investigation was conducted in Randomized Block Design consisting of 10 treatment combinations with 3 replications and was laid out with the different treatments allocated randomly in each replication. Application of vermicompost (1.25t/ha) + neem cake (0.625 t/ha) + rhizobium (10 g/kg seed) + PSB (10 g/kg seed), recorded maximum plant height (45.44 cm), Number of branches per plant (6.08), number of nodules/plant (11.05), dry weight (g/plant) (6.57), no. of pods/plant (28.38), seeds per pod (10.13), test weight(g) (38.14), grain yield (1094.06 kg/ha), stover yield (1523.95 kg/ha) and biological yield (2618.01 kg/ha). Where the maximum gross return (101249.80 INR/ha), net return (76043.75 INR/ha) and B:C ratio (3.02) were also recorded with application of vermicompost (1.25 t/ha) + neem cake (0.625 t/ha) + rhizobium (10 g/kg seed) + PSB (10 g/kg seed).

The Potwar Siwaliks: an impressive Neogene record of terrestrial rocks and fossils

Abstract Outcropping sedimentary deposits of the Potwar Plateau in northern Pakistan comprise the most complete record of Neogene Siwalik rocks and faunas to be found in the Indian subcontinent documenting an extraordinary record of terrestrial vertebrate fossils for the Miocene Epoch. The Potwar Plateau is a portion of the Siwalik Hills, the mountainous terrane of the outer Himalayas extending over 2000 km across the northern margin of the Indian subcontinent. Siwalik strata accumulated as a molassic sedimentary wedge shed southward with the erosion of the rising crust as it was uplifted via plate tectonics. The long Potwar record of numerous superposed assemblages of fossil vertebrates preserves a history spanning many millions of years, and constitutes a unique geoheritage resource for Asia and for the world. The record can be dated and interpreted with a high degree of precision rarely achieved in terrestrial settings. The Potwar Siwalik sediments document 18 million years of change in the subtropical ecosystem of South Asia, in which global to regional climate change directly impacted terrestrial palaeofloras and palaeofaunas, forcing coevolution of elements of the terrestrial food web, and with that the modernization of mammalian groups. The potential to trace coincidence of abiotic changes with evolution within lineages is unusual.

Android Based Disaster Management Application Using Machine Learning

A good saying” Precaution is better than cure” for emergency situations. Natural disasters in India, many of them related to the climate of India, cause massive losses of Indian life and property. Droughts, flash floods, cyclones, avalanches, landslides brought on by torrential rains and snowstorms pose the greatest threats. Landslides are common in the Lower Himalayas. Parts of the Western Ghats also suffer from low-intensity landslides. Floods are the most common natural disaster in India. Therefore, developing a system which can monitor as well as providing instructions on basis of current disaster using Supervised learning, reducing time for quick actions, Google map API for locating nearby locations, Disaster prediction using data analytics. The mobile application will have four tabs: Alert buzzer, weather forecast, the menu tab and the communication forum. Furthermore, the system notifies the users through SMS and even through the forum whenever there is the alert notification posted on the application Using system can help a great deal in the planning and implementation of disaster mitigation schemes. Keywords: ML-Machine Learning, SVM-Support Vector Machine, NDRF-National Disaster Response Force, SDRF-State Disaster Response Force

Diversity of Calliphoridae and Polleniidae (Diptera) in the Himalaya, India

The family Calliphoridae (Diptera: Calyptratae: Oestroidea) is primarily known for its synanthropic, necrophagous, and myiasis–causing species. This study presents an updated checklist of blow fly species recorded in the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, and Pakistan. The dataset includes 23 genera and 69 Species from Indian Himalayas, 18 genera and 52 species from the Pakistani Himalayas, and 22 genera and 74 species from Nepalese Himalaya. The data is categorised into three elevation zones: the Shivalik range (350–1,200 m), Lesser Himalaya (1200-2,200 m), and Upper Himalaya (2,200 m and above) taking into consideration factors such as vegetation, temperature, and other environmental variables. The Sorensen Similarity Index was utilized to quantify the degree of species overlap and similarity among blow fly communities within these elevation ranges.

Unraveling the impact of human perturbation on nitrogen cycling in terrestrial ecosystems of lower Himalaya, Pakistan.

Terrestrial ecosystems are under the enormous pressure of land use management regimes through human disturbances, resulting in the disruption of biogeochemical cycles and associated ecosystem services. Nitrogen (N) in soil ecosystems is of vital importance for primary productivity, hence estimating the extent of these human interventions on N-cycling processes becomes imperative from economic and environmental perspectives. This work investigated the impacts of variable anthropogenic activities on N cycling in three different terrestrial ecosystems (arable, grassland, and forest) in three regions of lower Himalaya, Pakistan. Potential nitrification (PNA) and denitrification (DEA) enzyme activities, relative distribution of inorganic N species (NH4, NO3), and the role of inherent edaphic factors were assessed. Results revealed high nitrification potentials and increased nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in the incubated soil microcosms, in the order as arable > grassland > forest ecosystems. Notably, higher rates of both studied processes (~ 30-50%) and elevated soil mineral nitrogen pool were observed in arable ecosystems. Forest soils, assumed as pristine ecosystems relying mainly on natural N fixation, produced (de)nitrification rates relatively lower than grasslands, followed by arable soils which were moderately disturbed through long-term fertilization and intensive land-use regimes. Linear regression modeling revealed that the inorganic N species (particularly NO3), and inherent edaphic factors were the key determinants of high (de)nitrification rates, hence warn of accelerated N losses in these ecosystems. The study highlights that elevated PNA and DEA being proxies for the altered N cycling in the studied terrestrial ecosystems are of great ecological relevance in view of predicted N2O budget in the lower Himalaya.

Opinions and Problems Regarding Various Aspects of Nontimber Forest Products (NtFP): A Study on NtFP Collectors of Shivalik Range of Jammu Region

"The present study was carried out in Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir State during the year 2017-2019. In this study, three forest ranges namely; Basantgarh, Dudu and Bani ranges were selected purposively because maximum Non Timber Forest Product (NTFP) activities were being carried under these ranges. From each forest range 50 NTFP collectors were selected through snowball sampling technique. In this way total sample of 150 collectors were selected as ultimate sampling units. And in comparison to this a matching sample of 150 non- collectors were also selected through random sampling procedure. The data was collected through personal interview with the help of interview schedule. The findings of this study reveal problems faced by the respondents in collection and marketing of NTFPs, lack of markets for NTFPs was the main constraint ranked first by the collectors in the study area followed by no proper weighting of material, harmful wild weeds and attack of wild animals. To overcome the challenges they have faced during collection and marketing of NTFPs, majority of the collectors (90%) suggested that training programme should be organized for skill development and processing units in villages, followed by license for collection (86.67%), proper market channels (83.33%) and the government should set the selling prices for various NTFPs (70%)."

Flood hazard modelling using HEC-RAS in the Pathariya Khola, Far-western Nepal

Flood hazards are a common problem in flat-lying areas, particularly in southern Nepal due to heavy precipitation and the consequent large transportation of sediments from hilly regions. Bank erosion, flooding, inundation, and sedimentation are the major problems in the plain area of the Kailali District along the riverbanks of Pathariya Khola, which is located on the southern flanks of the Churia Range. The study has been focused on flood hazards and vulnerability evaluation. The river discharge was calculated by WECS/DHM method and flood frequency in various return periods was analysed using HEC-RAS, RAS-Mapper, and geographic information system (GIS) for hazard modelling to delineate the flood-prone areas. The flood hazard zones were categorized as moderate (26.29%), high (39.59%), and very high (34.12%) based on the computed water depths of peak floods. The agricultural land is the most vulnerable to flooding followed by built-up areas. The results have revealed that the flood hazard areas are ever-expanding with the increased discharge levels of different return periods.

Assessment of Yield, Quality and Economics of Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa cv. Allison) Production as Influenced by Integrated Nitrogen Management Strategies in Indian Lower Himalayas

Assessment of Yield, Quality and Economics of Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa cv. Allison) Production as Influenced by Integrated Nitrogen Management Strategies in Indian Lower Himalayas

Conceputal Sizing and Multicriteria Optimization of UAV for Snow Studies

This paper describes a methodology for conceptual design and sizing of a UAV to be used for snow cover evaluation and other scientific studies in lower Himalayas. The problem is posed in a multi-criteria optimization framework with wing span (representing size) and stall speed (representing performance) as the two conflicting objective functions. Eleven design variables are considered, which relate to the geometry and mass. In addition, an engine selection parameter is also used. Inequality and equality constraints are imposed on the design. The design is optimized with genetic algorithm independently for takeoff mass and stall speed. Multi-objective optimization is carried out for the stall speed and wing span as objective functions. For most cases, the optimum configuration has the lowest wing aspect ratio, highest wing t/c ratio, smallest aircraft length and highest flap area fraction. Low aspect ratio and high t/c for the wing result in lower wing weight.

A scenario-based analysis of selected best management practices for reduced sediment and nutrient yield in the watershed located in the Shivalik hills, India

Abstract In this study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the best management practices (BMPs) in a poorly degraded and economically fragile watershed area in Shivalik hills, Northern India. A scenario-based approach was followed to evaluate the existing BMPs and a few hypothetically implemented BMPs based on SWAT modeling. A regionalization approach was adopted for calibrating the SWAT model for ungauged micro-watersheds within the study area. After successful calibration, soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model was simulated for several BMPs that are in practice such as Check dams, vegetation and fencing so as to learn about their effectiveness in controlling sediment and nutrient yield. Other hypothetically installed BMPs, such as contouring, terracing, grassed waterways and filter strips were also evaluated in untreated micro and sub-watersheds. The cost–benefit analysis of these hypothetical BMPs revealed that the average reduction in nutrients was maximum for grassed waterways and minimum for terracing. Overall, the scenario-based analysis revealed that conservation practices, in the otherwise degraded watershed, can prove to be beneficial for sustainability of its natural resources.

Pharmacognostic Standardization and Physicochemical Evaluation of Premna barbata Wall. Ex Schauer leaves from Western Himalaya

Premna barbata Wall. ex Schauer; belongs to family Lamiaceae. It is a deciduous shrub or a tree. The plant is distributed in the forest area of the eastern and northern parts of India in tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa, Australia and the Pacific Island. It is found in the Shivalik tract and the lower Himalaya. The present work has been undertaken to establish the pharmacognostical parameter of P. barbata leaves. The leaf samples were subjected to organoleptic and microscopic analysis. Physico-chemical properties and fluorescence analysis of the sample under UV were studied as per World Health Organization norms. Hydroalcoholic extract was prepared and subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity. Morphological observations revealed that the leaves are simple, petiolate, opposite, reticulate venation, 5.0-5.2 cm long, ovate in shape, entire margin with acute apex. Microscopic analysis showed that the leaves are dorsiventral, uniseriate covering trichomes present on upper and lower epidermis. Vascular bundle existing was of open and bicollateral type and pith was composed of loosely packed, comparatively large round parenchyma cells etc. Parameters like ash and extractive values, moisture content and fluorescent characteristics of the leaf samples were determined and reported. The extract revealed the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids, tannins and phenolic compounds. The standardization parameters studied in the present investigation will aid in the identification and will be helpful in maintaining the standard profile of Premna barbata.

Geomorphological significance of the morphometric characteristics of first-order basins in the Siwalik Hills in the Himalayas, Nepal

ABSTRACT First-order basin morphology is important for the functioning of the whole hydrologic system. This study examines the geomorphology of three areas in the tectonically active Siwalik Hills, Nepal, using morphometric variables. Twenty variables for 11,200 first-order basins were obtained from maps and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) of three areas (the Machheli, Banganga and Binai river basins). Principal component analysis of each area condensed these into 6 major components, which accounted for 78–82% of the total variance in each data set. Rotated principal components were remarkably consistent between the three areas. The average slope, area, elevation range, valley angle, shape index, hypsometric integral, basin asymmetry factor and drainage density were identified as the eight most important morphometric variables defining these components. Ordinal grouping and k-means clustering led to recognition of eight basin types, distinguished predominantly by elevation range, average slope, area and valley angle. Shallow and steep basins are predominant in all three areas. The spatial distribution of first-order basin types exhibits a distinct pattern of geomorphic regions. The study demonstrated that a first-order basin is a suitable unit to demonstrate the morphological characteristics of a geologically complex area, and the study approach can be applied more broadly.

Uncovering the Impact of Erosion Conservation Techiques on Soil Attributes in Shivaliks of Lower Himalayas of Jammu, India

The present study uncovering the impact of erosion conservation techniques on soil attributes in Shivaliks of lower Himalayas of Jammu. Soil erosion is considered as the main cause of land degradation in hilly areas espially in outer Himalayas. Although the problem persisted on the earth for a longer period, it has become severe in recent times due to increased man-environment interactions. The study was conducted in 2021 at the Merth village of Jammu and Kashmir, India, which is situated in the Kathua district. The catchment area investigated had a clay loam texture and a slope gradient of 3-6%, with a total area of 24.8 acres. The result shows that mean value of bulk density under various erosion control techniques was highest in overgrazing prevention (1.40g cm-3) followed by perimeter runoff control, terrace farming and contour plowing and was lowest in cover crop (1.33g cm-3). The carbon content also increased with the and was highest under cover crop. Carbon act as bridge between nutrient, water and soil. The study strongly recommends adoption of resource conservation techniques for reducing soil erosion & water conservation in submontane Shivaliks.

Proficient Lignocellulolytic Novel Bacterial Isolates from Diversified Galiyat Forests of Lower Himalaya

Lignocellulosic biomass needs attention as an alternative energy source to overcome the adverse impacts of fossil fuels. Diversified Galiyat forests of Lower Himalaya may represent the potential source of lignocellulose degrading microbiota, particularly the lytic bacteria. Therefore, soil and wood samples were collected from different sites of Nathiagali and Thandiani of Galiyat forests. The soil samples collected were clayey, with a pH between 6.7 and 7.0, and with an organic matter of 2.8%–2.9% in Nathiagali and 2.1%–2.2% in Thandiani. The soils were enriched with more diversified cultivable bacteria (9 Log CFU/g) than the respective wood samples (7.4–8.6 Log CFU/g). Out of 90 bacteria, 22 isolates were efficient for cellulose degradation, 14 for xylanase activity, and 10 for laccase production. Cluster analysis showed that lignocellulolytic bacteria were grouped based on the sample medium (soil–wood) rather than the sampling site (Thandiani–Nathiagali). Efficient bacteria were also sequenced, and we found that cellulase production was prevalent in Pseudomonas spp. while laccase activity was diverse among taxonomically varied bacteria. Moreover, Stenotrophomonas sp. TS2B1 performed the best for corncob xylose degradation. Overall, the results suggest that Galiyat forests represent diverse lignocellulolytic microbial populations which should be further evaluated for applications in lignocellulosic waste management and for potential consequent fuel production.