Southern Block Research Articles

Implications of active Gavilgarh/Salbardi fault on the evolution of the late Quaternary landscape in Central India

The morphometric indices (MI) have been calculated along the Gavilgarh/Salbardi Fault (G/SF) to investigate active deformation, tectonic uplift, and basin tilt to find out its impact on the late Quaternary landscape. To explore the tectonic intensity, we computed MI such as stream-length gradient index (SL), hypsometric integral (HI), transverse topographic symmetry factor (T), asymmetry factor (Af), basin elongation ratio (Re), mountain front sinuosity (Smf) and valley floor width to valley height ratio (Vf). The necessary field investigations were carried out on the evolution of the Quaternary landscape to ascertain the various morphometric indices. The evaluated values of SL, HI, Re, Smf, and Vf show the high uplift of the northern block exists as opposed to the southern block, and the tilt and asymmetric character of the basins are shown by T and Af values. The presence of sedimentary landscapes like Quaternary alluvium, triangular facets, natural levees, and boulder-pebbly beds, indicates that the area has recently experienced tectonic activity. The assessed values of MI with supporting field evidence proposed that the northern block is uplifted and the basins are tilted because of the effect of G/SF.

New Rock Magnetism and Magnetic Fabrics Studies on the Late Triassic Volcanic Rocks from Qaidam Block, Northern Tibetan Plateau

The Qaidam Block, located at the northern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, is a pivotal area in unraveling the closure time of the Kunlun Ocean basin which might have recorded the transformation process between the Proto-Tethys and Paleo-Tethys Ocean basins. However, the late Triassic position of the Qaidam Block remains enigmatic, largely due to the scarcity of paleomagnetic data essential for quantitatively determining its paleolatitude. The widespread presence of the Elashan formation, particularly along the southern periphery of the Qaidam block, presents good material for conducting paleomagnetic work. Nevertheless, the primary magnetic carriers preserved within the Elashan formation might be influenced by multiple tectonic thermal events, particularly those associated with collisions between southern blocks and the Qaidam Block. Here we present rock magnetism and magnetic fabrics studies to identify the content and composition of magnetic minerals within the Elashan formation. The rock magnetic and petrologic results show that the magnetic carriers in the samples from the Elashan formation are dominated by magnetite with a small amount of goethite, pyrrhotite, and hematite. The results of Anisotropy in Magnetic Susceptibility indicate that the south of the Longwalangku section might not be obviously influenced by the tectonic events. Our results also provided guidance for future paleomagnetic research, emphasizing the importance of conducting further sampling away from adjacent faults, particularly in the southern Longwalangku area.

Density estimation of the globally threatened fishing cat Prionailurus viverrinus through a participatory science approach in the Chilika lagoon, eastern India

The fishing cat Prionailurus viverrinus is an Indo-Malayan wetland-dependent felid which is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Its main prey, fish, has low energetic demands and is abundant in productive aquatic habitats. This facilitates high piscivore densities and potentially alters expected scaling patterns that link population density to the body mass of small cats. With local community participation, we estimated the density of the fishing cat in Chilika, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, located in the state of Odisha, eastern India, with community participation. The study was carried out in 2 phases in different habitats during 2021 and 2022: a homogeneous marshy habitat and its buffer (Northern Block), and a heterogeneous matrix of different land-use types (Southern Block). We deployed a total of 144 camera traps across 4380 trap nights. Using spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR), we estimated mean (±SE) fishing cat density to be 0.69 ± 0.1 ind. km-2 in the Northern Block and 0.67 ± 0.33 ind. km-2 in the Southern Block. The population abundance estimates for the Northern and the Southern Blocks were 159 ± 23 and 185 ± 91 respectively. In the former, SECR modelling indicated an effect of anthropogenic habitat modification upon the species’ home range extent. Our density estimates are amongst the highest reported for the species outside protected areas. The results imply that Chilika holds an abundant population of the fishing cat, the continued persistence of which requires mitigation of local and external threats to fish populations. Furthermore, our study, with its inclusive approach, sets a precedent for the use of camera trapping for obtaining robust density estimates of species with uniquely marked individuals in wetland habitats.

Research on fault-controlled hydrocarbon accumulation in rifted lacustrine basins based on structural geological modeling: a case study of the Banqiao area in Bohai Bay Basin, China

The Banqiao area in the Bohai Bay Basin has experienced three stages of extensional deformation, leading to the formation of numerous fault-bound traps. Faults, acting as boundary conditions for these traps, play a crucial role in hydrocarbon accumulation. In this study, we conducted a 3D structural modeling of the area using high-resolution 3D seismic data and established a fault-reservoir database based on previous research. Our findings reveal four levels of faults in the Banqiao area: basin-controlling faults, boundary faults, derivative master faults, and secondary adjusting faults. The structural units can be categorized into subsag areas, slope areas, stress tran-sition zones, bifurcation and main incised fault zones, and southern block areas. The segmented growth of the main boundary faults controls the evolution of the subsags, with the subsidence center gradually shifting eastward from Rift Phase I to Rift Phase II, aligning with the distribution of source rocks. Fault-bound traps in the Banqiao area include single faults, intersecting faults, and side faults. Faults primarily act as barriers to lateral hydrocarbon migration during the process of hydrocarbon accumulation, while also providing pathways to a lesser extent. By integrating the fault-reservoir database with the fault system classification, we identified four types of fault-controlled hydro-carbon accumulation models: like-dipping fault barrier model, oppositely-dipping fault barrier model, intersecting fault barrier model, and reactivation-controlled secondary hydrocarbon ac-cumulation model. This structural geological model effectively demonstrates the spatial configura-tion of faults and their role in hydrocarbon accumulation in the Banqiao area. The fault control mechanisms presented in the model can also be applied to other blocks in the Bohai Bay Basin, laying a foundation for future petroleum exploration in continental rifted basins and facilitating the ap-plication of big data algorithms in various geoscientific research fields.

Distance of Drill-Hole Determination based on Global Estimation Variance of Coal Resources Classification

Based on SNI 5015:2019, the estimation of coal resources is based on geological conditions, as well as the distance of information points for each geological condition and resource class. PT. AMNK is a coal mining company and has now started mining. The mines are divided into three blocks, north, middle, and south. Drilling activities have been carried out in the middle block, with 66 drilling points resulting in 4 main seams namely, H seam, I seam, J seam, and K seam. The average drill hole distance is 150 m. This type of coal deposit belongs to the moderate geological group characterized by the presence of a fault in the middle block. Further analysis of optimum drill hole distances is carried out as a basis for the estimation and classification of resources, which in 2024 will be used as an exploration target for the southern block. Analysis of the optimum drill hole distance based on the "relative error" value using the GEV (Global Estimation Variance) method and the size of the sill variogram. Based on the analysis of the K seam, the optimum borehole distances were 385 m, 750 m, and 1750 m, measured, indicated, and inferred categories, respectively.

Rupture process of the January 8, 2022, Menyuan M 6.9 earthquake

After the occurrence of destructively strong earthquakes, rapid acquisition of the source rupture process can provide important reference information for post-earthquake disaster relief and aftershock trend determination. An M 6.9 earthquake occurred in Menyuan County, Qinghai Province on January 8, 2022. The epicenter is located in the seismic gap in the middle section of the Haiyuan fault belt. Such a typical strong earthquake was taken as an example to investigate the rupture process of strong earthquakes. Three days after the earthquake, the InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) coseismic deformation field was obtained by Sentinel radar, indicating that the surface ruptured obviously. The southern block of the earthquake faces towards the satellite about 95 ​cm along the LOS (line of sight) direction, and the northern block is away from the satellite by ​∼ ​74 ​cm, consistent with the characteristic of left-lateral strike-slip motion. In this study, InSAR coseismic deformation data and far-field waveform data were used to jointly invert the earthquake rupture process, and a four-segment finite fault model was constructed by referring to the surface deformation. The inversion results show that the focal depth of the Menyuan earthquake is about 7 ​km, and the strike of the seismogenic fault is 89.0°, 104.0°, 119.0° and 131.0° from west to east, respectively. It is a high-dip left-lateral strike-slip earthquake event lasting about 14 ​s. The rupture propagation mode is a bilateral extension. The maximum slip along the fault is about 380 ​cm, and the seismic moment magnitude is 6.7. The surface rupture length is about 24 ​km, which is consistent with that measured in the field survey. The detailed seismic source model can provide basic data for the aftershock trend determination and seismic risk analysis of the adjacent active faults.

Exhumation and topographic evolution of the Chiapas Massif Complex (southern Mexico) constrained by thermochronologic data modeling along vertical profiles

Thermochronometry is used to better understand the processes responsible for Cenozoic magmatism and exhumation of the Chiapas Massif Complex that spans a diffuse triple junction between the Caribbean, North American and Cocos plates. A combination of zircon U-Pb, apatite fission tracks, (U-Th)/He as well as numerical modeling show contrasting histories. Exhumation started earlier in the south (~16 Ma) relative to the north (~9 Ma). Northern exhumation is related to activity on the Tonalá fault system, while to the south it may be correlated with transpressive deformation in Chiapas fold-and-thrust belt. The southern block also experienced significant topographic growth from ~5 Ma to ~1 Ma followed by intense erosion. Overall, the pattern of uplift is in agreement with the ‘closing zipper’ model in which a forearc sliver is progressively incorporated to the North American plate. Thermal models also support a Pleistocene decrease in topography consistent with independent paleoenvironmental and geomorphologic evidences.

Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and Government Ophthalmic Hospital: The Heart of Heritage

Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and Government Ophthalmic Hospital: The Heart of Heritage

Appraisal of gravity-based lineaments around Central Indian Ridge (CIR) in different geological periods: Evidence of frequent ridge jumps in the southern block of CIR

• Application of edge Enhancement to mark the lineaments over the CNIR. • Power spectrum analysis to differentiate long and short lineaments. • Comparison of spreading rate with length of lineaments. • Analysis of lineament orientation and plate movement in different geologic era. • Southern CNIR witnessed frequent ridge jumps for stability of the RTJ . This paper presents an approach for utilizing the balanced edge detection technique in satellite-derived gravity data to study the tectonic movement in past geological periods. The research is initiated by examining the normalized total horizontal derivative (NTHD) edge detection technique based on a moving window. NTHD is found to be effective for both shallow and deep-seated bodies. The noise in the gravity map could be effectively eliminated using a larger window size. The lineaments are marked over the Central Indian Ridge (CIR) using NTHD. Analysis of various geological periods and the lineaments shows that the speed and direction of the tectonic Plate play an essential role in deciding the length and orientation of lineaments formed. The most prominent lineament pattern observed over the CIR is in the NE-SW, ENE-WSW, and NNE-SSW, possibly associated with plate movement during Late Cretaceous to Late Eocene and after the Early Miocene period. In addition, a few lineaments are also found to be oriented in NW-SE, E-W, and N-S. The N-S lineaments might be the consequence of the movement of the Indian Plate in a northward direction for a short time during the Late Eocene and Early Miocene. The E-W lineaments result from the transfer of the Reunion hotspot from the Indian to the African Plate. The high lineament density and circular statistical values indicate left flank of the CIR undergoes rigorous tectonic activity. The high value of circular statistics indicates the chaotic arrangement of lineaments in the southern block of the CIR.

Fractal analysis of lineaments using CryoSat-2 and Jason-1 satellite-derived gravity data: Evidence of a uniform tectonic activity over the middle part of the Central Indian Ridge

The availability of high-accuracy altimetry and satellite gravity data leads to the development of high-resolution global gravity model data. It helps in understanding the structure and evolution of remote oceanic regions. The present study utilizes fractal analysis of structural patterns identified from the Sandwell (2014) gravity data to understand the geological implication over the Central Indian Ridge (CNIR). The normalized standard deviation (NSTD) edge detection technique has been used to identify different possible lineaments/structural patterns. Generally, the Northern, Middle, and Southern blocks of CNIR are characterized by ENE-WSW, NE-SW, NNE-SSW, and NW-SE lineaments. However, the Southern block is additionally characterized by few E-W-oriented lineaments. The lineament density map indicates Southern block exhibit a maximum lineament concentration than other two blocks. The fractal dimensions of lineaments in the Northern, Middle, and Southern blocks are in the order of 1.64, 1.627, and 1.666, respectively. The high fractal dimension and lineament density values of the Southern block indicate a concentrated distribution of lineaments. The low fractal dimension and lineament density values over the Middle block indicate a greater degree of uniformity in the lineament distribution than the other two blocks, representing a relatively stable tectonic setup over the Middle block. The high multifractal width of the Southern block is characterized by variable spreading rates and frequent ridge jumps. The multifractal studies demonstrate the presence of medium-small scale lineaments over the CNIR. The large numbers of small and discontinuous lineaments over the CNIR indicate strong but less frequent tectonic activity along the ridge axis.

The Early Paleozoic Tectonic Framework and Evolution of Northern West Qinling Orogen: By Zircon U-Pb Dating and Geochemistry of Rocks from Tianshui and Sunjiaxia

The Tianshui-Sunjiaxia area is located in the connection zone of West Qinling Orogen and North Qilian Orogen, which could provide great insights into the amalgamation processes between the northern and southern blocks of China. Three subduction- and rift-related rocks gneissic granite from North Qilian arc-interarc belt (NQAI) granite and metabasalt from North Qinling back-arc basin (NQBA) are distinguished across the connection zone. The gneissic granite was generated by melts from older crustal materials of Longshan Group with the addition of a relatively juvenile basaltic source from the lower crust during the collision process. The Liwanxincun metabasalt reflects the mixing of the partial melting of the shallow asthenospheric mantle and the metasomatized mantle in a back-arc extension setting. The LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating of gneissic granite (068, 069) yields crystallization ages of 457.0 ± 1.6 Ma and 445.9 ± 2.1 Ma. The study area is divided into six tectonic units in Early Paleozoic time involving NQAI (Yanjiadian-Xinjie) continental arc, interarc rift basin (Maojiamo-Xiwali), continental arc (Chenjiahe-Wangjiacha); NQBA back-arc rift basin (Huluhe-Hongtubao), island arc and ophiolitic melange belt (North Qinling-Shangdan). A tectonic model is proposed in which the NQAI continental arc (Yanjiadian-Xinjie) might represent the early period of subduction of North Qilian Ocean (NQO) and the interarc rift is the product of the extension triggered by southward subduction of NQO. The ongoing subduction of NQO then leads to the formation of Chenjiahe-Wangjiacha continental arc, as well as the Hongtubao back-arc spreading ridge in NQBA back-arc basin (Huluhe). The tectonic evolution of the connection zone is closely associated with the closure of the North Qilian Ocean and North Qinling-Shangdan Ocean in the context of the convergence process of micro-continental blocks, including North China block, Longshan group and North Qinling Terrane.

Significance of neotectonics in assessing the relative tectonic activity in and around the Mat Fault of Eastern Himalayan Fold Belt, Mizoram,north‐eastIndia

The Mat Fault situated in the Eastern Himalayan Fold Belt was mapped around Mizoram and is oriented NNW to SSE. This region has experienced a number of earthquakes in the recent past that damaged settlements and triggered numerous landslides. A set of geomorphic parameters were analysed on both sides of the Mat Fault to understand the tectonic setting. The six geomorphic parameters include: elongation ratio, hypsometric analysis, asymmetry factor, transverse topographic symmetry factor, stream length‐gradient index, and valley floor‐to‐width ratio, and they were calculated for 20 fourth‐order sub‐watersheds. Out of 20 sub‐watersheds, 10 sub‐watersheds were selected from the northern block and 10 from the southern block. Hypsometric analyses show that all the sub‐watersheds have attained a mature stage of geomorphic cycle of erosion; and from the analysis of hypsometric curves, it is found that 16 of the sub‐watersheds might have been uplifted due to tectonic activity. The asymmetry and transverse topographic symmetry factor values also suggest tilting in different directions possibly due to obstruction by faulting. The anomaly of high stream length index values is also observed in different sub‐watersheds indicating neotectonic activity. Low values of the valley floor‐to‐width ratio (<0.5) suggest V‐shaped valley topography, which indicate vertical incision due to tectonic activity. On evaluating relative tectonic activity among 20 sub‐watersheds, it is found that 80% of sub‐watersheds in the northern block show relatively stronger tectonic activity than the southern block. The present work suggests that the study area is tectonically active, and the possibility that they were produced by seismic activity.

Optimization of construction parameters for fractured horizontal wells in the southern block of eastern Sulige gas field.

Sulige gas field is a typical tight sandstone gas reservoir. Single well stimulation is an effective means of late fracturing. Because of the complex geological conditions in the Sulige area, there is little research on fracture parameter design of fractured horizontal wells. Based on the geological and engineering parameters of fractured horizontal wells in the block, the numerical simulation method is used to analyze the block. It is clear that the main controlling factors affecting the fracturing effect in the well area are fracture conductivity, fracture length, and fracture cluster number, and the optimal scheme to improve the single well production is proposed.

Petrology and geochronology of a suite of meta-supracrustal rocks from Madukkarai, Tamil Nadu: Implications for the Ediacaran-Cambrian orogenesis of the Granulite Terrane of South India

The Granulite Terrane of South India (GTSI) has two major components. An orthogneiss dominated northern block of Archaean/early Palaeoproterozoic age and an Ediacaran-Cambrian, high to ultra-high temperature meta-supracrustal dominated southern block (the Madurai Block, MB). It is commonly perceived that the two blocks of GTSI came into juxtaposition along the Palghat-Cauvery Shear/Suture Zone (PCSZ) during a continent-continent collision. However, the timing and the nature of the contact relations between the two major components remains controversial. In this work, detail petrological and geochronological study of two metapelites along with a meta-psammite (only for geochronological study), from the Madukkarai Supracrustal Unit (MSU) within the PCSZ, are presented. The studied metapelites show two distinct assemblages:A.Garnet + biotite + sillimanite (both idioblasts and pseudomorphs after kyanite) + K-feldspar + plagioclase + quartz + ilmenite (rutile, zircon and monazite as accessory phases).B.Mineralogy is similar to A but contains cordierite and minor spinel, but no zircon.Both the metapelites develop a gneissic fabric that is defined by centimetre thick laterally discontinuous garnet-bearing leucosomes. ‘Frozen in’ reaction textures, phase equilibria modelling and mineralogical thermobarometry yielded “peak” temperature and pressure of metamorphism in the range of ~730–790 °C, ~5.5–7 kbar (considering sillimanite and ilmenite to be stable). Subsequently, the rocks followed a decompressive retrograde P-T path recorded till ~630 °C and ~4 kbar. The geometry of the construed retrograde P-T path is similar to that commonly found in rocks of a continent-continent collision zone. LA-ICP-MS UPb zircon dating and U-Th-total Pb monazite dating constrain the major high-grade metamorphism and deformation during ~550–520 Ma with vestiges of ~600 Ma old tectonothermal/ thermal event. The geological history of the MSU shares many characteristics with the Ediacaran-Cambrian meta-supracrustal rocks lying on both sides of the PCSZ, in terms of lithological association, timing of protolith formation, deformation and metamorphism. The variation in intensity of metamorphism in the meta-supracrustal rocks of the GTSI could be linked to differential upliftment of the GTSI during the neotectonic activities, followed by erosion. Integrating all the geological, geochronological and geophysical information, it has been argued that the GTSI behaved as a coherent continental block that was involved in continent-continent collision during the formation of the Ediacaran-Cambrian supercontinent Gondwanaland. The findings of this study do not corroborate the view that PCSZ is an Ediacaran-Cambrian terrane boundary.

Reservoir characterization and identification of new prospect in Srikail gas field using wireline and seismic data

Although reservoir characterization has been carried out by many researchers on the sedimentary package of the Bengal basin hydrocarbon province, integration of petrophysical and seismic sequence-based reservoir evaluation is rarely taken into account. This paper focuses on the identification of gas zones, reserve estimation and identification of new prospects in Srikail gas field within the eastern fold belt of Bengal basin integrating four wireline logs and 2D seismic data. Our study finds seven hydrocarbon-bearing zones (A, B, C, D, E, F and G) within the measured depth between 2429.5 and 3501 m. Petrophysical properties of seven hydrocarbon-bearing zones indicate that they are good quality reservoir sands. The gas horizons were mapped on seismic sections which reveal that the NW–SE anticlinal structure is largely affected by channels in the crest and western flank. The channels are infilled by fine-grained sediments which act as cap rock on northern and western parts of the structure. Thus, the anticlinal structure and fine-grained sediments make a potential trap for hydrocarbon accumulation and laterally and vertically well-distributed sequence remnants are the main reservoir rocks in this area. Volumetric reserve estimation of these sands provided a total gas initially in place as 552 billion cubic feet. Moreover, all the four wells are drilled in the southern block of the structure, and since there is a structural continuity from south to the north, it is highly recommended to drill a well up to 3000 m depth in the northern block to test its hydrocarbon potentiality. Overall, the outcomes of this study contribute new insights for reservoir characterization and identification of new prospects in an efficient way.

Tectonic pulse registered between 2013 and 2015 on the eastern margin of the Bohemian Massif

A significant period of increased tectonics was monitored between 2013 and 2015 on the eastern margin of the Bohemian Massif along ten faults. Nine of them showed a uniform scheme: dextral strike-slip along generally NW–SE striking faults, sinistral strike-slip along generally NE–SW striking faults and uprising of the southern blocks. The distinguished fault displacements displayed an NNW–SSE striking compressional component of the stress field during this remarkable tectonic episode.

What is the role of topographic heterogeneity and climate on the distribution and conservation of vascular epiphytes in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest?

Mapping diversity patterns is important to clarify its causes and is essential information for conservation policies. We map the distribution of vascular epiphytes from the Southern block of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (SBAF) to understand the main factors responsible for the richness and species turnover, as well as to generate information for the conservation of this functional group. We gathered a data set of vascular epiphytes, mapping the richness and weighted endemism using cells of 0.5° × 0.5°, and performed two Generalized Dissimilarity Models (GDM) using a filter of 18 and 54 species in cells of 5 km × 5 km to evaluate the species turnover and correlation with the climatic and topographic factors. We found four sites presenting both a high richness and endemism. A gradient of richness and species turnover between the coastal and inland regions was confirmed, as well as between the lowlands and the mountainous regions. The main predictors obtained from GDM were geographic distance, cloud cover, and temperature seasonality. The topographic heterogeneity and the resulting climate changes are responsible to enhance the richness and species turnover of vascular epiphytes in the SBAF. It is important to conserve the coastal areas and the mountainous gradients due to the high richness and strong species turnover, but also the inland areas since their composition is quite distinct from previous environments.

Liquefaction and normal fault in Talise Valangguni and Tanamodindi Villages of Palu City; a preliminary observation of impact MW 7.5 earthquake in 2018 at Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

Talise Valangguni and Tanamodindi Village are among the areas that affected by 28 September 2018 earthquake. This fact-based on our findings about ground surface deformation, the liquefaction and normal fault surface rupture effect. We then make further observations to record the existing hazard characteristics and delineate the affected area to see the hazards configuration to geological factors. The results showed there were 5 liquefaction areas with about 0.13-1.29 km2. The liquefaction effect characteristics that we found are fracture, downlift-uplift, wavy surface, sudden stagnant water, and lateral spreading. Liquefaction sites in this area are identical in seasonal river routes and strongly influenced by lithological, hydrogeological, and earthquake. The sediment deposits are dominated by saturated sand, which can experience significant infiltration, worsening the soil strength size. As a result, this area is susceptible to liquefaction effects when strong earthquakes occur. Meanwhile, normal faults are ± 1.5 km long, oriented west-east, where the southern block has decreased between 5-30 cm. We suspect that this fault existed before the earthquake and appear on the surface after the quake, contributed by shocks and gravity. We hope that this information can be used as a reference for spatial planning for Palu City in disaster mitigation.

Women education and gender disparity in Murshidabad district of West Bengal

Education is a crucial social factor that helps in development by expending knowledge, thought, ability and skill. However, in our patriarchal society, the educational status of women is far behind than men. The present study is an attempt to analyses the educational status of women and male-female disparity in education in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal using the secondary data from the Census of India and the district statistical handbook and male-female disparity in literacy is calculated based on Sopher’s Disparity Index method. The result of the study indicates that the Murshidabad district is backward compared to other districts in West Bengal. The present female-literacy rate of the district is 67.53%, which is below the state average (77%) and the overall district rank is 16th in 2011 out of 19 districts. Still, the female literacy rate of the district is increased by 13.18% over the past decade. The study reveals that there is an uneven distribution of block-level female literacy rate in Murshidabad district in both the Census year 2001 and 2011, as well as it is also noticed that female literacy rate is very high in middle and southern blocks such as Berhampore, Hariharpara and Beldanga I and very low in the northern blocks namely Farakka, Suti I, Suti II and Samserganj block. The male-female disparity in literacy is very high in western blocks like Kandi (0.147), Nabagram (0.141), Khargram (0.140) and Burwan (.0136) and very low in the eastern blocks viz. Bhagwangola II (.039), Domkal (.052). However, the overall district-level female literacy rate is gradually increasing and gender disparity in education is decreasing, the Government should take appropriate measures to accelerate women education and eradicate male-female inequality in education.

Impacts of Greenland Block Location on Clouds and Surface Energy Fluxes Over the Greenland Ice Sheet

AbstractClouds and blocking activity have been implicated as causes of increased Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) melt in the 21st century. Although Greenland blocks (i.e., long‐lasting, mostly stationary anticyclones) generally reduce cloud cover and move warm air over Greenland, the elevated GrIS perturbs air and moisture transport in complex ways, implying a need to better understand how blocks affect cloud and surface energy flux anomaly patterns. In this study, we use a combination of daily MODIS cloud data and meteorological and energy flux data from MERRA‐2 reanalysis to better understand how Greenland block location, separated into four equal‐area quadrants, affects regional cloud and surface energy flux spatial patterns in the summer months of 2002–2018. Overall, cloud fraction and cloud water path reductions are approximately four times greater during northern block days than southern block days. Net cloud radiative forcing anomalies are negative for all Greenland block locations because negative longwave cloud radiative forcing anomalies exceed positive shortwave cloud radiative forcing changes. However, greater cloud cover reductions during northern block days produce more negative net cloud radiative forcing anomalies than southern block days. Greenland‐average (i.e., latitude‐weighted average of all GrIS grids) net surface energy flux anomalies range from +7 to +12W/m2 for all block quadrants. While net shortwave energy anomalies dominate the total surface energy response during western Greenland block days, sensible heating is responsible for approximately half of positive total surface energy change during eastern Greenland block days.