hugarbh Vani

Welcome to the first issue of Bhugarbh Vani, 2013. several lectures

were delivered by our scientists, besides presenting papers in symposia and seminars. The Institute had the privilege to host many eminent scientists including those from USA and Russia and has benefited by lectures delivered by them on various aspects. A total of eleven research papers in reputed National & International journals were published in this quarter.

I feel very happy and proud to announce that one amongst us has received a prestigious “National Geoscience Award-2011”. This award brings the most important message to all, especially to our younger colleagues, that there is no shortcut to success, only hard work and determination bring ultimate success. The Institute has also welcomed several new members to the staff in the Centre for Glaciology. Some of our scientists preferred to take new challenge by opting teaching profession in different universities.

On behalf of editorial committee, I trust that you will find the content of this quarterly newsletter of interest and would encourage you to provide us new ideas that might enhance our Newsletter.

Meera Tiwari

The past three months have been eventful as

Contents

EditorialAnnouncementsResearch ActivitiesResearch Publications ReportsVisit abroadLectures deliveredParticipation in conferences/seminars/workshops/

meetingsTraining attendedField visitsInvited/interactive lecturesPh.D. registrationCelebrations Udbhav 2013 National Science DayNew Appointments / UpgradationOpportunitiesAwards & HonoursOn lienSuperannuation

B Volume 3, No. 1January-March, 2013

Editorial

Announcements

As a part of Indian Geophysical Union (IGU) Golden Jubilee Celebrations, WIHG is organising a workshop on “Modern perspectives in Himalayan Geosciences” during June 11-12, 2013. For details contact Dr Rajesh Sharma (Member Convenor) at sharmarajesh@wihg.res.in or visit www.igu.in

XXIV Indian Colloquium on Microplaeontology and Stratigraphy will be organized by the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun during November 18-21, 2013. For details contact Dr Kishor Kumar at kumark@wihg.res.in or Dr Meera Tiwari at mtiwari@wihg.res.in

Quarterly NewsletterWadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehra Dun

(www.wihg.res.in)

WIHG Bhugarbh Vani

2 3

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Genetic implications of Zn- and Mn-rich Cr-spinels in serpentinites of the Tidding Suture Zone, eastern Himalaya, NE India: Metamorphosed serpentinites of the Tidding Suture Zone (TSZ), eastern Himalaya, contain variably altered Cr-spinels that are concentrically zoned from high-Cr, low-Fe3+ spinel at the core to Cr-magnetite at the rim. Two types of Cr-spinel have been recognized, based on back-scattered electron imaging in conjunction with microprobe analytical profiles. Cr-spinel type-I is present in the least metamorphosed serpentinite (Cr# = 0.780.85, Mg# = 0.380.45) and Cr-spinel type-II is present in the highly metamorphosed serpentinite (Cr# = 0.860.94, Mg# = 0.100.34). Primary igneous compositions are preserved in the type-I chromites, whereas these compositions have been partly or completely obscured by metamorphism and alteration in type-II grains. The enrichment of Mn and Zn increases from the type-I (MnO = 1.862.42 wt.%, ZnO = 0.771.67 wt.%) to type-II (MnO = 2.724.04 wt.%, ZnO = 1.333.22wt.%) and the strong similarity in their distribution patterns implies that these elements were introduced during low-grade metamorphism and serpentinization. The abundance of Mg-rich chlorite and serpentine minerals suggests that olivine was the predominant silicate phase before serpentinization. Zn and Mn enrichment in the core zone of

2+the Cr-spinel is due to the substitution of Mg and in part of 2+Fe by Zn and Mn. These elements were probably supplied

from olivine upon serpentinization, during and after obduction of the ophiolitic mélange along the Tidding Suture Zone in the eastern Himalaya, NE India (Geol. J. 48: 22-38).

Photomicrographs showing an euhedral shaped Cr-spinel in serpentinite of the Tidding Suture Zone, Eastern Himalaya (top right); Cr-spinel grain exhibits the primary igneous reddish brown colour core rimmed by the secondary dark colour overgrowth of Cr-magnetite (top left); Schematic illustration of textural and chemical changes in Cr-spinel during progressive alteration and metamorphism (bottom).

Petrogenesis of metabasic rocks from the Lesser Himalayan Crystallines, Arunachal Himalaya:

Petrology and geochemistry of Abyssal Peridotites from the Manipur Ophiolite Complex, Indo-Myanmar Orogenic Belt, Northeast India: Implication for melt generation in mid-oceanic ridge environment:

In the Lesser Himalayan Crystallines of the western Arunachal Himalaya, numerous metabasic rocks occur as disrupted dykes / sills and boudins mostly within gneiss and rarely interbedded with quartzite and phyllite. These metabasic rocks are tholeiitic in composition, resemble ortho-amphibolites, enriched in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements and are depleted in high field strength elements (Nb, P, Ti). Amphiboles present in these rocks are typically calcic in nature and range from tschermakite to magnesiohornblende-actinolite, whereas plagioclase varies from oligoclase to labradorite (An to 29

An ). Their mineral chemistry suggests that these rocks 52

were metamorphosed at temperatures ranging between 566°C and 633°C at a pressure >5 kb. Geochemical characteristics and petrogenetic modelling imply that the protoliths of these metabasic rocks were probably derived from an enriched lithospheric mantle source by partial melting (5% to 20%), leaving a residue with 35% olivine, 50% orthopyroxene, 15% clinopyroxene; subsequently, the melt was modified by fractional crystallization of clinopyroxene and plagioclase. It is also suggested that the protoliths of these rocks were emplaced in a continental rift environment.

The Manipur Ophiolite Complex (MOC) located in the Indo-Myanmar Orogenic Belt (IMOB) of northeast India forms a section of the Tethyan Ophiolite Belt of the Alpine-Himalayan orogenic system. Whole rock compositions and mineral chemistry of mantle peridotites from the MOC show an affinity to the abyssal peridotites, characterized by high contents of Al O (1.28-3.30 anhydrous wt.%); low Cr# of 2 3

Cr-spinel (0.110.27); low Mg# of olivine (~Fo ) and high 90

Al O3 in pyroxenes (3.716.35 wt.%). They have very low 2

REE concentrations (? REE = 0.482.14 ppb). Lherzolites display LREE-depleted patterns (La /Sm = 0.140.45) with N N

a flat to slightly fractionated HREE segments (Sm /Yb = N N

0.300.65) whereas Cpx-harburgites have flat to upward-inflected LREE patterns (La /Sm = 0.131.23) with more N N

fractionated HREE patterns (Sm /Yb = 0.130.65) than the N N

lherzolite samples. Their platinum group element (PGE) contents (<50 ppb) and distinct mantle-normalised PGE patterns with the Pd/Ir values (1.811.9) and Pt/Pt values (0.21.1) show an affinity to the characteristic of the residual mantle material. Evaluation of mineralogical and petrological characteristics of these peridotites suggest that they represent the residues remaining after low degree of partial melting (~212%) in the spinel stability field of a mid-oceanic ridge environment. The well-preserved mid-oceanic ridge characteristics of these peridotites further suggest that the mantle section was subsequently trapped in the forearc region of the

and plagioclase, while biotite, quartz, clinopyroxene, titanite, apatite, zircon and opaques occur as accessory phases, and chlorite, epidote, and sericite as alteration products. Titanite occurs as euhedral, prismatic, rhombic (diamond) shapes with prominent parting or in skeleton form. It includes minerals like amphiboles, plagioclase, quartz and opaques. A very high relief and lamellar twinning is common feature of it. Plagioclase occurs as euhedral to subhedral, prismatic to tabular crystals. They show complex albite and carlsbad twinning. The field, petrographic and geochemical data suggests that the ME and host OG in the Shyok-Darbuk section are genetically related. The petrogenesis of these rocks suggest that, (i) the ME represents the low-density calcalkaline melt fractions resulting from the low degree partial melting of the mantle source, whose LILE and LREE compositions are modified by fluids derived by dehydration of the subducting slab, (ii) the field, petrographic and geochemical similarities of ME and host OG suggest for genetic linkage and their derivation from the hybrid melt resulting from the magma-mixing of mafic and felsic melts, and (iii) that the evolutionary trends observed in these rocks

subduction zone, without undergoing significant modification in their chemistry, by later subduction-related tectonic and petrological processes before its emplacement to the present crustal level (Jour. Asian Earth Sci. 66: 258-276).

Photomicrograph showing: (a) Porphyroclasts of orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene in lherzolite (b) Orthopyroxene porphyroclasts with sub-grains of olivine and clinopyroxene in harzburgite (c) Kink band texture in orthopyroxene and interstitial grains of clinopyroxene in lherzolite (d) Brittle deformation in porphyroclasts of clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene in lherzolite (e) Typical criss-cross meshwork texture in highly serpentinitised peridotite (f) Euhedralsubhedral Cr-spinel grains with minor amount of poorly developed octahedral Cr-spinel grains in highly altered peridotite

Petrogenesis of mafic enclaves (ME) and host orthogneiss (OG) from Shyok-Darbuk section of eastern Ladakh: Mafic rocks in the form of enclaves provide a window to study the composition and evolution of the subcontinental mantle and global geodynamic processes. The orthogenesis (OG) of the Shyok-Darbuk section of Shyok Suture Zone (SSZ) of eastern Ladakh have numerous mafic enclaves (ME) which can throw light on the crustal evolution of the region. The size and shape of enclaves in the region vary widely from elongated, spheroidal, ellipsoidal to lenticular, and from 3-50 cm in width and more than a meter in length. They show equigranular to inequigranular and subophitic to ophitic textures. The principal mineral phases are hornblende

(a) dark coloured stretched lens of ME showing felsic phenocrysts within OG (b) moderately to highly stretched elliptical to lenticular ME of variable sizes embayed in the OG, showing sharp to crenulated margins (c) aggregates of clinopyroxene in the core of the amphiboles, (d) titanite (sphene) showing the inclusions of plagioclase, amphibole, opaques and quartz (e) euhedral plagioclase showing simple twinning and inclusion of zircon along with biotite, amphiboles and subhedral quartz (f) subhedral to euhedral plagioclase phenocrysts showing carlsbad twinning in a groundmass of plagioclase, biotite and quartz

WIHG Bhugarbh Vani

2 3

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Genetic implications of Zn- and Mn-rich Cr-spinels in serpentinites of the Tidding Suture Zone, eastern Himalaya, NE India: Metamorphosed serpentinites of the Tidding Suture Zone (TSZ), eastern Himalaya, contain variably altered Cr-spinels that are concentrically zoned from high-Cr, low-Fe3+ spinel at the core to Cr-magnetite at the rim. Two types of Cr-spinel have been recognized, based on back-scattered electron imaging in conjunction with microprobe analytical profiles. Cr-spinel type-I is present in the least metamorphosed serpentinite (Cr# = 0.780.85, Mg# = 0.380.45) and Cr-spinel type-II is present in the highly metamorphosed serpentinite (Cr# = 0.860.94, Mg# = 0.100.34). Primary igneous compositions are preserved in the type-I chromites, whereas these compositions have been partly or completely obscured by metamorphism and alteration in type-II grains. The enrichment of Mn and Zn increases from the type-I (MnO = 1.862.42 wt.%, ZnO = 0.771.67 wt.%) to type-II (MnO = 2.724.04 wt.%, ZnO = 1.333.22wt.%) and the strong similarity in their distribution patterns implies that these elements were introduced during low-grade metamorphism and serpentinization. The abundance of Mg-rich chlorite and serpentine minerals suggests that olivine was the predominant silicate phase before serpentinization. Zn and Mn enrichment in the core zone of

2+the Cr-spinel is due to the substitution of Mg and in part of 2+Fe by Zn and Mn. These elements were probably supplied

from olivine upon serpentinization, during and after obduction of the ophiolitic mélange along the Tidding Suture Zone in the eastern Himalaya, NE India (Geol. J. 48: 22-38).

Photomicrographs showing an euhedral shaped Cr-spinel in serpentinite of the Tidding Suture Zone, Eastern Himalaya (top right); Cr-spinel grain exhibits the primary igneous reddish brown colour core rimmed by the secondary dark colour overgrowth of Cr-magnetite (top left); Schematic illustration of textural and chemical changes in Cr-spinel during progressive alteration and metamorphism (bottom).

Petrogenesis of metabasic rocks from the Lesser Himalayan Crystallines, Arunachal Himalaya:

Petrology and geochemistry of Abyssal Peridotites from the Manipur Ophiolite Complex, Indo-Myanmar Orogenic Belt, Northeast India: Implication for melt generation in mid-oceanic ridge environment:

In the Lesser Himalayan Crystallines of the western Arunachal Himalaya, numerous metabasic rocks occur as disrupted dykes / sills and boudins mostly within gneiss and rarely interbedded with quartzite and phyllite. These metabasic rocks are tholeiitic in composition, resemble ortho-amphibolites, enriched in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements and are depleted in high field strength elements (Nb, P, Ti). Amphiboles present in these rocks are typically calcic in nature and range from tschermakite to magnesiohornblende-actinolite, whereas plagioclase varies from oligoclase to labradorite (An to 29

An ). Their mineral chemistry suggests that these rocks 52

were metamorphosed at temperatures ranging between 566°C and 633°C at a pressure >5 kb. Geochemical characteristics and petrogenetic modelling imply that the protoliths of these metabasic rocks were probably derived from an enriched lithospheric mantle source by partial melting (5% to 20%), leaving a residue with 35% olivine, 50% orthopyroxene, 15% clinopyroxene; subsequently, the melt was modified by fractional crystallization of clinopyroxene and plagioclase. It is also suggested that the protoliths of these rocks were emplaced in a continental rift environment.

The Manipur Ophiolite Complex (MOC) located in the Indo-Myanmar Orogenic Belt (IMOB) of northeast India forms a section of the Tethyan Ophiolite Belt of the Alpine-Himalayan orogenic system. Whole rock compositions and mineral chemistry of mantle peridotites from the MOC show an affinity to the abyssal peridotites, characterized by high contents of Al O (1.28-3.30 anhydrous wt.%); low Cr# of 2 3

Cr-spinel (0.110.27); low Mg# of olivine (~Fo ) and high 90

Al O3 in pyroxenes (3.716.35 wt.%). They have very low 2

REE concentrations (? REE = 0.482.14 ppb). Lherzolites display LREE-depleted patterns (La /Sm = 0.140.45) with N N

a flat to slightly fractionated HREE segments (Sm /Yb = N N

0.300.65) whereas Cpx-harburgites have flat to upward-inflected LREE patterns (La /Sm = 0.131.23) with more N N

fractionated HREE patterns (Sm /Yb = 0.130.65) than the N N

lherzolite samples. Their platinum group element (PGE) contents (<50 ppb) and distinct mantle-normalised PGE patterns with the Pd/Ir values (1.811.9) and Pt/Pt values (0.21.1) show an affinity to the characteristic of the residual mantle material. Evaluation of mineralogical and petrological characteristics of these peridotites suggest that they represent the residues remaining after low degree of partial melting (~212%) in the spinel stability field of a mid-oceanic ridge environment. The well-preserved mid-oceanic ridge characteristics of these peridotites further suggest that the mantle section was subsequently trapped in the forearc region of the

and plagioclase, while biotite, quartz, clinopyroxene, titanite, apatite, zircon and opaques occur as accessory phases, and chlorite, epidote, and sericite as alteration products. Titanite occurs as euhedral, prismatic, rhombic (diamond) shapes with prominent parting or in skeleton form. It includes minerals like amphiboles, plagioclase, quartz and opaques. A very high relief and lamellar twinning is common feature of it. Plagioclase occurs as euhedral to subhedral, prismatic to tabular crystals. They show complex albite and carlsbad twinning. The field, petrographic and geochemical data suggests that the ME and host OG in the Shyok-Darbuk section are genetically related. The petrogenesis of these rocks suggest that, (i) the ME represents the low-density calcalkaline melt fractions resulting from the low degree partial melting of the mantle source, whose LILE and LREE compositions are modified by fluids derived by dehydration of the subducting slab, (ii) the field, petrographic and geochemical similarities of ME and host OG suggest for genetic linkage and their derivation from the hybrid melt resulting from the magma-mixing of mafic and felsic melts, and (iii) that the evolutionary trends observed in these rocks

subduction zone, without undergoing significant modification in their chemistry, by later subduction-related tectonic and petrological processes before its emplacement to the present crustal level (Jour. Asian Earth Sci. 66: 258-276).

Photomicrograph showing: (a) Porphyroclasts of orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene in lherzolite (b) Orthopyroxene porphyroclasts with sub-grains of olivine and clinopyroxene in harzburgite (c) Kink band texture in orthopyroxene and interstitial grains of clinopyroxene in lherzolite (d) Brittle deformation in porphyroclasts of clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene in lherzolite (e) Typical criss-cross meshwork texture in highly serpentinitised peridotite (f) Euhedralsubhedral Cr-spinel grains with minor amount of poorly developed octahedral Cr-spinel grains in highly altered peridotite

Petrogenesis of mafic enclaves (ME) and host orthogneiss (OG) from Shyok-Darbuk section of eastern Ladakh: Mafic rocks in the form of enclaves provide a window to study the composition and evolution of the subcontinental mantle and global geodynamic processes. The orthogenesis (OG) of the Shyok-Darbuk section of Shyok Suture Zone (SSZ) of eastern Ladakh have numerous mafic enclaves (ME) which can throw light on the crustal evolution of the region. The size and shape of enclaves in the region vary widely from elongated, spheroidal, ellipsoidal to lenticular, and from 3-50 cm in width and more than a meter in length. They show equigranular to inequigranular and subophitic to ophitic textures. The principal mineral phases are hornblende

(a) dark coloured stretched lens of ME showing felsic phenocrysts within OG (b) moderately to highly stretched elliptical to lenticular ME of variable sizes embayed in the OG, showing sharp to crenulated margins (c) aggregates of clinopyroxene in the core of the amphiboles, (d) titanite (sphene) showing the inclusions of plagioclase, amphibole, opaques and quartz (e) euhedral plagioclase showing simple twinning and inclusion of zircon along with biotite, amphiboles and subhedral quartz (f) subhedral to euhedral plagioclase phenocrysts showing carlsbad twinning in a groundmass of plagioclase, biotite and quartz

WIHG Bhugarbh Vani

4 5

Velocity Model for Precise Locations of Earthquake Hypocenters in the Kumaun Garhwal Himalaya: Seismicity pattern and earthquake mechanics have been studied from the data of 50 station network of the Garhwal Kumaun region, for the period April 2005-June2008. 1D velocity model has been computed using local earthquakes. It has been found that most of the events have their genesis in the upper crust (upto 20 km). The inverted velocity model divides the upper crustal section into four layers. The striking feature of seismicity in Kumaun-Garhwal Himalaya is the presence of narrow belt of seismicity that follows the trend of the MCT zone, extending throughout the study region from west to east. This belt is relatively narrow and straight for about 400 km between 76.5º E and 81.0º E. Though majority of the earthquakes follow the trend of the MCT zone, earthquakes were also observed beneath the higher Himalaya between MCT and MBT with relatively low seismicity between 79.5º E and 80.5º E and also beneath the Sub Himalaya and Ganga Basin. A cluster of earthquakes was observed on and beyond the STD. Majority of earthquakes are located in the upper crust but significant numbers are located in the mid-lower crust as well. Unlike the Nepal Himalaya no reliable earthquake event is recorded in the mantle, suggesting a lateral diversity in the rheological property of the Indian lithosphere under-thrusting the Himalaya.

oxygen, organic carbon rich environment, warm and sluggish deep waters. During 21-18.75 Ma, the biofacies Gp-Nu (Globocassidulina pacifica, Nuttallides umbonifera, Trifarina angulosa, Quinqueloculina weaveri, Robulus gibbus and Pullenia bulloides) dominates the benthic assemblage at Hole 756B. This biofacies also has a short lived presence at ~16.5 Ma. This was an interval of intense circulation of cold and corrosive deep water similar to Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) and intermediate to high flux of organic matter ?in Hole 756B. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) was initiated during this time. From 16.5 to 10.6 Ma, the benthic assemblage at Hole 756B is dominated by biofacies Ub-Gs (characteristic species Uvigerina buzasi, Globocassidulina subglobosa, Laticarina pauperata), indicating intermediate to high food supply and cold deep water. This interval coincides with the middle Miocene positive oxygen isotope shift and permanent build-up of Antarctic ice sheets. The late Miocene interval (10.6-6.5) is characterized by biofacies Ec-Bs (dominant species Ehrenbergina carinata, Bolivina spathulata, Osangularia culter and Pullenia

Initial and final velocity models for P wave

(a) Epicentral distribution of the 1150 recorded earthquakes (filled circles) located using the single event mode with the station corrections and the optimum 1D velocity model for the study region. Moderate size earthquakes in the region are shown with different symbols (Star: 1991 Uttarkashi M 6.6; Diamond: 1999 Chamoli M 6.3; Filled circle with pattern: 2005 Chamoli M 5.3). Observed Earthquake clusters (marked with numbers) and filled squares with numbers indicate location of earthquakes analyzed. (b) Histograms showing error statistics for hypocenter (km), time residual (s) and depth distribution of earthquakes

Paleoceanographic turnovers in the southeastern Indian Ocean during the latest Oligocene-late Miocene: Seventy three core samples of 10 cc volume were analysed from Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 756, Hole B, located near the crest of the southern end of the Ninety-east Ridge (27º21.330' S; 87º35.805' E, water depth 1518.1 m) in the southeastern Indian Ocean, with an average interval of 236 kyr per sample. The study was aimed at understanding the paleoceanographic turnovers in the southeastern Indian Ocean during the latest Oligocene-late Miocene and their link with Antarctic glaciation, by quantitatively analyzing population trends in deep-sea benthic foraminifera, from Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Hole 756B, combined with global oxygen isotopes records and Nd isotope data. Factor and cluster analyses of 37 high ranking species of benthic foraminifera enabled in identifying four clusters representing four biofacies. Biofacies Sl-Om is characterised by Stilostomella lepidula, Orthomorphina modesta, Robulus gibbus, Bulimina miolaevis and Cibicides cf. lucidus. This biofacies dominate the latest Oligocene to early Miocene interval (24-21 Ma and 18.75-16.5 Ma), indicating low to intermediate dissolved

osloensis) indicating low oxygen condition with high food supply, in the study area. This corresponds to an interval of global biogenic bloom. This study shows that changes in deep-sea benthic foraminifera at southeastern Indian Ocean Hole are intimately related to changes in the Antarctic glaciation and Southern Hemisphere ocean circulation, including Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) and Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) during the Miocene.

The landscape morphology and structural and geomorphometric analyses in the middle part of the Lesser Himalaya suggest the presence of neotectonic activity along the ENE-WSW trending course of the Kamla River, Arunachal Pradesh. In the upper reaches, the Kamla River flows transverse to the regional strike of rocks, but becomes sub- parallel to parallel along the Kamla River Fault (KRF), which passes through the river. Along the KRF, the rocks are characterized by brittle extensional fractures with relative displacements across them. The foliation-parallel shear fabrics also show extension in between. Locally, the river valley is straight for a distance of >l km and forms a deep and narrow gorge with convex and steep valley slopes. A series of landslides with fresh-looking slip-circles exposing triangular steep facets are aligned along the

Neotectonic Fault in the middle part of Lesser Himalaya, Arunachal Pradesh: a study based on structural and morphotectonic analyses :

Distribution of each benthic foraminiferal biofacies with time. Also plotted are cumulative percentages of species representing each biofacies along with global oxygen isotope curve of Zachos et al., 2001

Tectonic map of NE Himalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, showing a. Enlarged Google image view of KRF along which a series of landslides and triagular facets are aligned. b. major tectonic boundaries and neotectonic Kamla River Fault (KRF) along Kamla River course.

are envisaged to reflect the fractional crystallization of the resultant hybrid magma.

WIHG Bhugarbh Vani

4 5

Velocity Model for Precise Locations of Earthquake Hypocenters in the Kumaun Garhwal Himalaya: Seismicity pattern and earthquake mechanics have been studied from the data of 50 station network of the Garhwal Kumaun region, for the period April 2005-June2008. 1D velocity model has been computed using local earthquakes. It has been found that most of the events have their genesis in the upper crust (upto 20 km). The inverted velocity model divides the upper crustal section into four layers. The striking feature of seismicity in Kumaun-Garhwal Himalaya is the presence of narrow belt of seismicity that follows the trend of the MCT zone, extending throughout the study region from west to east. This belt is relatively narrow and straight for about 400 km between 76.5º E and 81.0º E. Though majority of the earthquakes follow the trend of the MCT zone, earthquakes were also observed beneath the higher Himalaya between MCT and MBT with relatively low seismicity between 79.5º E and 80.5º E and also beneath the Sub Himalaya and Ganga Basin. A cluster of earthquakes was observed on and beyond the STD. Majority of earthquakes are located in the upper crust but significant numbers are located in the mid-lower crust as well. Unlike the Nepal Himalaya no reliable earthquake event is recorded in the mantle, suggesting a lateral diversity in the rheological property of the Indian lithosphere under-thrusting the Himalaya.

oxygen, organic carbon rich environment, warm and sluggish deep waters. During 21-18.75 Ma, the biofacies Gp-Nu (Globocassidulina pacifica, Nuttallides umbonifera, Trifarina angulosa, Quinqueloculina weaveri, Robulus gibbus and Pullenia bulloides) dominates the benthic assemblage at Hole 756B. This biofacies also has a short lived presence at ~16.5 Ma. This was an interval of intense circulation of cold and corrosive deep water similar to Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) and intermediate to high flux of organic matter ?in Hole 756B. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) was initiated during this time. From 16.5 to 10.6 Ma, the benthic assemblage at Hole 756B is dominated by biofacies Ub-Gs (characteristic species Uvigerina buzasi, Globocassidulina subglobosa, Laticarina pauperata), indicating intermediate to high food supply and cold deep water. This interval coincides with the middle Miocene positive oxygen isotope shift and permanent build-up of Antarctic ice sheets. The late Miocene interval (10.6-6.5) is characterized by biofacies Ec-Bs (dominant species Ehrenbergina carinata, Bolivina spathulata, Osangularia culter and Pullenia

Initial and final velocity models for P wave

(a) Epicentral distribution of the 1150 recorded earthquakes (filled circles) located using the single event mode with the station corrections and the optimum 1D velocity model for the study region. Moderate size earthquakes in the region are shown with different symbols (Star: 1991 Uttarkashi M 6.6; Diamond: 1999 Chamoli M 6.3; Filled circle with pattern: 2005 Chamoli M 5.3). Observed Earthquake clusters (marked with numbers) and filled squares with numbers indicate location of earthquakes analyzed. (b) Histograms showing error statistics for hypocenter (km), time residual (s) and depth distribution of earthquakes

Paleoceanographic turnovers in the southeastern Indian Ocean during the latest Oligocene-late Miocene: Seventy three core samples of 10 cc volume were analysed from Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 756, Hole B, located near the crest of the southern end of the Ninety-east Ridge (27º21.330' S; 87º35.805' E, water depth 1518.1 m) in the southeastern Indian Ocean, with an average interval of 236 kyr per sample. The study was aimed at understanding the paleoceanographic turnovers in the southeastern Indian Ocean during the latest Oligocene-late Miocene and their link with Antarctic glaciation, by quantitatively analyzing population trends in deep-sea benthic foraminifera, from Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Hole 756B, combined with global oxygen isotopes records and Nd isotope data. Factor and cluster analyses of 37 high ranking species of benthic foraminifera enabled in identifying four clusters representing four biofacies. Biofacies Sl-Om is characterised by Stilostomella lepidula, Orthomorphina modesta, Robulus gibbus, Bulimina miolaevis and Cibicides cf. lucidus. This biofacies dominate the latest Oligocene to early Miocene interval (24-21 Ma and 18.75-16.5 Ma), indicating low to intermediate dissolved

osloensis) indicating low oxygen condition with high food supply, in the study area. This corresponds to an interval of global biogenic bloom. This study shows that changes in deep-sea benthic foraminifera at southeastern Indian Ocean Hole are intimately related to changes in the Antarctic glaciation and Southern Hemisphere ocean circulation, including Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) and Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) during the Miocene.

The landscape morphology and structural and geomorphometric analyses in the middle part of the Lesser Himalaya suggest the presence of neotectonic activity along the ENE-WSW trending course of the Kamla River, Arunachal Pradesh. In the upper reaches, the Kamla River flows transverse to the regional strike of rocks, but becomes sub- parallel to parallel along the Kamla River Fault (KRF), which passes through the river. Along the KRF, the rocks are characterized by brittle extensional fractures with relative displacements across them. The foliation-parallel shear fabrics also show extension in between. Locally, the river valley is straight for a distance of >l km and forms a deep and narrow gorge with convex and steep valley slopes. A series of landslides with fresh-looking slip-circles exposing triangular steep facets are aligned along the

Neotectonic Fault in the middle part of Lesser Himalaya, Arunachal Pradesh: a study based on structural and morphotectonic analyses :

Distribution of each benthic foraminiferal biofacies with time. Also plotted are cumulative percentages of species representing each biofacies along with global oxygen isotope curve of Zachos et al., 2001

Tectonic map of NE Himalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, showing a. Enlarged Google image view of KRF along which a series of landslides and triagular facets are aligned. b. major tectonic boundaries and neotectonic Kamla River Fault (KRF) along Kamla River course.

are envisaged to reflect the fractional crystallization of the resultant hybrid magma.

WIHG Bhugarbh Vani

6 7

Kamla River valley and its nearby region. On the hill-slope (dipping >50º towards SSW and S) of ENE-WSW trending sharp ridge, the recurrence of old and active landslides took place parallel to the trace of the KRF. The high stream length-gradient index (SL) values of =230 of Pa and Paja tributaries of the Kamla River suggest young vertical uplift in the region combined with deep incision by the river. The SL of the Kamla River has low value (10) as it passes through the KRF zone. The out-of-sequence neotectonic activity along the KRF is attributed to the locking of the detachment surface below the Lesser Himalaya (Himalayan Geology 34(1):57-64).

Soil profiles are generally developed on stable landform in an erosion limited area with the interaction of water (rainfall). The development of the soil profile on granodioritic lithology at Anini village of Arunachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 1644 m, in the NE Himalaya provides us some opportunity to understand the elemental behavior in the highly eroded and humid region, where rainfall is as high as ~2600 mm/a. The area is geodynamically active resulting in many landslides and other mass movements. Therefore, physical and chemical weathering processes have played a major role in its geomorphic development. The exposed, least altered rock is noted with high features, indicating the play of tectonics (physical weathering) which further promotes chemical weathering due to water-rock interaction, substantiated by the increase of loss of ignition (LOI) percentage from least altered rock to regolith. Due to rain water interaction, the profile shows the change of pH from alkaline to acidic i.e., from least altered rock (pH-9) to regolith (pH-5). Depletion of major oxides such as SiO, MgO, CaO, NaO, P O and 2

enhancement of TiO, AlO, Fe O, K O are noticed in the profile. 2 2

Continuous enhancement of chemical index of alteration (CIA) is observed from least altered rock to regolith (56-85) with the progression of weathering. Chemical index of alteration (CIA), chemical index of weathering (CIW) and plagioclase index of alteration (PIA) of soil profile show identical behaviour in sap rock and saprolith. However, during the advancement of weathering, the leaching of K O 2

resulted in deviation of CIW and PIA values from CIA parameter. Trace elements show enrichment from least altered rock to regolith (except Sr). The study infers that the variable geochemical proxies in soil profile are resultant of high precipitation in the tectonically active northeastern Himalaya (Himalayan Geology 34(1):65-75).

The Eastern Syntaxis of the Arunachal Himalaya is built up of Proterozoic to Cenozoic rocks, which occur in the form of eight distinct thrust bound litho-tectonic units. From SW to NE, in ascending structural order, these are: the Siwalik Group, the Gondwana Group, the Yinkiong Group, the Miri

Elemental behaviour in the soil profile of the humid northeastern Himalaya:

Tectono-stratigraphic framework of the Eastern Syntaxis, Arunachal Pradesh, India:

Group, the Bomdila Group, the Sela Group, the Tidding Formation and the Lohit Plutonic Complex. The Sub-Himalayan Zone (Siwalik Group) overrides the Brahmaputra Alluvium along the Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT) and is overthrust by the rocks of the Lesser Himalaya (Gondwana, Yinkiong, Miri and Bomdila groups) along the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT). The Yinkiong Group is exposed along the central part of the syntaxis in the form of a tectonic window beneath the Miri Group, which wraps around it. High-grade metamorphics of the Central Crystalline Complex of the Higher Himalayan Zone (Sela Group) overlay the Bomdila Group along the Main Central Thrust (MCT) and is over thrust by the rocks of the Tidding Formation of Trans Himalaya along the Tidding Thrust. The Lohit Plutonic Complex is of batholithic dimension and has been thrust over the rocks of the Tidding Formation along the Lohit Thrust. The Tidding suture is the southeastern extension of the Indus-Tsangpo Suture Zone. The Lohit Plutonie Complex is the southeastern extension of the Ladakh batholith (Himalayan Geology 34(1): 49-56).

The Chhiplakot Crystallines (CC) in the Kumaun Himalaya are generally considered to be the erosional remnants of the thrust sheets whose roots are considered to be in Higher Himalayan Crystallines (HHC) to the north of the MCT. A study on the petrochemical variation between gneisses from the lower structural levels of the HHC and the CC that occur as klippen within the Lesser Himalaya has been carried out. The study suggests that gneisses of the HHC and the CC have distinctive contrast in their petrological and geochemical characteristics and indicates their derivation from different sources. In view of the differences in the petrochemistry of the gneisses of the HHC and the CC, it is not easy to directly support the commonly argued concept of the nappe rocks of the Lesser Himalaya to have their root zones in the Higher Himalaya (Himalayan Geology 34 (1):38-48).

New paleoseismic evidence is presented from the Bhatpur (N 31°18'16.28?, E 76°9'50.00?) Trench site along the Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT) on the western margin of the Janauri Anticline in NW Himachal Himalaya, India. The latest surface rupture at this site demonstrates coseismic displacement of at least 9.3 m. Radiocarbon dating of trench samples indicates that the surface ruptures occurred at A.D. 1400-1460. After comparison with other trench results along the Himalayan Front, two scenarios are presented of the latest surface rupturing earthquake event in the northwestern Indian Himalaya: (1) a single-event surface rupturing for a minimum fault length of 450 km, or (2) two-

Geochemistry and origin of gneisses from the lower structural levels of the Higher Himalayan Crystallines (HHC) and the Chhiplakot Crystallines (CC) of the Kaliganga Valley, northeastern Kumaun Himalaya, India:

Paleoseismic evidence of a surface rupture along the northwestern Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT): events of different lateral extent. According to the former

scenario, the latest surface rupture occurred between A.D. 1404 and 1422. The latter scenario suggests that the latest surface rupture occurred between A.D. 1404 and A.D. 1460, in the northwestern extent from Kala Amb to Hajipur, with ~9.0 m of coseismic displacement over a minimum fault length of 200 km. Yet another surface rupture event in the southeastern extent from Kala Amb to Ramnagar has occurred between A.D. 1282 and A.D. 1422, with displacement ranging from 16.0 m to 26.0 m, and a minimum surface rupture length of 230 km. On the basis of these observations and historical earthquakes, it is suggested that potential earthquakes larger than those in the historical records, are

Trench log of Bhatpur trench, NW Himalaya. A 16m slip is the most robust estimate of the maximum slip for a single event reported previously by trench studies along the HFT in the western Indian Himalaya that occurred between 1200 AD and 1700 AD.

Space time diagram showing dating constraints on timing of surface displacements at trenching sites, studied by previous workers, together with the reevaluated fault slip for Rampur Ghanda and Ramnagar trenches.

capable of producing surface-rupture lengths greater than ~200 to ~230 km or ~450 km in the northwestern Indian Himalayan Front.

It is reported that in the south-eastern extent of the western Indian Himalaya, Ramnagar scarp consists of minimum two events (i) pre 1400 AD and (ii) unknown old events of different lateral extents with overlapping ruptures. If the more optimistic two seismic events scenario is followed, the rupture length would be at least 260 km, and would lead to an earthquake greater than Mw 8.5 (Geomorphology 180-181: 47-56).

WIHG Bhugarbh Vani

6 7

Kamla River valley and its nearby region. On the hill-slope (dipping >50º towards SSW and S) of ENE-WSW trending sharp ridge, the recurrence of old and active landslides took place parallel to the trace of the KRF. The high stream length-gradient index (SL) values of =230 of Pa and Paja tributaries of the Kamla River suggest young vertical uplift in the region combined with deep incision by the river. The SL of the Kamla River has low value (10) as it passes through the KRF zone. The out-of-sequence neotectonic activity along the KRF is attributed to the locking of the detachment surface below the Lesser Himalaya (Himalayan Geology 34(1):57-64).

Soil profiles are generally developed on stable landform in an erosion limited area with the interaction of water (rainfall). The development of the soil profile on granodioritic lithology at Anini village of Arunachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 1644 m, in the NE Himalaya provides us some opportunity to understand the elemental behavior in the highly eroded and humid region, where rainfall is as high as ~2600 mm/a. The area is geodynamically active resulting in many landslides and other mass movements. Therefore, physical and chemical weathering processes have played a major role in its geomorphic development. The exposed, least altered rock is noted with high features, indicating the play of tectonics (physical weathering) which further promotes chemical weathering due to water-rock interaction, substantiated by the increase of loss of ignition (LOI) percentage from least altered rock to regolith. Due to rain water interaction, the profile shows the change of pH from alkaline to acidic i.e., from least altered rock (pH-9) to regolith (pH-5). Depletion of major oxides such as SiO, MgO, CaO, NaO, P O and 2

enhancement of TiO, AlO, Fe O, K O are noticed in the profile. 2 2

Continuous enhancement of chemical index of alteration (CIA) is observed from least altered rock to regolith (56-85) with the progression of weathering. Chemical index of alteration (CIA), chemical index of weathering (CIW) and plagioclase index of alteration (PIA) of soil profile show identical behaviour in sap rock and saprolith. However, during the advancement of weathering, the leaching of K O 2

resulted in deviation of CIW and PIA values from CIA parameter. Trace elements show enrichment from least altered rock to regolith (except Sr). The study infers that the variable geochemical proxies in soil profile are resultant of high precipitation in the tectonically active northeastern Himalaya (Himalayan Geology 34(1):65-75).

The Eastern Syntaxis of the Arunachal Himalaya is built up of Proterozoic to Cenozoic rocks, which occur in the form of eight distinct thrust bound litho-tectonic units. From SW to NE, in ascending structural order, these are: the Siwalik Group, the Gondwana Group, the Yinkiong Group, the Miri

Elemental behaviour in the soil profile of the humid northeastern Himalaya:

Tectono-stratigraphic framework of the Eastern Syntaxis, Arunachal Pradesh, India:

Group, the Bomdila Group, the Sela Group, the Tidding Formation and the Lohit Plutonic Complex. The Sub-Himalayan Zone (Siwalik Group) overrides the Brahmaputra Alluvium along the Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT) and is overthrust by the rocks of the Lesser Himalaya (Gondwana, Yinkiong, Miri and Bomdila groups) along the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT). The Yinkiong Group is exposed along the central part of the syntaxis in the form of a tectonic window beneath the Miri Group, which wraps around it. High-grade metamorphics of the Central Crystalline Complex of the Higher Himalayan Zone (Sela Group) overlay the Bomdila Group along the Main Central Thrust (MCT) and is over thrust by the rocks of the Tidding Formation of Trans Himalaya along the Tidding Thrust. The Lohit Plutonic Complex is of batholithic dimension and has been thrust over the rocks of the Tidding Formation along the Lohit Thrust. The Tidding suture is the southeastern extension of the Indus-Tsangpo Suture Zone. The Lohit Plutonie Complex is the southeastern extension of the Ladakh batholith (Himalayan Geology 34(1): 49-56).

The Chhiplakot Crystallines (CC) in the Kumaun Himalaya are generally considered to be the erosional remnants of the thrust sheets whose roots are considered to be in Higher Himalayan Crystallines (HHC) to the north of the MCT. A study on the petrochemical variation between gneisses from the lower structural levels of the HHC and the CC that occur as klippen within the Lesser Himalaya has been carried out. The study suggests that gneisses of the HHC and the CC have distinctive contrast in their petrological and geochemical characteristics and indicates their derivation from different sources. In view of the differences in the petrochemistry of the gneisses of the HHC and the CC, it is not easy to directly support the commonly argued concept of the nappe rocks of the Lesser Himalaya to have their root zones in the Higher Himalaya (Himalayan Geology 34 (1):38-48).

New paleoseismic evidence is presented from the Bhatpur (N 31°18'16.28?, E 76°9'50.00?) Trench site along the Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT) on the western margin of the Janauri Anticline in NW Himachal Himalaya, India. The latest surface rupture at this site demonstrates coseismic displacement of at least 9.3 m. Radiocarbon dating of trench samples indicates that the surface ruptures occurred at A.D. 1400-1460. After comparison with other trench results along the Himalayan Front, two scenarios are presented of the latest surface rupturing earthquake event in the northwestern Indian Himalaya: (1) a single-event surface rupturing for a minimum fault length of 450 km, or (2) two-

Geochemistry and origin of gneisses from the lower structural levels of the Higher Himalayan Crystallines (HHC) and the Chhiplakot Crystallines (CC) of the Kaliganga Valley, northeastern Kumaun Himalaya, India:

Paleoseismic evidence of a surface rupture along the northwestern Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT): events of different lateral extent. According to the former

scenario, the latest surface rupture occurred between A.D. 1404 and 1422. The latter scenario suggests that the latest surface rupture occurred between A.D. 1404 and A.D. 1460, in the northwestern extent from Kala Amb to Hajipur, with ~9.0 m of coseismic displacement over a minimum fault length of 200 km. Yet another surface rupture event in the southeastern extent from Kala Amb to Ramnagar has occurred between A.D. 1282 and A.D. 1422, with displacement ranging from 16.0 m to 26.0 m, and a minimum surface rupture length of 230 km. On the basis of these observations and historical earthquakes, it is suggested that potential earthquakes larger than those in the historical records, are

Trench log of Bhatpur trench, NW Himalaya. A 16m slip is the most robust estimate of the maximum slip for a single event reported previously by trench studies along the HFT in the western Indian Himalaya that occurred between 1200 AD and 1700 AD.

Space time diagram showing dating constraints on timing of surface displacements at trenching sites, studied by previous workers, together with the reevaluated fault slip for Rampur Ghanda and Ramnagar trenches.

capable of producing surface-rupture lengths greater than ~200 to ~230 km or ~450 km in the northwestern Indian Himalayan Front.

It is reported that in the south-eastern extent of the western Indian Himalaya, Ramnagar scarp consists of minimum two events (i) pre 1400 AD and (ii) unknown old events of different lateral extents with overlapping ruptures. If the more optimistic two seismic events scenario is followed, the rupture length would be at least 260 km, and would lead to an earthquake greater than Mw 8.5 (Geomorphology 180-181: 47-56).

WIHG Bhugarbh Vani

8 9

Leloup, P.H., Weinberg, R.F., Mukherjee, B.K., Tapponnier, P., Lacassin, R., Boutonnet, E., Chevalier, M.-L., Valli, F., Li, H., Arnaud, N. and Paquette, J.-L. 2013. Comment on "Displacement along the Karakoram fault, NW Himalaya, estimated from LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of offset geologic markers" published by Shifeng Wang et al. in EPSL vol., 2012. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 363: 242-245.

Mahesh, P., Rai, S. S., Sivaram, K., Paul, A., Gupta, S., Sharma R., and Gaur, V.K. 2013. One Dimensional Reference Velocity Model and Precise Locations of Earthquake Hypocenters in the Kumaon Garhwal Himalaya. Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America 103:328-339.

Negi, P.S. 2013. Alpine treeline rise, climate change response and its effects on sustainable development. International Journal of Sustainable Development 5(4): 27-40.

Rao, D. R., Daga M. and Rai, H. 2013. Mantle-derived and 'arc-related' mafic enclaves and host orthogneiss from the Shyok Suture Zone of NE Ladakh, India: an evidence of magma-mixing. Geochemical Journal 47: 1-19.

Rao D. R. and Sharma, R. 2013. Geochemistry and origin of gneisses from the lower structural levels of the Higher Himalayan Crystallines (HHC) and the Chhiplakot Crystallines (CC) of the Kaliganga Valley, northeastern Kumaun Himalaya, India. Himalayan Geology 34 (1): 38-48.

Sharma R. and Gupta V. 2013. The control of mineral constituents and textural characteristics on the Petrophysical & Mechanical (PM) properties of different rocks of the Himalaya. Engineering Geology 153: 125-143.

Singh A. K. 2013. Petrology and geochemistry of Abyssal Peridotites from the Manipur Ophiolite Complex, Indo-Myanmar Orogenic Belt, Northeast India: Implication for melt generation in mid-oceanic ridge environment. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 66: 258-276.

Singh, A.K. and Singh, R.B. 2013. Genetic implications of Zn- and Mn- rich Cr- spinels in serpentinites of the Tidding Suture Zone, eastern Himalaya, NE India. Geological Journal 48: 22-38.

Singh, R.B. and Singh, A.K. 2013. Geochemistry and petrogenesis of metabasic rocks from the Lesser Himalayan Crystallines, western Arunachal Himalaya, northeast India. Geoscience Journal 17: 27-41.

Bartarya, S.K and Gupta V. 2013. Geological report on the Mass-movement activities affecting Vasant Vihar colony and sports stadium in Gopeshwar Township, District Chamoli, Uttarakhand: 1-29.

Reports

VISIT ABROAD

LECTURES DELIVERED

PARTICIPATION IN CONFERENCES / SEMINARS/ WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS

Dr S.K.Bartarya visited Oslo, Norway for discussion on the prefeasibility report of Indo Norwegian project on Geothermal Energy during March 3-4, 2013 and March 8-10, 2013.

Dr P.S. Negi delivered an invited talk on 'Exotic Invasion in Himalaya- an Ecological Disaster' in the National Conference on Bio-Meteorological Disaster, at FRI, Dehra Dun on Feb. 23, 2013.

Dr S.K. Bartarya delivered a lecture entitled “Geothermal potential of hot water springs of NW Himalaya” at ISOR (Geological Survey of Iceland) Reykjavik, Iceland on March 7, 2013.

Dr Pradeep Srivastava delivered a talk entitled “Åijh IykLVkls hu & gkys kls hu ryNVh vkjS Hkvw kdf̀r okLrdq yk] Lihfr unh] 'k”q d mPp fgeky;” at WIHG, Dehra Dun on March 22, 2013.

Dr A.K. Singh delivered a lecture on “Geodynamic Evolution of the Himalaya” at the Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad during Advance Techno-Management Programme for Scientists 'C' and 'D' on March 25, 2013.

thDr T.N. Jowhar participated in the 100 Indian Science Congress held at Calcutta University during Jan. 3-7, 2013 and delivered the following talks:

P-T paths from Gibbs method and its applications (Invited Talk).

Current trends of Mathematical Geology in the Earth Sciences (Paper).

Dr P.S. Negi attended Uttarakhand Teacher Science Congress at Rajiv Gandhi Navodaya Vidyalaya, Dehra Dun during Jan. 14-15, 2013 and acted as a member of the jury to evaluate research papers presented in the Science Congress.

Dr Raj Kumar Singh participated in the IODP-India Participants meet organized by National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research, Goa during Jan. 14-15, 2013 and presented a paper entitled:

Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 346 (Asian Monsoon): Onset and evolution of millennial-scale variability of Asian monsoon and its possible relation with Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau uplift.

Dr Narendra K. Meena, Dr Jayendra Singh, Dr Archana Vohra and Ms Suman Lata Rawat attended the International

thConference “PAGES 4 Open Science Meeting” at Goa during Feb. 11-16, 2013. The title of the conference was “The Past: A

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Compass for Future Earth”. Following posters were presented:

Increased transport of summer monsoon moisture to the Higher Himalaya in the early Holocene (N.K. Meena and A.K. Gupta).

Tree ring inferred seven century long Satluj river discharge records from the Indian Himalaya (J. Singh and R.R. Yadav).

Reconstruction of Late Quaternary climate change as derived from a pollen record from Lahaul Himalaya, Himachal Pradesh, India (Suman Rawat, A.K. Gupta, S.J. Sangode, N.R. Phadtare and H.C. Nainwal).

Reconstruction of the Late Quaternary climatic change from glaciogenic varve deposits in Lahaul and Spiti, N-W Himalaya (Archana Vohra).

thMs Shivani Pandey and Ms Kavita Tripathi attended 4 All India Students Symposium on Geology 'GEOYOUTH' at MLSU, Udaipur during Feb. 15-16, 2013 and presented the following papers:

Faunal assemblages from the Cambrian succession of the Spiti Basin,Tethys Himalaya, India (Shivani Pandey).

'Best paper award' was given to her for this presentation.

Mesoscopic and magnetic fabrics in the High Himalayan Crystalline, Bhagirathi Valley Garhwal Himalaya (Kavita Tripathi).

Dr S.K. Bartarya attented the International conference on Geothermal Energy at Reykjavík, Iceland during March 5-8, 2013.

Dr D.P. Dobhal and Dr Santosh Rai attended a meeting on Climate Change at the Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi on March14, 2013.

Dr P.S. Negi attended a meeting on Bandal Gad Project at ICFRI Dehra Dun on March14, 2013.

Dr Indira Karakoti, Dr Amit Kumar and Sh Kapil Kesarwani, Centre for Glaciology, attended a training on “Downscaling and analysing the meteorological data for use in glacier modelling” at Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi during Feb. 4-15, 2013.

Dr Meera Tiwari attended a training course “Future challenges to Society with thematic of Resource and Development” at NIAS, Bangalore during Feb. 11-15, 2013 and delivered a talk on “Fossil records in Himalaya: Early evolution of life”.

Dr A.K. Singh attended the Advance Techno-Management Programme for Scientists 'C' and 'D' at the Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad, during Feb. 25-March 29, 2013.

Sh Kapil Kesarwani and Sh Tanuj Shukla, Centre for Glaciology, attended a training course on “Glacier Studies,

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TRAINING ATTENDED

Tree-ring-based seven century long flow records of Satluj River, western Himalaya, India: River discharge is of inevitable importance for hydropower generation, irrigation and other day to day requirements of the people. Understanding of long-term discharge behavior is crucial for planning of water resources fulfilling these needs, which is hampered due to short available instrumental discharge data. A 711-year long ring composite width chronology was developed using together the ring-width series of Pinus gerardiana and Cedrus deodara from moisture stressed area in Kinnaur, western Himalaya. The tree cores of both the species were pooled for chronology building on the basis of mean correlation (r0.82) among all the ring-width series with master dating series, showing common forcing factor affecting the tree growth. Cross-correlations between ring-width chronology and Satluj River discharge data revealed that previous year October to current year September discharge has positive relationship with tree growth. River discharge from previous year December to current year July, for 711 years (AD 1295-2005), was reconstructed using linear regression model which captured 37% variance in the observed river discharge series (AD 1922-2004). The 50-year running mean period showed lowest river discharge in the eighteenth century and highest in the nineteenth century. The decreasing river discharge was noticed since 1990s, consistent with decreasing trend in winter precipitation of the area.

Satluj river discharge (Dec-July) reconstruction (AD 1295-2005). The bold line is 30 year smoothing spline.

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

Kamra, L., Choubey, V.M., Kumar N., Rawat G. and Khandelwal, D.D. 2013. Radon variability in borehole from Multi-Parametric Geophysical Observatory of NW Himalaya in relation to meteorological parameters. Applied Radiation and Isotopes 72: 137-144.

Kumahara, Y. and Jayangondaperumal, R. 2013. Paleoseismic evidence of a surface rupture along the northwestern Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT). Geomorphology 180-181: 47-56.

WIHG Bhugarbh Vani

8 9

Leloup, P.H., Weinberg, R.F., Mukherjee, B.K., Tapponnier, P., Lacassin, R., Boutonnet, E., Chevalier, M.-L., Valli, F., Li, H., Arnaud, N. and Paquette, J.-L. 2013. Comment on "Displacement along the Karakoram fault, NW Himalaya, estimated from LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of offset geologic markers" published by Shifeng Wang et al. in EPSL vol., 2012. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 363: 242-245.

Mahesh, P., Rai, S. S., Sivaram, K., Paul, A., Gupta, S., Sharma R., and Gaur, V.K. 2013. One Dimensional Reference Velocity Model and Precise Locations of Earthquake Hypocenters in the Kumaon Garhwal Himalaya. Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America 103:328-339.

Negi, P.S. 2013. Alpine treeline rise, climate change response and its effects on sustainable development. International Journal of Sustainable Development 5(4): 27-40.

Rao, D. R., Daga M. and Rai, H. 2013. Mantle-derived and 'arc-related' mafic enclaves and host orthogneiss from the Shyok Suture Zone of NE Ladakh, India: an evidence of magma-mixing. Geochemical Journal 47: 1-19.

Rao D. R. and Sharma, R. 2013. Geochemistry and origin of gneisses from the lower structural levels of the Higher Himalayan Crystallines (HHC) and the Chhiplakot Crystallines (CC) of the Kaliganga Valley, northeastern Kumaun Himalaya, India. Himalayan Geology 34 (1): 38-48.

Sharma R. and Gupta V. 2013. The control of mineral constituents and textural characteristics on the Petrophysical & Mechanical (PM) properties of different rocks of the Himalaya. Engineering Geology 153: 125-143.

Singh A. K. 2013. Petrology and geochemistry of Abyssal Peridotites from the Manipur Ophiolite Complex, Indo-Myanmar Orogenic Belt, Northeast India: Implication for melt generation in mid-oceanic ridge environment. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 66: 258-276.

Singh, A.K. and Singh, R.B. 2013. Genetic implications of Zn- and Mn- rich Cr- spinels in serpentinites of the Tidding Suture Zone, eastern Himalaya, NE India. Geological Journal 48: 22-38.

Singh, R.B. and Singh, A.K. 2013. Geochemistry and petrogenesis of metabasic rocks from the Lesser Himalayan Crystallines, western Arunachal Himalaya, northeast India. Geoscience Journal 17: 27-41.

Bartarya, S.K and Gupta V. 2013. Geological report on the Mass-movement activities affecting Vasant Vihar colony and sports stadium in Gopeshwar Township, District Chamoli, Uttarakhand: 1-29.

Reports

VISIT ABROAD

LECTURES DELIVERED

PARTICIPATION IN CONFERENCES / SEMINARS/ WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS

Dr S.K.Bartarya visited Oslo, Norway for discussion on the prefeasibility report of Indo Norwegian project on Geothermal Energy during March 3-4, 2013 and March 8-10, 2013.

Dr P.S. Negi delivered an invited talk on 'Exotic Invasion in Himalaya- an Ecological Disaster' in the National Conference on Bio-Meteorological Disaster, at FRI, Dehra Dun on Feb. 23, 2013.

Dr S.K. Bartarya delivered a lecture entitled “Geothermal potential of hot water springs of NW Himalaya” at ISOR (Geological Survey of Iceland) Reykjavik, Iceland on March 7, 2013.

Dr Pradeep Srivastava delivered a talk entitled “Åijh IykLVkls hu & gkys kls hu ryNVh vkjS Hkvw kdf̀r okLrdq yk] Lihfr unh] 'k”q d mPp fgeky;” at WIHG, Dehra Dun on March 22, 2013.

Dr A.K. Singh delivered a lecture on “Geodynamic Evolution of the Himalaya” at the Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad during Advance Techno-Management Programme for Scientists 'C' and 'D' on March 25, 2013.

thDr T.N. Jowhar participated in the 100 Indian Science Congress held at Calcutta University during Jan. 3-7, 2013 and delivered the following talks:

P-T paths from Gibbs method and its applications (Invited Talk).

Current trends of Mathematical Geology in the Earth Sciences (Paper).

Dr P.S. Negi attended Uttarakhand Teacher Science Congress at Rajiv Gandhi Navodaya Vidyalaya, Dehra Dun during Jan. 14-15, 2013 and acted as a member of the jury to evaluate research papers presented in the Science Congress.

Dr Raj Kumar Singh participated in the IODP-India Participants meet organized by National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research, Goa during Jan. 14-15, 2013 and presented a paper entitled:

Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 346 (Asian Monsoon): Onset and evolution of millennial-scale variability of Asian monsoon and its possible relation with Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau uplift.

Dr Narendra K. Meena, Dr Jayendra Singh, Dr Archana Vohra and Ms Suman Lata Rawat attended the International

thConference “PAGES 4 Open Science Meeting” at Goa during Feb. 11-16, 2013. The title of the conference was “The Past: A

l

l

l

Compass for Future Earth”. Following posters were presented:

Increased transport of summer monsoon moisture to the Higher Himalaya in the early Holocene (N.K. Meena and A.K. Gupta).

Tree ring inferred seven century long Satluj river discharge records from the Indian Himalaya (J. Singh and R.R. Yadav).

Reconstruction of Late Quaternary climate change as derived from a pollen record from Lahaul Himalaya, Himachal Pradesh, India (Suman Rawat, A.K. Gupta, S.J. Sangode, N.R. Phadtare and H.C. Nainwal).

Reconstruction of the Late Quaternary climatic change from glaciogenic varve deposits in Lahaul and Spiti, N-W Himalaya (Archana Vohra).

thMs Shivani Pandey and Ms Kavita Tripathi attended 4 All India Students Symposium on Geology 'GEOYOUTH' at MLSU, Udaipur during Feb. 15-16, 2013 and presented the following papers:

Faunal assemblages from the Cambrian succession of the Spiti Basin,Tethys Himalaya, India (Shivani Pandey).

'Best paper award' was given to her for this presentation.

Mesoscopic and magnetic fabrics in the High Himalayan Crystalline, Bhagirathi Valley Garhwal Himalaya (Kavita Tripathi).

Dr S.K. Bartarya attented the International conference on Geothermal Energy at Reykjavík, Iceland during March 5-8, 2013.

Dr D.P. Dobhal and Dr Santosh Rai attended a meeting on Climate Change at the Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi on March14, 2013.

Dr P.S. Negi attended a meeting on Bandal Gad Project at ICFRI Dehra Dun on March14, 2013.

Dr Indira Karakoti, Dr Amit Kumar and Sh Kapil Kesarwani, Centre for Glaciology, attended a training on “Downscaling and analysing the meteorological data for use in glacier modelling” at Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi during Feb. 4-15, 2013.

Dr Meera Tiwari attended a training course “Future challenges to Society with thematic of Resource and Development” at NIAS, Bangalore during Feb. 11-15, 2013 and delivered a talk on “Fossil records in Himalaya: Early evolution of life”.

Dr A.K. Singh attended the Advance Techno-Management Programme for Scientists 'C' and 'D' at the Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad, during Feb. 25-March 29, 2013.

Sh Kapil Kesarwani and Sh Tanuj Shukla, Centre for Glaciology, attended a training course on “Glacier Studies,

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TRAINING ATTENDED

Tree-ring-based seven century long flow records of Satluj River, western Himalaya, India: River discharge is of inevitable importance for hydropower generation, irrigation and other day to day requirements of the people. Understanding of long-term discharge behavior is crucial for planning of water resources fulfilling these needs, which is hampered due to short available instrumental discharge data. A 711-year long ring composite width chronology was developed using together the ring-width series of Pinus gerardiana and Cedrus deodara from moisture stressed area in Kinnaur, western Himalaya. The tree cores of both the species were pooled for chronology building on the basis of mean correlation (r0.82) among all the ring-width series with master dating series, showing common forcing factor affecting the tree growth. Cross-correlations between ring-width chronology and Satluj River discharge data revealed that previous year October to current year September discharge has positive relationship with tree growth. River discharge from previous year December to current year July, for 711 years (AD 1295-2005), was reconstructed using linear regression model which captured 37% variance in the observed river discharge series (AD 1922-2004). The 50-year running mean period showed lowest river discharge in the eighteenth century and highest in the nineteenth century. The decreasing river discharge was noticed since 1990s, consistent with decreasing trend in winter precipitation of the area.

Satluj river discharge (Dec-July) reconstruction (AD 1295-2005). The bold line is 30 year smoothing spline.

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

Kamra, L., Choubey, V.M., Kumar N., Rawat G. and Khandelwal, D.D. 2013. Radon variability in borehole from Multi-Parametric Geophysical Observatory of NW Himalaya in relation to meteorological parameters. Applied Radiation and Isotopes 72: 137-144.

Kumahara, Y. and Jayangondaperumal, R. 2013. Paleoseismic evidence of a surface rupture along the northwestern Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT). Geomorphology 180-181: 47-56.

10 11

WIHG Bhugarbh Vani

INVITED/INTERACTIVE LECTURES

Sh Anand Mohan Kansal and his colleagues from "Vyakti Vikas Kendra" (The Art of Living) have delivered a talk on 'Art of Living' on Feb. 15, 2013.

Prof Hai Cheng, University of Minnesota, USA visited the Institute on Feb. 17, 2013 and delivered a talk entitled “The Asia Monsoon Vari-ability as seen through Speleothem Records”.

Dr Marina Gurskaya from the Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology UD RAS, Yekaterinburg, Russia delivered

a talk entitled “Extreme events in Siberia and Urals: the story from tree ring abnormalities” on Feb. 23, 2013.

Karl Lang, researcher from University of Washington, USA visited the Institute and delivered a talk entitled 'Late Cenozoic Evolution of the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis: A detrital Prospective” on Feb. 29, 2013.

Prof Mrinal K. Sen, Director, National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad, delivered the J. B. Auden Lecture entitled “Geo-physical investigation of impact craters” on March 18, 2013.

Sh S.S. Negi has registered for Ph.D. in the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee under the supervision of Dr Ajay Paul (WIHG) and Dr Kamal (IIT-R).

Title of the Ph.D. thesis: “Seismological Investigations of Central Seismic Gap in Northwest Himalaya”

The research scholars of the Institute celebrated their annual art and cultural festival on Feb. 4, 2013. The morning was marked by the display of art, sculpture and handicrafts made by the staff of the Institute and their families. The afternoon brought out the artistic qualities of the research scholars in the form of drama and dance performances.

Ph.D. REGISTRATION

CELEBRATIONS

Udbhav 2013:

National Science Day: The Institute celebrated National Science Day on Feb. 28, 2013. A talk entitled “Genetically modified crops and Food Security” was delivered by Professor Anil K. Gaur from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar. Science Day Lecture was delivered on March 2, 2013 by Dr T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology. The title of his lecture was "Social Contract of Science towards Food Security”. Various programmes like Science Quiz, Essay Competition for school students and Slogan Competition for the Institute’s employees were also held in the Institute to mark the occasion.

Climate Change and Remote Sensing” at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore during March 4-15, 2013.

Dr Kishor Kumar carried out field work in Early Eocene horizons of Vastan-Mangrol area, Western India during Jan. 5-16, 2013. After the closure of north Vastan lignite mine, famous for its rich organic remains, the focus was on the adjacent Mangrol mine, which has nearly identical stratigraphic set up with all key markers present in Vastan. The fossiliferous horizon was easily traced though it was not as productive as Vastan. Several mammal jaws and bones were collected from surface exposures.

FIELD VISITS

Dr Swapnamita C. Vaideswaran and Ms Watinaro Imsong have carried out field work in the Shillong Plateau in Assam-Meghalaya region during Feb.19 - March 6, 2013 for their project on Tectonic Geomorphology.

Figure shows 1. bone-bearing level; 2. shell horizon; 3. a calcareous bone, length =39 mm and 4. a teredinid infested wood fragment entombed in a nodule

NEW APPOINTMENTS /UPGRADATION

OPPORTUNITIES

AWARDS / HONOURS

Sh Khogenkumar Singh joined as a Junior Research Fellow in a DST sponsored project under Dr A.K. Singh.

Dr Amit Kumar, Sh Akshaya Verma, Sh Sameer Tiwari and Sh Rajeev Saran have joined as Scientist 'B' and Ms Shalini Negi has joined as Stenographer in the Centre for Glaciology (CFG).

Sh Sanjay Singh Negi, Sh Anil Kumar and Ms Harshita Joshi have been upgraded from JRF to SRF.

Dr Yogesh Ray joined National Center for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR), Goa as Scientist-C.

Dr Pradeep Srivastava has been conferred with prestigious “National Geoscience Award-2011" by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India on March 19, 2013 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Dr B.K. Mukherjee has been appointed as a member of the editorial team for a special volume of the Geological Society of London on the topic “Tectonics of Himalaya” scheduled to be released in July 2014.

Dr A.K. Mahajan joined as Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala.

Dr N. Siva Siddaiah, joined as Associate Professor in the School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.

ON LIEN

SUPERANNUATION

Dr Rajendra Singh Rawat, Scientist 'F', superannuated on March 31, 2013 after 35 years of service in the Institute. Dr Rawat joined the Institute in 1978 as Scientist 'B'. He has worked on the mineralogy and geochemistry of various rock types of Uttarakhand and Himachal Lesser Himalaya. The most significant feature of Dr Rawat's work is that he has developed many experimental techniques

on the basis of high P-T studies, to understand the physics and chemistry of minerals and rocks at various temperature and pressure having synthetic magmatic fluid trapping in quartz discs. He has experimentally proved that the structural state transformation in feldspar minerals of granite is due to Tertiary Himalayan Orogeny and there is a definite role of fluids in magmatic and mineralization process. Dr Rawat has also contributed towards the development of Uttarakhand State by publishing the 'First Mineralization Map of the State'.

10 11

WIHG Bhugarbh Vani

INVITED/INTERACTIVE LECTURES

Sh Anand Mohan Kansal and his colleagues from "Vyakti Vikas Kendra" (The Art of Living) have delivered a talk on 'Art of Living' on Feb. 15, 2013.

Prof Hai Cheng, University of Minnesota, USA visited the Institute on Feb. 17, 2013 and delivered a talk entitled “The Asia Monsoon Vari-ability as seen through Speleothem Records”.

Dr Marina Gurskaya from the Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology UD RAS, Yekaterinburg, Russia delivered

a talk entitled “Extreme events in Siberia and Urals: the story from tree ring abnormalities” on Feb. 23, 2013.

Karl Lang, researcher from University of Washington, USA visited the Institute and delivered a talk entitled 'Late Cenozoic Evolution of the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis: A detrital Prospective” on Feb. 29, 2013.

Prof Mrinal K. Sen, Director, National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad, delivered the J. B. Auden Lecture entitled “Geo-physical investigation of impact craters” on March 18, 2013.

Sh S.S. Negi has registered for Ph.D. in the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee under the supervision of Dr Ajay Paul (WIHG) and Dr Kamal (IIT-R).

Title of the Ph.D. thesis: “Seismological Investigations of Central Seismic Gap in Northwest Himalaya”

The research scholars of the Institute celebrated their annual art and cultural festival on Feb. 4, 2013. The morning was marked by the display of art, sculpture and handicrafts made by the staff of the Institute and their families. The afternoon brought out the artistic qualities of the research scholars in the form of drama and dance performances.

Ph.D. REGISTRATION

CELEBRATIONS

Udbhav 2013:

National Science Day: The Institute celebrated National Science Day on Feb. 28, 2013. A talk entitled “Genetically modified crops and Food Security” was delivered by Professor Anil K. Gaur from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar. Science Day Lecture was delivered on March 2, 2013 by Dr T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology. The title of his lecture was "Social Contract of Science towards Food Security”. Various programmes like Science Quiz, Essay Competition for school students and Slogan Competition for the Institute’s employees were also held in the Institute to mark the occasion.

Climate Change and Remote Sensing” at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore during March 4-15, 2013.

Dr Kishor Kumar carried out field work in Early Eocene horizons of Vastan-Mangrol area, Western India during Jan. 5-16, 2013. After the closure of north Vastan lignite mine, famous for its rich organic remains, the focus was on the adjacent Mangrol mine, which has nearly identical stratigraphic set up with all key markers present in Vastan. The fossiliferous horizon was easily traced though it was not as productive as Vastan. Several mammal jaws and bones were collected from surface exposures.

FIELD VISITS

Dr Swapnamita C. Vaideswaran and Ms Watinaro Imsong have carried out field work in the Shillong Plateau in Assam-Meghalaya region during Feb.19 - March 6, 2013 for their project on Tectonic Geomorphology.

Figure shows 1. bone-bearing level; 2. shell horizon; 3. a calcareous bone, length =39 mm and 4. a teredinid infested wood fragment entombed in a nodule

NEW APPOINTMENTS /UPGRADATION

OPPORTUNITIES

AWARDS / HONOURS

Sh Khogenkumar Singh joined as a Junior Research Fellow in a DST sponsored project under Dr A.K. Singh.

Dr Amit Kumar, Sh Akshaya Verma, Sh Sameer Tiwari and Sh Rajeev Saran have joined as Scientist 'B' and Ms Shalini Negi has joined as Stenographer in the Centre for Glaciology (CFG).

Sh Sanjay Singh Negi, Sh Anil Kumar and Ms Harshita Joshi have been upgraded from JRF to SRF.

Dr Yogesh Ray joined National Center for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR), Goa as Scientist-C.

Dr Pradeep Srivastava has been conferred with prestigious “National Geoscience Award-2011" by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India on March 19, 2013 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Dr B.K. Mukherjee has been appointed as a member of the editorial team for a special volume of the Geological Society of London on the topic “Tectonics of Himalaya” scheduled to be released in July 2014.

Dr A.K. Mahajan joined as Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala.

Dr N. Siva Siddaiah, joined as Associate Professor in the School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.

ON LIEN

SUPERANNUATION

Dr Rajendra Singh Rawat, Scientist 'F', superannuated on March 31, 2013 after 35 years of service in the Institute. Dr Rawat joined the Institute in 1978 as Scientist 'B'. He has worked on the mineralogy and geochemistry of various rock types of Uttarakhand and Himachal Lesser Himalaya. The most significant feature of Dr Rawat's work is that he has developed many experimental techniques

on the basis of high P-T studies, to understand the physics and chemistry of minerals and rocks at various temperature and pressure having synthetic magmatic fluid trapping in quartz discs. He has experimentally proved that the structural state transformation in feldspar minerals of granite is due to Tertiary Himalayan Orogeny and there is a definite role of fluids in magmatic and mineralization process. Dr Rawat has also contributed towards the development of Uttarakhand State by publishing the 'First Mineralization Map of the State'.

WIHG

Editorial Team

Contact

Meera Tiwari, Sushil Kumar, Vikram Gupta, S.S. Bhakuni, Pradeep Srivastava and Barun K. Mukherjee

Dr (Mrs) Meera TiwariWadia Institute of Himalayan Geology33, General Mahadeo Singh Road Dehra Dun - 248 001 (India)Phone : 91-135-2525269 ; Fax: 91-135-2625212 / 2525200Email: mtiwari@wihg.res.in ; Web: http://www. wihg.res.in

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Dr Bhagwat Prasad Sharma, Scientist 'C', superannuated on March 31, 2013 after 31 years of his long association with the Institute. Dr Sharma joined the Institute in 1982 as Senior Research Assistant in a NRDMS project and began his research career working with Geo-morphology and Sedimentology in the Alaknanda Valley. Dr Sharma has significantly

contributed to various projects mainly the watershed

management, slope stability and geomorphological investigations in the Garhwal Himalaya.

Sh Naresh Kumar, driver, took VRS after more than 27 years of service in the Institute. Sh Naresh had efficient driving skills and drove the scientists of the Institute to almost every corner of the tough and hostile Himalayan terrain.