Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research

Abstract With quantum computing technologies nearing the era of commercialization and quantum supremacy, machine learning (ML) appears as one of the promising ‘killer’ applications. Despite significant effort, there has been a disconnect between most quantum ML proposals, the needs of ML practitioners, and the capabilities of near-term quantum devices to demonstrate quantum enhancement in the near future. In this contribution to the focus collection ‘What would you do with 1000 qubits?’, we provide concrete examples of intractable ML tasks that could be enhanced with near-term devices. We argue that to reach this target, the focus should be on areas where ML researchers are struggling, such as generative models in unsupervised and semi-supervised learning, instead of the popular and more tractable supervised learning techniques. We also highlight the case of classical datasets with potential quantum-like statistical correlations where quantum models could be more suitable. We focus on hybrid quantum–classical approaches and illustrate some of the key challenges we foresee for near-term implementations. Finally, we introduce the quantum-assisted Helmholtz machine (QAHM), an attempt to use near-term quantum devices to tackle high-dimensional datasets of continuous variables. Instead of using quantum computers to assist deep learning, as previous approaches do, the QAHM uses deep learning to extract a low-dimensional binary representation of data, suitable for relatively small quantum processors which can assist the training of an unsupervised generative model. Although we illustrate this concept on a quantum annealer, other quantum platforms could benefit as well from this hybrid quantum–classical framework.

The primary objective of this review was to illustrate the significance of ceria–zirconia (CZ) mixed oxides as catalysts and catalyst supports as employed for a wide variety of catalytic applications both in the liquid and gaseous phases. In particular, we were interested in bringing together the recent literature pertaining to these mixed oxides with catalysis perspective. The most prominent application of CZ mixed oxides is in three-way catalysis (TWC) as oxygen storage and release material for several years by replacing cerium dioxide as it shows better efficiency and a high thermal stability. Doping with zirconium oxide, as it is alone a non-reducible oxide, makes the CZ mixed oxide a highly reactive, thermally stable, and more reducible with elevated oxygen storage capacity (OSC) that are important for TWC applications. Apart from the TWC use, the CZ mixed oxides have a huge number of applications, as a direct component or a support, ranging from water–gas shift reaction, reforming of hydrocarbons, dehydration of alcohols, CO2 utilization, catalytic combustion of pollutants, fine chemicals production, photocatalysis, and so on. All these applications are mainly dependent on three parameters of the mixed oxides, namely, OSC or redox nature, acid–base properties, and crystalline phases. Besides, most of the applications are influenced by the physical properties such as specific surface area, pore volume, pore diameter, crystallite size, and so on. In this review, many details pertaining to the synthesis of these mixed oxides by various conventional and non-conventional methods, their characterization by several techniques, and their application for various reactions of energy and environmental significance, as reported in the literature, are assessed.

Amberlite XAD-2 was functionalized with Tiron (disodium salt of 1,2-dihydroxybenzene-3,5-disulfonic acid) by coupling it through an –NN– spacer. The resulting chelating resin, characterized by elemental analyses, thermogravimetric analysis and infrared (IR) spectra, was used to preconcentrate CuII, CdII, CoII, NiII, PbII, ZnII, MnII, FeIII and UO2II. They were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, except for uranium, for which fluorimetry was used. The pH ranges for quantitative sorption were 4.0–6.0, 4.5–6.0, 5.0–7.0, 5.0–6.0, 4.0–5.5, 5.0–6.0, 6.5–7.5, 5.0–6.0 and 4.5–5.5, for Cu, Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, Zn, Mn, Fe and U, respectively. All these metal ions can be desorbed (recovery 91–99%) with 4 mol l−1 HNO3 or HCl, except for uranyl ion, for which only 4 mol l−1 HNO3 is suitable. The sorption capacity of the resin was 14.0, 9.5, 6.5, 12.6, 12.6, 11.1, 10.0, 5.6 and 7.7 mg of metal ion per gram of resin, respectively, for the nine metals. The loading half time (t1/2) was less than 5 min for all the metal ions. The effects of NaF, NaCl, NaNO3, Na2SO4, and Na3PO4 on the sorption of these metal ions (0.2 μg ml−1) are reported. CaII and MgII are tolerated with each of them (0.2 μg ml−1) up to a concentration level of 2–30 and 2–10 mmol l−1, respectively. The enrichment factors for CuII, CdII, CoII, NiII, PbII, ZnII, MnII, FeIII and UO2II were 200, 50, 55, 150, 25, 180, 65, 80 and 150 (concentration level 2–25 μg l−1), respectively. The limits of detection for these metal ions are 2.0, 1.3, 5.0, 4.0, 24.0, 0.5, 2.5, 5.0 and 1.0 μg l−1, respectively. Simultaneous enrichment and determination of all the metal ions is possible. The flame AAS method was applied to determine these metal ions (except uranyl ion) in river water samples (RSD ⩽8%) after their enrichment with the present matrix. Uranium in well water samples and cobalt contents of pharmaceutical vitamin tablets were also determined fluorimetrically (RSD <5%) and by flame AAS (RSD ≡3%), respectively, after enrichment on the present resin.

Uranium concentration/contamination in groundwater is currently a subject of concern all over the world due to related severe health problems to humans, as groundwater is the main drinking water source in rural and urban India and also in several parts of the world. Uranium concentration in groundwater in shallow aquifers in various states such as Punjab, Rajasthan, Karnataka Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh of India varies from 0 to 1443 ng/ml exceeding the permissible levels by WHO for drinking water (30 ng/ml), at several places. Very high concentrations ranging up to 1400 ng/ml were reported in some areas in other countries such as Canada, the USA, Mongolia, Burundi, Zambia, Nigeria, South Korea, Pakistan, Jordon, Afghanistan, China, and Myanmar. Various natural aspects which influence the uranium concentration in groundwater such as bedrock geology, water chemistry, and redox conditions, and anthropogenic sources such as mining activities (uranium, coal, and phosphate rock), nuclear activities, agricultural practices of using phosphate fertilizers, and prevalence of excessive nitrate in some areas, are described with examples. Some of the important analytical techniques for the precise and accurate determination of elemental and isotopic concentrations of uranium in water samples, such as LED fluorimetry, Raman spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), high-resolution ICP-MS (HR-ICP-MS), and multi-collector ICP-MS (MC-ICP-MS), are described. A number of advancements have taken place in remediation technologies for the removal of uranium in drinking water using different physical, chemical, and biological methods including rainwater harvesting. Various mitigation strategies for the effective removal of uranium from water during treatment, such as bioremediation using biochars from different sources, nanoparticle technology, and adsorption by magnesium (Mg)-iron (Fe)-based hydrotalcite-like compounds (MF-HT), are described in detail.

Research Article| October 01, 2014 Oxygenation of the Archean atmosphere: New paleosol constraints from eastern India Joydip Mukhopadhyay; Joydip Mukhopadhyay 1Department of Geology, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, India Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Quentin G. Crowley; Quentin G. Crowley * 2Department of Geology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland *E-mail: crowleyq@tcd.ie. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Sampa Ghosh; Sampa Ghosh 1Department of Geology, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, India Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Gautam Ghosh; Gautam Ghosh 1Department of Geology, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, India Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Kalyan Chakrabarti; Kalyan Chakrabarti 1Department of Geology, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, India3Atomic Minerals Directorate, Eastern Region, Jharkhand 831002, India Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Brundaban Misra; Brundaban Misra 1Department of Geology, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, India3Atomic Minerals Directorate, Eastern Region, Jharkhand 831002, India Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Kyle Heron; Kyle Heron 2Department of Geology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Sankar Bose Sankar Bose 1Department of Geology, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, India Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (2014) 42 (10): 923–926. https://doi.org/10.1130/G36091.1 Article history received: 18 Jul 2014 rev-recd: 31 Jul 2014 accepted: 01 Aug 2014 first online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Joydip Mukhopadhyay, Quentin G. Crowley, Sampa Ghosh, Gautam Ghosh, Kalyan Chakrabarti, Brundaban Misra, Kyle Heron, Sankar Bose; Oxygenation of the Archean atmosphere: New paleosol constraints from eastern India. Geology 2014;; 42 (10): 923–926. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G36091.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract It is widely believed that atmospheric oxygen saturation rose from <10−5 present atmospheric level (PAL) in the Archean to >10−2 PAL at the Great Oxidation Event (GOE) at ca. 2.4 Ga, but it is unclear if any earlier oxygenation events occurred. Here we report U-Pb zircon data indicating that a pyrophyllite-bearing paleosol, from Keonjhar in the Precambrian Singhbhum Craton of eastern India, formed between 3.29 and 3.02 Ga, making it one of very few known Archean paleosols globally. Field and geochemical evidence suggests that the upper part of the paleosol was eroded prior to unconformable deposition of an overlying sequence of shallow-marine siliciclastic sediments. A negative cerium anomaly within the currently preserved level of the paleosol indicates that ancient oxidative weathering occurred in the original upper soil profile. The presence of redox-sensitive detrital uraninite and pyrite together with a complete absence of pyrophyllite in the overlying sediments indicate that the mineralogical and geochemical features of the paleosol were established prior to the unconformable deposition of the sediments and are not related to subsequent diagenetic or hydrothermal effects. We suggest that a transient atmospheric oxygenation event occurred at least 600 m.y. prior to the GOE and ∼60 m.y. prior to a previously documented Archean oxygenation event. We propose that several pulsed and short-lived oxygenation events are likely to have occurred prior to the GOE, and that these changes to atmospheric composition arose due to the presence of organisms capable of oxygenic photosynthesis. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.

Soil‐helium surveys in the surface rupture zones of the 1993 Latur (M w 6.2) and the 1967 Koyna (M w 6.3) stable continental region (SCR) earthquake sites in Peninsular India showed anomalies defining surface traces of the causative faults. Propagating from the Archaean crystalline basement through the Deccan basalt cover, the seismic fault produced a scarp by uplift along a thrust in the Killari area of the Latur earthquake, whereas the Koyna earthquake was associated with a strike‐slip fault which expressed itself as an en echelon fissure zone. Core drilling has confirmed that the fault at Killari extends downward from the surface rupture zone with an approximate dip of 50° towards SSW. The level differences of flow contacts obtained by drilling in the hanging wall and foot wall sides of the fault, do not unequivocally establish the amount of displacement, but suggest that it might be anything from 1 m to 6 m. If the higher figure of 6 m is accepted, it would indicate reactivation of an old fault. Drilling established a WNW dip of the Koyna fault, resolving a long‐standing debate.

The catastrophic rupture of the North Anatolian Fault east of the Marmara Sea on 17 August 1999 highlighted a need for mapping the underwater extension of that continental transform. A new bathymetric map of Izmit Gulf indicates that the fault follows the axis of the gulf with a few minor bends. Submerged shorelines and shelf breaks that formed during the Last Glacial Maximum provide markers to quantify vertical deformation. Variable tilting of these horizons reveals that vertical deformation is highest just south of the fault. A correlation between vertical deformation of the southern fault block and distance to fault bends can be accounted for by a fault dipping steeply to the south. Hence subsidence (uplift) of the southern, hanging wall block would be expected where the fault strikes at a slightly transtensional (transpressional) orientation to relative plate motion. Subsidence reaches about 8 mm/yr west of the town of Golcuk and might be accommodated in 1–2 m subsidence events during large earthquakes. That scenario is compatible with the tsunami runups and the coseismic subsidence of the southern shore that occurred in 1999. Seafloor morphology also suggests that earthquakes are accompanied by widespread gas and fluid release. The periphery of the deepest basin displays a hummocky texture diagnostic of sediment fluidization, and mud volcanoes occur west of Hersek peninsula that might be activated by earthquakes. Finally, the backscatter imagery reveals a series of lineaments midway through the gulf that are interpreted as products of the 1999 surface rupture. The seafloor is undisturbed farther west, suggesting that surface slip decreased to an insignificant level beyond Hersek. Possibly, the stress shadow from the 10 July 1894 earthquake, which was felt strongly along the western Izmit Gulf, contributed to arrest the 1999 surface rupture.

Abstract “My own notes have been made during a period of sixteen years’ service by the road-side, when marching; or in tracts less frequented, while on sporting excursions, when the hammer, compass, and clinometer accompanied the gun and spear; for I deemed it possible, even for those who run, to snatch a glimpse from nature's book.” – Captain Newbold, FRS The Deccan Volcanic Province (DVP), covering presently an area of 0.5 million km2, and estimated to be 2-3 times larger during the Upper Cretaceous-Paleocene, is one of the largest continental flood basalt provinces of the world. Its formation has been linked to the foundering of the Gondwanaland and Greater India's northward drift, passing over the Reunion plume and eruption of over a million km3 of lava that apparently led to a mass extinction of global proportions. The DVP has thus been a major domain of scientific interest and study the world over. It had received attention since the 1830s, first from the army and civil service men of the British Raj and subsequently from the officers of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) founded in 1851, and academicians from a number of Indian Universities and research Institutions, often in collaboration with geologists from countries such as the UK, USA, Russia, France, Japan, Italy and others. Thus, studies of the DVP conducted for over 170 years, and especially in the last five decades, have provided a very large database that has led to a better understanding of the genesis and evolution of the this province and similar flood basalt provinces of the world. The DVP is thickest in the Western Ghats, forming many individual 400 m to 1650 m thick sections over some 700 km. The structural evolution of the lava sequence envisages a pre–uplift, thick (c. 2-3 km), lensoid pile of dense basalt that gradually sank into the crust by the end of the eruptive phase, followed by an uplift of the western margin of the Deccan due to both denudational-isostasy reasons and the associated geomorphological and structural evolution of the lava pile from Tertiary uplift and coastal flexure formation (the Panvel structure). Such an evolution has led to stresses that get accommodated along fractures in the pre-Deccan basement at varying depths and apparently provide the loci for seismicity observed over the province. The DVP is predominantly composed of quartz- and hypersthene-normative tholeiitic basalts in the plateau regions (Western Ghats and adjoining central and eastern parts, Malwa and Mandla). However, along the ENE-WSW-trending Narmada-Tapi rift zones, the N-S to NNW-SSE-trending Western coastal tract, the Cambay rift zone, and the Saurashtra and Kutch regions, the DVP shows considerable diversity in terms of structures, dyke swarms and dyke clusters, and intrusive and extrusive centres with diverse rock types. These include: primary picrite basalts and their differentiates (e.g., Botad, Dhandhuka, Wadhwan Jn., Pavagadh), granophyre-rhyolite intrusive ring-complexes and mixed basalt-rhyolite associations (e.g., Alech, Barda, Osham, Chogat-Chamardi, Mumbai Island, and others), carbonatite-nephelinite associations (Amba Dongar-Kawant), gabbro-anorthosite-nepheline syenite-syenite ring/layered complexes(e.g., Mt. Girnar, Mundwara, Phenai Mata), mantle-derived spinel peridotite-hosting melanephelinites and basanites (e.g. Dhrubya, Vethon and others in Kutch), besides scores of alkaline and lamprophyre dykes. Some of these complexes are associated with high gravity anomalies indicating dense plutonic bodies at depths. Flow morphological studies of the DVP have led to the recognition of two main types of flows, namely ‘a'a (typically forming simple, sheet flows) and pâhoehoe (typically forming compound, pāhoehoe lobate flows) with transitions between them that result in mixed types. The ‘a'a types are largely single units found in the peripheral parts where thicknesses of the flow sequence range from a few meters to a few tens of meters. The compound pâhoehoe flows contain many units or lobes and are largely found in the thicker sections of Western Ghats, and also in the central parts of the province. The flow sequences of the Western Ghats (c. 400 m to 1650 m thick and spread over an area of 400 km x 100 km along the N-S tract from north of Nasik to Belgaum) have been mapped and correlated using flow morphology, petrology and selected trace elements (Sr, Ba, Zr, Y and Ti) and Sr- isotopes. Such a combination of geochemical characters, constrained further by altitude and magnetic polarity (chrons 30N-29R-29N) have led to the delineation of the flow sequences from north to south into a Deccan Basalt Group, comprising three Subgroups from the base to the top, namely the Kalsubai, Lonavala and Wai Subgroups, with twelve (12) formations in total, each formation containing many flows. Giant plagioclase basalts (GPBs) and bole beds of diverse origin (intertrappean sediments, weathered basalt or tuffs with baking effects) have been found in many flow sequences of the DVP, especially in the Western Ghats and contiguous plateau regions, and these interflow units help in subregional-scale mapping and also provide insights into magma chamber processes and eruptive breaks in the volcanic cycles. Field and geochemical studies of some twenty-three (23) flow sequences (10 from Western Ghats, five from central India and eight from eastern India) by several groups have enabled correlation of some formations of the Western Ghats such as the Ambenali (crustally uncontaminated) and Poladpur (contaminated) over long distances (c. 400-700 km) to Toranmal, Mhow, Chikaldara, Jabalpur and other sections. However, these formations occur at different stratigraphic elevations at these places and also differ in some isotopic characters (e.g. 206Pb/204Pb). Such features have cast doubts on long distance travel of flows from a single source and led to suggestions of multiple source areas (vents and dykes) as also inferred from the two zones of compositional diversity mentioned above. Based on detailed field, petrological and geochemical characters including isotopic data and Ar-Ar ages, dyke swarms and clusters in the Narmada-Tapi and western coastal tracts have been shown to belong to two groups: (1) The randomly oriented group between Pune and Nasik as possible feeders to the lava flow sequences of the Western Ghats and (2) Some of the dykes from the east-west-oriented Narmada-Tapi swarm, attributed to active N-S extension during the flood basalt episode, and showing chemical affinities to the lower and middle formations (Jawhar, Igatpuri, Neral, Thakurwadi, Bhimashankar, Khandala). A wide variety of petrographic types of basalts have been observed in the DVP attesting to the diverse crystallisation and differentiation of the different magma types during transport and in magma chambers. Based on petrographic and mineralogical data from a number of thick sections, it has been inferred that minerals such as olivine (Fo90–Fo20), clinopyroxenes (diopsidic augite, augite, subcalcic augite and pigeonite), plagioclase (An84-An30) and opaque oxides including spinels show considerable variations depending upon the tholeiitic or alkaline character of the host magma and its degree of evolution. Secondary minerals, especially zeolites such as heulandite and stilbite, are found in all the ten formations of the Western Ghats whereas merlionite and analcite are only found in the Khandala Formation. Other ten species are of variable abundance are found in the ten formations of the Western Ghats and other areas. Zeolite zonation in DVP suggested earlier has not been substantiated by recent studies, instead multigeneration of secondary minerals in cavities is attributed to late hydrothermal activity from Paleocene to early Miocene.

ABSTRACT The Beldih open cast mine of the South Purulia Shear Zone in Eastern India is well known for apatite deposits associated with Nb–rare‐earth‐element–uranium mineralization within steeply dipping, altered ferruginous kaolinite and quartz–magnetite–apatite rocks with E–W strikes at the contact of altered mafic–ultramafic and granite/quartzite rocks. A detailed geophysical study using gravity, magnetic, and gradient resistivity profiling surveys has been carried out over ∼1 km 2 area surrounding the Beldih mine to investigate further the dip, depth, lateral extension, and associated geophysical signatures of the uranium mineralization in the environs of South Purulia Shear Zone. The high‐to‐low transition zone on the northern part and high‐to‐low anomaly patches on the southeastern and southwestern parts of the Bouguer, reduced‐to‐pole magnetic, and trend‐surface‐separated residual gravity–magnetic anomaly maps indicate the possibility of highly altered zone(s) on the northern, southeastern, and southwestern parts of the Beldih mine. The gradient resistivity survey on either side of the mine has also revealed the correlation of low‐resistivity anomalies with low‐gravity and moderately high magnetic anomalies. In particular, the anomalies and modeled subsurface features along profile P6 perfectly match with subsurface geology and uranium mineralization at depth. Two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional residual gravity models along P6 depict the presence of highly altered vertical sheet of low‐density material up to a depth of ∼200 m. The drilling results along the same profile confirm the continuation of uranium mineralization zone for the low‐density material. This not only validates the findings of the gravity model but also establishes the geophysical signatures for uranium mineralization as low‐gravity, moderate‐to‐high magnetic, and low‐resistivity values in this region. This study enhances the scope of further integrated geophysical investigations along the South Purulia Shear Zone to delineate suitable target areas for uranium exploration.

Abstract In today's digital age, the need and interest in personal and portable electronics shows a dramatic growth trend in daily life parallel to the developments in sensors technologies and the internet. Wearable electronics that can be attached to clothing, accessories, and the human body are one of the most promising subfields. The energy requirement for the devices considering the reduction in device sizes and the necessity of being flexible and light, the existing batteries are insufficient and nanogenerators have been recognized a suitable energy source in the last decade. The mechanical energy created by the daily activities of the human body is an accessible and natural energy source for nanogenerators. Fiber‐structured functional materials contribute to the increase in energy efficiency due to their effective surface to volume ratio while providing the necessary compatibility and comfort for the movements in daily life with its flexibility and lightness. Among the potential solutions, electrospinning stands out as a promising technique that can meet these requirements, allowing for simple, versatile, and continuous fabrication. Herein, wearable electronics and their future potential, electrospinning, and its place in energy applications are overviewed. Moreover, piezoelectric, triboelectric, and hybrid nanogenerators fabricated or associated with electrospun fibrous materials are presented.

We report a facile synthesis of Zn2SiO4 nanotubes using a two-step process consisting of a wet-chemical synthesis of core-shell ZnO@SiO2 nanorods followed by thermal annealing. While annealing in air leads to the formation of hollow Zn2SiO4, annealing under reducing atmosphere leads to the formation of SiO2 nanotubes. We rationalize the formation of the silicate phase at temperatures much lower than the temperatures reported in the literature based on the porous nature of the silica shell on the ZnO nanorods. We present results from in situ transmission electron microscopy experiments to clearly show void nucleation at the interface between ZnO and the silica shell and the growth of the silicate phase by the Kirkendall effect. The porous nature of the silica shell is also responsible for the etching of the ZnO leading to the formation of silica nanotubes under reducing conditions. Both the hollow silica and silicate nanotubes exhibit good uranium sorption at different ranges of pH making them possible candidates for nuclear waste management.

ABSTRACT Based on the field relations, associated rock types and age, the carbonatite-alkaline rock complexes of India, that are spatially related to deep main faults, rifts and shear zones, have been classified in to two major groups, namely: 1. Middle – late Cretaceous, subvolcanic – volcanic complexes (Amba Dongar, Siriwasan, Swangkre, Mer-Mundwara, Sarnu-Dandali-Kamthai) and 2. Paleo-Neoproterozoic plutonic complexes (Newania, Sevathur, Samalpatti, Hogenakal, Kollegal, Pakkanadu, Udaiyapatti, Munnar, and Khambamettu). The middle Cretaceous Sung Valley and Samchampi complexes also belong to this plutonic group. Three minor associations, belonging to these two age groups include, the Neoproterzoic, late stage veins of carbonatites in peralkaline syenite complexes (e.g., Kunavaram, Elchuru), the diamond-bearing carbonatite and kimberlite at Khaderpet and the lamprophyre-lamproite association (e.g., Pachcham Is. Upper Cretaceous, Deccan Volcanic Province, and the Proterozoic Chitrangi Group). Petrological associations include carbonatite-nephelinite-phonolite (e.g. Amba Dongar, Sarnu-Dandali-Kamthai), dunite-peridotite-pyroxenite-ijolite-melilitite (e.g. Sung Valley), miaskitic syenite-pyroxenite ± dunite (e.g. Sevathur, Samalpatti, Pakkanadu), carbonatite alone with fenites (e.g. Newania), besides those minor associations mentioned above. Sovites (calico-carbonatites) occur as the most dominant type in some ten (10) complexes. Beforsite (magnesio-carbonatite) is the dominant type at Newania and ankeritic-sideritic types are mainly found at Amba Dongar, Siriwasan and Newania. The rare benstonite-bearing carbonatites are found at Jokkipatti and Udaiyapatti in Tamil Nadu. Mineralogically and chemically the carbonatites show considerable diversity. Fenitised zones and types of fenites (Na, K and mixed) vary widely since the carbonatites are emplaced in a variety of hostrocks ranging from granitic, mafic, ultramafic, charnockitic types besides basalts and sandstones. Stable (δ13C and δ18O) and radiogenic (Sr, Nd and Pb) isotopes clearly indicate their mantle origin and also the diverse types of sources (both depleted HIMU and enriched EM 1 and 2). Petrogenetic considerations reveal three types of carbonatites, namely direct partial melts from metasomatised mantle (e.g. Newania), liquid immiscibility from carbonatite-nephelinite association (e.g. Amba Dongar) and through fractionation of ultra-alkaline ultramafic and mafic association (e.g. Sung Valley). Carbonatites of India that host significant resources include Amba Dongar (Fluorite, REE, Nb, P, Ba, Sr), Kamthai (REE), Sevathur (Nb, P, vermiculite), Beldih (P, Fe), Sung Valley (P, Nb, REE, Fe) and Samchampi (P, Nb, Fe, REE).

Abstract Beldih mine at the central part of the South Purulia Shear Zone (SPSZ) has been reported with low grade uranium-bearing formation within quartz-magnetite-apatite host in kaolinized formation. Therefore, the present integrated geophysical study with gravity, magnetic, radiometric, very low frequency electromagnetic (VLF) and gradient resistivity profiling methods around the known mineralized zones aimed at identifying the exact geophysical signatures and lateral extent of these uranium mineralization bands. The closely spaced gravity-magnetic contours over the low to high anomaly transition zones of Bouguer, reduced-to-pole magnetic, and trend surface separated residual gravity-magnetic anomaly maps indicate the possibility of high altered zone(s) along NW–SE direction at the central part of the study area. High current density plots of VLF method and the low resistive zones in gradient resistivity study depict the coincidence with low gravity, moderately high magnetic and low resistivity anomalies at the same locations. Moderate high radioactive zones have also been observed over these locations. This also suggests the existence of radioactive mineralization over this region. Along profile P2, drilled borehole data revealed the presence of uranium mineralization at a depth of ∼100 m. The vertical projection of this mineralization band also identified as low gravity, low resistivity and high magnetic anomaly zone. Thus, the application of integrated geophysical techniques supported by geological information successfully recognized the nature of geophysical signatures associated with the uranium mineralization of this region. This enhances the scope of further integrated geophysical investigations in the unexplored regions of SPSZ.

Drilling at Killari in the Meizoseismal area of the 1993 Latur earthquake has revealed that the Deccan Basalt sequence here is 338 m thick, andis underlain by Peninsular Gneiss basement with an intervening 8 m Infra-Trappean sequence.

Abstract The Precambrian Chhotanagpur granite gneiss complex (CGGC) terrain covers more than 80,000 sq km area, and is dominated by granitoid gneisses and migmatites. Recent geochronological data indicate that the CGGC terrain has witnessed five tectonomagmatic thermal events at: (i) 2.5-2.4 Ga, (ii) 2.2-2.0 Ga, (iii) 1.6-1.4 Ga, (iv) 1.2-1.0 Ga, and (v) 0.9-0.8 Ga. Of these, the third and the fourth events are widespread. The whole-rock Rb-Sr isotopic analysis of twenty granite samples from the CGGC of Raikera-Kunkuri region, Jashpur district, Chhattisgarh, Central India, yields two distinct isochrons. The eleven samples of grey granites define an isochron age of 1005±51 Ma with moderate initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.7047±0.0065, which corresponds to the fourth tectonomagmatic event. On the other hand, the nine samples of pink granites indicate younger isochron age of 815±47 Ma with a higher initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.7539±0.0066 that matches with the fifth phase of the thermal event. The data suggest emplacement of large bodies of grey granite at ~1005 Ma that evolved possibly from precursors of tonalitic-granodioritic composition. Furthermore, the younger age (~815 Ma) suggests the age of metasomatism, involving isotopic resetting, that resulted in genesis of pink granite bodies of limited areal extent. By analogy, the age of metasomatism (~815 Ma) may also be taken to represent the age of Y-mineralisation in the Raikera-Kunkuri region of the CGGC terrain.

Abstract We present modeling of magnetic and very low frequency electromagnetic (VLF-EM) data to map the spatial distribution of basement fractures where uranium is reported in Sambalpur granitoids in the Raigarh district, Chhattisgarh, India. Radioactivity in the basement fractures is attributed to brannerite, U-Ti-Fe complex, and uranium adsorbed on ferruginous matter. The amplitude of the 3D analytical signal of the observed magnetic data indicates the trend of fracture zones. Further, the application of Euler 3D deconvolution to magnetic data provides the spatial locations and depth of the source. Fraser-filtered VLF-EM data and current density pseudosections indicate the presence of shallow and deep conductive zones along the fractures. Modeling of VLF-EM data yields the subsurface resistivity distribution of the order of less than 100 ohm-m of the fractures. The interpreted results of both magnetic and VLF-EM data agree well with the geologic section obtained from drilling.

Nano ZnCo₂O₄ spinels were synthesized at varying zinc and cobalt ratios such as 1 : 1, 1 : 1.5, 1 : 2, 1 : 2.5 and 1 : 3.

Abstract Groundwater in Palnad sub-basin is alkaline in nature and Na+-Cl−-HCO3− type around Macherla– Karempudi area in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. Total dissolved solids (TDS) show strong positive correlation with Cl−, Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+, and positive correlation with SO42−,K+ and HHCO3−. Calcareous Narji Formation is the dominant aquifer lithology, and water-rock interaction controls the groundwater chemistry of the area. Chloro-alkaline indices (CAI) are positive at Miriyala, Adigopula, Mutukuru, Macherla and Durgi suggesting replacement of Na+ and K+ ions from water by Mg++ and Ca++ ions from country rock through base exchange reactions. Negative CAI values are recorded at Terala, Rayavaram and Nehrunagar, which indicate exchange of Na+ and K+ from the rock as cation-anion exchange reaction (chloro-alkaline disequilibrium). TDS range from 91 to 7100 ppm (Avg. 835 ppm) and exceed the prescribed limit of drinking water around Mutukuru, Durgi, Rayavaram, Khambampadu and Ammanizamalmadaka areas. Scanty rainfall and insufficient groundwater recharge are the prime factors responsible for high salinity in the area. Fluoride content ranges from &amp;lt;1 to 3.8 ppm and contaminated areas were identified around Macherla (1 sq km; 3.8ppm), Mandadi (1 sq km, 2.1ppm) and Adigopula (2 sq km, &amp;lt;1 to 3.7 ppm). The % Na+ content varies from 17 to 85 with the mean value of 57, and eighty (80) samples showed higher %Na+ in comparison to the prescribed limit of 60 for irrigation water. Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) and % Na+ in relation to total salt concentration indicate that groundwater (51%) mostly falls under doubtful to poor quality for irrigation purpose. Groundwater of Adigopula village is fluoride contaminated and remedial measures are suggested to improve the water quality.

Abstract The Dargawan gabbros intrusive into the Moli Subgroup of Bijawar Group, yielded Rb-Sr whole rock isochron age of 1967 ± 140 Ma. Based on the oldest age from overlying Lower Vindhyan (1.6Ga) and the underlying youngest basement ages (2.2 Ga), the time range of Bijawar sedimentation may be assigned as 2.1-1.6 Ga (Paleoproterozoic). Sm-Nd Model ages (TDM), obtained, for Dargawan gabbros, is c. 2876 - 3145 Ma. High initial 87Sr/ 86Sr ratio of 0.70451 (higher than the contemporary mantle) and negative εNdi (at 1.9 Ga) value of -1.5 to - 4.5, indicate assimilation of Archaean lower crustal component by the enriched mantle source magma at the time of gabbroic intrusion. The dolerite, from Damdama area, which is intrusive into the basement and overlying sediments of Chandrapur Group in the central Indian craton, yielded Rb-Sr internal isochron age of 1641 ± 120 Ma. The high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.7098 and εNdi value of -3.5 to -3.7 (at 1.6 Ga) is due to contamination of the mantle source magma with the overlying sediments. These dolerites have younger Sm-Nd Model ages (TDM) than Dargawan gabbros as c. 2462 - 2675 Ma, which is similar to the age of the Sambalpur granite, from which probably sediments to this part of Chattisgarh basin are derived. Hence mixing of sediments with the Damdama dyke during its emplacement, gives rise to high initial 87Sr/86Sr and low initial 143Nd/144 ratios for these dykes. The c. 1600 Ma age indicates minimum age of onset of the sedimentation in the Chandrapur Group of Chattisgarh basin. Both the above mafic intrusions might have taken place in an intracratonic rift related (anorogenic) tectonic setting. This study is the first reliable age report on the onset of sedimentation in the Chandrapur Group. The total minimum time span of Chandrapur and Raipur Group may be 1.6 Ga to 1.0 Ga (Mesoproterozoic). The unconformably underlying Shingora Group of rocks of Chhattisgarh Supergroup thus indicates Paleoproterozoic age (older than 1.6 Ga). Most part of the recently classified Chattisgarh Supergroup and Bijawar-Vindhyan sequence are of Mesoproterozoic-Paleoproterozoic age and not of Neoproterozoic-Mesoproterozoic age as considered earlier. Petrographic study of basic dykes from Damdama area (eastern margin of Chattisgarh Supergroup) indicated presence of primary uranium mineral brannerite associated with goethite. This is the evidence of mafic intrusive providing geotherm and helping in scavenging the uranium from the surrounding and later alterations causing remobilisation and reconcentration of pre-existing uranium in host rocks as well as in mafic dyke itself otherwise mafic rocks are poor source of uranium and can not have primary uranium minerals initially. It can be concluded that mafic dykes have role in uranium mineralisation although indirectly.

Abstract A simple and rapid method for the simultaneous extraction of heavy metals using a new reagent 5-(2′-carbomethoxyphenyl; azo-8-quinolinol(R) into methyl isobutyl. ketone (MIBK) and their subsequent determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry is described. The method has been applied to the determination of Cu. Pb, Ni, Fe, Cr, Co and Mo in drinking and bore well waters. The extraction has been carried out with an aqueous to organic phase ratio to achieve around 30 fold preconcentration of metals. Extraction parameters and the influence of diverse ions have been studied. The detection limits (36) for Cu, Pb, Ni, Fe, Cr, Co and Mo are 0.07, 0.23, 0.15, 0.09, 0.22, 0.17, 0.38 μg/l, respectively. Higher preconcentration factors can be achieved by using a higher aqueous to organic phase ratio and lower concentration of metals can be determined.