Showing papers by "Pavan Kumar published in 2021"

Assessing hazards induced vulnerability in coastal districts of India using site-specific indicators: an integrated approach

Abstract: Coastal districts of India being diverse in nature are under constant vulnerability to hazards. The article analyzes vulnerability as a function of exposure, sensitivity and adaptation capacity. We selected site-specific factors of exposure, sensitivity and adaptation for constructing the composite vulnerability index. Findings revealed very high and high vulnerability in the eastern coastal districts while western coastal districts experienced moderate and low vulnerability. High frequency of cyclone and storm surge, low socio-economic status and lack of basic amenities and facilities were found significant stressors for increasing vulnerability in coastal districts. Composite vulnerability index not only helped in analyzing causative factors of vulnerability but also proved to be an effective tool in identifying priority districts where efforts could be made to lessen vulnerability. The study calls for policy measures to reduce vulnerability and safeguard the coastal communities from the risk of disasters.

Climate change scenario of hydro-chemical analysis and mapping spatio-temporal changes in water chemistry of water springs in Kumaun Himalaya

Abstract: Monitoring and mapping physicochemical properties of springs water are very crucial in Upper Kosi watershed as natural springs, and spring-fed streams are the only source of drinking water for thousands of inhabitants living there. Understanding of hydro-geochemical characteristics and water quality of the springs in perched aquifers of the basin provides useful information for sustainable use of spring's water with climate change scenarios. For this purpose, a total of 65 springs were inspected and investigated for their significant particle scenario to evaluate their water quality, potential origins, and hydro-chemical evolution. Groundwater samples were collected from springs under consideration and are examined for an aggregate of 14 water quality physicochemical parameters during pre- and post-monsoon season. Two types of hydro-chemical complexions were observed during pre-monsoon sample analysis. One is Ca–Mg–HCO3−, and the other is a mixed Ca–Mg–Cl−paradigm. It perceived that hydro-chemical facies Ca–Mg–Cl− was shifted into Ca–Mg–HCO3− in post-monsoon. Higher deviation in turbidity, magnesium, and sulphate indicated that geochemistry of the study area is not homogenous. A significant degree of seasonal variations in the concentration water quality parameters like pH, Cl−, F−, SO42− K+, total alkalinity, and bicarbonate was analysed using one way ANOVA (p ≤ 0.05). As per concern of quality, groundwater emanating from these springs is apposite for drinking as per drinking water specifications provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards (IS 10500:2012).

Highlighting the compound risk of COVID-19 and environmental pollutants using geospatial technology.

Abstract: The new COVID-19 coronavirus disease has emerged as a global threat and not just to human health but also the global economy. Due to the pandemic, most countries affected have therefore imposed periods of full or partial lockdowns to restrict community transmission. This has had the welcome but unexpected side effect that existing levels of atmospheric pollutants, particularly in cities, have temporarily declined. As found by several authors, air quality can inherently exacerbate the risks linked to respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. In this study, we explore patterns of air pollution for ten of the most affected countries in the world, in the context of the 2020 development of the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that the concentrations of some of the principal atmospheric pollutants were temporarily reduced during the extensive lockdowns in the spring. Secondly, we show that the seasonality of the atmospheric pollutants is not significantly affected by these temporary changes, indicating that observed variations in COVID-19 conditions are likely to be linked to air quality. On this background, we confirm that air pollution may be a good predictor for the local and national severity of COVID-19 infections.

Remote sensing of Ocean and Coastal Environment – Overview

Abstract: Remote sensing is logically termed as an Eye in the Sky that never tells lie. Nowadays, Remote sensing is a vital technology for exploring ocean and coastal system dynamics. A variety of satellites and sensors are proving Spatio-temporal data for monitoring and assessment of day-to-day changes in the ocean and coastal environments. Ocean and coastal areas as integrated parts of the earth’s ecosystem are immensely important biologically and socially. These areas are under constant threat due to anthropogenic activities unprecedented resource extraction and changing climatic behaviour. The oceans have varied and complex geometry and physiography and thus, cognizance of its varied characteristics is essential for identifying any implication over these ecosystems. Remote sensing and geographical information system (GIS) techniques have not only proved effective in analyzing the surface characteristics of the coastal areas but also adheres importance in identifying the characteristics of the ocean floor, mapping the coastal details and hydrodynamic modelling. The present work provides a brief interpretation of the varied remote sensing techniques, sensors, platforms, and data products in the ocean and coastal assessment. Several challenges and their solutions were also discussed for addressing the effectiveness of geospatial techniques.

Application of geospatial technology in agricultural water management

Abstract: The geospatial technology is an emerging technique to study real earth geographic information using Geographical Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS) and other ground information from various devices and instruments. In this chapter, various geospatial process-based techniques segregated into two different categories, i.e., conventional and advanced, are provided for agricultural water management. The descriptions of several approaches are provided to understand the role of geospatial technology in agricultural water management. Most of the approaches are based on remote sensing and GIS in correspondence with statistical learning techniques that can be possibly used for agricultural water management.

Rainfall rate estimation over India using global precipitation measurement’s microwave imager datasets and different variants of fuzzy information system

Abstract: Effective rain rate estimation using satellite-based measurement is imperative for many hydro-meteorological applications. With the recent advancement in satellite products and retrieving algorithm...

An investigation of a credible strategy for coral reef bleaching and its management using a geospatial approach for the Gulf of Kutch

Abstract: The structural form of ancient and recently formed coral reefs is the result of the interactions between reef growth and reef destruction. Reef growth has received much attention, particularly in terms of physical characteristics and patterns of coral zonation. A marine ecosystem is high in marine life and bird life. In the variety of life in the marine ecosystem, the most splendid creation of the coral organisms, formed mostly of calcium carbonate excreted by them, is the coral reef. This chapter makes an attempt to assess coral reef bleaching and its impact on environmental parameters in the Gulf of Kutch. We aim to identify coral reef bleaching and its impact on environmental parameters and the detection of ecological diversity via remote-sensing techniques. The protection and progress of the coral reef and how much the restoration of this environment is affected are also discussed in this chapter.

Application of GPS and GNSS technology in geosciences

Abstract: Global Positioning System (GPS) is a global navigational satellite system developed by the United States Department of Defense. This technology is available only with America, Russia (GLONASS), China (BeiDou), and Japan (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System). In this, the navigation systems of America and Russia are global, while countries like China and Japan are using it regionally. The European Union has also completed preparations to start its navigation system. In terms of surveying, mapping technology, and engineering construction, it is used not only in the establishment of Earth control networks but also in the establishment of land and ocean geodetic survey benchmarks. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) framework is one of the four major positioning systems, mainly GPS, GLONASS, GNS, and BeiDou, in the world. This chapter describes the application of GPS and GNSS Technology in Geosciences like rescue and relief projects, agriculture, dynamic observation, time transmission, speed measurement, vehicle guidance, and other fields.

Analysis of Land Use/Land Cover Mapping for Sustainable Land Resources Development of Hisar District, Haryana, India

Abstract: Natural resources on the earth are being continuously stressed to meet the demands of increasing population. The increasing population requires enhanced production of food, energy, and water. To ensure reasonable civic amenities for quality life, there is need for the development of more infrastructure, more areas under habitation, and enhanced per capita expenditure. Land resources, being finite, need to be prudently used to meet the ever-increasing demand. This requires the study of land use/land cover (LU/LC) and its monitoring to understand the changing dynamics and optimal utilization of the resources. Geoinformation technologies are helpful to a great extent for not only creation of baseline information but also to monitor such changes. The present study has been carried out for Hisar district of Haryana state, India, over a period of 10 years to understand the change in the land use/land cover pattern. The district has a total geographical area of 4174.52 sq. km. Digital image processing with selected ground truth has been carried out for generating the information from satellite data. IRS/LANDSAT data have been used for the purpose. This information has been analyzed in the light of various land resources constraints by taking collateral information on soil types, groundwater quality, and depth along with geomorphological constraints. This information has been used for suggesting land resources development plan for the region which will ensure optimum and prudent use of land resources.

Ocean remote sensing for spatiotemporal variability of wave energy density and littoral current velocity in the Southern Indian offshore

Abstract: Spatiotemporal variability of wave energy and littoral current velocity releasing at zones play a major role for formation of coastal landforms and environmental ecosystems in the South Indian coastal region. Impacts of wave energy and littoral current into the shore are mainly subject to several geomorphological changes by controlling natural and manmade activities and highly influencing coastal dynamics like erosion and accretion. Mathematically, the wave energy is calculated using the linear wave theory and the equation is expressed as E = 1 8 ρ g H 2 , whereas the measurement of littoral current velocity is performed by using the equation is represented as V L H = 20.7 m ( g H b ) 1 / 2 sin 2 α b . The parameters including significant wave height, seawater density (subject to salinity and temperature), gravity acceleration, wave breaker height, wave break angle, and offshore slope are used as inputs for executing the preceding equations, in which the significant wave height is estimated using gridded significant wave height level-4 products based on altimetry measurements of satellites Sentinel-3A, Sentinel-3B, Jason-3, Saral (AltiKa), Cryosat-2, and CFOSAT. The GIS modeling of the linear equation is executed using the raster layer of the preceding parameters for estimating wave energy density and littoral current velocity at 10 ∗ 10 m pixel scale. The Southern Indian offshore region found the highest range of wave energy density during premonsoon (June–September) and it is estimated at 3.46–10.48 kJ/m2 with a mean value of 6.52 kJ/m2 due to impacts of a southwest monsoonal wind from the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. Similarly, the offshore region shows a higher rate of wave energy density during monsoon (October–December) at the range of 1.12–9.78 52 kJ/m2 with a mean value of 6.06 52 kJ/m2 due to stronger influences of northeast monsoonal wind velocity from the Bay of Bengal Sea. However, the offshore region is recorded as a lower rate of wave energy density during postmonsoon (March–May), at the range of 1.76–4.09 6.52 kJ/m2 with a mean value of 3.06 6.52 kJ/m2, whereas the annual average of wave energy density is estimated at 1.86–5.68 kJ/m2 in coastal water of the nearshore area and 5.69–10.48 kJ/m2 in the offshore water column. The spatiotemporal variability of wave energy density shows the standard deviation value at 0.4–3.24 during the three seasons of 2017–2018. Meanwhile, the combined action of wind and wave controls the flow and movement of littoral current along the Southern Indian coastal water, and it is estimated at the velocity of 0.14–0.55 m/s during the three seasons. The energy releasing from wave and littoral current to the shoreline results in the morphodynamics of landforms at various locations along the Southern Indian coastal stretch, whereas some coastal zones found erosion landforms while experiencing the higher wave energy but lower velocity of littoral current due to backwashing of sediments. Meanwhile, the reversing processes in specific spots formed as depositional landforms due to swashing of sediments. Long-term monitoring of wave energy and littoral current can be possible through ocean remote sensing, and it provides vital information for oceanographic studies and making plans for sustainable coastal zone management.

Retreating Glacier Dynamics Over the Last Quarter of a Century in Uttarakhand Region Using Optical Sensor Time Series Data

Abstract: The Uttarakhand glaciers have been melting over the last half of a century. Local climatic variation has influenced the glacier retreat but these phenomena do not appear to affect the glacier health over long period of time. The increased availability of geospatial technology, global coverage and very low financial costs allows for fast, semi-automated, and cost-effective assessment of changes in glacier parameters over large areas. Geospatial technology allow for regular monitoring of the properties of Uttarakhand glaciers such as terminus position and ice extent from which glacier mass balance can be inferred. Geospatial technology is the only technique that can help to determine it using different platform like space-borne and air-borne sensors. The basic semantic characterization of geospatial technology is primarily used for spectral characterization in Uttarakhand glacial and depicting snow and ice top. Semi-automated geospatial technique helps in processing all data collected from on-board and off-board systems. This research analyzed the Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI) for showing snow cover delineation area and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for vegetation cover delineation. The study aim to refer the changes from 1994 to 2015 and detected for snow and vegetation changed over quarter of the century. The study will helps to determine glacier dynamics and its kinetic change rate and also useful to global level studies and snow change detection.

Future Direction of GIScience for Revolution in Science and Society Over the Past 20 Years

Abstract: Geographic Information Science (GIScience) plays a vital role in today’s era. Prior to the development of GIScience, all these tasks were done on a human level in which not only a lot of time and capital was used but actual knowledge of the subject matter was also not possible, because it was not always possible to reach a particular place. GIScience is based on Sudur sensor calculators, so that no aspect of the Earth can be hidden. It is partly covered with the various traditional disciplines like environmental science, applied mathematics, geophysics, geography, oceanography, spatial statistics, etc. GIScience came into the market between 1990 and 1992 as a game changer which contributed to the formation of geographical information science (GIS). The work potential of contributing to the work was discovered through this science, including database designing and modeling can be done in any area. This technology is used in scientific research, resource management, asset management, archaeological work, urbanization, and criminology. There are a variety of applied fields of GIScience which are used in current scenarios for the better understanding, interpretation, and visualization of the data.