PGE and isotopic characteristics of Shergol and Suru Valley Ophiolites,Western Ladakh:Implications for supra-subduction tectonics along Indus Suture Zone

Present study reports the PGE-geochemistry of mantle peridotites and Nd-isotope geochemistry of arc related mafic rocks from the Indus Suture Zone(ISZ),western Ladakh.The total PGE concentration of the Shergol and Suru Valley peridotites(∑PGE=96-180 ppb)is much higher than that of the primitive mantle and global ophiolitic mantle peridotites.The studied peridotites show concave upward PGE-distribution patterns with higher palladium-group PGE/Iridium-group PGE ratios(i.e.,0.8-2.9)suggesting that the partial melting is not the sole factor responsible for the evolution of these peridotites.The observed PGE-distribution patterns are distinct from residual/refractory mantle peridotites,which have concave downward or flat PGE-distribution patterns.Relative enrichment of palladium-group PGE as well as other whole-rock incompatible elements(e.g.,LILE and LREE)and higher Pd/Ir ratio(1.1-5.9)reflects that these peridotites have experienced fluid/melt interaction in a supra-subduction zone(SSZ)tectonic setting.Also,the Shergol mafic intrusives and Dras mafic volcanics,associated with the studied peridotites,have high^(143)Nd/^(144)Nd ratios(i.e.,0.512908-0.513078 and 0.512901-0.512977,respectively)and positiveε_(Nd)(t)(calculated for t=140 Ma)values(i.e.,+5.3 to+8.6 and+5.1 to+6.6,respectively),indicating derivation from depleted mantle sources within an intra-oceanic arc setting,similar to Spongtang and Nidar ophiolites from other parts of Ladakh Himalaya.The transition from SSZ-type Shergol and Suru Valley peridotites to Early Cretaceous tholeiitic Shergol mafic intrusives followed by tholeiitic to calc-alkaline Dras mafic volcanics within the Neo-Tethys Ocean exhibit characteristics of subduction initiation mechanism analogous to the Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc system within western Pacific.

Hydrographical parameters and phytoplankton assemblages along the Pondicherry—Nagapattinam coastal waters,southeast coast of India

Hydrographical parameters and phytoplankton assemblages were determined along the Pondicherry, Parangipettai and Nagapattinam coastal waters, southeast coast of India. All the hydrographical parameters such as sea surface temperature, salinity, p H, total alkalinity, dissolved oxygen and nutrients like nitrate, nitrite, inorganic phosphate and reactive silicate, chlorophyll a and phytoplankton assemblages were studied for a period of five months(May, August, September 2010, March and November 2011). Over 121 species of phytoplankton represented by 93 species of diatoms, 16 species of dinoflagellates, 9 species of blue-green algae, 2 species of greens and 1 species of silicoflagellate were recorded. High phytoplankton species diversity was found in March 2011 when salinity and nitrate concentrations were low and reactive silicate and inorganic phosphates were moderate. Species diversity was low during May 2010 when increased sea surface temperature, salinity and low nutrients availability were observed. Coscinodiscus centralis, Diatoma vulgaris and Proboscia alata were dominant, especially Coscinodiscus sp. distributed in all stations whereas Skeletonema costatum, Odontella sinensis and Ditylum brightwellii were abundant in August and September 2010. From principal component analysis and multiple regression analysis, it is evident that variables like sea surface temperature and dissolved oxygen are the most important factors influencing the seasonal pattern of phytoplankton population.

Gulf of Mannar Island coral reef associated gastropods assemblages:Distribution and diversity pattern

Objective:To study the spatial and temporal variations of the distribution and diversity pattern of coral reef associated gastropods assemblages in Gulf of Mannar Island and to clarify the relationship between gastropods and surrounding coral reef ecosystem.Methods:Gastropods were collected from three islands-Hare(Picnic spot),Vaan(Church Island)and Koswari(Karsuvar Island).The samples were taxonomically identified according to external structure of typical shells and classified according to their feeding habits.Statistical tool Primer(Ver.6.1.11)was employed to find the species diversity,richness and evenness.Results:A total of forty species of gastropods from 19 families were identified.The gastropods population density varied differently at stations,479 species from Vaan islands,390 species from Koswari islands and 254 species from Hare island were recorded.The gastropods species diversity,richness and evenness indices also varied differently at stations.The highest species diversity indice was recorded at Vaan Island(2.968),while both the highest richness and evenness indices were recorded at Hare Island with 0.937 and 0.942 respectively.Conclusions:The results of present study provides useful informtation for biodiversity conservation as well as the management of coral reef habitat in India.