Introducing Structural Geology      In fact, structural geology is a very interesting branch of the earth sciences that deals with physical forces playing out in the building of the crust of our planet. Structural geology makes evident the dynamic forces that have acted on the Earth itself throughout millions of years-from the complex folds in ancient rocks to those proud peaks. Journey through Time: Historical Background Sketch by Leonardo da Vinci showing details of folded strata in the mountains of Italy (ca. 1500 AD)      Discovery concerning structural geology is so much improved over years. From his observations of rock layers, Nicholas Steno noted as early as the 17th century that they were not always horizontal, conferring the revelation that these rocks had deformed. This was revolutionary and laid the foundation for the future work in geological exploration.      In the 19th century, G.P. Scrope suggested that mountains had been pro...

  Hydrogeology Part – 4 SPRINGS A spring is a concentrated discharge of groundwater appearing at the ground surface as a current of flowing water. Springs occur in many forms and have been classified as to cause, rock structure, discharge, temperature, and variability.  Bryan divided all springs into       those resulting from nongravitational forces and      those resulting from gravitational forces.  Under the former category are included volcanic springs, associated with volcanic rocks, and fissure springs, resulting from fractures extending to great depths in the earth's crust. Such springs are usually thermal (fig above).  Gravity springs result from water flowing under hydrostatic pressure. the following general types are recognized: 1. Depression Springs-Formed where the ground surface intersects the water table. 2. Contact Springs-Created by a permeable water-bearing formation overlying a less permeable formation that inte...

Hydrogeology Part – 2   Darcy’s law and hydraulic conductivity           Water contained within the interconnected voids of soils and rocks is capable of moving, and the ability of a rock to store and transmit water constitutes its hydraulic properties.      The laws that govern the behaviour of groundwater flow in saturated material is that formulated empirically by the French municipal engineer for Dijon, Henry Darcy, in 1856.      Darcy studied the flow of water through porous material contained in a column and found that the      T otal flow - Q, is proportional - difference in water level, h1 − h2, the cross-sectional area of flow, A, and inversely proportional to the column length, L. proportionality constant - K      where dh/dl represents the hydraulic gradient, with the negative sign indicating flow in the direction of decreasing hydraulic head. Limitations:      D...

 Hydrogeology Part – 2  Vertical distribution of Ground water Zone of aeration  Consists of interstices occupied partially by water and partially by air. Sub divided into the soil water zone, the intermediate vadose zone, and the capillary zone Zone of saturation        All interstices are filled with water under hydrostatic pressure. The saturated zone extends from the upper surface of saturation down to underlying impermeable rock. phreatic surface - is defined as the surface of atmospheric pressure and appears as the level at which water stands in a well penetrating the aquifer.      Saturation extends slightly above the water table due to capillary attraction; however, water is held there at less than atmospheric pressure. Water occurring in the zone of saturation is in commonly referred to simply as groundwater, but the term phreatic water is also employed. Types of Aquifers      Aquifers may be classed as unconfined ...

 Hydrogeology Part – 1  Hydrogeology      Hydrogeology is the study of groundwater – it is sometimes referred to as geohydrology or groundwater hydrology. Hydrogeology deals with how water gets into the ground (recharge), how it flows in the subsurface (through aquifers) and how groundwater interacts with the surrounding soil and rock (the geology). (ref: International Association of Hydrogeologists)      Hydrology is a branch of Earth Science. The importance of hydrology in the assessment, development, utilization and management of the water resources, of any region is being increasingly realized at all levels JeanBaptiste Lamarck        The term hydrogeology (hydrogéologie in French) was first created by the French biologist and naturalist JeanBaptiste Lamarck in 1802 in a publication with the same name published in Paris by the Museum of Natural History (Lamarck, 1802).   The Water cycle Juvenile water is “new” water th...

  Discovering the Hidden Facts about the Great Himalayan Mountains     The Himalayan Mountain Range: Description: Luciano’s painting is what we can call a geological marvel        The many-crossed Himalayas, that south Asian mountainous system, that has always mesmerized people of the globe. These snowy giants demonstrate that some of the highest points on planet Earth are located here and can be also seen as a direct indicator of the powerful processes that has been taking place on our planet for millions of years. In this blog, I am planning to write on geological aspects of Himalayas; the layout, fact, analysis, and the details that have created the Himalayas that we see today. Starting from the marine stratum of Mesozoic origin to the existing forces of the earth movements shaping these mountains, it can be viewed that Himalayan story is one of profound transformation and survival.   The Himalayan Origin: From the great deep and se...