ALBERT

Description: Farsesh barite in the central part of Iranian Sanandaj-Sirjan zone is a sample of epigenetic hydrothermal mineralization in dolomitized limestone, which provides appropriate chemicophysical conditions making the passage of mineral-bearing fluids possible. Barite veins may range from a few centimeters to 2 m in thickness that increases downward. The microthermometry measurements obtained from more than 30 fluid inclusions show relative homogenization temperatures ranging from 125 to 200 °C with an average of 110 °C for Farsesh barite deposits. The mean salinity measured proves 16 times as much as weight percentage of NaCl for barite. Coexistence of liquid- and vapor-rich fluid inclusions in barite minerals may provide an evidence of boiling in ore veins. Moreover, occurrence of bladed calcite, high-grade ore zones, and presence of hydrothermal breccia are all consistent with boiling. Thermometric studies indicate that homogenization temperatures (Th) for primary and pseudosecondary fluid inclusions in barite range from 125 to 200 °C with an average of 1,100 °C. The δ 34 S values of barite also lie between 8.88 and 16.6 %. The relatively narrow spread in δ 34 S values may suggest uniform environmental conditions throughout the mineralization field. Thus, δ 34 S values are lower than those of contemporaneous seawater, which indicates a contribution of magmatic sulfur to the ore-forming solution. Barite is marked by total amounts of rare Earth elements (REEs) (6.25–17.39 ppm). Moreover, chondrite-normalized REE patterns of barite indicate a fractionation of light REEs (i.e., LREEs) from La to Sm, similar to those for barite from different origins. The La CN /Lu CN ratios and chondrite-normalized REE patterns reveal that barite in Farsesh deposit is enriched in LREEs compared with heavy rare Earth elements (HREEs). Similarity between Ce/La ratios in barite samples and those found in deep-sea barite supports its marine origin. Lanthanum and Gd exhibit positive anomalies, which are common features of chemical marine sediments. Cerium shows a negative anomaly in most samples inherited from the negative Ce anomaly of hydrothermal fluid that is mixed with seawater at barite precipitation. The available data including tectonic setting, host rock characteristics, REE geochemistry, and sulfur isotopic compositions may support a hydrothermal submarine origin for Farsesh barite deposit.

Description: The Late-Cenomanian–Early-Turronian Mishrif multi-carbonates in the North-Rumaila oil field has undergone into reservoir-scale high-resolution sequence stratigraphic investigation. Five-carbonate sequences (M4, M5, M6, M7, and M8) are established, comprised by (fifth-order high-frequency lithofacies cycles). The chrono-surfaces (CS5, CS6, and CS7) have screened a particular construction of Rudistid-bioaccumulated-bank/shoal buildups across the North Rumaila field. The CS6 marker has clarified two main evolutionary stages of the bank structure. The first case indicates the bank buildup crossed by the CS6 marker, whereas the second case signifies a stage the marker terminating the bank by well-developed lagoonal facies. The recognized single high-frequency lithofacies cycle expresses a well developed shallowing-upward progression of mud-to-grain-dominated bioclastic wackestone/packstone facies as (non/semi-TMF characters) to coated grain (bioclastic)/peloidal grainstone facies as TMF grade. Four-chronostratigraphically based reservoir units are structured: reservoir cycle sets (M8a), (M7a), (M6a) and cycle set (M5b). Two chronostratigraphic cross sections based on CS6-flattening surface represent south-north alignment of the studied wells illustrates the bank buildup pre-to-post CS6 time, defining a new approach of the vertical stacking/lateral continuity pattern of the depositional cycles. This new approach clarifies a new Mishrif reservoir architecture in the field, highly foremost, and controls the reservoir dynamics. Accordingly, four sectional Rudist bank/shoal/lagoonal buildups are introduced, covered 25 NR wells (12 representative + 13 involved). For safe production from Mishrif carbonates, a proposed sequence stratigraphic philosophy with water injection consideration is submitted.

Description: Karst groundwater is the major source of water supply for economic development and drinking water in Liulin spring area, north China. Thus, karst groundwater quality and its variation have aroused wide public concern. The primary hydrogeochemical processes that dominate karst groundwater quality, including dissolution of carbonate rocks and evaporite, mixing, and dedolomitization, are analyzed by hydrogeochemical method in combination with multivariate statistical theory and computer simulation technology. The results show that the redox state of groundwater environment transforms gradually from oxidation state to reducing state with increasing temperature and total dissolved solids (TDS) and decreasing pH value along flow path. The hydrogeochemical types of groundwater range from HCO 3 -Ca·Mg to Cl·SO 4 -Na. The Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , and HCO 3 − in karst groundwater mainly originate from dissolution of calcite and dolomite. Dissolution of calcite occurs in infiltration of rainfall into soils and unsaturated zones and then reaches to saturation before arriving groundwater level. Though saturation index of dolomite (SI D ) is greater than 0 in most of the samples, dolomite still dissolves along flow path due to the dedolomitization. The SO 4 2− derives basically from the dissolution of gypsum rather than oxidation of pyrite. The dissolution of gypsum causes dedolomitization that increases the concentrations of Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , and SO 4 2− while the concentration of HCO 3 − has smaller changes. The concentrations of Na + and Cl − are mainly controlled by dissolution of halite. The enrichment of Na + relative to Cl − in most samples may result from leakage of surface water enriched Na + and dissolution of mirabilte fragments.

Description: Dynamic movement within strata overlying coal mines and the distribution of the movement boundary are keenly investigated topics but are hampered by the difficulties of obtaining reliable monitoring data of movement within rock masses. The work presented in this paper combines physical experiments with a digital photogrammetry method to investigate these two topics. Two similar material model experiments were conducted, and a high-precision, close-range digital photogrammetry method was employed to observe movement in the model. The results, including dynamic movement tracking of targeted points, indicate the presence of six different movement areas in the overlying strata in the model. Based on motion vector directions determined for the model, the overlying strata were divided into three zones: (1) a zone with the movement vector oriented vertically downward, (2) a zone with the movement vector oriented towards the goaf center, and (3) a zone with the movement vector oriented towards the coal pillar. Dynamic movement tracking shows that all zones experienced an initial, active, and decline stage, but the timing, duration, and movement tracks are different for each zone. The overall analysis reveals that the movement boundary in the strata overlying the rock mass is not a straight line, but an S-shaped curve, in contrast to the traditional findings with respect to the movement boundary. These findings may prove significance in guiding better prediction of movement and deformation inside a given rock mass and related improvements in protecting engineered infrastructure.

Description: Nowadays, with the increasing population of large cities, the need to expand public transportation, especially metro systems, is greatly increasing in urban areas. Therefore, excavation of new tunnels near the existing ones or other excavations located nearby has become inevitable. Excavation of such tunnels in urban areas should be done by considering the effects of these tunnels on buildings and other urban structures. Significant factors affecting interaction between tunnels, as well as the characteristics of surface settlement, are the existence of mixed ground (soil-rock) at tunnel faces or fault zones in the direction of tunnel excavation which have not been clearly investigated by researchers. These parameters have a great effect on the amount of maximum surface settlement and shape of surface settlement curve. Although several studies aim to analyse the interaction between newly excavated and existing tunnels and its effects on surface settlements, this subject certainly needs further investigation. This study mainly focuses on the effects of the interaction between twin tunnels mainly opened in fault zones and mixed ground on the basis of surface settlement measurements by using Earth Pressure Balance Machine (EPBM). Both numerical and empirical methods are used in this study. Observed data are used to test the validity of the results obtained from three-dimensional numerical modelling. The results from numerical methods were in good agreement with the real data. The results of this study reveal that the amount of maximum surface settlement and shape of surface settlement curve are strongly related to spacing between tunnels, fault zone thickness and type of tunnel face material. The interaction factor is almost zero when spacing is larger than 4 D ( D is tunnel diameter). Independent of fault zone thickness, the effects of the fault on longitudinal surface settlement continue 25 m from both sides of the fault centre.

Description: Nine oil samples of four production wells from Halfaya oil field are selected in this study from the reservoirs of Khasib, Mishrif, and Nahr Umr Formations. They are analyzed chemically for their crude oil characterization as well as isotopes and biomarkers to assess their source rock affinities. Oil biomarkers and isotope values of the analyzed samples from the Nahr Umr, Mishrif, and Khasib Formation reservoirs of Albian, Upper Cenomanian, and Lower Coniacian ages, respectively, from four selected production wells are plotted on sterane triangle, hopane diagram, tricyclic terpane diagram, pristane to phytane ratio with canonian variables, δ 13 C saturated and aromatic, and pristane/phytane diagrams. They have indicated source environment and lithology of marine algal type II that are nonbiodegraded and deposited in anoxic environments of carbonate and shale. Source maturation at the time of the oil generation are assessed by plots of oil analyzed values on the pristine/phytane diagram. Mature oil are also shown with T max equivalent of 435–440 C based on plots of methyldibenzothiophene ratio (MDR) and vitrinite reflectance of R o  = 0.70–0.85 based on methylphenothrene ratio (MPI). Source age assessment are taken from δ 13 C (%) and the calculated C 28 /C 29 sterane ratio which indicate Middle Jurassic age. Two structural contour maps and two seismic sections are used in this study for assessing source reservoir relations, oil migration paths from the Middle Jurassic Sargelu Formation and accumulation sites in mainly Cretaceous reservoirs. Accordingly, suggestion for risk assessments of drilling sites for hydrocarbon production could be given on the seismic section.

Description: The purpose of this research is to determine the capability of (and the factors which affect the performance of) an enlarged base pier in resisting uplift capacity. Experiments were conducted in the reinforced bin box of an enlarged base pier with a shaft diameter ranging from 30 to 50 mm, base diameters between 75 and 150 mm and base angles of α  = 30 ° , α  = 45 ° and α  = 60 ° . Tests were conducted in both loose and dense sand packing. A failure mechanism was studied in a glass box for loose and dense sand packing. A dry sand with a unit weight of γ d  = 14.80 kN/m 3 and γ d  = 17. 0 kN/m 3 was achieved for loose and dense packing, respectively. Increasing the bell angle and shaft diameter would result in a decrease of the net uplift capacity and failure displacement. This is due to the reduction in the amount of the sand column above the bell that resists the uplift of the pile. Failure displacements at a constant base diameter generally increased considerably with the increase of the embedment ratio but decreased with the increment of the sand density. It is thus apparent that the shaft diameter, bell diameter and bell angle are geometric factors which, together with the embedment ratio and the sand density, should be taken into account in the design of enlarged base piers.

Description: Changes in estuarine morphology and landforms (braided islands, mudflats, barrier spits and marshy land) of Gangolli estuary, west coast of India, have been studied using topographic maps and satellite images of the last 45 years (1967–2012). The seasonal fluctuations in hydro-meteorological (river discharge, runoff, rainfall, relative humidity and temperature) conditions play an important role in morphological changes of landforms. The computed results were recorded no significant relationship ( p  〉 0.050) between areal extents of the different landforms (except Is7 and Mf3) and hydro-meteorological parameters. The correlation analysis suggests that ∼65 % of the landforms show medium ( r  = 0.3–0.5) to high ( r  = 0.5–1.0) strength of association between areal extent versus discharge, runoff and temperature. However, ∼80 % of the landforms show high to medium strength of association between areal extent versus rainfall and relative humidity. The study confides that gradual accumulation of sediment brought by rivers and eventually drifted into the estuary by waves and tidal currents is responsible for stabilisation and growth of the different landforms such as estuarine banks, braided islands and spits. By contrast, both natural and anthropogenic activities have played a major role in dynamic changes of estuarine morphology and landforms of Gangolli estuary, but human interventions especially construction of harbour, sand mining and reclamation are the most significant factors.

Description: Akyatan Lagoon, located on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, is ecologically and economically important due to biological diversity, valuable fish species, water birds, and wildlife resources. The area was declared a wildlife development area in 2005 and a Ramsar area in 1998. We collected water samples from four stations inside the lagoon and drainage channels during April–August in 2008. All the water samples were analyzed for bacteriological parameters such as total coliforms (TC), fecal coliforms (FC), and physical parameters such as temperature, pH, salinity, and dissolved oxygen (DO). In order to determine the number of fecal and total coliform bacteria, the most probable number (MPN) method was used. The objective of this study is to determine the levels of microbiological pollution in Akyatan Lagoon and drainage channels. Furthermore, observation on the impact of microbiological pollution of drainage channels on Akyatan Lagoon was also the another objective. The results indicated that the minimum TC and FC values were enumerated from the samples taken from all stations (2 MPN/100 ml) during May–August in 2008. The maximum TC levels were obtained in April and June (46,000 MPN/100 ml), while the maximum FC levels were determined in April (24,000 MPN/100 ml) in the S-3 (YD3 drainage channel). Moreover, the relationships between the TC and FC and physical parameters were also assessed, but no significant relationships were observed between the fecal indicator bacteria and environmental parameters. The only relationship that was significant for the TC was with salinity. According to the results, it can be said that there is total and fecal pollution in the two drainage channels flowing in the lagoon, while the lowest TC and FC results were detected inside the lagoon. The seal fishery (S-2) was polluted in terms of TC and FC. There is a potential risk related to the lagoon pollution for people and aquatic life for various activities such as rain, industrial, and urban runoff through drainage channels, agricultural irrigation, accommodating bird feces, and fishing activities. For this reason, the elimination of the source of urban and industrial pollution from drainage channels was needed for the sustainability of Akyatan Lagoon.

Description: Estuaries are both chemically and physically dynamic ecosystems that, due to their location at the river-sea interface, act as buffer zones between the continent and sea. Metals may be partly dissolved in the water column or partly adsorbed on suspended matters during estuarine mixing. The metal concentration in the surface waters can significantly be reduced by adsorption through suspended matters and flocculation process during estuarine mixing. In the present study, the flocculation and adsorption of Cu, Ni, Mn, Zn, and Pb through estuarine mixing of Karganrud River with Caspian Sea water at eight different salinity regimes are studied. The flocculation trend of Mn (94.8 %) 〉 Zn (60.04 %) 〉 Pb (36.63 %) 〉 Cu (30.32 %) 〉 Ni (14.84 %) is indicated as the nonconservative behavior for Mn, Zn, Pb, and Cu, while Ni had relatively shown a conservative behavior during estuarine mixing. The maximum adsorption capacity of heavy metals (in terms of milligram of metals per kilogram of suspended matters) by suspended matters is as follows: Cu (13.68 mg/kg) 〉 Zn (10.41 mg/kg) 〉 Ni (6.58 mg/kg) 〉 Mn (5.96 mg/kg) 〉 Pb (0.146 mg/kg). Also, it is found that the percentage of desorption of metals from suspended matters during estuarine mixing occurs in the order of Pb (22.6 %) 〉 Zn (7.6 %) 〉 Ni (3.62 %) 〉 Mn (3.6 %) 〉 Cu (2.8 %). Cluster analysis (CA) indicates that adsorption of Zn, Cu, and Mn is governed by NO 3 . Flocculation process of Ni, Zn, and, to a lower extent, Cu is mainly controlled by NO 3 . In addition, NaClO played an effective role in removal of Mn through a flocculation process. According to the chemical sequential extraction, high concentrations of Cu, Ni, Mn, and Zn are found in carbonate and sulfide fractions.

Description: This paper investigates the formation mechanism, relevant influential factors, and distribution laws of the collapse in the third mining area in Gong Changling District, Liaoyang City, China, by employing geological surveying, geophysical investigation, and theoretical analysis. The preliminary evaluation and prediction of ground settlement induced by the goaf collapse are presented. The results show that mining is the primary factor contributing to the ground subsidence and that groundwater infiltration accelerates this process. The three-zone model is proposed to analyse and evaluate the stability of the goaf. Based on this model, we conclude that the strata in the mined area and the surrounding non-mined area are unstable and could be subjected to ground subsidence and ground fissure once disturbed.

Description: In the rocky mountain area of North China, soil fertility has decreased with severe soil and water losses under various land uses. Land use has been proven to affect soil fertility spatial distribution patterns at larger scales. However, less information is available about these effects in field scale plots. Soil samples were collected at 2-m intervals by grid sampling from an area (18 × 18 m) within three land use types (poplar woodland, rotation cropland with peanut and sweet potato, and peach orchard). Soil properties including soil particle composition, soil organic matter, total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NO 3 − -N), total phosphorus (TP), and available phosphorus (AP) were measured for each sample. The spatial variability and spatial pattern of the soil properties were assessed for the three contrasting land use types. NH 4 + -N, NO 3 − -N, and AP in the peach orchard and NO 3 − -N in the poplar woodland exhibited strong variation (coefficient of variance 〉100 %). Other properties showed moderate variations. With annual plowing and fertilization, soil properties in the rotation cropland had less variability and greater spatial autocorrelated ranges. The spatial dependences of sand content, TN, NO 3 − -N, and SWC in both the peach orchard and the rotation cropland were weaker than those in the poplar woodland, but the spatial dependences of TP and AP in the peach orchard were stronger than those in either the rotation cropland or the poplar woodland. Human activities such as plowing, fertilization, and harvesting had obvious effects on the spatial variability and spatial pattern of soil properties.

Description: The lower cretaceous Zubair Formation in Euphrates Subzone south of Iraq is divided into three members. These members are divided depending on the variation in lithology. The upper and lower members, which consist mainly of shale is known as Upper Zubair Formation and Lower Zubair Formation, respectively. The middle Zubair Formation consists mainly of sandstone. Intra-formation Zubair-shale are primarily seals, as well as source rock. The gained hard and software data are loaded into GeoFrame system. A trial is done to perform the formation evaluation for Zubair Formation on available data for nine wells. The created project contains all the operation of the reservoir properties. The quality of a sealing rock from both upper and lower is determined by the minimum permeability and effective porosity (less than 80 mD and 9 %, respectively). The sealing rock of Zubair Formation is mainly the shale rocks, which is an organic-rich elastic rock that may suppose to be efficient. On the other hand, the reservoir sand facies have good petrophysical properties. The average of effective porosity was 18 %; however, the permeability is at least 250 mD. The geological setting may supports the horizontal migration of oil to the western area along Abo-Jir fault to the stable shelf successions.

Description: Millions of pilgrims visit Makkah every year in order to perform Hajj and/or Umrah. The high volume of road traffic during the Hajj season and the month of Ramadan emits large amount of chemicals into the atmosphere. Among these chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are of a major concern for human health. The aim of the present study is to analyse the concentrations of Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene (BTEX) and assess their impact on human health. Samples of BTEX were collected in Makkah City at three different locations namely: Al-Shbaikah, Al-Aziziah and Mina during Hajj season 1431H (November 2010) using activated charcoal tubes and a vacuum pump. The concentrations (microgram per cubic meter) ranged from 3.2 to 34.0, 8.1 to 52.4, 6.2 to 42.0 and 1.9 to 21.5 for Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene, respectively. The total concentrations of BTEX varied from 26.9 to 219.9 μg/m 3 . Both cancer and non-cancer health risks due to BTEX inhalation were assessed, and the results varied in both time and space within Makkah. The estimated cancer risk of BTEX per million people was 0.03–1.07 at Al-Shbaikah, 0.02–0.40 at Al-Aziziah and 0.02–1.16 at Mina. Children (6–8 years) and boys (12–14 years) were found to be at most risk.

Description: This work deals with mineral and diatom contents of the lower Eocene (Ypresian) phosphatic pellets of the Gafsa-Metlaoui basin, using XRD and SEM method. Since, mineral composition and fossil diatoms are best indicators of the depositional environments and diatom content leads to understand the role of diatoms in the formation of siliceous rocks especially porcelanite of the interbedded facies. This study indicates that phosphate minerals (fluorapatite) are associated with opal CT, carbonate mineral (dolomite and calcite), pyrite, sphalerite, and clinoptilolite. This association corroborates with deposition of the Ypresian sediments of the Gafsa-Metlaoui basin in alkaline and anoxic to suboxic marine environments under sulfate-reducing conditions. On the other hand, the exogangue is roughly free from diatoms except some highly dissolved diatom frustules. Endogangue displays some preserved diatom frustules, which allow the determination of three species: Paralia sulcata , Stephanopyxis sp. and Aulacoseira sp. Aulacoseira sp occurs at the eastern part of the Gafsa-Metlaoui basin (M’Zinda section) and it is known as a freshwater diatom. Stephanopyxis sp. and P. sulcata are both indicative of warm shallow marine water. They occur at Metlaoui Table and Kef Eddour sections, respectively.

Description: This study was motivated by two main concerns including (a) prediction of the Persian Gulf Sea surface temperature (PGSST) anomalies using an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model and (b) detection of the climate change signatures in the considered SST data. An ARIMA model was, therefore, developed to predict the SST anomalies having lead times from 1 to 3 months. While the SST time series for the period of 1950–2006 used to fit the model, corresponding records for January 2007 to June 2011 were applied as the test data. The developed model had a minimum value of Akaike information criterion, and its parameters were significantly different from zero. The correlation coefficients between the observed and simulated data for the lead times of 1, 2, and 3 months were found to be significant and equal to 0.72, 0.69, and 0.65, respectively. The corresponding hit rates were estimated as 79, 75, and 72 %, indicating a reasonable forecasting capability of the model. The Heidke’s forecast scores were 0.59, 0.52, and 0.48 for the prediction schemes having 1, 2, and 3 months of lead time, respectively. It is shown that the Persian Gulf skin temperatures have warmed up about 0.57 °C during the 732 successive months of the period 1950–2010 noted as an upward significant trend. Although a significant trend was not evident for the 1950–1969 and 1970–1989 period, the PGSST has abruptly increased during the recent two decades. Almost all of the observed warming in the PGSST data is related to this period.

Description: The petrography as well as major, trace, and rare earth element (REE) compositions of Mesoproterozoic Patherwa Formation sandstones have been investigated to determine provenance, and weathering history of the sediments. The sandstone is fine to coarse grained, moderately to well sorted, and subangular to rounded. The sandstones are mineralogically mature and mainly quartzarenitic to subarkosic in composition. The A-CN-K ternary plot and CIA values suggest that the source rocks suffered from moderate chemical weathering. Various geochemical discriminants, elemental ratios like La/Sc, Th/Sc, Th/Cr, (Gd/Yb)n and negative Eu anomalies indicate granite source for these sandstone with a minor contribution of granodioritic and volcanic input in a passive margin setting.

Description: This study is on evaluation of the thinly bedded reservoirs in the Niger Delta. These reservoirs are thin laminations of sand and shale which contain hydrocarbons. The presence of interbedded shales suppresses resistivity values within the thin sand beds, resulting in low-resistivity log signatures that do not meet conventional cut-offs. Advanced high-resolution log suites are required to accurately evaluate the reservoir properties, but in the absence of such data, conventional log suites can be integrated to evaluate the hydrocarbon saturation and other reservoir parameters of such reservoirs. In this study, an approach was adopted to identify these reservoirs using the low-resolution Thomas–Stieber clay distribution plots and to properly quantify the hydrocarbon saturation with enhanced post processing Techlog software. Reservoir E3 in well K32 was delineated and identified as low-resistivity thinly bedded interval. This reservoir was interpreted as proximal to distal lower shoreface heterolithic deposits, whose volume of shale cut-off could not properly define the net sand value of the reservoir. Conventional Archie’s saturation model also gave pessimistic water saturation ( S w ) values of 73 %. But the application of the Thomas–Stieber low-resolution approach yielded a more realistic S w of 44 %, which represents an increase of 29 % in the hydrocarbon saturation. From the review of the reservoir, it became much clearer that there is substantial opportunity to increase the hydrocarbon resource base in the Niger Delta by targeting thinly bedded pay opportunities.

Description: Gypseous soil is a collapsible soil which causes large deformations in buildings which are constructed on it; therefore, several methods were used to minimize this effect, like replacing the gypseous soil or by soil stabilization (grouting or soil improvement). This study presents test results carried out on four types of gypseous soils which have different properties and with various gypsum contents. Testing was carried out on undisturbed samples to evaluate the compressibility of gypseous soil under different conditions. The samples were grouted with acrylate liquid. The treated samples showed that the acrylate liquid reduces the compressibility of the gypseous soil by more than 60–70 %. This is attributed to the acrylate liquid film coating the gypsum particles and so isolating them from being subjected to the effect of water. The treated gypseous samples exhibited a low collapse potential, where the acrylate liquid reduced the collapsibility of the gypseous soil by more than 50–60 %. The acrylate liquid affects the shear strength parameters of the gypseous soil by increasing the cohesion and decreasing the angle of internal friction. For the untreated soil, most compression takes place during the first cycle of loading, and then the rate of the deformation increment decreases slightly to become nearly constant at the later two cycles. For a 6-h soaking period, 15–60 % of the settlement ratio of untreated soils occurred during the first minute, whilst for the treated soils only 2–15 % occurred during the first minute. Most compression occurs during the first cycle of loading, and then the rate of deformation decreases slightly to become nearly constant at the other two cycles. For a 6-h soaking period, 9–44 % of the settlement ratio of untreated soils occurred during the first minute, whilst for the treated soils only 1.5–11 % occurred during the first minute. The compression in a drying–wetting condition was less than that of the compression in wetting repeated test by 20 %.

Description: In order to reconstruct sea surface water productivity and sea floor oxygenation during late Campanian-Maastrichtian, planktonic and benthic foraminiferal assemblages, and organofacies, studies were carried out on a succession of strata in west of Kopeh-Dagh basin of northeastern Iran. Six distinct planktonic (P-types 1–6) and five benthic foraminiferal assemblages (B-types1–5) and five organic assemblages (O-types 1–5) were distinguished in the studied sequence. The changes in composition of assemblages along the section are correlated with variations in surface productivity and water aeration. The changes indicate transition from mesotrophic to oligotrophic conditions.

Description: The Early Permian (Sakmarian) in the Dalgan area of South Lut Block in Central Iran is more than 85 m thick and includes thick sequences of conglomerate, shale, quartzarenite, dolomite, sandy limestone, and limestones. One assemblage of smaller foraminifers are first distinguished and described from section of the Lut tectonic Block, Central Iran. The assemblage that have been studied are correlated with some assemblages from the East European platform, Cis-Urals, Darvaz, Northern Pamir, Central Iran (Kalmard Block) and some other regions of the Tethyan realm. The results of correlation and available data on fusulinids occurring in association with smaller foraminifers are used for dating the assemblages whose distribution ranges span the stratigraphic interval from the Sakmarian.

Description: Seismic attributes techniques were applied after conventional interpretation (structural interpretation) on 3-D seismic volume of 250 km 2 of the Balad Oil Field, located in the central part of Iraq within Salah Al-din province (Balad area), were made. Seismic attribute sections are very important for the distribution of reflector surfaces’ continuity and termination. Top Hartha, intra Hartha, top Sadi, and top Khasib reflectors represent the upper Cretaceous Formation defined from synthetic seismogram of the well in the study area and picked over 3-D seismic volume. New seismic attribute volumes are processed and time slice sets are constructed, and then converted from seismic signal in time domain to one of the attribute views. Instantaneous frequency, reflection strength, and amplitude extraction attribute were applied for intra Hartha, top Sadi, and top Khasib reflectors to get attribute sections view and mapped for these reflectors; they represent the main reservoirs in the field. These types of attributes are important to detect the hydrocarbon accumulation on seismic sections and confirm the structural interpretation.

Description: The Northern Oman region has one of the most important on-land gas reservoirs in Oman, which has been exploited since 1979. Earthquakes with small magnitude and shallow depth that have been induced by gas exploitation were proved to cause light damage to structures on gas and gas fields in the region. Therefore, a long-term (unfortunately intermittent) monitoring program for the seismicity of this area was started in 1999 in order to contribute to the seismic risk reduction. The main aim of the current study is to conduct a deterministic seismic hazard assessment in order to provide the maximum ground-motion spectra at 12 selected sites inside the area of interest and to recommend the elastic design response spectra of any intended structures at each of the selected sites. The 5 % critical damping spectra were calculated at the median and 84th percentile levels. The site effect considered in all the used ground-motion prediction equations was evaluated based upon the value of the average shear-wave velocity in the upper most 30 m ( V S30 ) at each of the selected 12 sites. Shear-wave velocity ( V s ) was evaluated using the multichannel analysis of surface waves. The 12 sites were investigated with survey lines of 40 m length. 1-D and interpolated 2-D shear-wave velocity profiles have been generated up to a depth range of 25–40 m. The median PGA ranges from 54 cm/s 2 at site no. 4 to 72 cm/s 2 at site no. 9, which resulted from an earthquake with magnitude 3.6 at 4.45 and 2.92 km distance respectively from the interested sites. High frequency ground motions are found to be controlled by nearby seismic zones, whereas the low frequency ones are controlled by the distant western Makran large magnitude earthquakes. Finally, the hazard results were used to calculate the elastic design response spectra at each site of interest.

Description: The Middle Eocene Gercus Formation was studied at four surface sections (Badi/Zawita, Dohuk Dam, Brifca, and Shaqlawa), in north and northeastern Iraq. It is dominated by distinct red beds of continental clastic sediments consisting of mudstones, sandstones, conglomerates, and minor carbonates and evaporites. The detailed sedimentological study reveals that these rocks accumulated in three main distinct facies associations: aeolian, fluvial and lacustrine. The first consists of deflation lags/desert pavements, aeolian sandsheet, aeolian dune, aeolian bimodal, and interdune deposits. The second comprises pebble-sand and sand bedload stream, mud playa/ephemeral floodplain, gravel bedload stream, debris flow, sheet flood, hyperconcentrated flow, and intra-erg mass-flow deposits. The third consists predominantly of freshwater carbonates and playa gypsum. The overall characters of the facies associations indicate that the Gercus Formation was deposited in diverse suites of sedimentary environments. These are: arid to semiarid (dry) alluvial fans, ephemeral streams “wadis,” aeolian dunes, interdunes, and lakes. The close association of these related environments throughout the studied sections indicates that the Gercus Formation represents the sediments of a former desert environment under arid to semiarid conditions. The distribution of these environments generally displays a coarsening upward sequence in which erg margin deposits occurs at the base of the succession and an alluvial fan system at the top. The erg system seems to reflect an expansion of central erg over the underlying erg margin. This may be attributed to an increase of aeolian supply to the desert over a long haul prior to basin-wide progradation of the overlying alluvial fan deposits. The development and the preservation of Gercus desert systems are associated with syndepositional tectonism in a rapidly subsiding foreland basin.

Description: Simulation models have been used widely to help design, operate, control and optimize the processes of exploration and exploitation of natural gas hydrates and been responsible for many of the most important technology breakthroughs. Currently, a rich body of literature exists and is still evolving. This paper presents a critical review of the most influential works that are recognised as representative and important simulation models and links to the techniques commonly used in natural gas hydrate exploration and exploitation. Model background, ideal assumptions and main results are presented. Models are broadly classified into two categories: physically and empirically based models. Models are reviewed with comprehensive, although not exhaustive, publications. The strengths and limitations of the models are discussed. The paper is concluded by outlining open questions and new directions for future work. The review is useful for understanding the innovation process and the current and future status of simulation models on exploration and exploitation of natural gas hydrate and highlights the key aspects of model improvement.

Description: The United Arab Emirates, as a part of the Arabian Peninsula, is among the driest countries on earth. This study aims to map and explore new groundwater reservoirs in Al Jaaw Plain, UAE. To map new groundwater reservoirs, a probability frequency ration model was modified. Two sets of remote sensing data were used to generate hydrological, topographical and geological parameters. There are six parameters were chosen based on their level of contribution toward groundwater potentiality. These parameters are lithological unites, lineaments, drainage network, topographic slope, altitude and topographic curvature. Groundwater potentiality was spatially analyzed using groundwater well locations employing the probability frequency ratio model by superimposing groundwater wells over the computed map in GIS. The results shows that the very high potential zones of groundwater are occupied by 96.72 km 2 (7.46 %) of the total area. Hydrological map and groundwater wells locations were used to validate the resultant map. The accuracy of the map was 87.67 %. The obtained map can be used in groundwater exportation and land development.

Description: The Akhüyük travertine mass crops out approximately 10 km to the north of Ereğli (Konya, Central Anatolia). Its morphology and relationship with the main controlling fault zones are investigated. The morhpological properties of six different fissure ridge travertines which make up the travertine mass are classified into four groups based on their geometrical properties and orientation. The fissure ridge travertines having a banded travertine thickness of 120 and 170 cm are considered as the oldest travertines in the study area. Sill-like structures and dilation are observed, indicative of the ongoing deformation after travertine precipitation. The height-to-width ratio of the fissure ridge travertines vary between 0.08 and 0.5. The morhological structures and parameters observed in the fissure ridge travertines are interpreted to stem from the low deformation rate in the study area. The relationship of the formation of the Akhüyük Fissure Ridge travertine with the Tuz Gölü (TGFZ) and Niğde fault zones (NFZ) is investigated. The TGFZ is determined to be the most significant structure that controls the Akhüyük fissure ridge travertines based on the extension direction determined, the location of the travertines, and the fact that the faults on the central and southeastern end of the TGFZ display the active normal fault zone with a right-lateral strike-slip component.

Description: Rock samples and a suite of oil samples collected from wells drilled in the northeastern part of the Abu Gharadig Basin were studied to determine the petroleum potential of the Middle to Late Jurassic Khatatba Formation as a source rock for oil produced in the basin. Twenty-four cuttings and two cores in addition to three oil samples from the Riviera-1, Swag-2, and Spyglass-1 wells retrieved from the Upper Cretaceous reservoirs were analyzed. Analyses include total organic carbon (TOC), Rock-Eval pyrolysis, and vitrinite reflectance for rock samples and biomarker analyses for liquid hydrocarbons. Results reveal that the Khatatba Formation is an organic-rich source rock with TOC ranging from 1 to 5 wt%, locally exceeding 21 wt% due to the presence of coal interbeds in the depth interval 4,386–4,388 m. Rock-Eval pyrolysis data show that the Khatatba Formation is dominated by algal type II and mixed type II/III kerogens, but type III and type I kerogens also occur. The Khatatba shales and carbonaceous shales have entered the peak-mature stage of the oil generation window. Tmax for the samples ranges from 436 to 449 °C and vitrinite reflectance measurements between 0.76 and 0.92 %Ro. Geochemical analyses reveal that all analyzed oils were generated from thermally mature and organic-rich shale and carbonaceous shale belonging to Middle–Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous source rocks during early and peak stages of the oil window. The correlation between oil samples from NE Abu Gharadig Basin shows that these oils are quite similar and were generated from mixed marine–terrigenous organic matter formed under suboxic–oxic depositional paleoenvironments. However, the differences in bulk and biomarker properties and light-end content of the oil samples can be attributed to thermal maturation, source rock facies variations, or secondary reservoir transformation, such as evaporative fractionation.

Description: Ground magnetic and seismic refraction survey is carried out on an urban extension site in the southwest of Ahud Rufeidah town, southwest Saudi Arabia. The purpose of the survey was to map the surface topography of the bedrock and thickness of the alluvium overburden. The ground magnetic survey based on an assumption that the alluvial sediments is less or non-magnetic relative to the underlying gneiss basement rock. In this context, a total of 3,750 survey stations were measured along 40 east–west survey profiles, striking roughly perpendicular to the extension of the expected structures. In addition, 13 seismic refraction spreads were conducted along four seismic survey profiles across the expected pathways of buried alluvial channels in order to provide additional details about the depth and boundaries of the buried channels. The ground magnetic survey results show the presence of a basin combining two sub-basins filled with alluvium sediments that occupy the middle area of the investigated site. This basin is a closed basin that has no outlet, and there are four small and narrow channels that convey water and sediments from the eastern and southern hills into sub-basins. These channels are represented by narrow and elongated low magnetic anomalies extending towards the basinal area. The thickness of the alluvial sediments is verified using seismic refraction survey that indicates a greater thickness, exceeds 20 m, of low velocity sedimentary overburden inside the interpreted sub-basins and surrounding buried alluvial channels. These soft alluvial sediments can be deceptive and dangerous for urban foundations.

Description: Since groundwater is an integral component of natural hydrologic systems, an estimation of groundwater recharge is required to understand the changes in the temporal water budget and groundwater flow system. The rate of groundwater recharge varies widely in space and time particularly in arid to semiarid regions, and it is rather difficult to measure recharge directly. The aim of this study was to assess the natural groundwater recharge in Al Zerba catchment and the interaction between the surface and groundwater. The catchment is classified as an arid to semiarid climate with an aridity index of 0.25 to 0.3 and long-term average annual precipitation ranging from 300 to 350 mm. Delineation of the catchment boundary was carried out using spatial interpolation of elevation data extracted from the digital elevation model. The effects of vegetation and abstraction from pumping wells on the groundwater table were investigated. Furthermore, groundwater recharge was estimated based on water budget, water table fluctuation analysis by using rainfall infiltration breakthrough, and soil water balance using hydrologic evaluation of landfill performance model (HELP3). The results show that groundwater pumping leads negative impact to long-term decrease in groundwater levels, particularly in the dry season, while no significant effects of vegetation on groundwater were observed. Moreover, the result showed an average annual groundwater recharge ranging from 20 to 35 mm/a (about 10 to 15 % of the precipitation period 2001–2010), concentrated in the north and southwestern regions (outcrops of permeable/coarse-grained limestone and a major fault zone).

Description: Dammam City was affected by strong earthquakes from Zagros fold-fault belt of subduction zone. These distant earthquakes of magnitude greater than 6.0 produced great site effects on the sedimentary layers that in turn significantly influenced earthquake ground motions in the area. Site effect in terms of fundamental frequency ( f 0 ) has been estimated using microtremor measurements and borehole geotechnical data. Microtremor measurements were carried out at 113 sites distributed well through Dammam City. These sites present two peaks of f 0 . The 1st peak ranges from 0.25 to 3.0 Hz, while the 2nd one ranges from 4 to 8 Hz. The 1st peak is due to the impedance contrast between the limestone and the overlying sediments, while the 2nd peak originated from the upper most surface sediments and the underlying layer. Tests to ensure that natural origin of these peaks were conducted. The northwestern and southeastern parts of Dammam City have the lowest f 0 indicating great thickness of sediments. Whereas, the rest zones have higher f 0 values illustrating shallow depths of bedrock. In addition, the geotechnical data in terms of shear wave velocity, density, and soil thickness of different layers have been compiled at 30 boreholes where f 0 and average shear wave velocities up to 30 m depth have been calculated. Results of borehole data clarified that the fundamental frequencies range between 2.9 and 7 Hz, which correlated well with that of microtremor measurements. These results can be used for land use planning, preparedness purposes through improving of building design code in Dammam City.

Description: Gabal Hamret Mukbud and Gabal Homr Akarim granites represent promising examples for rare-metal enriched peraluminous granite hosting or acting as source for the uranium, rare-metal (Nb, Ta, Th, Be, Yb) mineralization and rare-earth (La, Ce, Lu, Y) contents in the south Eastern Desert of Egypt. They form two famous plutons crop out at wadi Khasab area. These granites show a strong enrichment in some rare-metal and rare-earth contents (Nb = 75.22, Y = 168.5, Th = 29.70, U = 15.58, Ta = 106.3, Be = 191.80, Yb = 33.01, Lu = 5.19, La = 139, Ce = 55.98 ppm). These granites are classified as peraluminous leucogranites (A/CNK = 1.38–2.01), P-poor (P2O5 〈 0.001 wt%), and Na2O rich (〈5.01 wt%). Field studies indicate that these granites are categorized into fine, medium, and coarse grained. Petrographic studies indicate that these granites are composed essentially of microcline-perthite, perthite, albite plagioclase, quartz, biotite, and muscovite. Zircon, fluorite, sphene, and apatite are the main accessory minerals in these granites. Also, these studies confirmed the presence of radioelements in the form of secondary radioactive minerals such as uranophane and their uranium-bearing minerals such as metamict zircon and violet fluorite, suggesting that the radioactivity of Gabal Hamret Mukbud and Gabal Homr Akarim granites is gained by the post-magmatic processes and hydrothermal solutions. Petrochemical studies and tectonic discrimination diagrams for these granites reveal that they are ranging in composition from granite to admelite, have peraluminous affinity and developed in post-orogenic granitoids. Albitization, silicification, and greisenization are the prevailing alteration processes in these granites. Field radiometric measurements for both Gabal Hamret Mukbud and Gabal Homr Akarim granite revealed that uranium and thorium as secondary minerals and also the in resistant accessory minerals represent by metamict zircon and fluorite mineral. Radioactivity level reached up to 12.5 ppm (eU) at Gabal Hamret Mukbud granite, while it reaches up to 21.8 ppm (eU) at Gabal Homr Akarim granite.

Description: Turkey confronts loss of life and large economic losses due to natural disasters caused by its morphologic structure, geographical placement, and climate characteristics. The Kuzulu (Koyulhisar) landslide, which caused loss of life and property on 17th March 2005, occurred in an area near the country’s most important active fault, the North Anatolian Fault Zone. To mitigate and prevent landslide damages, prediction of landslide susceptibility areas based on probabilistic methods has a great importance. The purpose of this study was to produce a landslide susceptibility map by the logistic regression and frequency ratio methodologies for a 733-km 2 area near the North Anatolian Fault Zone from the southeast of Niksar to Resadiye in Tokat province. Conditioning parameters, such as elevation, slope gradient, slope aspect, distance to streams, roads, and faults, drainage density, and fault density, were used in the analysis. Before susceptibility analysis, the landslides observed in the area were separated into two groups for use in analysis and verification, respectively. The susceptibility maps produced had five different susceptibility classes such as very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. To test the performance of the susceptibility maps, area under curve (AUC) approach was used. For the logistic regression method, the AUC value was 0.708; while for the frequency rate method, this value was 0.744. According to these AUC values, it could be concluded that the two landslide susceptibility maps obtained were successful.

Description: Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a nondestructive tool, and its data contain information about media beneath the earth's surface. Because of the large bandwidth of the impulse GPR system, the GPR signal is contaminated by the noises coming from various sources. De-noising the GPR signals before performing any data analysis is very important in order to enhance the detection performance of the GPR and to allow accurate layer depth prediction. This paper focuses on de-noising the GPR data by various thresholding rules such as hard, soft, firm shrinkage, and nonnegative garrote thresholding rules. We have decomposed the signal by dual-tree complex wavelet transform (DTCWT) to some coefficients and the shrink ones by various shrinkage rules based on different thresholding functions. For comparison between the results we supply a table which contains the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and root-mean-square error (RMSE) of all methods which have been used.

Description: The amount of subsurface information that can be effectively collected and manipulated is abundant. The use of information and database management system can help in the problem-solving process for the engineer. In this paper, south Chennai, India has been divided into four different zones. Subsequently, four zones between the village boundaries Kandanchavadi and Padur were selected to develop geotechnical zonation maps using geographical information system (GIS). Based on sampled geotechnical data values, an estimated value is assigned to all other locations using surface creation function (topo to raster interpolation process) in GIS. The study area was contoured for SPT N values and bearing capacity (kN/m 2 ) at 0.75, 1.5, 2.25, 3, and 3.75 m depth. Information from various interpolation techniques has been checked by cross validation, and it also based on the fact that objects that are near are more accurate than those that are far away. SPT N values and bearing capacities for various footing breadths at different depths could be computed using this GIS map with varying levels of confidence. Foundation suitability map is developed by using weighted overlay analysis. This study realizes the potential of GIS to find the solution of phenomena, that was very tedious by any other means, not only in terms of accuracy but also by the use of derived information as the input for other correlation analysis. Furthermore, the system can be used as a decision support for geotechnical engineers.

Description: The present study provided an integrated scheme of utilizing digital elevation models (DEMs) along with five Landsat satellite images between 1973 and 2013 in order to delineate the extent and capacity of El-Rayan depression, Egypt, and to highlight temporal changes which occurred upon the two anthropogenic lakes formed from the discharge of agricultural drainage wastewater within the depression. The capacity of the valley as well as water volume was estimated from DEM data, and water surface area was estimated by applying mathematical indices compiled from spectral bands in satellite data. The modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI) was the algorithm operated in this study. Results showed that the area of the depression at the sea level approaches about 352 km 2 , and the depression can store as much water as 6.45 billion m 3 . Water body of the two lakes has experienced reduction by seepage, evaporation, and shrinking to about 86 km 2 in July 2013. Most shrinking was encountered at the lower lake due to drifting sand and local cultivation.

Description: One of the most important challenges in the study of slope stability, foundation, and excavation in rocks is understanding the weathering states. This issue is more important in tropical climates, where severe weathering produces thick weathering profiles. Thick weathering profiles are normally classified or graded differently based on some field observations, geological studies, and material properties of rock. This paper considers the relationship between joint characterization and the state of weathering of granitic rock as an important factor to describe the mass weathering. A total of 24 panels of rock exposures was studied in two active granite quarries located in Johor, Malaysia. This region has a tropical climate condition. A typical profile was proposed for granitic rock, mainly based on joint characterization, topography, and geological condition. This profile includes a common weathering ranging from fresh rock to residual soil. Based on the presence of corestones, two additional subgrades were introduced in completely and highly weathered zones. It is believed that the proposed weathering profile may contribute to engineering design and classification of weathered granitic rock in tropical region.

Description: In order to investigate the possibility of forecasting aftershock distribution of the Iranian earthquakes, three strong earthquakes from the past 10 years were selected to calculate Coulomb stress changes and its correlation with the aftershock distribution. The common point of these earthquakes is their reverse focal mechanisms. Our results show a good triggering relationship between the aftershocks and main shocks. Moreover, though we selected earthquakes from three different seismotectonic provinces of Iran, the results were almost similar. In all cases, the utilization of specified oriented planes improved the correlation between the distribution of aftershock and stress-enhanced regions compared to the optimally oriented fault planes. And, the stress-increased regions are larger in the opposite side of the fault plane and the majority of aftershocks have been occurred in the same side. Our results in these cases show that faulting type may influence the aftershock distribution.

Description: Impact of topography on spatial variation of seismic response is well-observed synthetically, experimentally, and visually during seismic events. Numerical and experimental investigations for predicting topographic impact on seismic response are often limited to isolated and/or synthetic hills and ridges. Furthermore, most of these studies only focus on one of the many terrain parameters necessary for evaluating the impact of topographic features on amplification or de-amplification of seismic response. Seismic events located in rough terrain, like the 2005 Kashmir earthquake in northern Pakistan, exhibit intensified seismic response and associated devastation at hill ridges and on inclined slopes. Satellite remote sensing-derived digital elevation models (DEMs) are frequently and effectively used to compute topographic attributes and seismic parameters to evaluate topographic seismic response. However, the influence of DEM random errors on computed topographic attributes and seismic response is often overlooked. This study uses the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) DEM (90 m) and the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) GDEM (30 m) to quantify uncertainties in the computed topographic attributes and seismic parameters and ultimately the impact of these uncertainties on topographic seismic response. Accuracy assessment of the DEMs shows root mean square error (RMSE) of 13.78 m in the ASTER DEM and 23.71 m in the SRTM DEM. The influence of DEM errors on derived topographic attributes quantified through Monte Carlo simulations shows higher uncertainty in slope and aspect computed from ASTER DEM than from SRTM DEM. The influence of uncertainty in the SRTM and ASTER DEMs shows significant impact on the computed seismic parameters of slope, relative height, and V s 30 and ultimately derived topographic seismic response.

Description: Determination of earthquake magnitude is of great importance for quantitative seismological hazard studies. Since no local magnitude scale has been developed for the seismic network of the Sultanate of Oman, the present work is aiming towards developing the first local magnitude scale for earthquakes that occur in and around the Sultanate of Oman. Currently, the Earthquake Monitoring Center (EMC) in Oman uses the Southern California formula for M L calculations; the calculated values of local magnitudes are not comparable to the average magnitude calculated by the international centers (e.g., ISC and NEIC). In many cases, they show clear underestimation in magnitude for the local and regional distance events compared with magnitude values published by the international centers. A database of 424 simulated Wood–Anderson horizontal amplitudes of 55 events recorded by 9 very broadband stations, available since 2011, is built. All of the available events are located in northern Oman region. The attenuation function together with the magnitudes and the station corrections are determined using a multistep inversion process based on the application of the genetic algorithm. The computation provided the values of the empirical coefficients for geometrical spreading ( n ) and anelastic attenuation coefficient ( k ) to be 0.95 and 0.001, respectively. Station corrections for the used nine stations are calculated and found to be in the range of ±0.2 magnitude units. Great improvement regarding the local magnitude calculation is achieved as demonstrated by the better correlation with the provided ISC/NEIC magnitude values.

Description: The Late Cretaceous Gongila and Fika formation sediments in the Chad (Bornu) Basin, northeastern Nigeria, were analysed to evaluate their paleodepositional conditions and source input as well as to determine their thermal maturity. These were interpreted based on their molecular composition. The composition and distribution of n -alkanes, isoprenoids, and biomarkers indicate a mixture of marine algal/bacterial and land-derived organic matter source input for the Gongila and Fika formation sediments deposited in marine environment. This is indicated by the abundance of short-chain n -alkanes, low CPI and high concentration of tricyclic terpanes, low C 24 tetracyclic/C 26 tricyclic, low to moderate hopane/sterane ratios and the relationship between regular sterane compositions. These were probably deposited in environmental conditions which are mainly dysoxic. From the waxiness index and terrigenous/aquatic ratio (TAR), it can be deduced that more terrigenous organic materials were deposited towards the northeastern part of the basin, probably because of their proximity to the Lake Chad. Biomarker maturity parameters such as Ts/(Ts + Tm), C 32 22S/(22S + 22R) homohopane, moretane/hopane and 20S/(20S + 20R) and ββ/(ββ + αα) C29 sterane ratios also suggest that the sediments have reached the early to peak stages of hydrocarbon generation.

Description: The study area is covered by quartz diorites, monzogranites, and pegmatites. Geochemically, the monzogranites and pegmatites have peraluminous to slightly metaluminous calc-alkaline to alkaline affinity, emplaced in volcanic arc setting and crystallized under moderate water-vapor pressure (3–5 kb) and temperature of 800–850 °C for monzogranites and 700–750 °C for pegmatites. The monzogranites reveal small to moderate negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 0.62 to 1.0) and averages Eu/Sm = 0.168 and light rare earth elements (LREEs)/heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) = 48.78. The pegmatites reveal moderate to large negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 2.39 to 2.96) patterns and have averages Eu/Sm = 0.075 and LREEs/HREEs = 32.22. The monzogranites are altered along two fracture zones exhibiting propylitic, silicification and record high radioactive measurements. These alterations cause enrichment in SiO 2 , Fe 2 O 3 t , Ni, Y, V, Co, Th, and REEs except Er and depletion in Al 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , CaO, MgO, Na 2 O, K 2 O, P 2 O 5 , Cu, Zn, Cr, Zr, Rb, Ba, Pb, Sr, Nb, Ga, Hf, Cs, Li, Sn, Be, Sc, U, and Ta. The normalized chondrite pattern denotes moderate REEs fractionation and shows a narrow range fractionation of HREEs in both fresh, altered monzogranites and pegmatites. The studied fresh and altered monzogranites do not show tetrad effect, while the pegmatites show tetrad effect. The average eU content in fresh monzogranites is 5.55 parts per million (ppm), and the average U content is 5.03 ppm, whereas the average eTh content is 18.93 ppm, and the average Th content is 20.90 ppm. The average eU content in pegmatites is 14.76 ppm, and the average U content is 4.75 ppm, whereas the average eTh content is 57.02 ppm, and the average Th content is 15.30 ppm. The eU and eTh in the alteration zones reach up to 16.50 and 296.20 ppm, respectively. These high radioactivities are attributed to the presence of thorite, bastnäsite, fluorite, and columbite.

Description: Recent attempts to integrate geographic information systems (GIS) and participatory techniques have given rise to terminologies such as participatory GIS and community - integrated GIS . Little has been published about the usefulness of participatory GIS, especially for purposes of flood risk assessment in Zimbabwe. This paper attempts to address this research gap and demonstrates that when combined with participatory methodologies, GIS can provide a mechanism for assessing flood extend in flood-prone communities of Chadereka in Muzarabani communal lands. Flood risk is increasing in the flood-prone areas in Zimbabwe, especially in remote areas where gauging stations are non-existent because of lack of hydrometeorological and climate data for these areas, historical and projected flood events cannot be assessed through modelling. The spatial extent of the flood zone of the December 2007 flash flood event that took place in Chadereka area was mapped using participatory geographic information systems (PGIS), as well as the data collected through interviews that were held with key informants and focus group discussions. Using this approach, a flood extend assessment map was drawn by triangulating the resultant 12 PGIS maps produced by the local community. The results of the study suggest that if conventional GIS and flood modelling is cross checked with PGIS and fieldwork results, the spatial characteristics of floods in ungauged flood-prone areas can be improved and enable the profiling of floods in Chadereka ward.

Description: Forty rock samples were taken from cores and cuttings, and five oil samples were taken from Mishrif, Nahr Umr, and Yamama formations in the Nasiriya oilfield wells, of longitudinal, asymmetrical anticline structure, of about 34 km length and 13 km width located at the unstable plat form, Mesopotamian basin zone. Three major oil reservoirs in the Nasiriya oilfield: (1) Late Cenomanian–Early Turonian Mishrif Formation with reserved oil approximately 1,009 million tons show measured porosities up to 40 % and the oils are aromatic, medium gravity, high sulfur content, and interpreted as being sourced from: type II/III carbonate rocks interbedded and deposited in a reducing marine environment with high salinity based on biomarkers and isotopic analysis; Middle–Upper Jurassic age is based on sterane ratios analysis of isoprenoids and isotopes, and thermally mature source rocks. (2) The reservoirs of the Albian Nahr Umr of approximately 68 million tons reserved oil show measured porosities up to 23 %. (3) Late Berriasian–Early Valanginian Yamama formations of 275 million tons reserved oil measured porosities up to 28.8 %. The Nahr Umr and Yamama reservoirs oils are saturated, light to medium API gravity, low to medium sulfur content which are usually derived from marine shale and carbonate source rocks (containing type II kerogen). The upper seal is the Middle Miocene anhydrites of the Lower Fars Formation and the lower regional seal is Upper Jurassic Gotnia anhydrites. Source rock geochemical analysis suggests for all Cretaceous source rocks samples, immature to mature, and shows that the Sulaiy and Yamama formations to be of good quality source rock with high total organic carbon (up to 8 wt% TOC). The Lower Cretaceous source rocks were deposited in a suboxic–anoxic basin and show good hydrogen indices, and are likely to have charged the reservoirs with low amounts of hydrocarbons, during the Miocene. The most likely source rock for the Mishrif-, Yamama-, and Nahr Umr-reservoired oils are the Middle–Upper Jurassic source rock. The migration from the source rock is likely to be largely vertical and possibly along faults before reaching highly permeable reservoirs of the reservoir formations. Structural traps in the Mishrif, Nahr Umr, and Yamama formation reservoirs are likely to have formed in the Late Cretaceous.

Description: Sustainable development in coastal areas requires mapping of geological and geomorphological features of the area and precise determination of coastal border line. Such a study was carried out in the city of Antalya, which is undergoing intense infrastructural development in order to accommodate touristic activities. In the field, high water level, which is determined from moist-dry sand border and current berm crest, was taken as the indicator for shoreline, while vegetation line and topographic rises were taken as indicators of coastal border line. The geographic coordinates of all of the features were determined using differential Global Positioning System with application of “real-time kinematic measurement” technique. Quickbird satellite images of 2002 and 2009 were used in order to observe natural state of the coastal area before the constructions, to complete geomorphological map, and to confirm the coastal border line determined in the field. In addition, the natural vegetation line before the infrastructural development was determined using normalized difference vegetation index approach. Using grain size parameters for identification of coastal border line, high and low water levels were tested. The results showed that from low water level to coastal border line, D 50 (median grain size) and coefficient of uniformity decrease while coefficient of curvature increases systematically. This study showed that use of only one approach to determine coastal border line is insufficient, and an integrated methodology is required.

Description: The weighted sum already incorporated into a geographical information system (GIS) makes it possible to identify the best lands useful for sustainable agriculture. However, it does not allow for the inclusion of the decision makers’ preferences so that a choice can be made when there are conflicts between decision makers. Because of their spatial aggregation functions, multicriteria decision analysis methods can facilitate decision making in situations where several solutions are available, various criteria have to be taken into account, and decision makers disagree about one point or another. Combinations between ArcGIS and multicriteria analysis methods in this case Elimination Et Choix Traduisant la Realité (ELECTRE TRI) and a version of the weighted sum method simple additive weighting, applicable to the vector data model, have been established. The parameters and the classification system of Food and Agriculture Organization are used in this work. This approach has been tested on the area of Mleta in Algeria. Land suitability maps for durum wheat have been produced. Through the comparison between results obtained by these two methods and those available in a classical method, based on manual overlay procedures, it appears that optimistic procedure of the ELECTRE TRI method is better suited to the problem of land suitability for agriculture.

Description: The effect of using geogrid boxes as a new approach for reinforcement of rock slopes (with a case study at rock slope perched along km 11 + 060 of Mianeh–Ardabil railway track) was investigated. The limit equilibrium (LE) and finite element (FE) analysis were conducted to predict the response of the slope to a broad range of possible conditions, namely dry, half saturated, and saturated states as well as static and quasi-static conditions. The objective is to contribute towards the establishment of best practice in the design and construction of engineered slopes. Various design considerations were developed to investigate the effect of varying height and width of geogrid boxes on the factor of safety. The LE and FE based methods were compared based on the factor of safety. The results demonstrated that considering the design consideration, installing geogrids yields increasing the stability of rock slope.

Description: The use of geosynthetic-encased stone columns as a method for soft soil treatment is extensively used to increase the bearing capacity and reduce the settlement of raft foundations and the foundation of structures like embankments. Pre-strain is an effect occurring in the encasement during stone column installation due to the compaction of the stone material. The present study uses the finite element program Plaxis to perform a numerical analysis of the soft clay bed reinforced by geosynthetic-encased stone columns. An idealization is proposed for simulation of installation of geosynthetic-encased stone columns in soft clay based on the unit-cell concept. In the analyses, initially, the validity of the analysis of the single column-reinforced soil in the unit-cell model was performed through comparison with the group columns. Then, by considering a unit-cell model, the finite element analyses were carried out to evaluate the stiffness of the reinforced ground to estimate the settlement. The results of the analyses show that the improved stiffness of the encased stone column is not only due to the confining pressure offered by the geosynthetic after loading, but the initial strain of the geosynthetic that occurred during installation also contributes to the enhancement of the stiffness of the stone column and the reduction of the settlement.

Description: Clay mineral found in rivers, estuaries, and marine sedimentary environments is an important group of minerals which is the by-product of chemical weathering. The main constituents of this fine-grained sediment include mudstones, clay stones, and shales. This is probably the first report of a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) investigation on the clay minerals to characterize them in the Sundarban mangrove core sediments of Moipith Matla and Belamati Island. This study was carried out in the selected stretch for FTIR and SEM analyses. The study reveals the dominant association of kaolinite with subordinate amount of quartz, illite, and chlorite. The abundance of kaolinite, illite, chlorite, and clay with quartz helps in increasing the sediment in the island region. The geochemical and mineralogical evolution of mangrove sediment results in the interaction of biotic and abiotic parameters, whose balance is conditioned by the climate that governs the hydrologic regime, the sedimentation dynamics, and of the organic matter. This study on the characterization of clay provides substantial impact in the water-holding capacity, productivity, and mineralogical and chemical transformation in order to establish much more and intermediate equilibrium between marine influence and continental contribution, as a part of the estuarine environment.

Description: Integrated electrical and electromagnetic geophysical methods were used to delineate fracture zones in the part of Vindhyan fringe belt of Ahraura region of Mirzapur district, Uttar Pradesh, India for groundwater exploration. Groundwater occurs in fractures in hard rock area. A detailed survey of the area was done using satellite imagery to extract the lineament, and appropriate locations were selected for integrated electrical (resistivity method) and electromagnetic (VLF-EM) geophysical surveys. Very low frequency electromagnetic (VLF-EM) survey was conducted along ten traverse profiles. Qualitative interpretation of VLF-EM was done using Fraser and Karous-Hjelt filtering techniques which generate Fraser-filtered real data curves as well as pseudo-current density cross section along each profile. The interpretation result (anomaly) of VLF-EM may or may not delineate the appropriate fracture zone based on a number of higher values of relative current density which correspond to the subsurface feature. Four gradient profiling (GP) surveys of DC resistivity method were carried out at the position of the VLF-EM anomaly and to correlate the anomaly of gradient profile and VLF-EM anomaly which located the position of vertical electrical sounding (VES) and also the fracture zone. VLF-EM and subsequent resistivity surveys (GP and VES) at suitable locations suggest the existence of a fracture zone in the part of Vindhyan fringe belt of Ahraura region of Mirzapur district for the purpose of groundwater exploration.

Description: This study addresses the hydrogeochemistry of thermal and cold waters from south east Tunisia. Temperature intervals are 38.5–68 °C and 22–27.8 °C for thermal water and cold water, respectively. Three distinct hydrogeological systems supply water either for irrigation or for drinking; they are: (1) the Continental Intercalaire geothermal aquifer (CI), (2) the Turonian aquifer and (3) the Senonian aquifer. A synthetic study including hydrochemical, hydrogeological and geothermal approaches have been applied in order to evaluate the inter-aquifers water transfer in south east of Tunisia. By using silica geothermometers and saturation indices for different solid phases, estimated thermal reservoir temperature varies between 52 and 87 °C and between 75 and 110 °C, respectively. Based on chemical and thermal data, mixing, which occurs between the ascending deep geothermal water and shallow cold water, is about 57 % cold water.

Description: Aquifers may have alluvium deposits, weathered layers, fractured zones, and karstic formations separately or in mixture forms. Such geological configurations do not allow classical aquifer test applicability, due to a set of underlying assumptions that are not usually valid in nature. In practice, the Jacob straight line method is the most commonly used approach for aquifer parameter determinations. Constant transmissivity and storativity estimations depend on large time-drawdown plots on semilogarithmic paper as a straight line. A common mistake is that the appearance of a general trend as a straight line on semilogarithmic paper is taken as guaranteed for the application of Jacob method. Since Jacob straight line is the large time extension of Theis type curve, there is only one straight line on the semilogarithmic paper that can represent Jacob method, which is based on the assumption that the aquifer is porous and homogeneous. In such a case, the Jacob method slope should equal to 2.3, which shows its validity. Otherwise, a modification of Jacob method is suggested in this paper. The basis of the methodology is a dimensionless type straight line approach for the aquifer parameter assessment. Its application is presented for aquifer test data from Oude Korendjik porous medium aquifer data. The application results indicate that the classical Jacob straight line method might not be valid without a preliminary check. The dimensionless reevaluation of existing data helps to check the validity. The necessary formulations for the modification of the classical straight line method are derived, which reduce to classical Jacob method for a specific set of parameters.

Description: Findings of the oil source affinity for oil sample collected from shallow borehole already drilled for ground water purposes at the Sakran area, NE Haditha city, western Iraq, is performed in this study by biomarker studies with addition to the analysis of gravity map. Petroleum geochemistry study is carried out on oil sample. The terpane and sterane biomarker distributions, as well as the stable isotope values, are used for determining the validity of oil to correlate its source. The results showed that the oil belongs to the Jurassic age, with high sulfur content (2.75 %) and value of C28/C29 up to 0.75. The tricyclic terpanes values as well as hopanes indicated a source rock affinity of carbonates, whereas the pristine/phytane ratio indicated marine algal source of kerogen type II. All these information could confirm that the source rock affinity was the Sargelu Formation (Jurassic), in which their age’s equivalent to the source in East Baghdad Oil Field and Tikrit Oil Field, with a difference from the oil family near the Akkas field, located to the west of the area. Chemical analyses of water sample collected from the borehole showed the following results: TDS = 12,700 mg/l, EC = 215,900 μs/cm, pH = 6.8, DO = 28 mg/l, and temperature = 24 °C. Hydrochemical functions such as rNa/rCl (〈1), (rNa–rCl)/rSO 4 (〈0) and rSO 4 /rCl (〈1) indicate that the water is of marine origin, partially mixed with meteoric water. Analysis of the gravity map revealed two anomalous areas; the western one represents large anomaly with EW trend similar to the Anah graben to the north. The second one consists of many anomalies trending N–NW direction. The main local anomaly is identical with the seeps from the drilled borehole covering large area. The boundaries and trends of the main geological structures have been defined by gradient analysis procedure to the gravity data. The closed gravity anomalies with their large extensions reflect the importance of the results for further studies and promising area for oil reservoirs.

Description: This paper describes a general framework of incorporating magnetic data as prior information in the modeling of an iron deposit based on sparse drilling boreholes. Since multivariate kriging of a sparse pattern of drilling yields lower uncertainty in mineral deposit modeling, a model of magnetic susceptibility as a second variable which has an acceptable level of correlation with the first variable, iron, is used to make a model of iron grade. Before applying an inversion technique to recover a 3D model of magnetic susceptibility, the normalized full gradient (NFG) approach is used to generate an approximate visualization of probable magnetic anomaly. Based on the NFG result, we have acquired appropriate dimensions of composites to apply the geophysical inversion method. The subsurface of the desired area of the magnetic anomaly is divided into a mesh with a large number of rectangular prisms (composites) with unknown susceptibilities. The recovered magnetic susceptibility model which has a correlation equal to 0.543 with the iron grade is used as a second variable in order to apply a multivariate set of kriging equations. The collocated cokriging method as a modified version of the cokriging system is used to interpolate the iron grade based on a model of magnetic susceptibility. This method has been applied to a real case study in Zanjan Province of Iran, showing its effectiveness when we encounter with such lack of drilled boreholes in the study area.

Description: The Salt Range is the youngest and the most southern part of the western Himalayan Ranges in Pakistan. The oldest rocks that crop out are the Infra-Cambrian Salt Range Formation. The Salt Range Thrust separates the Infra-Cambrian from Proterozoic rocks, and deposits ranging in age from Infra-Cambrian to Recent are present in the Salt Range. A particular feature of the Salt Range is the presence of a thick salt sequence, and its distribution has affected thrust, normal, and reverse faults. The structural changes across the Salt Range area reflect a systematic variation in the stage of their tectonic development. These structural features are related to the presence of incompetent formations in the successions. The sedimentary record of the Salt Range is filled with thick Infra-Cambrian calcareous to siliciclastic sediments of the Indian Plate and relatively very thick Miocene-Pliocene mollassic deposits of the Indus foredeep. To better understand the relationship of the main tectonic features, these features of the Salt Range are marked on Landsat satellite imagery. Overall, structural interpretation associated with sedimentation styles permits the differentiation between the eastern, central, and western Salt Range.

Description: The concentrations of nine heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd, Cr, Co, and Pb) in soil samples of Arabian Gulf coast, Saudi Arabia, were investigated. Sediment Quality Guideline (SQGs), SQG-Quotient (SQG-Q), toxicity degree index (TDI), enrichment factor (EF), and multivariate analysis, including principle component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), were used to measure heavy metals of concern in the study area and to identify their possible sources. The results showed that the concentrations of different heavy metals were 530–5,700 mg kg? 1 for Fe; 9–150 mg kg −1 for Mn and 8–69 mg kg −1 for Zn; 1–21 mg kg −1 for Cu and not detectable—17 mg kg −1 for Ni; 6.9–130 mg kg −1 for Cr and not detectable—5 mg kg −1 for Co; and not detectable—24 mg kg −1 for Pb. Based on SQGs, only the maximum and mean Cr concentrations of study area were in heavy and moderate rates of pollution, respectively. The values of SQG-Q and TDI revealed that the investigated sampling points showed the lowest potential of adverse biological effects. The considerable number of collected soil samples has relatively higher EF values of 5–20 for Zn, Cu, Cr, and Pb, suggesting that these four metals may be derived from anthropogenic origin. Multivariate analysis also confirmed this finding that the sources of Zn, Cu, and Pb resulted primarily from anthropogenic sources, whereas Co, Ni, Fe, and Mn were mainly attributed to lithogenic sources. It could be generally concluded that it is possible to use multivariate analyses in combination with EF values as useful tools to identify the natural or anthropogenic sources of heavy metals in soils.

Description: Groundwater is often a critical source for industry, agriculture, and many other aspects of life. The Songnen Plain, located in the northeast of China, has been an important base for commodity grain and livestock husbandry in the country, with the groundwater of the Songhua River basin in eastern Songnen Plain playing a major role. Studies of hydrochemical spatio-temporal variation characteristics and evolution rules are carried out in the Songhua River basin. Seventy-three observation wells, including Quaternary unconfined wells, Quaternary confined wells, and Cretaceous confined wells, are analyzed using descriptive statistics, ratios of ions, piper diagrams and regional maps. The results of this study show that (1) HCO 3 − and Ca 2+ are the main anion and cation in the groundwater, respectively, (2) nitrate pollution is relatively serious in unconfined water, (3) variation in chemical composition is greater in confined water than in unconfined water, and (4) the seasonal and regional characteristics of the Songnen groundwater system are controlled by the hydrochemical processes of weathering-dissolution, evaporation, and ion-exchange reactions.

Description: Hazara Basin lies within lesser Himalayan region and has undergone complex depositional and tectonic episodes responsible for accumulation of different economic minerals. Phosphate, ironstone, manganese, coal and china clay deposits reported from the area indicate different sedimentary environments including deep marine to carbonate and clastic shallow marine, glaciogenic and fluvial systems. These variable environments were mainly a result of different tectonic events, which were caused by formation and rifting of Rodina, Gondwana, Pangaea, India, Madagascar and collision of India with Eurasia. Phosphate was formed in anoxic shallow marine environments during Cambrian in Sirban Member and Hazira Formation, whereas, ironstone deposits were formed in oxygenated shelf and/or residual mechanisms during nondepositional periods, e.g., at the base of Jurassic and Tertiary successions. China clay was also formed at unconformable surface at the base of Shinwari Formation of Jurassic age. Coal within Chichali Formation was formed in anoxic, organic-rich deltaic shelf conditions. Basin evolution combined with stratigraphic set up of the region has played very important role in formation and exploration of these economic mineral deposits.

Description: Recent earthquake case histories have revealed the liquefaction of mixtures of sand and fine particles during earthquakes. Different from earlier studies which placed an emphasis on characterisation of liquefaction in terms of the induced shear stress required to cause liquefaction, this study adopted a strain approach because excess pore-water pressure generation is controlled mainly by the level of induced shear strains. The current study includes the results of a set of laboratory tests carried out on sand specimens with the same relative densities and variation in the plastic fines (kaolinite or bentonite) contents ranging from 0 to either 30 % and consolidated at mean confining pressure of 100, 200 and 300 kPa using static triaxial test apparatus, in order to study the influence of fine content and other parameters on the undrained shear strength and liquefaction potential of clayey sand specimens; also, pore-water pressures in the specimens are discussed. Results of tests show that the peak strength decreases as the fines (kaolinite or bentonite) content increases up to a threshold content of fines (FC th ) after which, increases in plastic fine content lead to improve the peak shear strength of specimens, and also the ultimate steady-state strength has been improved due to the increased in plastic fines content. Also, pore pressure build-up in clayey sands is generally slower than that observed in pure sand.

Description: The Global Positioning System (GPS) has become a popular sensing system for positioning because it is free and always available and can be used in all weathers. However, the accuracy of GPS is dependent on the measurement factors selected by the surveyor. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to determine the optimal factors of the GPS positioning process. The selected process variables were measurement time and duration, recording interval, and mask angle. To determine the optimum conditions of these factors, a three-level Box–Behnken design was utilized. The results indicated that the optimum conditions of the experimental factors are 13 h as measurement time, 21.77 min as the measurement duration, 22.43 s as the range interval, and 8° as the mask angle.

Description: Foraminifers, being sensitive to minute changes, either undergo morphological changes or even disappear from the area completely due to pollution or under unfavourable conditions. The characteristics of foraminifers to incorporate the signature of presence of pollutants are considered to be an effective tool for temporal pollution monitoring studies. Totally, 12 offshore samples (both sediment and water) were taken along a normal profile along the coast of Cuddalore for pollution studies. Apart from foraminiferal studies, geochemical studies of the sediments collected are also undertaken to correlate and substantiate the findings. The near-shore area has a higher concentration of trace elements. If these concentrations exceed or go below permissible limits, it is collateral for the marine community and for those who consume these marine resources. The concentration of trace elements like lead, zinc, manganese, copper, chromium and nickel was illustrated to give an idea of the trace element concentration of the study area. The sedimentological studies reveal the organic matter and calcium carbonate content of the samples, and the bottom water measurements reveal the temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen of sample locations. These are used to determine whether the conditions prevailing could sustain life. The ratio of living to dead species is also determined and correlated with sedimentological and geochemical parameters. Pollution studies have given way to identify morphological abnormalities in the species mainly in Spiroloculina , Quinqueloculina , Elphidium , etc. but we could not find many effects among the faunal assemblages because of the nature of the sediments found in that area.

Description: In the recent earthquakes, numerous cases of liquefaction occurred in sands containing both plastic and nonplastic fines that resulted in significant damage. Most previous research efforts have focused on clean sands regardless whether the sand contain fines or not made evident by widespread shallow foundation failures, numerous cases of settlement, and lateral displacement. Still, despite the amount of related research, results seem somewhat contradictory. This study directly demonstrates the beneficial or detrimental effect of uncertainty surcharges on seismic responses. Models were subjected to two destructive realistic events with similar PGA with various frequency contents and duration. In this paper, the dynamic analyses were conducted as fully non-linear elasto-plastic coupled stress-flow analyses with coupled liquefaction triggering which reasonably captured the actual behavior. The silty sand deposits underlying the surcharge are capable of liquefying and developing large shear deformations that can cause serious damage. Therefore, excess pore water pressure ratio cannot be enough by itself to evaluate liquefaction potential, so the deformations should be examined. Numerical results provide an estimate of the seismic performance liquefiable deposits underlying the surcharge; these results can be useful for a realistic practical engineering.

Description: The study area is a part of central Ganga Plain which lies within the interfluve of Hindon and Yamuna rivers and covers an area of approximately 1,345 km 2 . Hydrogeologically, Quaternary alluvium hosts the major aquifers. A fence diagram reveals the occurrence of a single aquifer to a depth of 126 m below ground level which is intercalated by sub-regional clay beds. The depth to water level ranges from 9.55 to 28.96 m below ground level. The general groundwater flow direction is northwest to southeast. Groundwater is the major source of water supply for agricultural, domestic, and industrial uses. The overuse of groundwater has resulted in the depletion of water and also quality deterioration in certain parts of the area. This has become the basis for the preparation of a groundwater vulnerability map in relation to contamination. The vulnerability of groundwater to contamination was assessed using the modified DRASTIC-LU model. The parameters like depth to water, net recharge, aquifer media, soil media, topography, impact of vadose zone, hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer, and land use pattern were considered for the preparation of a groundwater vulnerability map. The DRASTIC-LU index is computed as the sum of the products of weights and rating assigned to each of the inputs considered. The DRASTIC-LU index ranges from 158 to 190, and is classified into four categories, i.e., 〈160, 160–170, 170–180, and 〉180, corresponding to low, medium, high, and very high vulnerability zones, respectively. Using this classification, a groundwater vulnerability potential map was generated which shows that 2 % of the area falls in the low vulnerable zone, 38 % falls in the medium vulnerable zone, and 49 % of the area falls in the high vulnerable zone. About 11 % of the study area falls in the very high vulnerability zone. The groundwater vulnerability map can be used as an effective preliminary tool for the planning, policy, and operational levels of the decision-making process concerning groundwater management and protection.

Description: Sedimentary biogenic silica from Redeyef in Gafsa basin (southern Tunisia) was analysed for its 29 Si and 27 Al magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectra and complemented by X-ray diffraction and SEM observations. The 29 Si MAS NMR spectrum is characterized by the abundance of hydroxylated silicon, displayed in resonance intensities and reflects a clear tendency towards dissolution of diatomaceous amorphous silica and the occurrence of the hydrated silica, which is the main component that ensures the diagenetic transition via the mechanism of dissolution–precipitation to other more crystalline silica phases, after the lost of its hydroxyls groups (water) by heating (burial). 27 Al MAS NMR reveals two coordinations of Al; the octahedrally coordinated Al suggests the presence of clay relics trapped during crystal growth or a microcrystalline zeolite (clinoptilolite detected by SEM observations), while the tetrahedrally coordinated Al suggests the presence of minor quantities of minerals with tetrahedral Al, such as an Al-rich fluid and/or minerals such as feldspars.

Description: The current contribution presents aspects of the structural style and fault kinematics of the Rus Formation that expose at Jabal Hafit, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. Although the major structure of Jabal Hafit is an anticlinal fold, fractures (joints and faults) are the prominent structure of the study area. The fractures can be interpreted as the distributed effect of deep-seated basement fault reactivation or to be as reactivation of deep-seated basement faults. These fractures were created during two main tectonic stress regimes. The first is a WNW–ESE S H max strike-slip stress regime, responsible for producing E–W to ESE–WNW joints and E–W dextral strike-slip and NNE–SSW reverse faults. This stress is interpreted to be post-Early Eocene in age and related to the second phase of thrusting in the Oman Mountains in the Miocene. The second stress regime is a NNE–SSW S H max transtensional (strike-slip extensive) stress regime that was responsible for N–S to NNE–SSW striking joints and NE–SW sinistral strike-slip and N–S normal faults. This regime is interpreted to be post-Middle Eocene in age. This stress was the response to the collision of the Arabian–Eurasian Plates which began during the Late Eocene and continues to the present day.

Description: Net present value (NPV) is the most popular economic indicator in evaluation of the investment projects. For the mining projects, this criterion is calculated under uncertainty associated with the relevant parameters of say commodity price, discount rate, etc. Accurate prediction of the NPV is a quite difficult process. This paper mainly deals with the development of a new model to predict NPV using artificial neural network (ANN) in the Zarshuran gold mine, Iran. Gold price (as the main product), silver price (as the byproduct), and discount rate were considered as input parameters for the ANN model. To reach an optimum architecture, different types of networks were examined on the basis of a trial and error mechanism. A neural network with architecture 3-15-10-1 and root mean square error of 0.092 is found to be optimum. Prediction capability of the proposed model was examined through computing determination coefficient ( R 2  = 0.987) between predicted and real NPVs. Absolute error of US$0.1 million and relative error of 1.4 % also confirmed powerfulness of the developed ANN model. According to sensitivity analysis, it was observed that the gold price is the most effective and discount rate is the least effective parameter on the NPV.

Description: Gumushane is a small city located on highway connecting the harbour city Trabzon in the Black Sea Region of Turkey to the Eastern Anatolia. Following an excavation to create an area for housing on the northeast side of this highway, a large and rapid planar failure inclined to the southwest occurred. A large amount of fractured and weathered granitic material moved downward over this planar failure. After the failure, the highway was closed to traffic for 1 week, and more than ten houses on top of this failure were collapsed completely. The present study aims to investigate the mechanism of this failure. The study was performed using kinematical, limit equilibrium and numerical analyses for both post- and pre-failure conditions. Based on the detailed field observations, the failure mode was determined to be planar, and the slide mechanism was determined to be controlled by three fault planes. As a result of these analyses, it can be concluded that the slope before failure had critical conditions and that the excavation and uncontrolled blasting triggered and accelerated the slope failure.

Description: Geological structures can be of great influence groundwater movement and accumulation in the surface and subsurface, and should therefore be taken into consideration in studies related to groundwater contamination impact. This study attempts to investigate the influence of geological structures on groundwater flow and groundwater salinity in Al Jaaw Plain, United Arab Emirates. A set of thematic maps derived from digital elevation model (DEM), LANDSAT, and Spaceborn Imagine Radar-C/X-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar were enhanced by applying Soble filter with 10 % threshold and equalization enhancement to reveal and map geological structures crosscut the entire region. Drainage pattern was derived from DEM automatically using D8 algorithm. The algorithm determines in which neighboring pixel any water in a central pixel will flow naturally. The trends of geological structures and drainage pattern extracted from remote sensing data were correlated with the spatial variation of hydraulic head, thickness aquifer, and groundwater salinity in the region. The results of the study reveal that the wadi courses, thickness of the aquifer, and topography are structural controlled by NNW–SSE, NE–SW, and ENE–WSW trending fault zones, significantly influencing the groundwater flow and groundwater contamination in Al Jaaw Plain.

Description: This study aims to assess the potential of several ancillary input data for the improvement of unsupervised land cover change detection in arid environments. The study area is located in Central Iraq where desertification has been observed. We develop a new scheme based on known robust indices. We employ Landsat (multispectral scanner, thematic mapper, and enhanced thematic mapper) satellite data acquired in 1976, 1990, and 2002. We use the Normalized Deferential Vegetation Index, Normalized Differential Water Index (NDWI), Salinity Index (SI), and Eolian Mapping Index. Two new equations were applied for the SI and the NDWI indices. Validation was performed using ground truth data collected in 16 days. We show that such an approach allows a robust and low-cost alternative for preliminary and large-scale assessments. This study shows that desertification has increased in the study area since 1990.

Description: Distinctive landform of juxtaposition of relatively straight exposures of slope and Quaternary deposits against older rock units in addition to the omission of younger ones are recognized in the Zagros low-folded zone of Mosul area. This phenomenon is attributed to the kinetics and the geometry of basin inversion. Positively inverted faults and their associated folds developed up-growing structures with reverse fault scarps. Those growing structures are passively uplifted above lower blind thrust fault. The up-moving faults were subjected to erosion. The interaction between the rates of erosion and uplift controls the formation of slope and other Quaternary deposits and their distribution. Fast uplift of the reverse faults resulted into formation of cliffs representing the fault scarps and the formation of slope deposits directly next to them. The linear traces of the reverse faults control the straight linear map view distribution of the associated slope deposits. Slower rates of uplift give considerable time to erosion and in consequence the fault scarps are deeply eroded and disappear. This process also resulted into deposition of the other types of Quaternary deposits but still the linear contact between the geological rock units and the Quaternary deposits is existing and easily noticed. The analysis of these features and their interpretation has resulted in a new interpretation of the geological maps of Mosul area and the recognition of many reverse faults that bound the exposed structures. This fault system is used to restore the configuration of the original Late Cretaceous extensional basin.

Description: The Precambrian basement rocks exposed along Qift–Quseir asphaltic road, central Eastern Desert of Egypt, exhibit two contrasted tectonic units, each of which has its own lithology structural style and grade of metamorphism. They are intruded by dolerite and diorite dykes. The alkali (Na 2 O+K 2 O) and TiO 2 contents increase whereas Al 2 O 3 , FeO, MgO, CaO and MnO decrease with increasing SiO 2 from dolerites to diorites. The trace elements Ti, Zr, Cr, Y and Ni indicate that the dolerites are tholeiitic with slight tendency toward calc-alkaline and formed from basaltic magma in an active continental margin, while diorites are calc-alkaline and were formed by fractional crystallisation of high-alumina basaltic magma in an island arc and active continental margin tectonic environment where they probably represent the forerunner of G1 granites. The molecular ratios Mg values (MgO×100/MgO+FeO) of dolerites range from 47 to 49 while those of diorite range from 51 to 59, indicating that the dolerite and diorite have suffered mild fractionation. Mineral chemistry for the diorites shows that the amphiboles are classified as magnesiohornblende and the plagioclase composition is An 39–42 (i.e. the narrow range indicate that the pluton has not suffered extensive fractional crystallisation). The Al content of amphibole displays significant variation with pressure and temperature, also the change of the Ca/(Ca+Na) ratio of plagioclase is dependent on temperature. The amphibole–plagioclase geothermobarometer suggested the P-T formation conditions of studied dykes as 2 kbar and 600 °C.

Description: The bentonite deposit of Lahij Province, Yemen, has very promising commercial applications due to its mineralogy and physical and chemical properties. It was examined to determine its mineralogical composition, chemical and physical properties of the bentonite deposit, purity and sodium-exchanged bentonite. Modified bentonite was synthesized by exchanging cetyltrimethylammonium cations for inorganic ions on the bentonite and its adsorption properties for ammonium were characterized in batch experiments. Analytical methods were carried out to study the bentonite comprising X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy, chemical analysis and kinetic and isotherm models were also tested. The results have shown that the purification of bentonite resulted in a bentonite fractions of the total sample composed of montmorillonite and 〈5 % quartz. The XRD data showed that the interlayer spacing ( d 001 ) of bentonite decreased from 15.3 to 12.5 Å and then increased to 19.7 Å. Moreover, high cation exchange capacity, good water absorption and high swelling capacity were also obtained. The results have shown that the modified bentonite was more effective than the natural bentonite for ammonium removal. In addition to that, pseudo-second-order kinetic model, Freundlich and the Langmuir models described the adsorption kinetics and isotherm well. It was concluded that Yemen (Alaslef) bentonite can be potential adsorbents for ammonium removal.

Description: The main objective of this study was to discuss the efficiency of agricultural land suitability for assessing land use types in rural areas. In this research, El-Nubariya area west of Nile Delta was selected as a case study site, which considers one of the high priority regions for future development in Egypt. As input, a total of ten representative soil profiles and number of observations points were used for collecting soil samples. Based on the field survey, laboratory analysis, and satellite image interpretation in cooperation with geographic information system (GIS), the physiographic map was executed. Three main landscape units were identified as follow: marine deposits, eolian deposits, and river terraces. The soils were classified mainly as Typic Torripsamments, Typic Paleorthids, and Typic Calciorthids. Land suitability assessment was done to define maps of the suitable areas for agricultural production using MicroLEIS microcomputer program and ALESarid-GIS system as well. According to the crop suitability results, the most suitable crops to grow in the study area were maize, melon, potato, sunflower, onion, garlic, olive, and date palm in the order indicated. Generally, the data on land suitability resulting from the evaluation models indicated that 56.1 % of the area is considered as suitable, 30.8 % is moderately to marginally suitable, and 13.1 % is not suitable. The main limitation factors for land suitability are the excess of salts, shallow soil depth, and inadequate drainage conditions. The output results are presented as georeferenced soil suitability maps using GIS utilities.

Description: Microscopic and chemical analysis of 85 rock samples from exploratory wells and outcrops in northern Iraq indicate that limestone, black shale and marl within the Middle Jurassic Sargelu Formation contain abundant oil-prone organic matter. For example, one 7-m (23-ft.)-thick section averages 442 mg HC/g S2 and 439 °C Tmax (Rock-Eval pyrolysis analyses) and 16 wt.% TOC. The organic matter, comprised principally of brazinophyte algae, dinoflagellate cysts, spores, pollen, foraminiferal test linings and phytoclasts, was deposited in a distal, suboxic to anoxic basin and can be correlated with kerogens classified as type A and type B or, alternatively, as type II. The level of thermal maturity is within the oil window with TAI = 3 − to 3 + , based on microspore colour of light yellowish brown to brown. Accordingly, good hydrocarbon generation potential is predicted for this formation. Terpane and sterane biomarker distributions, as well as stable isotope values, were determined for oils and potential source rock extracts to determine valid oil-to-source rock correlations. Two subfamily carbonate oil types—one of Middle Jurassic age (Sargelu) carbonate rock and the other of Upper Jurassic/Cretaceous age—as well as a different oil family related to Triassic marls, were identified based on multivariate statistical analysis (HCA and PCA). Middle Jurassic subfamily A oils from Demir Dagh oil field correlate well with rich, marginally mature, Sargelu source rocks in well MK-2 near the city of Baiji. In contrast, subfamily B oils have a greater proportion of R 28 steranes, indicating they were generated from Upper Jurassic/Lower Cretaceous carbonates such as those at Gillabat oil field north of Mansuriyah Lake. Oils from Gillabat field thus indicate a lower degree of correlation with the Sargelu source rocks than do oils from Demir Dagh field. One-dimension petroleum system models of key wells were developed using IES PetroMod Software to evaluate burial-thermal history, source-rock maturity and the timing and extent of petroleum generation; interpreted well logs served as input to the models. The oil-generation potential of sulphur-rich Sargelu source rocks was simulated using closed system type II-S kerogen kinetics. Model results indicate that throughout northern Iraq, generation and expulsion of oil from the Sargelu began and ended in the late Miocene. At present, Jurassic source rocks might have generated and expelled between 70 % and 100 % of their total oil.

Description: This study describes to which degree the numerical prediction of ground temperatures in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is influenced by the upper-boundary adoptions. A temperature-controlled upper boundary and a heat-flux upper boundary (HFUB) are, respectively, applied to model the ground temperatures at a typical section on the plateau. Predicted temperatures are compared to the field-observed temperature profile at this test section, in order to distinguish the predicted deviations. Comparison of these deviations confirms that a HFUB model promises better prediction accuracy, especially in the modeling ground-temperature zero-curtain effect. Adoption of a HFUB, however, requires examining whether the specified initial ground temperature is in its thermal equilibrium state. Special emphasis is paid on how to use a HFUB to simulate the temperature under a pavement in the plateau and on the pro and con regarding the uses of different upper-boundary models.

Description: This paper presents an approach to investigate the phenomenon of faults and cracks that appeared in the earth’s crust surface in Al-Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Geophysical and geotechnical methods were used together in order to evaluate these cracks and identify the reasons that led to the emergence of such phenomenon. This type of faults and cracks can normally occur due to a geological or physical event or due to the nature and properties of the subsurface material. It was intended to use two different techniques at a time, compare, and integrate the outcome of the results. The geotechnical works included advancing rotary boreholes to depths of 25 to 31 m with sampling and testing. The geophysical method used included performing 2D electrical resistivity lines. The results of geophysical and geotechnical tests showed good agreement. The use of 2D electrical resistivity was found useful to establish the layer thicknesses of shale and highly plastic clay. This cannot be determined without deep and expensive direct boring investigation or other sophisticated methods. The results showed that the ground cracks and faults were mainly caused due to the nature of the soil in the area, which is considered as a high-risk soil type and classified within expansive soil groups. The subsurface formation contained excessive fines with high percentage of highly plastic clay materials. The volume changes due to humidity variations can result in either swelling or shrinking. These changes can have significant impact on engineering structures such as light buildings and roads. The possible mechanism of cracks formation is explained.

Description: Twin tunnels can be used for many applications. Interaction between two tunnels is an important problem in tunnel engineering that should be studied specially. Numerical investigations are well adapted to field data and numerical methods can be used in design of rock pillar of twin circular tunnels. So far, no relationship has been provided to estimate the minimum stable rock pillar width. In this paper, the interaction between twin circular tunnels has been studied using 2D finite element analysis. To do this, a great number of twin tunnels were modeled in Phase2 software with different conditions of rock mass (RMR value) and depth of tunnel. Models were analyzed and minimum stable rock pillar width was determined. This process was repeated for three different ratios of K (ratio of horizontal stress to vertical stress, 0.5, 1, and 1.5). Finally, according to the linear and nonlinear regression methods, the best merit function was fitted to result of numerical analysis. Then, new approximate formula was proposed to estimate the minimum rock pillar width according to RMR value and depth of twin circular tunnels with different K values. The formulae are very accurate (coefficient of correlation equals to minimum 0.96) that can be used for estimating the minimum rock pillar width of twin circular tunnels.

Description: Through the Late Cretaceous, the southern shore of the Tethys Ocean migrated north and south over short distances. These vicissitudes are documented in the Continental Intercalaire, a long series of mainly non-marine sediments deposited in which dinosaur or other reptiles tracks and floral fossils are common across southern Tunisia (North Africa). A combined taxonomic, climatological, and palaentological studies provides independent lines of evidence for reconstruction of palaeoenvironments. The Bou Hedma/Boulouha and Sidi Aïch/Douiret Formations from southern Tunisia span the later part of the Late Cretaceous. During the Late Cretaceous the Tunisian territory was an archipelago, thus a particularly suitable area for a more detailed study. We investigated the area’s plant palaeo-biogeography, using fossil wood, with information from both a literature survey and investigation of new samples. The presence of fossils at great depths and distances from the present coastline, without signs of abrasion and far from areas of fluvial discharges does indicate that these remains have not been transported from the continent to the shelf, but have been preserved directly on the area that today correspond to the continental shelf. The climate during the accumulation of Barremian-Albian deposits in this region is inferred to have been warm and humid.

Description: The upper Jurassic Arab-D reservoir is considered as the most prolific reservoir in the Ghawar field in Saudi Arabia. Exposed strata equivalent to the Arab-D reservoir was investigated and evaluated to establish a relationship between lithofacies, sequence stratigraphy, diagenesis, and porosity evolution within the Arab-D reservoir analog. The study revealed eight lithofacies which interpreted to have been deposited in an open-marine lower-slope and upper-slope of a ramp platform, ramp-crest, distal to proximal lagoon and tidal flat environments. The diagenetic and paragenetic analysis showed early marine dissolution and cementation, followed by replacement of aragonite and high Mg calcite to low Mg calcite. Porosity enhancement started with shoaling-up of the system. This produces most of the moldic and intraporosity in the study area. Although the outcrop section showed a degree of burial compaction, there is no pronounced effect of compaction on porosity reduction. With extensive progradation of the proximal lagoon and inner ramp along with meteoric realm, near-surface dolomitization was formed and resulted in porosity increase. This was very clear at the top of each of the high-frequency sequences of the lower part of the outcrop. Later, the whole system had undergone fracturing which enhanced porosity dramatically. Although, the outcrop has little or no macro porosity due to sub aerial exposure and recent meteoric cementation, the paragenesis study provides a predictive porosity distribution model within a high-resolution sequence stratigraphy framework and its associated diagenetic events. This model could provide better understanding of porosity evolution and valuable guide for subsurface exploration.

Description: This paper presents artificial neural network prediction models which relate compaction characteristics, permeability, and soil shear strength to soil index properties. In this study, a database including a total number of 580 data sets was compiled. The database contains the results of grain size distribution, Atterberg limits, compaction, permeability measured at different levels of compaction degree (90–100 %) and consolidated–drained triaxial compression tests. Comparison between the results of the developed models and experimental data indicates that predictions are within a confidence interval of 95 %. To evaluate the effect of each factor on these geotechnical parameters, sensitivity analysis was performed and discussed. According to the performed sensitivity analysis, Atterbeg limits and the soil fine content (silt + clay) are the most important variables in predicting the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content. Another aspect that is coherent from the sensitivity analysis is the considerable importance of the compaction degree in the prediction of the permeability coefficient. However, it can be seen that effective friction angle of shearing is highly dependent on the bulk density of soil.

Description: This research used geospatial data to quantify biodiversity changes and landscape pattern change to track anthropogenic impacts of such changes at the Mouteh Wildlife Refuge (MWR), Isfahan, Iran. Satellite image duration of four decades, LandSat 1-5 , and IRS-P6 data were used to develop land cover classification maps for 1971, 1987, 1998, and 2011. The number and size of land cover patches, the degree of naturalness, and the diversity indices were calculated and compared for a 40-year period. The results showed an increasing concern with regard to unplanned human activities. Some improvements of the natural landscape also occurred in the core protected zone of the study area. The number and size of land cover patches, the degree of naturalness, and the diversity indices were calculated. Overall changes in natural land use between 1971 and 1998 at MWR showed that the number of patches for natural land use has increased, but it also showed a decrease in 2011. Similar changes were observed for seminatural land use. Within the artificial classes, the number and area of patches were higher and the largest patch occurred in 2011. The maximum variation of diversity is related to the year 2011. The results showed an increasing concern with regard to unplanned human activities. Some improvements of the natural landscape also occurred in the core protected zone of the study area. Remote sensing and geographic information system offers an important means of detecting and analyzing temporal changes occurring in our landscape.

Description: Strain analysis is frequently used by disciplines such as material, tensile strength, mechanics, and soil mechanics. Strain causes deformation based on normal, shear, and torsional strain types. Strain cannot be measured directly, but it can be calculate by measuring deformation. Many plates are present on Earth. These plates move with respect to each other. One of the research fields of geodynamics is determining the plate movement properties. These properties are amount of plate movement with respect to other plates, rotation of plates, and the strain at plate borders and within plates. These plate movements can be calculated with seismic or geological data and geodetic data. In this study, strain analysis was conducted upon the results obtained from 35 GPS locations on Kelkit valley, which is on the Northern Anatolian fault zone (NAFZ), between the years of 2006 and 2008. Additionally, meaningful strain accumulation was found in the zones that were investigated, and its correspondence with the tectonic structure of the region was confirmed. The maximum and minimum principle strain rate parameters and maximum principle strain rate direction, which provides the average strain rate and strain directions, are E1  = 0.17 μs/year, E2  = −0.24 μs/year, and β  = −14.33 °. Furthermore, the mean pure shear strain rate of the region and the engineering shear strain rate was calculated as γ 1  = −0.21 μrad/year, and γ 2  = 0.19 μrad/year, respectively. According to these results, there is a strain accumulation in this region.

Description: Alunite minerals occur as white powdery lumps and laminated coloured deposits within cavity and solution channel infill of the palaeokarst zone of the Upper Eocene Dammam Formation. This formation is exposed in a quarry located on the Al Ahmadi ridge within the Greater Burgan oil field in southern Kuwait. Field occurrences and sedimentary structures of the alunite deposits were described. Collected samples were petrographically described, and their mineralogy and geochemistry were determined using X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence, respectively. Microfabrics were investigated using SEM, revealing that they are primarily composed of fibrous alunogen (hydrous aluminium sulphate) and pseudo-cubical K-alunite (hydrous potassium aluminium sulphate). Their mode of occurrence suggests a hypogenetic origin, where sulphide gases associated with hydrocarbon gases reacted with an Al-rich solution leached from clay minerals and feldspars of the cavity-fill muddy sand sediments. The hydrocarbon gases may have seeped from sub-surface petroliferous formations within the Greater Burgan oil field along vertical fractures. This study suggests that these acidic seeps may have played a role in the development of the palaeokarst zone of the Dammam Formation.

Description: Climate change, population growth, and agriculture contribute to a qualitative and quantitative deterioration of groundwater reserves. The protection of natural water resources is crucial, especially in arid areas. The purpose of this paper is to map the vulnerability and risk mapping of a Moroccan aquifer, i.e., the Figuig oasis, using DRASTIC (depth of water (D), net recharge (R), aquifer media (A), soil (S), topography (T), impact of the vadose zone (I), and hydraulic conductivity (C)) and AVI (aquifer vulnerability index) methods. DRASTIC vulnerability maps have been drawn up for 4 years (1995, 2004, 2008, and 2010). Thematic maps were performed by both methods using the geographic information system (GIS). The DRASTIC method was modified in order to take into account the numerous faults. The AVI method allows estimating the transfer of a pollutant from the surface to the water level. Both methods give consistent results, enhancing high, medium, and moderate vulnerability. Risk assessment of groundwater pollution by septic tanks has been achieved by integrating the modified DRASTIC vulnerability map. Three areas with high, moderate, and low risk assessment have been identified and mapped.

Description: The objective of the current study is to use satellite data to assess the mutual influence between vegetation and climate. The Ismailia Governorate was selected as a case study to investigate the impact of vegetation cover expansion on both land surface and air temperature from 1983 to 2010 and vice versa. This observation site was carefully selected as a clear example of the high rate of the reclamation and vegetation expansion process in Egypt. Land surface temperature (LST) was estimated through the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (a space-borne sensor embarked on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) data while air temperature ( T air ) was collected from ground meteorological stations in the study area. Irrigated agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater resources. However, consistent information on irrigation water use is still lacking. Relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, and T air data were inserted in the Penman–Monteith equation to calculate potential evapotranspiration (ET o ), while both LST and T air were used to observe the relative water status of the study area as a result of the water deficit index (WDI). Then, both WDI and ET o were used to calculate actual evepotranspiration (ET C. ). The results showed that LST decreased by about 2.3 °C while T air decreased by about 1.6 °C during the study period. The results showed also that the vegetation cover expanded from 25,529.85 ha in 1985 to 63,140.49 ha in 2009 with about 147 % increase. This decrease in LST and air temperature was according to the expansion of the cultivated land that was proved through the processing of three Landsat TM and Landsat ETM+ imageries acquired in June 19, 1985, June 7, 1998, and June 29, 2009. The vegetation water consumption was affected by the decreasing surface and air temperature. The results showed that the water deficit index decreased by about 0.35, and actual evapotranspiration increased by about 2.5 mm during the study period.

Description: Gabal El Sela area lies in the extreme southeastern part of the eastern desert in Egypt. It is covered by basement rocks of different compositions. The detailed work in this area covers about 4 km 2 and it is represented mainly by coarse younger granite as a curved shape extended in NE–SW direction and dissected by many faults in various trends; some of them are invaded by dykes especially the lamprophyre dykes in the ENE–WSW trend. Detailed geological, structural, and radiometric investigations are carried out on the area. The radiometric data are statistically analyzed and the results show that the total count radiometric map reflects six separate anomalies. The field work revealed that four anomalies are related to lamprophyre dykes, the other two anomalies are structurally controlled by NE–SW and E–W faults. These anomalies are followed by some trenches which traced and measured in detail exhibiting the possible extension of these anomalies with depth. These measurements show that lamprophyre dyke has the highest reading of radioactivity, it reaches 270 Ur in the surface and to 6,300 in the trenches. While the granite of the sela area is considered possesses high level of radioactivity, where its radioactivity ranges from 19.9 to 81 Ur with an average of about 32 Ur.

Description: Unscientific disposal of municipal solid waste causes groundwater contamination. The migration of leachate from the solid waste dumpsite to the aquifer varies according to the geohydrological profile of the dumpsite. A detailed study of the mechanism of leachate percolation to the groundwater helps to design a proper groundwater remediation technique. Multilevel boreholes were drilled in the periphery of the Perungudi dumpsite, Chennai, India. The major lithological layers and the geochemical analysis of the contaminant migrated from the dumpsite to the underlying aquifer has been studied. The distribution of heavy metals such as Pb, Fe, Zn, Cr, and Cd follows a similar trend in the pollutant source, groundwater samples around the dumpsite, and at various litho units beneath the dumpsite. The analysis thus helps to find an appropriate groundwater remediation technique to remove the specific contaminant and thereby provide a safe drinking water for the surrounding community.

Description: Some of the famous cylindrical projections are defined by a geometric process that is based on the perspective. This process can be imagined as a semitransparent sphere wrapped by a tube, secant, or tangent, with the same center; then all features of the sphere surface are projected onto the tube surface by light rays from a source in the equatorial plane. Just by changing the light source’s position and tube’s diameter, different maps can result. In every cylindrical perspective projections, distortions are functions of latitude only, thus, the value of distortion is fixed along a parallel (or a small circle). Therefore, distortion isograms are parallels (or small circles), symmetrical in relation of the equator. Consequently, it is suitable for territories having narrow band shape, extended by the equator (or an oblique equator). The proposed projection in this paper introduces another possible adjustment in cylindrical projections, in which axis of cylinder does not pass through the center of the sphere. This may satisfy case, where territories have a closed curve shape. By comparing the distribution of distortions in other famous perspective cylindrical projections (Lambert, stereographic, and central), with that in the proposed modified perspective cylindrical projection, it was found that distribution of area distortion in the proposed projection can be considered better than others. Therefore, in relation to area representation, the modified perspective cylindrical projection can be considered suitable for mapping regions, having shape close to an ellipse.

Description: As we know, desert pavement is a superficial feature from wind erosion widespread throughout arid lands and plays a dynamic role in geomorphic, hydrologic, and ecologic processes. In these regions, the plant cover is low or inexistent. Desert pavement is usually covered with large, small, and angular stones. Spatial distribution of stones at the surface is reflecting rainfall distribution at the land surface. Our objective in this study was to determine the relationship between the surface physical characteristics of desert pavement (meter scale), water movement, subsoil, and plant cover. The density and type of cover in land surface are also investigated. For this purpose, two different areas (Hajaligholi playa, Damghan) with different geology were selected. In each region, profiles were dogged. In site one, six different profiles were dogged, and each profile samples in different horizons (0–10, 10–20, 20–30, 30–40, and 40–50 cm) were being taken. In site two, three profiles were dogged, and the same horizon samples were being taken. The type and density of vegetation were determined. Finally, two sites were being compared. The results showed that strong relationship is between the stone cover, soil genesis, and plant distribution. Physicochemical properties (particle sorting, stones rates, electrical conductivity, pH, and gypsum) highly depend on the upland geological characteristics of the region. Also, soil structure and salt concentration have strong relationship with stone component. The distribution and density of vegetation show strong linkage with these properties. Also, in sites with desert pavements and dense plant cover, soils are protected and, thus, reduce desertification (loss fertile soils).

Description: Asphaltic roads and constructions in Egypt annually consume a huge amount of aggregates. The physical and geomechanical properties of these aggregates have controlled their performance in which they are used. All road pavements require the efficient use of locally available materials if economically constructed roads are to be built. More than 650 million m 3 of fine and coarse aggregates are herein selected to be the tonnage of the present study. The studied Pliocene aggregates have smoothed grading curves and neither a deficiency nor excess of any one particle size, generally produce good mixtures with fewer voids between particles. The litho-particles of coarse aggregates are composed mainly of granites, gneisses, granodiorite, gabbro, and quartz particles. The sand equivalent value of fine aggregates varies from 95 to 97 %. The specific gravity values of the studied aggregates vary from 2.72 to 2.74 gm/cm 3 for coarse aggregate and range from 2.51 to 2.54 gm/cm 3 for fine aggregate. The Los Angles abrasion value varies from 19 to 24 %. Both coarse and fine aggregates meet the international standards which are suitable for usage as subbase and surface course aggregates, respectively.

Description: Identification of damages/changes that are affecting the underground water quality due to the effect of anthropogenic activities is often done after environmental problems have become evident or water portability being strongly affected. Two main applications of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) methods have been addressed covering characterization of leachate movement from a composting area of a Sugar Mill in Southern India. Good correlation has been obtained between ERT and groundwater quality assessments as well as from groundwater monitoring data sets. The study helped in conceptualization of hydrogeologic framework in basaltic terrain. Impacts on groundwater regime associated with urbanization and industrialization can easily be assessed through the variation of resistivity in the inverse resistivity pseudo-section model of the ERT investigations. Assessment of groundwater potential in an upcoming Urban Node, Greater Hyderabad city has been illustrated in the second example. Identification of good thickness of weathered regolith for location of water harvesting through Green Fingers evolved. The small infrastructure would help carrying of enhanced surface runoff as well as to sustain groundwater yield in the urban node and thereby ensuring sustainable groundwater resource exploitation. The above studies have illustrated immense potential of the ERT tools in the assessment of groundwater contamination as well as groundwater potential.

Description: Messinian gypsum deposits from Dir El-Baraqan area, Northern Coast of Egypt, were investigated by stable sulfur isotope method, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy to differentiate features formed under substantial microbial influences as indicator of paleoenvironments. Petrographically, gypsum deposits were classified into three types: biolaminated gypsum, disordered selenite, and swallow-tail selenitic crystals. Biolaminated gypsum is characterized by regular alternating dark and light laminae, which were formed due to the seasonal environmental changes in Dir El-Baraqan area. Stable sulfur isotope data show that the gypsum deposits are characterized by δ 34 S values ranging from +18.1 to +28.1 ‰. In swallow-tail gypsum, the δ 34 S values are characterized by a narrow range (from +20.0 to +20.2 ‰) which is considered as the primary phase. In biolaminated gypsum, the δ 34 S values ranged from +22.8 to +28.1 ‰ which is considered as the secondary phase. However, the white laminae are characterized by δ 34 S values ranging from +22.8 to +24.1 ‰, while dark laminae are characterized by δ 34 S values ranging from +27.2 to +28.1 ‰. The high δ 34 S values of dark laminae revealed the increasing activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria.

Description: The morphology of Vamanapuram river basin (VRB), southern Kerala, India has been studied by preparing longitudinal profiles from the source of VRB at Chemmunji Mottai (1,717 m) to its mouth at Muthalapallipozhy (Lakshadweep Sea). Survey of India topographical maps, Geocoded Satellite Imageries, Microsoft Excel and GIS software ILWIS 2.1 are used in this study. The morphometric analysis reveals that there are 1,489, 347, 79, 21, 6, 2 and 1 first-, second-, third-, fourth-, fifth-, sixth- and seventh-order streams, respectively, in VRB, which are responsible for the present-day landform genesis. The mean bifurcation value of VRB is 3.49. The Ponmudi hills receive the highest rainfall in VRB in the Western Ghats Region and Attingal, the lowest in the Coastal Strand Plain. The six land use and land cover profile sections show the distribution of land use–land cover with respect to elevation and depth to water level. The study reveals that mid and high lands generally occupy lower order streams up to fourth order and generally originate from linear ridge, hill crest, rocky slope (scarp face), side slope (S3)/slope 10–15° and hilly terrain.

Description: Knowledge of the magnitude and orientation of the initial in situ stress of rock mass in underground spaces in mining, construction, and oil projects are so vital; hence, putting it aside could not only cost a lot rather incur some irrecoverable damage. Various methods are available to estimate in situ stress in rock mass. However, the most commonly used one, i.e., hydraulic fracturing (HF) method is considered expensive and time consuming. As a matter of fact, laboratory methods based on drilled “core” have become prevalent these days considering them simple, cheap, and quick. Taking into account one such procedure, i.e., deformation rate analysis (DRA), the current research tries to review the DRA capability in determining the magnitude of initial in situ stress is in different parts of stress–strain curve. Further, an investigation was made about the usage of DRA method for both brittle and ductile rocks. To compare the DRA and hydraulic fracturing methods in in situ stress measurement, the water conveyance tunnel of Gotvand Dam was selected as a case study. The DRA tests were conducted on core samples prepared from blocks of tuff (as brittle) and soft sandstones (as ductile) from shallow quarry. The results show that the DRA method is suitable for all types of intact rock and that this could easily estimate in situ stress values. A comparison between in situ stress values obtained by DRA and those of HF method show the feasibility of geotechnical project, simplicity, speed, and low cost.

Description: Understanding the source mechanism of earthquakes may be the key to predict earthquakes. The testing of radioactive radiations and reactionary hypothesis of gases before and after quake events can help predict and monitor earthquake occurrence. In this study, the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and the column ozone (O 3 ) were applied to evaluate the December 26, 2003 earthquake of Bam city in western Iran. The results show that ozone concentration (column density) decreased about 30 DU and or 807 × 10E15/cm 2 molecules. Using high-resolution AIRS data for the study area, we were able to discriminate gases that formed and changed before the main shock at least a day before the occurrence of the quake in Bam.

Description: Environmental problems such as vibration and air blast are often faced and discussed in mining, quarrying, civil construction, shaft tunnel, pipeline, and dam operations, where blasting is inevitable. It is necessary to establish national standards in order to minimize environmental problems induced by blasting and judicial matters in our country as it is in the USA, European Union (EU) countries, and other developed countries. This necessity and the obligation of Turkey, which has started the procedure of joining the EU, to accept EU criteria emphasize the importance of this study. In other words, the establishment of a particular national standard related with this subject is inevitable for Turkey. This will be possible only by studying and applying scientific methods and techniques by experts. This paper presents a new damage criterion norm for blast-induced ground vibrations in Turkey. In this study, first, numerous vibration records were taken in blasting operations performed at different sites and rock units. For these rock units, particle velocity predictions and frequency analysis were done. At the same time, structures in the neighborhoods of these blasts were also observed and investigated. Finally, a damage criterion norm based on risk analysis was established and proposed by using these collected data. In light of the norm to be obtained from the data that were collected in the research, it will lead the excavation work in our country to be performed in such way that they are more effective and will cause minimum environmental problems.

Description: In this paper, we propose a semiautomatic method for landscape analysis of biosphere reserve Eastern Carpathians with both spectral and morphometric constituents. The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) has provided digital elevation models for approximately 80 % of the earth’s land surface. SRTM data are used to calculate first derivatives (slope) and second derivatives of elevation (such as minimum curvature, maximum curvatures, and cross-sectional curvature) by fitting a bivariate quadratic surface with a window size of 9 by 9. Together with multispectral remote sensing data like Landsat 7 ETM+ with 28.5 m raster elements, these data provide comprehensive information for the analysis of the landscape in the study area. Unsupervised neural network algorithm—self-organizing map—divided all input vectors into inclusive and exhaustive classes on the basis of similarity between attribute vectors. An optimal self-organizing map with 21 classes using 1,000 iterations and a final neighborhood radius of 0.05 provided a low average quantization error of 0.3394 and was used for further analysis. Morphometric analysis, spectral signature analysis, and feature space analysis are used to assign semantic meaning to the classes as landscape elements according to form, cover, and slope, e.g., deciduous forest on ridge (convex landform) with steep slopes. The results revealed the efficiency of self-organizing map to integrate SRTM and Landsat data for landscape classification. This makes it possible to develop an alternative method for fast assessment and comparison of landscapes over large areas. This procedure is reproducible for the same applications with consistent results.

Description: Five, Neoproterozoic, poorly studied felsic intrusives from NW Saudi Arabia have been subjected to a detailed geological, geochemical and mineralogical study to identify their characteristics and to understand their processes of formation. The results have indicated that the individual plutons in the region are each subtly different. This is mainly displayed by the existence of different types of granites, based on chemistry and petrography (peralkaline, alkaline and calc-alkaline) and mineralogy (particularly the presence of different types of amphibole, both sodic and calcic). The granites were most likely derived by low-pressure, partial melting of crustal rocks with possible crustal contamination, followed by fractional crystallization and later sub-solidus alteration by fluids. The geochemical differences between the granites could be related to their formation during different stages of the region’s evolution. The granites contain relatively high contents of rare earth elements and rare metals, mostly hosted by phosphates (monazite-Ce and xenotime), Nb oxide (fergusonite-Y) and possible rare earth carbonates (synchysite). Further detailed geochemical study would determine the economic significance of the studied granitoids and allow understanding how the plutons were fit into tectonic setting of the region.

Description: Geological and geoseismic profiles and well data gathered with field observations from the Atlasic Chain in central Tunisia highlight folded structures, tectonic events, and significant faults. These events controlled basin formation and evolution during successive Mesozoic extensional phases, followed by the tectonic inversion during the Atlasic Orogeny known on a Tethyan scale. The Cretaceous extension is well recorded through deposition, which supplied the normal faults system and influenced sediment distribution and regional subsidence. The major event is the normal slip of the principle inherited fault during the Cretaceous subsidence. The northwestern blocks, which are north of the faults of Mrhila–Trozza–Cherichira and Ballouta and west of the NS axis, correspond to continually subsiding areas of the Upper Cretaceous series. Subsequent faulting reactivated compressional structures such as strike-slips, reverse, and thrust faults during the Tertiary Orogeny which largely affected the Tunisian Atlasic domain. Geological profiles point out the evidence of the Upper Cretaceous emersion of the central Tunisia domain and lateral thickness variation of the series from Jurassic to Quaternary, unconformities, and halokinesis movement.

Description: Studies on ostracofauna gathered from the Middle–Late Eocene outcropping series of Jebel Bargou anticline, central Tunisia and from an offshore well in the Pelagian Shelf (ABR1) allowed to date major biostratigraphic limits and contribute to improve the precision on the present Eocene biozonation scheme based specially on the planktonic foraminifera markers. Paleogeographic and paleoecological interpretation was derived from an analysis of 60 ostracod species belonging to 38 genera coupled to lithostratigraphic facies interpretation. Ostracods associations indicate an evident similarity between the studied sections with circalittoral taxonomic dominance. In large scale, the ostracofauna recognized in the studied sections shows plentiful similarities with those of Northern Africa and the Middle East regions (Libya, Mauritania, Egypt, Jordan, and Sicilia). The similarities with the genera from Nigeria, Ghana, and Togo are rare and totally absent with those of European margin. Accordingly, during the Middle to Late Eocene, marine connection is evident between Northern Africa and the Middle East, probable between Northern Africa and eastern Africa and totally absent between Northern Africa and European margin because ostracods similarities are absent between European and Tunisian ostracods we were identified except some cosmopolitan forms.