ALBERT

Description: In the former industrial part of Bratislava, on the left bank of the Danube River, the Apollo Refinery was located, as well as chemical plants Chemika and Gumon. In 1944, the US Army bombed the Refinery, and it was this area from which the oil-based pollution has spread and prevailed there to-date. Complex chemical pollution was also caused by leakage from Gumon and Chemika plants, which is mainly represented by polycyclic and volatile aromatic hydrocarbons. Today, these sites are labelled in the Register of Contaminated Sites as the contaminated site of the “B” category. The register of Contaminated Sites defines Category A (potentially contaminated site), Category B (contaminated site) and Category C (remediated site). Since 2015, monitoring works have been carried out in the premises of both plants. In the scope of the monitoring the free phase of oil substances has been measured, along with the pollution and odour of groundwater, and organic contamination has been confirmed. Measurements have highlighted the intense impact of groundwater oscillation on the free phase of oil substances thickness – with the increase in groundwater table levels, the thickness of the free phase of oil substances drops, and vice versa. The work focuses on interpreting the data obtained from monitoring measurements and subsequent assessment of the impact of groundwater pollution from the environmental load of the Apollo Refinery and the chemical plants Chemika and Gumon.

Description: The studied area, as the part of the Malé Karpaty Mts., are integral parts of the Western Carpathian orogenic belt. The Komberek karst area is built up by the Tatricum and Fatricum tectonic units. The studied area belongs to the Kuchyňa-Orešany karst, where on the northeastern part the karst plain Komberek (Kŕč) hill (409 m) is situated. During the research, geological (geological mapping), geophysical (electrical resistivity tomography-ERT) and sedimentological (shallow drilling) methods were carried out. This combination of methods allows to interpret the origin and morphology of the sinkholes. The morphology depends on the nature of the basement rocks, the sedimentary cover and the tectonic influence. Funnel-shaped and pot like sinkholes are concentrated into a sinkhole line located in a linear NW-SE trending structure line. In the other side, some sinkholes were formed on the lithological boundary of the karstic and nonkarstic rocks. Moreover, the sinkholes are at the edge of the depression filled with fine-grained impermeable sediments. In addition, this study points out to the possible presence of potentional cave spaces under one of the largest sinkholes found on the karst plateau.

Description: The external brain morphology of a juvenile cave hyena (Crocuta crocuta spelaea) from the Jasovská jaskyňa Cave is described and compared with virtual endocasts of adult specimens of cave and modern spotted hyenas. Apart from differences in the development of olfactory tubercles and posterior endocast portion, the virtual endocast of the adult cave hyena has predominantly more developed sulcal and gyral impression patterns than the juvenile specimen. The smaller change in brain size during ontogeny compared with the increasing of the skull size is also observed. Additionally, the adult C. c. spelaea has a smaller anterior cerebrum volume in comparison with modern C. crocuta. Data obtained by these comparisons are discussed from the viewpoint of differences in social behaviour development and foraging strategies in extinct cave hyenas and extant spotted hyenas.

Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate, whether the newly developed laboratory at the Dept. of Geology and Palaeontology (Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia) is suitable for processing of samples for authigenic 10Be/9Be dating method. The approach was validated on reprocessing of four samples, which were previously analysed at CEREGE (Aix-en-Provence, France). The samples underwent leaching and resin chemistry. Each sample was triplicated with the preparation of a blank sample. Processed samples were sent to CEREGE for isotopic measurements, which provided 15 values of 10Be/9Be ratio. The obtained values showed a good consistency for each sample, although two subsamples appeared as outliers (one of which was original). Analytical uncertainties are comparable to the original measurements, difference is below 1.5%. Processing blanks yielded stable values at least three orders of magnitude lower than measured subsample 10Be/9Be ratios, what imply a good workflow conditions. These tests revealed that the new laboratory is suitable for processing samples for authigenic 10Be/9Be dating method.

Description: The Dobrá Voda seismoactive area is the most significant seismic source zone in terms of seismic hazard of Slovakia. It is situated at the contact of the Bohemian Massif, Western Carpathians, and Eastern Alps. On the surface, the Dobrá Voda seismoactive area is built from the Triassic carbonate rocks overlain by Cainozoic sediments. The deeper basement consists of crystalline rocks. The whole structure is disrupted predominantly by normal faults oriented in NW‒SE and NE‒SW directions. Majority of the earthquakes hypocentres is concentrated in the crystalline basement. The Dobrá Voda seismoactive area represents crustal segment located above the zone of assumed persisting convergence between the Bohemian Massif and Internal Western Carpathians crystalline basement. The apical parts of this segment are in tensional to transtensional tectonic regime. The seismic activity in the Dobrá Voda seismoactive area was previously linked to the transpression segment of the Vienna Basin Transfer Fault, extending from the Alps through the Mur‒Mürz Valley, the Vienna Basin, and continuing into the External Western Carpathians. The Vienna Basin Transfer Fault could not be identified via new research in the Dobrá Voda seismoactive area.

Description: The Dobrá Voda seismoactive area is the most significant seismic source zone in terms of seismic hazard of Slovakia. It is situated at the contact of the Bohemian Massif, Western Carpathians, and Eastern Alps. On the surface, the Dobrá Voda seismoactive area is built from the Triassic carbonate rocks overlain by Cainozoic sediments. The deeper basement consists of crystalline rocks. The whole structure is disrupted predominantly by normal faults oriented in NW‒SE and NE‒SW directions. Majority of the earthquakes hypocentres is concentrated in the crystalline basement. The Dobrá Voda seismoactive area represents crustal segment located above the zone of assumed persisting convergence between the Bohemian Massif and Internal Western Carpathians crystalline basement. The apical parts of this segment are in tensional to transtensional tectonic regime. The seismic activity in the Dobrá Voda seismoactive area was previously linked to the transpression segment of the Vienna Basin Transfer Fault, extending from the Alps through the Mur‒Mürz Valley, the Vienna Basin, and continuing into the External Western Carpathians. The Vienna Basin Transfer Fault could not be identified via new research in the Dobrá Voda seismoactive area.

Description: Fourteen gem-quality green-coloured beryl samples of different origin were investigated by standard gemmological methods and Raman, X-ray fluorescence and optical absorption spectroscopy. All investigated 14 samples were identified as beryl by Raman spectroscopy. Five main transition elements were detected (Cr, V, Fe, Cu, Ni). Six samples were significantly enriched in Cr . These samples also had the highest luminescence at about 685 and 680 nm corresponding to R1 and R2 bands which is good identification factor for emeralds. Two of these samples were also enriched in vanadium. In two other Cr-rich samples is also Ni and Cu present. These two samples contain also the highest amount of Fe, while the other samples contain lower amounts of Fe. In two of the Fe-bearing samples Cr was not detected. Varying amounts of water inclusions, both type I and II, were detected in each of the samples, except the two Ni- and Cu-bearing samples, which exhibit only H2O type I. While the samples with a high Cr content were assigned to emerald, the green Fe-rich samples (without Cr) can be named just as green beryl. It seems that a special Cr-V-Fe ratio is indicative for samples, which were found in Colombia. The other samples (except the Ni- and Cu-bearing samples) are likely from various schist-type emerald deposits. There are indications that the two Cu- and Ni-bearing samples with only water type I are Russian hydrothermal syntheses.

Description: Gold–sulphide ore from epithermal vein deposit Banská Hodruša consists of gold, electrum, galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite and pyrite. Minor amounts of tellurides are present in the form of hessite, petzite and other rare Au sulphides and tellurides. Pyrite as a common product of hydrothermal alteration occurs mainly in the wall rock. Gangue minerals are represented by abundant quartz and adularia, clay minerals and carbonates. A combination of classical mineralogical methods - optical microscopy, electron microprobe, scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, automated mineralogy methods - QUEMSCAN RMS, TMS, PMA, and chemical analysis were used to determine composition of the head sample and individual ore dressing products, such as mineral jig concentrate, flotation concentrate and waste. The information about mineral composition of head sample, distribution of minerals in ore dressing products, their chemical composition and optimal grain size (P85-88 of 74 µm) has been determined. The concentrate contains approx. 15 % of gangue minerals and approx. 2.5 % of the waste consists of sulphides. The mineral associations and mineral intergrowns has been studied. Gold is liberated well, with more than 70 % of gold being liberated and amenable to flotation, the rest associated with complex mineral assemblages (18 %), silicates and carbonates (9 %) and sulphides (~3 %). Liberation of sulphides is better than 83 %. The ore has excellent metallurgical properties, maximum achievable gold recovery by flotation is 96–98 %. Results of the study provided information to optimize ore dressing processes, particularly quality of milling, effectiveness of flotation process and gravity circuit.

Description: The platinum-group minerals (PGM) occur in Triassic-Jurassic metapyroxenite from allochtonous serpentinite body near Jasov village, Meliatic Unit, Inner Western Carpathians, eastern Slovakia. The PGM assemblage originated during two genetic stages. The primary magmatic stage 1, formed under very low fO2; it comprises older generation of PGM: laurite (RuS2), erlichmanite? (OsS2), sperrylite (PtAs2), iridium, and osmium. The younger generation of PGM formed during post-magmatic, hydrothermal-metamorphic stage 2, including irarsite [(Ir,Rh)AsS], hollingworthite [(Rh,Ir)AsS], possibly part of sperrylite (PtAs2), temagamite (Pd3HgTe3), vasilite-like mineral [Pd2(S,Te)], and unnamed phases of (Ir,Os)As3, (Pd,Ni)3Sb, and Pd6Ni3Sb2 (?) stoichiometry. Minerals of the magmatic stage were derived from the deep mantle source under highly reductive conditions, and the primary rock was probably transported by a plume to shallower upper mantle depth. The hydrothermal-metamorphic stage originated by partial hydratation and serpentinization of the metapyroxenite under the blueschists facies metamorphism. The Jasov metapyroxenite represents the first reported occurrence of PGM in the Western Carpathians.

Description: We would like to announce that the latest issue of the Acta Geologica Slovaca Journal (Volume 9, Issue 1) has already been released at 29th Jun 2017.

Description: Solution calorimetry is an established technique to measure thermodynamic properties of solids. Two common options for the solvents and measurement regimes include acid-solution calorimetry with aqueous solvents at temperatures between 0–100°C and high temperature oxide-melt calorimetry, with oxide solvents at 700–1000°C. The usual outcome of a set of solution calorimetry experiments is the enthalpy of formation of a phase studied, calculated from a thermochemical cycle with a set of reference phases. Thermochemical cycles apply the Hess’ law in a form of linear equations. In this paper, the choice and pitfalls of various reference phases is discussed, with a focus on oxysalts (oxides, sulfates, arsenates) related to acid mine drainage. The accuracy and precision in the systems H2O and Fe2O3-H2O is documented by a number of control thermochemical cycles, summarized in this work. Calorimetry on systems including Ca, Cu, Al, As, Sb, Na, and K is also deliberated. For As, X-ray absorption spectroscopy showed that the final oxidation state of arsenic is identical irrespective of the initial oxidation state. In general, the statistical uncertainty of the calorimetric experiments is smaller than the precision of the data, as judged from enthalpies of various reactions. The accuracy of the data, however, does not suffer with due care. Hence, solution calorimetry, with its advantages and disadvantages, is an important method that delivers high-quality thermodynamic data.

Description: We would like to announce that the latest issue of the Acta Geologica Slovaca Journal (Volume 10, Issue 1) has already been released at 04th Jul 2018.

Description: This paper brings results of the first systematic heavy-mineral analysis of the oldest exotics-bearing units in the Western Carpathians. Samples the Klape Unit, Poruba Formation (Tatric and Fatric units), Manín Unit and Orava Unit were analyzed. Most samples are dominated by chrome-spinels, zircon, tourmaline, apatite and rutile in various ratios. Garnet occurs in small amounts but there is considerable enrichment in a few samples. Titanite, kyanite, monazite and epidote occur only rarely; sillimanite and staurolite are very rare. There is also a local enrichment in blue amphiboles, pyroxenes, garnet and kyanite in some samples. The analyzed spinel grains predominantly match the harzburgite field, with some overlap to the fields of podiform chromitites and cumulates in the Mg/(Mg + Fe2+) vs. Cr/(Cr + Al) diagram. The TiO2 vs. Al2O3 diagram indicates the predominant origin of spinels from the supra-subduction zone peridotites for most of the analyses, whereas the other, aluminium-depleted and higher-titanium grains best match the arc volcanic field. The analyzed blue amphiboles are glaucophanes to ferroglaucophanes and were most likely derived from HP/UHP metamorphosed basaltic rocks in a subduction zone. Pyroxenes are mostly represented by orthopyroxenes (enstatite) and less by clinopyroxenes (augite, diopside). Their common euhedral shape and fresh appearance indicate that they were probably not derived from the same ophiolitic source as the Cr-spinels and blue amphiboles, but rather from some adjacent and nearly coeval volcanics which might be of calc-alkaline provenance. Detrital tourmaline grains in the analyzed samples were mostly unzoned except of some grains; some even possessed a complex intergrowing pattern with a mosaic appearance. Most of the grains were derived from various sorts of metasediments. Almost all tourmaline grains from Havranský vrch Hill were likely derived from Li-poor granitoid rocks. The results indicate input of minerals of dominantly ophiolitic provenance, such as Cr-spinels, blue amphiboles, and eventually mosaic tourmaline. Zircon, rest of the tourmaline and rutile were likely derived from older sediments. Garnet, staurolite, kyanite, sillimanite occurring in relatively small amounts were mostly derived from metamorphic rocks of various degrees of metamorphism. No significant differences were observed among the individual units which most likely shared the same source.

Description: Laser has dual role in mineralogy; minerals are used as a source of laser radiation and laser is employed in mineral analytical study. Therefore, we used spectroscopic methods to study Cr-bearing minerals, which are potential laser sources. Chemical composition was determined by XRF analysis, and shows that ruby is enriched in Fe, Ti and Cr, alexandrite contains Ti, Cr, Fe, Mg, Ca, and Si, spinel has increased Si, Cr, V, Fe, and Ca, and uvarovite contains Ti, V, Fe, and Mn along with major Cr. The luminescence spectra of ruby samples measured by Raman spectrometer have two very narrow and intense bands between 690 and 698 nm. Alexandrite has a broad luminescence band in the 640 – 780 nm region and has two intense bands at 680 and 710 nm. The spinel luminescence bands occur in the region ranged from 673 to 725 nm, are broader than in ruby, but still intensive. Uvarovite has a broad band in the region between 655 and 950 nm. Strong luminescence emission in ruby at about 695 nm and in alexandrite between 640 and 780 nm can be attributed to the laser effect – spontaneous emission due to the energy transition from metastable E to basic A2 state. This is also manifested in the optical spectra; there is an intensive transmission in the spectral region, where the luminescence laser effect occurred.Laser has dual role in mineralogy; minerals are used as a source of laser radiation and laser is employed in mineral analytical study. Therefore, we used spectroscopic methods to study Cr-bearing minerals, which are potential laser sources. Chemical composition was determined by XRF analysis, and shows that ruby is enriched in Fe, Ti and Cr, alexandrite contains Ti, Cr, Fe, Mg, Ca, and Si, spinel has increased Si, Cr, V, Fe, and Ca, and uvarovite contains Ti, V, Fe, and Mn along with major Cr. The luminescence spectra of ruby samples measured by Raman spectrometer have two very narrow and intense bands between 690 and 698 nm. Alexandrite has a broad luminescence band in the 640 – 780 nm region and has two intense bands at 680 and 710 nm. The spinel luminescence bands occur in the region ranged from 673 to 725 nm, are broader than in ruby, but still intensive. Uvarovite has a broad band in the region between 655 and 950 nm. Strong luminescence emission in ruby at about 695 nm and in alexandrite between 640 and 780 nm can be attributed to the laser effect – spontaneous emission due to the energy transition from metastable E to basic A2 state. This is also manifested in the optical spectra; there is an intensive transmission in the spectral region, where the luminescence laser effect occurred.

Description: This study provides the results of an investigation of the carbon isotopic composition in a CO2 cave atmosphere at Havranická Cave, Malé Karpaty Mts., Western Carpathians. The measured concentrations and δ13C values range between near-atmospheric (~ 612 ppmV and –7.38 ‰ PDB) values and depleted (~1039 ppmV and –13.5 ‰) values suggesting mixing of two contrasting CO2 sources. Other measured characteristics such as temperature, humidity and CO2 concentrations show trends related to depth, where temperature and humidity remain constant and the CO2 content increases with depth. We conclude that the carbon isotopic composition of cave air is a result of mixing of atmospheric and soil-derived CO2, degassed from dripwater. The contribution of carbon from limestone bedrock is possible, however, it cannot be confirmed with the current dataset.

Description: Orbulina suturalis (Brönnimann, 1951) is a planktic foraminifera species that occurred in the Central Paratethys during the Middle Miocene, throughout the Badenian (Langhian, Serravallian) stage. Despite the stratigraphic and paleoecologic significance, the ontogeny of the species remained seldom explored. In this study the inner shell morphology was observed by using a tomographic microscope to identify the ontogenetic stages. The entire shell development of Orbulina suturalis, from the monothalamous prolocular stage to the polythalamous terminal stage, was interpreted. Each stage is described by its general morphological features, such as the dimensions of the shell, the shape and number of the chambers, the position of the aperture, the peripheral outline, the texture of the wall and the coiling direction. The constructed ontogenetic model of Orbulina suturalis was correlated with the „five stage concept” of Globigerinoides sacculifer introduced by Brummer et al. (1987).

Description: The presented study shows using of bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses in mountain area of the Krivánska Fatra Mountains affected by debris flows. Three generations of data were studied in order to assess the debris flows in the area, from these two main periods of debris flows were taken into the analysis: the debris flows from 1950s to 1970s and catastrophic debris flows from July 2014. Various input data were used in the statistical analyses: elevation, slope angle, plan curvature, topographic wetness index, flow accumulation, lithology, and land cover. Two main evaluations were made: first using the older debris flow data and second using debris flow data from the both periods. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed in order to assess the reliability of the models with the area under curve more than 95% for both evaluations and more than 85% for the first evaluation checked by both periods of debris flows in case of multivariate analysis, respectively almost 83% and 80% in case of bivariate analysis. The comparison with existing avalanche tracks was performed as well and shows satisfactory results. The tracks of debris flows from July 2014 show the extraordinariness of the event in comparison with older debris flows. Experimental assessment of natural hazard was performed using the map of difference between the two susceptibility maps in order to find out the areas of possible high magnitude low frequency events.

Description: Frost resistance of rocks is important parameter in assessment of rock decay due to exogenous processes. Current testing methods rely on thermal loading of saturated samples in climatic chamber for extended period of time and consequent detection of drop in ultrasonic velocity speed or uniaxial compressive strength (UCS). Presented study aims at developing faster method of frost resistance detection by measuring linear expansion force generated during freeze-thaw cycling on fully saturated samples. Preliminary results on andesite samples taken from two sites in middle Slovakia suggest that higher volume of micropores influences frost resistance of samples, causing lower frost resistance to thermal loading of fully saturated samples. Further, cycle testing in modified thermodilatometer VLAP04 suggest the possibility of detection of higher amount of micropores by linear expansion force (LEFC) detection during initial cycles of testing, potentially allowing for faster detection of frost resistance in harder rocks compared to conventional methods using climatic chamber. Moreover, frost resistance parameter k2 (STN 72 1800) appears to be not suitable for harder rocks due to high variance in UCS and destructive character of these tests.

Description: The Prochot – Lazy area hosts a poorly known historical epithermal precious metal deposit hosted by andesites of the Lower structural unit of the Štiavnica Stratovolcano. According to current exploration, this locality consists of two roughly parallel mineralised zones. The Main zone is probably related to a regional fault and it was followed by old mine workings. The inclined bore hole PT-1 has determined here exploited spaces and remnants of quartz-carbonate veining (with 5.4 ppm Au, 10.5 ppm Ag) and native gold accompanied by tetrahedrite, pyrite, calcite, siderite and rodochrosite. A zonal arrangement of alteration patterns includes uppermost steam-heated zone (kaolinite, alunite, crystobalite and increased Hg), base of steam-heated alteration (kaolinite, smectite, opal/chalcedony), adularia-rich zone in the hanging-wall of the vein structure and foot-wall alteration (smectite, calcite, kaolinite, adularia, chlorite). Alteration is accompanied by extensive brecciation and pyritisation, with increasing intensity towards the vein western continuation of the Main zone and parallel East zone were explored by channel sampling and showed alteration and geochemical features similar to the hanging-wall zone in the PT-1 hole with up to 1.3 ppm Au and 1.7 ppm Ag. The studied mineralisation has an intermediate position between low and intermediate sulfidation types. It evolved during the pre-caldera stage of the stratovolcano with the source of ore-bearing fluids related either to the magma chamber below the central zone of the stratovolcano (similar in source to the Rozália mine Au-deposit) or to a local magma chamber below the Prochot intrusive complex.

Description: The Zápoľná Cave is located in the SW part of the Kozie chrbty Mountains in the valley of the Čierny Váh River. It is formed in the carbonates of the Gutenstein Formation, right above the décollement plane of the Svarín Partial Nappe (belonging to the Hronic Unit). The rocks bear marks of intensive brittle deformation indicating that the nappe emplacement occurred in relatively cold conditions. The fine-grained sandstone, considerably atypical for the purely carbonate Gutenstein Formation, occurs in the cave. It probably reflects the transition from the underlying siliciclastic Šuňava Formation, which most likely acted as a tectonic lubricant during the nappe translation, and is at present tectonically amputated from the Svarín Partial Nappe. The cave passages follow mainly faults or joints with two general types of orientation – the N–S direction and the E–W directions. Their contribution to the genesis of the cave was not only passive but also active, as they show the signs of the neotectonic activity. Based on the speleomorphological features, the cave evolution divided into three phases: (I) deep in phreatic zone when the majority of the cave volume was formed by slowly circulating water along the discontinuities (mainly steep faults/joints) in the host rock; (II) in epiphreatic zone characterized by the appearance of the water table in the middle parts of the cave, and followed by its slow fall, and (III), in vadose zone after the water table decline, is characterized mainly by collapse processes. The evidence from cave morphology and fills suggests that there was no ponor through which the Čierny Váh River could enter the cave directly. The phases of the cave evolution, along with the activity of the E–W-trending discontinuities, could be linked to the activity of the Vikartovce Fault located in the south-eastern part of Kozie chrbty Mts., which was active up to Late Quaternary.

Description: Six occurrences of Medieval mine workings are known in the area of Divínsky háj hill between Divín and Lovinobaňa villages. The major one in the area of 500 × 10–130 m was a subject of drilling of 14 diamond and RC holes. Supergene gold mineralization is hosted in faulted and folded argillized and limonitized Permian to Triassic schists, sandstones, and quartzites of the Veporic Unit. The ore bodies are irregular, related to crossing of NW–SE trending tectonic zones dipping 40–60° to NE and metamorphic foliation, mainly close to contact of schists with quartzites and with barren quartz veins. The thickness of ore bodies varies between 1 and 15 m. The grade in holes ranges from 0.01 to 8.86 ppm of Au. Oxidation zone reaches up to 40–50 m. Gold is of high fineness, 950 in average. Except clays and limonite, barite is the only mineral accompanying supergene gold. The character of primary mineralization and the source of Au are unknown.

Description: We would like to announce that the latest issue of the Acta Geologica Slovaca Journal (Volume 8, Issue 2) has already been released at 20th Dec 2016.

Description: We would like to announce that the latest issue of the Acta Geologica Slovaca Journal (Volume 9, Issue 2) has already been released at 19th Dec 2017.

Description: In the year 2006 the company EMED Slovakia determined at the locality of Biely Vrch near Detva the presence of a new type of porphyry mineralisation with a relatively high Au/Cu ratio that in the literature is marked as Au-porphyry mineralisation. This type of mineralisation was not described in Western Carpathians yet. Low content of metals and big amount of ore in porphyric systems requires exploration by open pit methodology which produces a big volume of mining waste. Main goal of this research was a characterization and qualified categorization of mining waste, which will be potentially created by exploitation of the Biely vrch deposit. This will enable to predict and prevent environmental problems related to mining and processing of ore. The results of chemical analyses of water extracts showed extremely low content of Sb, Cd, and Mo (under detection limits). Also the content of other parameters monitored (As, Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn, S) were relatively low, especially in comparison with total chemical analyses. The total average value of Net Neutralisation Potential (NNP= NP-AP) was set as 43.06 kg of CaCO3/1000 kg of material and was calculated for all the samples from the database. Acidifacation Potential (AP) was calculated for every sample, in case of Neutralization Potential (NP) average value (42.65 kg of CaCO3/1000 kg) for selected 60 samples was used for calculation. Based on this assessment, we can say that 3.64 % of the samples are potentially able to produce acidity and 7.06 % of the samples are in the field of uncertainty. Most of the studied samples (89.3 %) does not produce any acidity.

Description: Stratiform chalcopyrite-pyrite deposit of Smolník is located in the low-grade metamorphosed Early Palaeozoic volcano-sedimentary Gelnica Group. Various types of phyllites, mostly sericite and graphite-sericite phyllites with metadolerite bodies build up proximate vicinity of the deposit. The imminent host rocks of sulphide pods are chlorite phyllites with subordinate chlorite-sericite phyllites intercallations. Metadolerites previously interpreted as effusive rocks are probably subvolcanic in origin. Original igneous mineral association of clinopyroxene, plagioclase, ilmenite, and probably also olivine were transformed to association of amphiboles, albite, clinozoisite/epidote, titanite ± calcite by metamorphic alteration. Composition of metadolerites is close to basaltic liquids although indices of some fractionation of plagioclase, olivine/chromspinelide or clinopyroxene exist. Trace element distribution points to their similarity to within-plate continental tholeiites (CT) and probable to the beginning of rifting in the Lower Devonian time. Three possible sources of sedimentary material have been identified in the sedimentary host rocks of the Smolník deposit: (i) basalts generated from enriched mantle reservoir; (ii) less fractionated calc-alkaline volcanic rocks and (iii) fractionated calc-alkaline rhyolites. An additional hydrothermal source for silica and iron is supposed for chlorite phyllites and allows classified them as metaexhalites. The sulphide ores were directly precipitated in the exhalite environment due to reaction hydrothermal solution with hydrogen sulphide produced by thermochemical reduction of the marine sulphate. Geochemical data on metamorphosed dolerites and sediments in combination to other geological characteristics of the Smolník deposit support its classification as the Besshi-type deposit.

Description: A unique metallogenic type of Au mineralization was discovered in Mesozoic carbonates belonging to the Bôrka nappe accretion mélange near Rochovce. The mineralization is structurally controlled by faults formed during several stages of Alpine deformation. Widespread dolomitization, along with sericite and pyrite alteration of marbles, indicate extensive hydrothermal activity along the Lubeník-Margecany thrust fault. The earlier period of Au mineralization is linked to N–S structures, hosting coarse-grained zonal gold accompanied by minor silicification. This indicates that the mineralization differs from typical Carlin style deposits. Zonal textures of gold with inward Ag diffusion, together with aurostibite inclusions, indicate a sulphur-deficient environment during the late stages of hydrothermal evolution. Later base-metal mineralization is related to the NE–SW fault zones displacing the Au-bearing structures. The presence of various assemblages of Pb-Zn-Sb-As secondary minerals (segnitite, mimetite, oxyplumboroméite, arsendescloizite, austinite) originated from slightly acidic fluids as a result of pyrite oxidation. The studied locality is geochemically similar to other gold and polymetallic occurrences within 5 km of the Rochovce granite, which can be interpreted as intrusion-related and/or heat energy driven types of mineralization. However, this type of mineral association in carbonate host rock with specific alterations is quite unusual.

Description: Pieniny Klippen Belt is a mélange zone situated between the internides and externides of the Western Carpathians. This complex zone consists of blocks of sedimentary rocks of various provenance. Most of them belonged to a crustal segment called Oravicum, which was surrounded by branches of Ligurian-Penninic-Vahic Ocean (Pieniny and Magura basins). The Pieniny Klippen Belt underwent several compressional and transpressional phases that caused expressive crustal shortening and mixing of blocks belonging to different tectonic units. At Revišné, in Orava sector of the Pieniny Klippen Belt, a klippe including Bajocian crinoidal limestones (Smolegowa and Krupianka limestone formations), accompanied with synsedimentary Krasín Breccia was found. These formations belong to the Czorsztyn Succession which was the shallowest of all the Oravic units. Occurrences of this unit are rare in the Orava territory and the occurrence of Krasín Breccia is the first outside the middle Váh Valley. On the other hand, the lower part of the klippe is formed by tectonically overturned succession ranging from Kimmeridgian red nodular limestone (Czorsztyn Limestone Formation), Lower Tithonian greenish-grey nodular limestone (Revišné Limestone), through Upper Tithonian to Hauterivian marly white Calpionella-Nannoconus limestone (Pieniny Limestone Formation) and Barremian-Aptian grey spotted marls (Kapuśnica Formation) up to Lower Albian marly shales (Wronine Formation). This succession does not fit to the Czorsztyn Unit which characteristically lacks Hauterivian to Aptian strata due to emersion and karstification. Lithology of this part of the klippe, together with strong condensation of the succession indicates that it may belong to the externmost, deep-water Grajcarek Unit which was deposited north of the Czorsztyn Unit. Contact of these two units is most likely tectonic. The Czorsztyn Unit is thrust onto the Grajcarek Unit providing two possible ways of interpretation: 1) Grajcarek Unit was thrust onto the Czorsztyn Unit and later both were overturned, 2) Czorsztyn Unit was thrust over the overturned Grajcarek Unit.

Description: Two interesting associations of Bi minerals were found in the vicinity of the town of Medzev in the Slovenské rudohorie Mts. The first one occurs with quartz and arsenopyrite at Kobaltová vein and is represented by native Bi, bismuthinite, ikunolite, ingodite, benjaminite, matildite and gustavite. The second one was found at the Oriešok vein associated with pyrrhotite, arsenopyrite, cobaltite, sphalerite and galena. The sulphosalts identified there are izoklakeite, tintinaite, Bi-rich boulangerite and Bi-rich jamesonite. An extensive Bi3+ ↔ Sb3+ substitution was observed among studied sulphosalts. The Co anomalies, determined previously by geochemical methods, were explained by cobaltite and Co-rich arsenopyrite. Studied sulphosalts belong to the latest stages of the quartz-sulphidic mineralization in the Gemeric Superunit.

Description: We would like to announce that the latest issue of the Acta Geologica Slovaca Journal (Volume 11, Issue 1) has already been released at 23rd July 2019.

Description: The Au-Ag-Pb-Zn-Cu epithermal deposit Banská Hodruša of intermediate-sulphidation type is located in the middle Miocene Štiavnica Stratovolcano on the inner side of the Carpathian arc in Slovakia. There are two different styles of epithermal mineralization within the deposit. The earliest represents a subhorizontal multi-stage vein system (low-angle normal shear zone), while the much younger mineralization represents the extensive system of steep-dipping veins related to different tectono-geological events. Within the mineralization related to the shear zone the mineral Au-Ag-Te-S assemblage was determined, represented by zonal gold/electrum, hessite, petzite, Cu-cervelleite and Te-polybasite, all associate with galena. The altaite and unnamed AgPbTeS phase were found in hessite. Very rare zonal gold/electrum crystallized to quartz vugs, with Ag content ranging from 17.8 to 45.3 wt. %. Similar assemblage was determined in flotation concentrates from dressing plant, represented by Au-Ag tellurides calaverite-krennerite-sylvanite in association with hessite, Au-hessite, petzite, unnamed AgAuTeS phase, uytenbogaardtite, and petrovskaite. These minerals typically occur in form of aggregates or as thin rims around gold/electrum. The younger horst-related veins host Ag-(Bi, Cu, Sb, As)-S assemblage. The main mineral in this assemblage is polybasite-pearceite, the other minerals jalpaite, matildite, acanthite, schapbachite, cervelleite, and arcubisite are rare and typically associate with galena.Zonal aggregates of tetrahedrite-tennantite were found in association with base metal sulphides.

Description: We would like to announce that the latest issue of the Acta Geologica Slovaca Journal (Volume 11, Issue 2) has already been released at 21st August 2019.

Description: Two types of scapolite occur in the Evate carbonatite deposit – the largest resource of apatite in south-east Africa. Calc-silicate rocks composed of amphiboles (hastingsite, hornblende, actinolite, and pargasite), diopside, Ba-rich phlogopite, allanite, epidote, apatite, K-feldspar, titanite, and minor calcite, also contain scapolite with 62–74 mol. % of meionite – (Me) end-member, XCl = 0.06–0.17 and the crystallochemical formula corresponding to (Ca2.46–2.99Na1.00–1.47)Σ4.00–4.20Al4.62–5.04Si6.95–7.37O24(Cl0.06–0.17S0.18–0.26C0.64 –0.70)Σ1.00. In contrast, carbonatite contains scapolite ranging from Na meionite to Ca marialite with 46–63 mol. % Me, XCl = 0.19–0.47 and the crystallochemical formula (Na1.43–2.07Ca1.82–2.50)Σ3.97–4.11Al4.29–4.73Si7.27–7.70O24(Cl0.19–0.47S0.00– 0.25C0.45–0.74)Σ1.00. The chemical composition of scapolites mirrors the complex history and multistage evolution of the Evate deposit. The low-Cl, high-S scapolites from calc-silicate rocks are chemically indistinguishable from metamorphic scapolites, whereas the Cl-rich scapolite from carbonatite is interpreted as magmatic in origin. The gradual Cl enrichment reflects an increasing NaCl activity in the scapolite-forming fluid or melt. Both scapolite types are closely associated with amphibole and phlogopite, thus indicating amphibolite-facies conditions during retrograde stages of Late-Proterozoic (Ediacaran) granulite-facies metamorphism and/or Ordovician reactivation.

Description: The results of mineralogical and geochemical research of primary mineralization at the Ľubietová-Podlipa Deposit dumps are presented in the article. Chalcopyrite and tennantite are the most abundant sulfides in studied samples. Cobaltite-gersdorffite, pyrite, siegenite, and cassiterite are quite common, yet volumetrically negligible, in contrast to tetrahedrite, kupčíkite, matildite(?), cinnabar, unidentified Ag-S, and native gold, which are very scarce. Gangue minerals are quartz (probably two generations) with fewer amounts of carbonates. Dark quartz is often hosting irregular nests of sulfide minerals, usually on outer boundaries of the veins. Both generations of vein quartz show similar microstructures of low-temperature ductile deformation. Carbonates include members of dolomite-ankerite series, siderite and calcite containing variable amounts of Fe and Mn. Isotopic composition of δ34S in chalcopyrite and tennantite vary between 6.69 and 9.77 ‰. These values may be very close to the composition of H2S in fluid, which is tentatively attributed to a deep source derived from metamorphic rocks. Influence of compositional variability of tetrahedrite-tennantite series and carbonates on Raman shift of selected vibration bands is also a subject of this study.

Description: The Czorsztyn Ridge was the shallowest part of the continental crust ribbon called Oravicum. It originated due to the Jurassic opening of the Ligurian-Penninic-Vahic Ocean. Because of its shallow-water nature, depositional record of the Czorsztyn Succession, which was closest to the ridge top, displays considerable variability. Inventory of lithostratigraphic units and specific developments of this unit lasts since 19th century and is still incomplete. This paper deals with three new localities in the western Ukraine which are different from previously described klippen of this succession: Veliky Kamenets 2, Vilki Dil, and Mala Ugolka. They show some features, which are unique and atypical of the Czorsztyn Succession, and allow us to envisage spatial variability in depositional environments along the Czorsztyn Ridge. The Veliky Kamenets 2 represents a locality with most condensed sedimentary succession ever registered in the Czorsztyn Unit, capturing multiple emergence periods with erosion and karstification, evidenced by numerous sedimentary gaps resulting in very condensed sedimentary record with uneven, bizarre voids, omission surfaces, microstalactitic and meniscus cements. After Bajocian deposition of the crinoidal limestones (Smolegowa and Krupianka limestone formations) there was a karstification period followed by deposition of greenish quartz sandstone with carbonate cement. This sandstone has no analogue with so far known lithostratigraphic units. The Middle Jurassic crinoidal limestones also contain pyroclastic material which manifests one of the earliest volcanic phase in the Pieniny Klippen Belt. The locality probably represents a megabreccia formed by the pre-Albian emersion which is also unique as it was not registered so far at other localities. The Vilki Dil locality is unique by very late onset of marine transgression, where only thin beds of the crinoidal limestone (Smolegowa and Krupianka limestone formations), or locally even the first beds of nodular limestone (Czorsztyn Limestone Formation) rest on terrestric pale sandstones and quartzites. Pale quartz sandstones are typical of the Czorsztyn Succession in the Ukrainian sector of the Pieniny Klippen Belt. They resemble Gresten Beds from the Eastern Alps, but they differ in their heavy-mineral contents. They also differ from other Jurassic sediments of all Oravic units known so far. The sandstones are mostly dominated by ultrastable trinity tourmaline, zircon, and rutile, with the dominance of tourmaline. The Gresten Beds and previously analysed Oravic units are dominated by garnet and the ultrastable trinity is strongly dominated by zircon. This difference may be a reflection of longitudinal variability of the Oravic crustal segment (Czorsztyn Ridge). Siliciclastic admixture is ubiquitous at the examined localities and reaches up to the Berriasian. Therefore, the eastern localities were situated much closer to the source of siliclastics on the emerged portions of the Czorsztyn Ridge than those occurring more westward and that emersion persisted much longer in the eastern part, even after the Bathonian-Callovian sea-level rise. The Mala Ugolka locality is unique by Late Berriasian breccia with cement-coated clasts which represents the first manifestation of post-Tithonian shallowing that preceded the Hauterivian-Aptian emersion of the Czorsztyn Ridge.

Description: This paper describes the mobilization of arsenic (As) in technosols (soils with high content of coal ashes) using 35–d experimental soil column studies. The two soil samples with high total concentrations of As (1100–1139 mg·kg-1) were collected from an environmental burden near the village of Zemianske Kostoľany, which is one of the most As-contaminated areas in Slovakia. Amorphous solid phases, mainly glasses of variable chemical compositions, Fe oxy-hydroxides and unburned coal residues, are the major components of the soil-ash samples. In this study, two different leaching agents (deionized water and 1 mM citric acid aqueous solution) were pumped through soil columns to assess the solubility of As. The results showed that citric acid was more efficient in the mobilization of As (〉 14.5% of the total As content) than deionized water, confirming the assumption that organic acids produced by plants and soil microorganisms increase As leaching in soils. Soil column experiments with deionized water indicated lower extractabilities of As that ranged from 9.74% to 11.4%. In addition, water extractable As concentrations increased with increasing pH values of the leachates (R2 = 0.70 at p 〈 0.01). It was also observed that extraction time was an important factor, affecting the release of As from the soil-ash samples.

Description: The analysis of sedimentary facies and implied model of genetic facies as well as cyclicity in vertical patterns of bed thickness and grain size distribution are frequently used to identify the depositional environment in ancient deep-water systems. Another, less conventional approach represents statistical methods to the study of the deep-sea fan environments. The object of the study is a test of practical application of the Hurst statistics, the function of cumulative distribution of bed thicknesses, the index of proximality (ABC index sensu Walker, 1967) and frequency histograms on four sample sections from the Central Carpathian Paleogene Basin in the Orava region. Based on the sedimentary facies analysis, each of the successions represent different part of depositional environment of the deep-sea fan, including the channel and levee, overbank and interchannel as well as different parts of depositional lobe environments. Study shows that statistical analyses could represent an appropriate supplemental tool to the identification of depositional environment. However, the statistical analysis require a good quality and an adequate quantity of data. Their usability is limited also for successions of sufficient dataset quantity but with a mixed signal in consequence of frequent vertical variation of depositional environments, especially in more proximal parts of deep-sea fans. The P index may reflect distality/proximity of depositional environment in deep-sea fan and paleo-flow regime, but fails to distinguish it from the lateral changes. Therefore it has individually only poor information value.

Description: The paper presents the results of velocity analysis performed in the Nesvačilka and the Vranovice Troughs. The troughs extend in the south-eastern part of the Bohemian Massif (the Moravian Block). As both belong to the most promising areas of the Bohemian Massif in the searching for and producing hydrocarbons, their geological and geophysical survey is very important. Therefore, one of the key points is to determine the accurate data on the depth of significant geological and stratigraphic units, which build the Nesvačilka and the Vranovice Troughs. For this purpose the velocity analysis and application of synthetic seismograms have been defined and applied. The results found out that lithostratigraphic units of the studied region are characterized by large velocity interval. Based on the data from well log measurements (check shots) and synthetic seismograms the following velocities of seismic waves were determined in single lithostratigraphic units: 2.4-3.3 km/s in sediments of Flysch nappes, 2.7-3.6 km/s in the Palaeogene sediments, 3.3-4.3 km/s in the Jurassic sediments (3.7-5.1 km/s in carbonates and 3.7-5.1 km/s in pelites and conglomerates), 4-5.4 km/s in the Carboniferous sediments and 4.6-6.6 km/s in the Devonian carbonates. Moreover, the synthetic seismograms´ and check shots´ results point to significant velocity interfaces. It was found out that: (a) velocities within the sediment of Flysch nappes and in the Menilite beds are higher than in the Sub-menilite and the Ždánice-Hustopeče Formations, (b) interface sediment of the Flysch nappes and Palaeogene deposits is characterized by a decrease of velocity and (c) big contrast of velocity reflects the boundary between the carbonates (the Devonian and the Jurassic) and their surrounding rocks. The velocity analysis helps significantly for mapping of the Carpathian Flysch nappes (the Pouzdřany and especially the Ždánice Formation), the Neogene, the Palaeogene and the Devonian carbonates. All knowledge obtained have been used in detailed mapping and assessment of potential and confirmed hydrocarbon deposits in the studied area.

Description: The foundation soils of the majority of complicated buildings (or high-rise structures) in the Bratislava urban area are formed by the Neogene sediments, situated below the Quaternary cover. These are prevailingly high-rise buildings founded in the deep foundation pits. This contribution is focused on the analysis of the possible relations between the sediments origin and their geotechnical parameters (properties). The introductory part of the analysis was carried out on the model profile situated at the left bank of the Danube River, where the construction of high-rise buildings containing underground part was concentrated recently. The analysis was oriented on the characteristic of the pre-Quaternary basement surface morphology, geologic structure up to the reach of the exploration works and substantial geotechnical characteristics of the foundation soils. The analysis comprised comparison of geotechnical properties of the Neogene cohesive subsoils of the pre-Quaternary basement on the localities with predicted occurrence of genetically different lithostratigraphic formations. The sedimentological and geotechnical characteristics of foundation soils of the Neogene complex formed the baseline data of the analysis. The geotechnical data were taken from the engineering geological tasks realized by the authors of this study. The results of the analysis point out on the mutual affinity of the foundation soil properties, belonging to the Beladice Fm. (deltaic sequence) and Volkovce Fm. (alluvial sequence). The geostatic pressure (pressure of the superposed layers) existing during the entire period of their burial in the profile have had the dominant influence on the actual geotechnical parameters (geological pre-consolidation). This effect overwhelms the differences in the subsoils properties, which could be determined by the facies character related to their origin. Studied sedimentary formations differ in lateral stability: the Volkovce Fm. exhibits much higher lateral lithological heterogeneity than Beladice Fm., what could affect a construction site conditions. Due to the relatively massive input data files, the results of the analysis can serve beside a clearer orientation in the local Neogene lithostratigraphy also for the primary orientation in local geotechnical parameters values of the subsoils. An analogous study will be elaborated in the further continuation on an area of the wider city centre.

Description: Rodent fauna are described from two sampled sites at the Pezinok clay pit in the Danube Basin. Although these assemblages contain material poor in specimens, the following eleven rodent taxa are distinguished and described: Progonomys hispanicus, Kowalskia sp., Microtocricetus molassicus, Anomalomys gaillardi, Graphiurops austriacus, Paraglirulus sp., Eomyops catalaunicus, Keramidomys sp., Spermophilinus sp., Albanensia sp. and Euroxenomys minutum. The co–occurrence of very primitive Progonomys hispanicus with Microtocicetus molassicus confirms fauna age as middle Vallesian, late Miocene (early MN10).

Description: This contribution focuses on the analysis of the structures and tectonic attribution of the Upper Cretaceous rocks in the Selec and Hlohovec Blocks of the Považský Inovec Mts. One of the principal questions arising from conflicting views is whether the Upper Cretaceous sequences represent exhumed Vahicum – a tectonic unit of possibly oceanic character cropping out from beneath the Tatricum basement, or sediments which originally overlaid the Tatricum, but were later involved in the imbricated thrust belt. All known localities with Upper Cretaceous complexes were investigated. The proposed interpretation takes into account stratigraphic, structural, geochronological and geophysical evidence that have accumulated in recent years. New results document superposition of the Upper Cretaceous sediments above the Tatricum and suggest their evolution in a wedge top basin covering the Tatricum external zones.

Description: A section through shaly marlstones, marls, layers of bioclastic limestones and Vlkolínec breccia with carbonate paraconglomerates of Párnica Formation were recently studied near Lúčky Spa in the Hlboké Valley (Choč Mts.). Samples from the marlstones on the right side of the section showed the occurrence of well – preserved rich associations of Aptian microfauna, mainly planktonic foraminifera. Detailed sampling shows the distribution of planktonic and benthic foraminifera through the section belonging to Uppermost Bedoulian – Lower Gargasian zones: Leupoldina cabri, Hedbergella luterbacheri, Globigerinelloides ferreolensis and Middle Gargasian zone Globigerinelloides barri. Composition of assemblages with different morphotypes of planktonic and benthic foraminifera casts light on changing paleoecological settings during the deposition of Párnica Formation.

Description: Acta Geologica Slovaca, Volume 8, Issue 1 has been released.

Description: The boundary between the Central Western Carpathians and the Northern Pannonian Domain – two crustal fragments with a different geodynamic provenance is represented by the Hurbanovo–Diösjenő Fault. The fault itself is located in the northern edge of the Transdanubian Unit and is covered by the relatively thick Neogene to Quaternary fill of the Danube Basin. The nature of this tectonic boundary is explained very contradictory because it is known only from several boreholes drilled in the 1950–70s. Moreover, interpretation of the seismic profiles is missing. The description of aforementioned boreholes often displays an old-fashioned biostratigraphy and outdated tectonic explanation of the Hurbanovo–Diösjenő Fault activity. Re-evaluation of the deep borehole cores penetrating the fill of several different Neogene and Palaeogene basins located above or near the Hurbanovo–Diösjenő Fault supported by structural analysis allowed a new interpretation of the Cenozoic function along this fault zone: (1) during the Oligocene collision of the Eastern Alpine–Western Carpathian orogenic system with the European Platform, latter replaced by the Early Miocene formation of the ALCAPA microplate and its successive tectonic escape eastward required a dextral strike-slip movement along the fault; (2) a sinistral strike-slip movement along the fault is documented during the Middle Miocene evolution of the Danube and the Novohrad–Nógrad basins; and (3) a tectonic extinction of this crustal weakness zone was confirmed for the Late Miocene, when the Lake Pannon was formed. The restored function of this tectonic boundary as a normal fault is expected as a result of the Central Western Carpathians tectonic inversion phase in the Early Pliocene.

Description: In the current paper the chemical and mineralogical properties of bottom ash and fly ash from oily sewage sludge combustion are investigated. The mineralogical composition and the morphology of ashes were determined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) in combination with scanning electron microscopy with quantitative energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDX). In addition, a leaching test results are presented to shed light on the potential toxicity of studied materials and their impact on the environment is discussed. Both of the studied materials are final products of thermal oxidation at industrial sludge incinerator. This facility aims to sanitary disposal of mechanical and biological sludge from industrial wastewater treatment plant. Bottom ash and fly ash are relatively stable solid products with slightly different chemical and mineralogical composition that reflects their different origin – burning condition in furnace v. flues gas cleaning technology. Leaching tests of both mentioned materials were implemented under laboratory conditions. The aim of the laboratory tests was to determine the possibility of the pollutants release into the environment. The data presented herein support the importance of detailed mineralogical and geochemical study for the better understanding of the leaching tests. The obtained results showed that both of the sewage sludge ash samples exceed the criteria for accepting waste in landfilles established for Slovakia.

Description: The article provides the first results of analyses of the core material from the borehole HPJ-1 Jašter, located north of Hlohovec in the southern Považský Inovec Mts. (Western Carpathians, Slovakia). The main aim of the borehole was to determine the thickness and characteristics of sedimentary sequence of the Upper Cretaceous Horné Belice Group in a poorly exposed area and to reach its possible substratum. In the initial interval 0–45.8 m, the borehole penetrated deformed sequence of red and pink pelagic marly limestones and marlstones containing planktonic foraminifera. The drilled sediments are of the Late Cenomanian (45.5–41.5 m) and Middle Turonian – Santonian (41.5–34 m) age in the lower part of the sedimentary sequence. Stronger alteration and tectonic overprint of the uppermost interval (34–0 m) prevented a successful biostratigraphic age determination. The lower part of the borehole profile between 45.8–75.5 m is formed by pre-Alpine biotite granodiorites, which are separated from the overlying sedimentary sequence by a normal fault. Several possible interpretations of the tectonic position of the Upper Cretaceous complexes are discussed.

Description: The Večerná-Čárka cave system is the longest underground site of the Kuchyňa-Orešany Karst (Malé Karpaty Mountains, western Slovakia). Although its length is only 58 m, it is a site of remarkable interest in terms of speleogenesis that was strongly controlled by tectonic structure of the Middle Triassic limestone (Fatricum Unit). Morphologically, the studied cave system represents a branched cave, formed by linear, and in some places intersecting passages. Their direction is strongly linked with two systems of steep parallel and crossing tectonic failures of S-N and NW-SE direction. Phreatic morphologies of passages show that the cave system originated by dissolution of limestone along these tectonic discontinuities, in several places the cave passages were enlarged by the destruction of parallel rock partitions. Probably, waters of deeper circulation ascended along steep tectonic fractures. Since these waters were relatively saturated, limestone mostly dissolved in the zone of mixing with seeping rainwater. A dense network of steep parallel and intersecting tectonic fractures allowed to diffuse groundwater circulation without much concentration of water flow into one or more main conduits. The absence of water table notches, ceiling cupolas as well as blind oval chimneys indicate that the caves formed below or just below the former piezometric surface of groundwater and without its significant oscillations, e.g. in the shallow phreatic zone. The estimated Pliocene (or late Pliocene?) age of the cave system (lying at an altitude of 413 – 419 m) is determined based on its location above the recent hydrographic network (60 m above the floor of the valley) and by the remains of the Plio-Pleistocene planation surface located at 250 – 350 m a.s.l. in the adjacent part of the Malé Karpaty Mountains.

Description: We would like to announce that the latest issue of the Acta Geologica Slovaca Journal (Volume 12, Issue 1) has already been released at 30th June 2020.

Description: The Plavecký Karst is located in the northern part of the Malé Karpaty Mts. and is exclusively linked to a diverse type of Triassic carbonates of the Hronic Unit, which forms the complex higher nappe system of the Central Western Carpathians. The Plavecký Karst has well-developed underground and surface karstic forms; however, the most typical landforms are dolines. The origin of the dolines in the investigated area is influenced by lithological, tectonic, topographic, and morphostructural predisposition, and they were formed by corrosion, collapses, suffusion, and subsidence processes. In the study area, altogether, 83 dolines and 8 very shallow karstic depressions with muddy bottoms were documented and investigated. Many of them are concentrated in the Biele Hory geomorphological part, as well as the central part of the study area with suitable conditions for doline formation. The dolines are less frequent in the Brezovské Karpaty Mts. and Bukovská Brázda Furrow, where the Plavecký Karst partially extends. Significant dolines were not concentrated directly in the valley bottoms, nor on the karst plateau; however, the dolines follow important lithological boundaries. Most importantly, there are boundaries between predominantly shallow water carbonates of the Middle to Upper Triassic formations and siliciclastic rocks of the Permian to the Lower Triassic in age. In addition to this predisposition, the dolines also follow important lithological boundaries between different types of carbonate rocks, such as boundaries among open marine and shallow water carbonate formations. Furthermore, the dolines have a positive spatial correlation with the faults, having displaced the carbonate formations of the Hronic Unit.

Description: In this study, a new evidence of Neogastropods of the family Costellariidae MacDonald, 1860 from the Miocene of Central Paratethys is presented. The finds of fossil shells of the genus Röding, 1798 derives from the middle Miocene (Serravallian) marine deposits from the eastern margin of the Vienna Basin (Western Carpathians, Slovakia), which belongs to the north-west Central Paratethys realm. The studied gastropods were discovered at the locality Rohožník – Konopiská, in the basinal pelitic facies and organodetritic corallinacean marls of the Studienka Formation of late Badenian age ( Biozone). The material studied here includes two new species: sp. nov. and sp. nov. The affinity and comparison of both species with other similar costellariids from the Neogene of European Eastern Atlantic, Proto-Mediterranean and Paratethyan regions are discussed. From a paleoecological point of view, the results suggest that was adapted to a moderately deep, circalittoral environment with occasional worsening of the paleoecological conditions (low bottom water oxygenation), whereas species preferred a shallow-water infralittoral environment.

Description: Only two small pieces of an ancient adobe from an important archeological site near Lima were available for a laboratory research, making the engineering geological soil classification challenging. An experienced engineering geologist is able to assess the most important physical properties of the soil if it is properly classified according to STN EN 72 1001: 2011. However, less than 100 g of the material are insufficient for standard classification tests common in Slovakia. How to carry out the engineering classification of such a small sample? The answer to this question is the main goal of this study. Searching for an alternative, a SEDIGRAPH was used instead of the Casagrande hydrometer method for the grainsize analysis, and water adsorption by the Enslin - Neff method gave input data for both the liquid limit and plasticity index calculations according to Dieng (2006). This allowed the engineering geological classification of the material as a clayey sand, class S4, symbol SC (STN 72 1001:2011). Additional mineralogical analyses confirmed the low content of clay minerals and explained the low plasticity also due to the low amount of the expandable vermiculite in the bulk sample. Consequently, several conclusions can be made about other physical properties of that adobe based on general experience with the soils from the class S4. To take advantage of the available test results, an approximate sustainability assessment of the adobe became the secondary goal of the case-study. The low content of cohesive particles makes the adobe quite brittle, loadsensitive, but minimizes destructive volume changes when saturated with water. The related higher hydraulic conductivity and erodibility, higher than in a typical adobe with high content of fines, are a matter of concerns due to the specific local climate with occasional heavy rains. The less known laboratory methods applied in this case-study are a good alternative if the size of the soil sample is too small for standard classification tests (objects protected by law etc.). This is the most important outcome, because a proper engineering geological classification can tell a lot about the physical properties of the soil, as illustrated in this case-study.

Description: In this study, a new evidence of Neogastropods of the family Costellariidae MacDonald, 1860 from the Miocene of Central Paratethys is presented. The finds of fossil shells of the genus Röding, 1798 derives from the middle Miocene (Serravallian) marine deposits from the eastern margin of the Vienna Basin (Western Carpathians, Slovakia), which belongs to the north-west Central Paratethys realm. The studied gastropods were discovered at the locality Rohožník – Konopiská, in the basinal pelitic facies and organodetritic corallinacean marls of the Studienka Formation of late Badenian age ( Biozone). The material studied here includes two new species: sp. nov. and sp. nov. The affinity and comparison of both species with other similar costellariids from the Neogene of European Eastern Atlantic, Proto-Mediterranean and Paratethyan regions are discussed. From a paleoecological point of view, the results suggest that was adapted to a moderately deep, circalittoral environment with occasional worsening of the paleoecological conditions (low bottom water oxygenation), whereas species preferred a shallow-water infralittoral environment.

Description: The Quaternary assemblage of small mammals from Ovčiarsko (Northern Slovakia) is documented and described here for the first time and consists of the following faunal elements: , , cf. , , cf. , , , , and . The fossil leftovers of each taxa represent mostly food remains from birds of prey. Based on the faunal characteristics and comparison with other sites from Central Europe, especially from Slovakia, the biostratigraphic age of the fossiliferous horizon represents the Late Vistulian Pleniglacial. Paleoecologically, the fossil small mammal assemblage from Ovčiarsko indicates a steppe environment with occasional forested areas and a water body nearby.

Description: The area of the city of Brno was limited by natural conditions and from the 12th century also by human activity. The main geological structure here is north part of the Nesvačilka Graben in the surface area filled with Neogene clays of the Late Burdigalian and Langhian age. Neogene clays are fine-grained soils whose internal structure fundamentally affects their mechanical properties. These clays are significantly anisotropic, frost sensitive and susceptible to volume changes (shrinkage, swelling). In the surface parts they weather, crush and are prone to sliding. They are risky from the aspect of slope stability problems and when being exposed in construction pits. The surface of the Neogene clays on the raised blocks is located close to the surface and is mainly covered by anthropogenic fillings. Above the tectonically downslipped blocks, the surface of Neogene clays is usually below 10–15 m Quaternary sediments. At the areas of the elevated blocks and along the west edge of the Nesvačilka Graben, the clays crop out directly onto the surface or are covered by a thin layer of aeolian sediments. Human activity was proved mainly by the creation of numerous open pits for building materials, which were subsequently built up by continuous development. Many old built-up quarries are endangered until today by rockfalls. In the historical part of the city, the stability conditions were aggravated by a number of historical cellar systems and deposits up to 10 meters thick, which consist of the anthropogenic dump. The susceptibility to slope instabilities was modelled by a multivariate statistical method on the map sheet 1:25 000 Brno-sever 24-324, with an area of 115.45 km. The method combines input parameters (geology, land use, altitude, slope angle, aspect, relief curvature, presence of tectonic lines) and compares them with the occurrence of slope instabilities in the particular area. In addition, a layer of Neogene clays was used here, since this geological unit plays an important role in the Brno agglomeration.

Description: Nowadays, heat transport in an aquifer is a widely discussed topic. Groundwater temperature rise is the result of a variety of factors and a common phenomenon, especially in larger cities. Heating and cooling in buildings, infrastructure, even paved surfaces can accumulate solar energy and further emit heat into the subsurface, leading to an increase in temperature. The research of the issue of increased groundwater temperature is related to the potential use of heat as an energy source. Numerical modelling, which is based on the solution of partial differential equations, can be used to evaluate the given phenomenon. The Aupark shopping centre in Bratislava was selected for the model area, where the temperature in hydrogeological boreholes is monitored, and at the same time, multilevel monitoring of the rock environment temperature takes place. The evaluation of monitoring data was realised through the Groundwater Vistas 7 programme, where a hydraulic and transport model was compiled using MODFLOW and MT3DMS. The MT3DMS code is intended for the transport of dissolved substances; however, with the appropriate substitution of input parameters, it is also applicable for the transport of heat. The sensitivity of the input data and calibration of the model was evaluated through the PEST programme, where the goal was to achieve the highest possible correlation between the measured and modelled results. By analyzing the data from monitoring, it was possible to quantify the areal and depth impact of the Aupark shopping centre. Last but not least, the energy input from Aupark to the rock environment was determined, and ranges from 0.1 W·m at a distance of 100 m to 12 W·m immediately next to the building.

Description: Accessory monazite-(Ce), -(La), -(Nd), cheralite (monazite-group minerals, MGM) and xenotime-(Y) are rare magmatic accessory minerals in subsolvus A-type granites and related aplite and pegmatite dykes in the Velence Hills, Transdanubian Unit, Hungary. The MGM and xenotime-(Y) form ≤ 200 μm euhedral to subhedral crystals in association with allanite-(Ce), zircon, fluorapatite, and ilmenite. Investigated MGM shows dominant cheralite (Ca + Th ––––〉 2REE) and subordinate huttonite (REE + P5 ––––〉 Th + Si) substitution with greater extent in pegmatite and aplite than in the host granite. Monazite in-situ Th–U–total Pb electron-microprobe dating of the Velence granite determined 289 ± 3 Ma age (MSWD = 3.22, n = 62) and this confirmed post-Variscan, Permian, (Cisuralian) magmatic crystallization. In addition, xenotime-(Y) from the same rock samples gave 266 ± 5.2 Ma age (MSWD = 1.4, n = 44), and this corresponds to Permian (Guadalupian) post-magmatic (subsolidus) recrystallization of xenotime-(Y) during a younger event and subsequent overprint of the parental granitic rocks. Although monazite-(Ce) remains relatively unaffected, fluid-induced breakdown of xenotime-(Y) produced numerous tiny thorite and cheralite inclusions in the altered xenotime-(Y) domains which can be formed by coupled dissolution reprecipitation reactions between orthomagmatic xenotime-(Y) and younger late to post-magmatic granitic fluids.

Description: We would like to announce that the latest issue of the Acta Geologica Slovaca Journal (Volume 12, Issue 1) has already been released at 30th June 2020.

Description: We would like to announce that the latest issue of the Acta Geologica Slovaca Journal (Volume 13, Issue 2) has already been released at 19th December 2021.

Description: The presented comparative study evaluates the sensitivity of selected computational procedures to chosen parameters of solute transport and source geometry in homogeneous conditions. The computation procedures include three numerical schemes with FDI (finite difference implicit), MOC (method of characteristics), and a TVD (total variation diminishing) advection solver, while the other terms of the governing equation are computed by the FDI method. Furthermore, two analytical solutions were used: the exact solution of Newille (2005) and the approximate solution of Domenico (1987). Finally, a simplified, so-called Step-method, which is still being used in the practice, was used. The sensitivities of the individual procedures to selected physical-chemical parameters and to the geometric characteristics of the solute source were evaluated and compared. The obtained results show considerable differences between the particular procedures used. In most test cases, the numerical procedures with a TVD and MOC advection solver produced higher concentrations and were more sensitive to the transport parameters in comparison with the other methods used. Applied variations of individual parameter values caused a change of the calculated solute concentrations up to 7.1 %, whereas the substitution of calculation methods caused up to 7.7 % of C0 (the concentration in solute source). The simultaneous changes of all the examined parameter values with a synergistic effect caused the maximal change of calculated concentration up to 15.3 % of C0. A significant effect of the solute source geometry on the match between the results obtained by the selected numerical and analytical methods was also found (difference up to 57.9 % of C0). The achieved results indicate a need to solve the solute transport in homogeneous conditions using both types of calculation methods, the numerical and analytical, in order to cover possible variability of resulting concentrations. The simplified Step-method predominantly yields the lowest concentrations. At the same time, it is the least sensitive procedure to the selected parameters and can be used only for a reference point situated on the plume centerline. From a cautious point of view, it is the least suitable method for solute transport modelling among the compared methods.

Description: This research is focused on the dolines of Dobrá Voda Karst, which is situated in the Brezovské Karpaty Mts. (north-eastern part of the Malé Karpaty Mts) near the villages of Chtelnica and Dobrá Voda. 263 dolines were identified here and measured in the field, which is presumably the final count. The measured parameters of the dolines were used for morphometric analyses, as well as for finding out the relationships with the geology of the area. The karst is formed in Triassic carbonates of the Považie and Dobrá Voda nappes of the Hronic Unit. Dolines were identified in Neogene basal carbonatic conglomerates (Dobrá Voda Formation) as well. The area of karst rocks is approximately 87.2 km2. Dolines often tend to be formed in lines with tectonical or lithological predisposition. The most significant lines in the Dobrá Voda Karst are Hlboký Dol, Chtelnické Uhliská, and Cínovec. The origin of dolines can be assumed to the Quaternary Period and related to neotectonics, the development of the relief, and the formation of the river network. This is also confirmed by the trends of the maximum axes of the extension of dolines in the direction N-S, NE-SW and WNW-ESE, which partially correspond to the regional faults. New faults (Hlboký Dol, Cínovec, Bzová) were also identified on the basis of dolines in the lines.

Description: Presented research investigate the phenomenom of karstic area remarkable with specific karst landform, so-called covered karst. So far, not much attention has been paid to this particular type of karst in Slovakia, so the aim of the research is to bring new informations about it, especially about dolines formation and their origin. Study was focused on 50 dolines following the distinctive NE–SW line in the study area - the Cajla Karst located in the Malé Karpaty Mts., Slovakia. To understand the process of the formation of dolines in the covered karst and to distinguish the dolines from the pits resulted from anthropogenic processing via mining, several geophysical methods were adopted to prove the doline origin (soil radon emanometry, electric resistivity tomography and seismic refraction tomography). For identification of dolines and subsequent processing, the lidar data were used. The formation of studied dolines was controlled by lithological-tectonic properties of the bedrock, especially along the contact zone of karstic (Triassic carbonates) and non-karstic rocks composed of quartzite and crystalline basement. The resulting shape was also influenced by infiltration of surface water into the underground.

Description: An unusual assemblage of Pb-Cu-(Sb)-(Mn) supergene minerals, represented by mottramite, phosphohedyphane, mimetite, segnitite-beudantite series, anglesite, cerussite, oxyplumboroméite, brochantite, devilline, gypsum and coronadite was recently identified at the Priečna, Johan de Deo and Anna-Zubau epithermal ore veins near Rudno nad Hronom, Štiavnické vrchy Mts., Slovak Republic. Mottramite is a rare mineral at the Rudno deposit and this is the first reported occurrence in the Western Carpathians. Also phosphohedyphane occurs only rarely at the deposit. The localized Pb2+ -- Ca2+ substitution between phosphohedyphane and pyromorphite was observed. A large substitution between As and S was recognized on the T site in the beudantite – segnitite. Anglesite and cerussite are relatively abundant supergene minerals, especially in the proximity of primary galena relicts. Secondary Cu sulphates (brochantite and devilline) are only secondary minerals found also in macroscopic size. Brochantite forms dark green tabular crystals up to 0.1 mm. Devilline occurs as a light green-blue acicular crystals grown on brochantite. Gypsum was found with this assemblage. This is also first occurrence of coronadite in Western Carpathians.

Description: Assessment of hazard and disaster risk is critical for urban resilience. Given that earthquake hazard assessments will often have limitations and uncertainty, it is essential to understand the worst-case scenario of hazard possibility. Palu City is located in a disaster-prone area because it is traversed by the Palu-Koro fault, an active fault in Indonesia. In preparing the latest risk assessment for earthquakes as consideration for potential land use planning in Palu, an earthquake hazard risk assessment was carried out, including estimating earthquake hazard, vulnerability, risk, and the integration of disaster risk into land-use planning documents. This study employed the applied methods with quantitative and quantitative approaches, and the data were processed with ArcGIS tools; field observations supported primary and secondary data. The results showed that 70% of the Palu area is under high earthquake threat as located in an active tectonic area. The findings of the earthquake hazard and risk assessments were then integrated into a land-use planning document that can be used as a foundation for creating a community development plan document for the Palu City Government, known as the Palu City Spatial Plan. The spatial plan of Palu City will support the resilience of Palu in carrying out its functions as a city to eliminate impacts and risks of hazards occur. Thus, strict land-use implementation as means for disaster mitigation is urgently needed.

Description: This study aims to understand the effect of frost weathering of travertines from Spišské Podhradie in Slovakia. The application of travertine as a natural building and facing stone shows a gradually increasing trend in construction sector around the world. Travertines are commonly seen in tile sizes as façade material, wall cladding or flooring and are naturally exposed to the freeze–thaw processes. Methods of frost damage assessment in rocks are commonly based on parameters acquired mainly by destructive testing of samples, such as the uniaxial compressive strength test or Young’s modulus test. In the presented research, a nondestructive method taking advantage of selected petrophysical properties compared before and after 100 freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles, as well as recorded length change behavior and temperature development by a specially- constructed thermodilatometer (VLAP 04) with two induced linear variable differential transformer sensors (HIRT- LVDT) on vacuum-saturated samples has been conducted. Results demonstrate that travertine from Spišské Podhradie is quite heterogeneous in term of petrophysical properties. This heterogeneity can significantly affect the nature and intensity of the processes which take place during the ice crystallization within the pore space of the rock. While crystallization pressures in the macropores and the hydraulic pressure induced by the migration of water towards the advancing freeze front cause the specimen to expand, they are not sufficient to overcome the reduction of pore pressures in micro and mesopores and thus the total contraction of the specimen occurs after 100 freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles. The changes in the microstructure of the pore space of the travertine from Spišské Podhradie are not significant and so we can state that this travertine is a resistant material to the effects of frost weathering.

Description: Slovakia is rich in the Pliocene, Pleistocene travertines and Holocene tufas and travertines, which were studied in 82 localities. Travertines are developed in the spring mounds (49 %) with central orifices frequently in crater-like forms. Fissure ridges (6 %) with vertical veins were identified. A few mounds and ridges were connected to large coalesced mounds (2 %). Many tufas and travertines were formed in perched springline deposits (21 %). The mounds, ridges, and perched springline deposits have the slopes with prograding cascades, fewer included waterfalls. The dams on slopes were very rare. Most tufas were formed in dams along streams (20 %), usually with waterfalls and caves. The upper Miocene freshwater limestones in 5 localities were originated in lakes and marshes (2 %). The Slovak travertines are usually related to regionally important faults such as the N–S striking Central Slovak Fault System (17 sites). Westwards, the faults related to the travertine occurrences the NE–SW striking faults prevailed (3 sites). In northern and eastern Slovakia, the faults have generally W–E to NW–SE direction (15 sites). The travertines are often formed on the fault intersections and they are related to the extensional tectonics.

Description: We would like to announce that the latest issue of the Acta Geologica Slovaca Journal (Volume 12, Issue 2) has already been released at 11th December 2020.

Description: We would like to announce that the latest issue of the Acta Geologica Slovaca Journal (Volume 13, Issue 1) has already been released at 30th June 2021.

Description: We analysed the surface microtextures well-preserved on stable to ultra-stable heavy minerals such as zircon, tourmaline and rutile from the Devonian siliciclastic rocks which are cropping in northeastern and northwestern Iran by a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) techniques to provide useful provenance information on various sedimentary stages, and to reconstruct their sedimentary history. Different surface mechanical and chemical corrosive features point to more detritus sources, and above all on few evolution stages in different environments. The microtexture similarity between the studied Ilanqareh and Padeha deposits indicates that they could have experienced the resembled environmental conditions – from aeolian to subaqueous (fluvial and/or marine) processes. Nature of heavy minerals points to a multi-cyclic character of the sediments, and in addition to previously published ideas about the Arabian-Nubian Shield source, the presence of local source(s) partly supplied the Ilanqareh basin may be assumed.

Description: The study focuses on the upper Miocene colluvial to alluvial fan deposits of the Modrová Mb., which accumulated on the marginal blocks of the Považský Inovec Mts., transitional to surrounding depressions of the Danube Basin. These blocks are delimited tectonically according to the geophysical evidence, and the late Miocene normal faulting produced fault scarps causing rapid sediment supply. However, the supply of coarse clastics composed mostly of Mesozoic dolomites was of intensity sufficient only to fill the accommodation of the marginal blocks. The sediment input to the surrounding Danube Basin is on the both sides of the Považský Inovec Mts. not traceable, probably due to an overwhelming alluvial redistribution. Facies analysis of the Modrová Mb. implies an environment of colluvial fans with prevalence of cohesive debris flow deposition, associated with less frequent rockfall, grain flow and sheetwash processes on the western side of the mountains in the area of Modrová village. In contrary, the easterly situated area of Tesáre village exhibits dominance of debris flow deposition with more than one third of the succession deposited by channelized and unchannelized shallow traction currents, indicating sedimentary environment of an alluvial fan close to its transition to colluvial sediment-feeder system. Petrographical and geochemical study showed extremely low content of siliciclastic component in the colluvial deposits of the Modrová area. Dolomite clasts form a major part of the sediment and are covered by a coating of clay minerals. The coatings and sediment matrix contain iron oxides possibly derived by fersiallitic weathering and by oxidation of pyrite scattered within the matrix. Geochemistry of muddy layers in the Tesáre succession implies either cold or dry weathering conditions. However, weathering proxies are considered to be biased due to the rapid denudation in the colluvial to alluvial fan environment, since observed facies and published regional studies imply rather warm and humid climate. Several examples of simultaneous comparable depositional settings in the broader region imply, that these colluvial to alluvial fan successions could be related to a mild phase of regional tectonic activity at ~8 Ma.

Description: The application of protective coatings can significantly influence the essential physical properties of rocks used in building and decorative industries. This paper presents the results of laboratory tests demonstrating the positive effect of the protective coating Antipluviol S applied on a tuff from Tuscany in Italy, which is a weak volcanic rock of a very low strength and very high porosity. The efficiency of the coating was measured by absorption tests, standard uniaxial compressive strength tests and cyclic frost resistance tests. After the coating application, the water absorption decreased from 39.1% to 31.3% by total rock immersion at atmospheric pressure conditions. The water absorption only by capillary suction showed much higher efficiency of the coating. The change in the rock strength, resulting from the coating application, was less pronounced; the mean values rose from 5.8 to 6.8 MPa (17.2% increase). For all strength values are quite similar in both treated and untreated groups, as well as scattered within the groups, no relevance to the coating impact could be confirmed. But, even such a slight improvement of the monitored physical parameters has the effect of slowing down the rock's weathering. This was proven by the results of the frost resistance test. Coated samples withstood all the standard 25 freeze-thaw cycles, whereas untreated samples began to disintegrate after the 17th test cycle. These findings can help the maintenance of the famous historic architecture of picturesque tuff towns of Tuscany suffering from weathering, and contribute to the preservation of the cultural heritage. On the other hand, they showed how important such tests are when considering building stone import.

Description: Petroleum hydrocarbons are one of the most common contaminants. Paper presents current theoretical approaches in identification and evaluation of sites with LNAPL (Light Non-Aquaeous Phase Liquids). To compare them with field results outputs from the ongoing remediation in a former railyard are utilized. New information from drilling and sampling is evaluated, with focus on the spatial distribution and migration of total petroleum hydrocarbons in soil and groundwater. Samples of LNAPL (diesel) were collected and analyzed by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry, to obtain more information about the quality, degree of weathering and the approximate age of the spill. It’s a common problem to distinguish between old and new contamination, and the observation of weathering rate can help to evaluate all possible contamination sources. Weathering degree of analyzed diesel samples ranged from almost none (even light n-alkanes abundant) to complete removal of all n-alkanes, though the railyard is more than 10 years out of operation. Based on the results, new LNAPL sources were identified, possible migration pathways were discussed and the age of LNAPL in different parts if the railyard was estimated.

Description: We would like to announce that the latest issue of the Acta Geologica Slovaca Journal (Volume 14, Issue 1) has already been released at 19th December 2021.

Description: This research is focused on the dolines of Dobrá Voda Karst, which is situated in the Brezovské Karpaty Mts. (north-eastern part of the Malé Karpaty Mts) near the villages of Chtelnica and Dobrá Voda. 263 dolines were identified here and measured in the field, which is presumably the final count. The measured parameters of the dolines were used for morphometric analyses, as well as for finding out the relationships with the geology of the area. The karst is formed in Triassic carbonates of the Považie and Dobrá Voda nappes of the Hronic Unit. Dolines were identified in Neogene basal carbonatic conglomerates (Dobrá Voda Formation) as well. The area of karst rocks is approximately 87.2 km2. Dolines often tend to be formed in lines with tectonical or lithological predisposition. The most significant lines in the Dobrá Voda Karst are Hlboký Dol, Chtelnické Uhliská, and Cínovec. The origin of dolines can be assumed to the Quaternary Period and related to neotectonics, the development of the relief, and the formation of the river network. This is also confirmed by the trends of the maximum axes of the extension of dolines in the direction N-S, NE-SW and WNW-ESE, which partially correspond to the regional faults. New faults (Hlboký Dol, Cínovec, Bzová) were also identified on the basis of dolines in the lines.

Description: We would like to announce that the latest issue of the Acta Geologica Slovaca Journal (Volume 14, Issue 2) has already been released at 21th December 2022.

Description: We would like to announce that the latest issue of the Acta Geologica Slovaca Journal (Volume 15, Issue 1) has already been released at 30th June 2023.

Description: The Jaskyňa Dezidera Horváta Cave is located in the inner city of the town of Nitra, south of the Kalvária Hill (227.3 m asl.). The Jaskyňa Dezidera Horváta Cave has thus become the longest cave of the karst areas in the Tribeč Mts. It currently reaches a length of 610 m, with a denivelization of 45 m. Several geological, geomorphological, and geochemical methods have been used to clarify the genesis of the cave. The cave evolved in the Jurassic limestones belonging to the Tatric Unit. NW–SE, W–E, and NNE–SSW discontinuities were significant to the genesis of the cave. The raised air and water temperatures in the cave (12.5–13.5°C) and the occurrence of various, not-so-common speleothem types, such as helictites, corraloids, and calcite crystals make this cave unique within the Western Carpathians. The morphology of the cave spaces, together with the increased temperature of the water and cave air, indicates that it could be a hypogenic cave, and even more specifically, a hypogenic-hybrid in origin. During its speleogenesis, the mixing corrosion by mixing of atmospheric waters and groundwater played an important