Arabian Journal of Geosciences最新文献

The Sirban Limestone Formation (SLFm) dolostones cropping out in the Riasi Allochthon (NW Himalaya, Jammu, India) show a range of δ¹³C (−1.08 to 0.73‰) and δ¹⁸O (−11.50 to −7.82‰) values and the mean values of 0.15‰ and −9.12‰ Pee Dee Belemnite (PDB), respectively. The δ¹³C values indicate that these dolostones were deposited during Neoproterozoic, and the δ¹⁸O values also are very close to the average Mesoproterozoic carbonate values obtained from the coeval carbonates. The characteristic δ¹³C values have the potential to provide an age constraint for the SLFm, and the mean δ¹⁸O value is comparable to the ‘best preserved’ δ¹⁸O mean value (−7.5 ± 2‰) reported for most of the Meso-Neoproterozoic to Early Cambrian carbonates. δ¹³C vs. δ¹⁸O plot for the SLFm suggests normal marine origin with late-stage cementation. In the present study, stable isotope geochemistry of the SLFm dolostones is attempted. Preliminary data on the major-and-minor elemental composition of SLFm has also been presented. In addition, several petrographic facies identified in the SLFm have also been documented here. Diagenesis characterisation of these facies show dolomitization represents an important phase in the early diagenesis process. The subsequent diagenetic stages range from early seafloor cementation to late-stage tectonic stylolitisation, which have obliterated the original textures to dominant diagenetic textures, also reflected in the δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values. Similar isotope profiles can be potentially significant for the chemostratigraphic correlation of different sections within the Riasi Allochthon and coeval equivalents regionally and globally.

The contamination of water resources, surface or underground, is one of the major problems society faces. Thus, areas occupied by cemeteries can negatively impact the environment, especially on water and soil quality. This research aims to analyze groundwater quality in a space occupied by a cemetery in southern Brazil. Twelve chemical elements were analyzed using atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma coming from 5 monitoring wells installed in the study area. The results indicated changes in the elements barium, iron, lithium, manganese, sodium, and zinc, with climatic conditions being a predominant factor in the variation of concentrations. The chemical elements aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, and vanadium presented concentrations lower than the quantification limit of the method. The concentrations of iron, lithium, zinc, and manganese varied from lower than the quantification limit of the method to 74.10, 3.91, 4.11 µg.L^-1, and 0.45 mg. L^-1, respectively. Barium and sodium varied from 0.12 to 0.28 and 7.55 to 40.18 mg. L^-1, respectively. The element sodium presented average concentrations of 7.55 to 40.18 mg.L^-1. The element manganese varies the LQ at 0.45 mg.L^-1, where in 5 samples, the values were above those allowed for potability, indicating that it disagrees with current legislation. The others, which contained detectable concentrations in the medium (Ba, Fe, Li, Mn, Na, and Zn) would be within the permitted limits. Based on this, it was possible to conclude a change in the chemical elements during the analyzed period. Thus, the importance of preliminary studies in the areas occupied by necropolises, which can become a public health problem, is highlighted.

Mining operations have been a significant source of environmental pollution due to their excessive water usage during ore processing and the subsequent discharge of tailings into the environment. It is imperative to assess the extent of toxic metal release resulting from these activities at any given time. In this investigation, we explore the environmental risks and the release patterns of zinc (Zn) from zinc leach residues (ZLRs) originating from the Angoran mine in the Zanjan province of Iran. A series of batch experiments were conducted on two distinct ZLR samples (S₁ and S₂) to analyze the influence of factors such as particle size, contact duration, liquid-to-solid ratio, and pH of the leach solution on the leaching behavior of Zn. The primary constituents in the ZLR samples were found to be SiO₂ and CaSO₄. It was observed that the release of Zn was contingent on pH, with increased acidity leading to higher Zn release. Even after 360 min of contact, equilibrium was not achieved, and the release exhibited an upward trajectory. Heterogeneous behavior was noted in the particle size distribution, with the greatest Zn release observed in particles within the 0.3–0.5 mm size range. The solubility of Zn was identified as the dominant factor influencing its release from the residues, raising environmental concerns as a significant portion of Zn is present in a soluble fraction. Based on the mobility index and leaching limits defined in Decision 2003/33/EC, the tested ZLR samples were classified as highly hazardous.

The formation of soil depends on the properties of the parent material which invariably affect its nutrient status. The properties and micronutrients status of hydromorphic soils overlying Ewekoro formations in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria were evaluated. A detailed soil survey was carried out using the rigid grid survey and three profile pits were dug based on the identified mapping units, georeferenced, sampled, and described following FAO guidelines. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), means were separated by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT), and Pearson’s Correlation Coefficients were used to determine relationships between soil properties. Based on the findings, the soil colour was dominated by greyish brown (10YR4/2) with sub-angular blocky structure. Bulk density was < 1.65 g cm⁻³, soil pH was strongly to slightly acid (4.5–6.1), low to high organic carbon (6.1–21.9 g kg⁻¹), low to high total nitrogen (0.3–6.3 g kg⁻¹), low to moderately available phosphorus (0.34–13.40 mg kg⁻¹), low cation exchange capacity (1.74–4.18 cmol kg⁻¹), and high base saturation (62.9–77.7%). Both iron (20.49-270.29 mg kg⁻¹) and manganese (0.53–53.09 mg kg⁻¹) occurred at toxic levels, while copper (0.63–3.50 mg kg⁻¹) and zinc (0.51–10.36 mg kg⁻¹) were at moderate levels. There were significant positive correlations among the soil properties. In conclusion, the soils had low to moderate fertility and can release nutrients to plants due to high base saturation. Incorporation of organic and farmyard manures into the soils during tillage to enhance soils physical status, increase organic matter levels, and reduce metal toxicity is recommended.

Hydro-meteorological parameters significantly influence groundwater storage in unconfined aquifers. Although the unconfined aquifer is closer to the surface, the dry conditions have an impact on the water level. The relationship between the hydro-meteorological parameters and the unconfined groundwater level (GWL) has not received much attention or study. Hence, the impact of hydro-meteorological parameters (e.g. rainfall (RF), air temperature (T), and potential evapotranspiration (PEV)) on the GWL is studied over West Bengal, India. The region is categorized into four zones (zone-1, zone-2, zone-3, and zone-4), considering the geo-hydrological scenario. GWL raised by ≈ 1.63 m, 3.51 m, 3 m, and 2.24 m owing to the RF of ≈ 880 mm, 953 mm, 1083 mm, and 1593 mm during monsoon in zone-1, zone-2, zone-3, and zone-4, respectively. The groundwater table is 6.9 m, 95.2 m, 22.3 m, and 80.2 m in the respective zones during winter. The groundwater flows seasonally from zone-2 to zone-1 and zone-3 and, similarly, from zone-4 to zone-3 and zone-1. In zone-1, as RF increased in monsoon, the shallow GWL occurred, and PEV caused water loss. PEV and T have a dependency on deeper GWL in other seasons. PEV and T are critical factors in zone-2’s GWL depletion in all seasons. Winter, pre-monsoon, and post-monsoon showed a correlation between the deeper GWL and PEV and T in zone-3 and zone-4. When sufficient RF occurred, the deeper GWL enhanced to a shallower GWL. In monsoon, recharge of the unconfined aquifer occurred owing to RF. The deeper GWL developed in post-monsoon because of lower RF and increased PEV and T.

Understanding the Earth’s deformation before and after the earthquake occurrences is very crucial to monitor the deformation, probability of the future risks, prevent people’s lives, and keep the safety of any civil engineering structures or loss of billion dollars. Therefore, this research work is appreciable and good to monitor and give awareness for the concerned body to prevent any civil engineering structures/infrastructure damage and death of a life in seismic hazard-prone regions. Southern Turkey faced widespread catastrophic destruction by two devastating earthquakes on the same day. As the earthquakes occurred at 04:17 (M_w = 7.7, Pazarcık, Maraş) and 12:30 (M_w = 7.6, Elbistan, Maraş) on 6 February 2023, neighbouring active fault systems were broken in succession between the Hatay and Malatya provinces in the region. On 6 February 2023, Mw 7.8 and Mw 7.5 earthquakes occurred in the transition between the Dead Sea fault and the East Anatolian fault. The southern Turkish city of Hatay had a 6.3 magnitude earthquake at 20:04 on February 20, 2023. Three minutes later, a 5.8 magnitude aftershock occurred, and 90 more aftershocks followed. In this study the obtained coordinate displacements of CORS-TR stations after three earthquakes were computed by using static GNSS method. The aim of this study shows the horizontal and vertical coordinate discrepancies of CORS-TR stations after the three earthquakes (by using static method (05.02.2023–01.03.2023)), which range from a few centimetres to about 467.40 cm (EZK1 has the largest horizontal movement with values about 467.40 as compared to the other stations). The estimated largest displacements caused by the Mw 7.8 event are observed at station EKZ1 which is only 6 km from the epicentre of the event.

With advancements in the construction industry, 3D printing technology is poised to emerge as the predominant method of construction in the future. By implementing effective regulations, waste resources can be repurposed as raw materials for 3D printing. This study examines the substitution of solid waste powder for cement, investigating various factors impacting the 3D printing performance of cement-based materials. It was observed that the water-binder ratio, fly ash content, and steel slag content consistently influenced the setting time, with fly ash exerting a greater impact. As water consumption increases, extrusion time decreases, while higher levels of fly ash and steel slag powder lead to longer extrusion times. Although the addition of fly ash and steel slag powder can reduce deformation rates, it may compromise extrudability. The deformation rate in terms of stackability aligns with that of buildability. Fly ash significantly affects the 1-day compressive strength, followed by steel slag powder, with water consumption having the least impact. Mercury intrusion porosimetry reveals similar effects of steel slag powder and fly ash on pores. At a content of 5%, gel pores increase, but higher substitution rates result in a greater proportion of harmful pores. Within appropriate ranges, solid waste powder can be effectively utilized in 3D printing for building construction.

The knowledge of the expected amounts and location of precipitation is crucial to avoid disasters, especially in arid countries—like the Sultanate of Oman—which is subjected to flash floods and tropical storms. Oman has experienced two flash floods that caused significant losses of lives and severe damage. According to recent literature, trying to collect precipitation data using ground means only is an almost impossible task. The GPM-based near-real-time satellite precipitation estimates are specifically designed to set a new standard for the measurements of precipitation using advanced radar technology in which a radar pulse for electromagnetic energy is used to determine the reflection of the hydrometeors in the atmosphere. However, the evaluation of the accuracy of these technologies is important before using them in any application. This study aims to compare precipitation estimates obtained from the Global Precipitation Mission (GPM) and global satellite mapping of precipitation GSMaP with the ground data obtained from the rain gauges during the two most recent flash floods in Oman, Shaheen cyclone and Al Azm trough, using several representative statistic metrics—qualitative and quantitative. Results show that GSMaP_NRT gave slight errors in estimations that varied between overestimations and underestimations but gave an excellent performance when it comes to the detection capability. Such study investigates the appropriation of using these satellite means and flood mitigation and warning systems as well as the recommendations found to improve their algorithm.

The manuscript investigates the sediment textures, heavy metals, and magnetic susceptibility analysis of the Cauvery and Vettar core sediments to affirm the pollution status by coupling environmental magnetism and geochemical studies. Pollution indices such as the Geoaccumulation Index, enrichment factors, and contamination factors were used to evaluate the pollution status. Fastidious inspection of the textural characteristics of the core sediments implies that the Cauvery core chiefly comprises sand and silt, whereas Vettar core sediments consist of silt and clay compositions. The magnetic susceptibility of the Vettar sediments implies higher magnetic contents than the Cauvery sediments. Notably, the profound inquisition illustrates the mean concentration of the studied heavy metal concentrations (Fe, Cu, Cr, Zn, Pb, Ni) for both core sediments did not exceed the mean world sediments and the Earth’s crust standards. Employing the pollution indices reflects the concentration of heavy metals in both core sediments, which infers environmental contamination. The result implies that the Vettar estuarine sediments show a mixed nature of magnetic grains (maghemite minerals) coupled with clay and silt composition, followed by the Cauvery estuarine sediments showing slighter magnetic susceptibility, which reflects that the Cauvery core sediments are less prone to pollution. However, the non-superparamagnetic grains indicate primarily sand and minor silt composition, reflecting ferromagnetic lithogenic minerals such as magnetite and hematite magnetic components. The statistical techniques establish the relationship between the magnetic susceptibility of χlf value higher in the core sediments depending on the heavy metal contents, clay, and organic matter.

This current study evaluates the effect of waste disposal sites on soil physicochemical qualities in Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria. A total of 216 soil samples were taken in 2020, 2021 and 2022 from soil depth (0–20 cm, 20–40 cm and 40–60 cm) using standard analytical methods. In addition, seasonal (wet and dry) effects were also considered. Data sets were analysed using Fisher’s Significance Least Difference (F-LSD) at 0.05 probability level. The study showed that at 0–20 cm soil depth profile, bulk density in the study period significantly (p < 0.05) decreased by 48, 38, and 41%, and by 14, 9, and 12% in the wet and dry periods at the study sites relative to the controls. Similar results were obtained at 20–40 cm and 40–60 cm soil depth profiles. Consequently, there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the values of other studied soil physical parameters in both periods relative to the controls. Across the three soil depth profiles, hydraulic conductivity values ranged from 12.25 to 95.89 ± 5.63 cm/hr (a CV of 12%) and 8.73 to 122.23 ± 5.80 (a CV of 10%); 10.15 to 91.66 ± 4.03 (a CV of 22%) and 18.41 to 64.48 ± 4.21 (a CV of 21%); and 1.55 to 155.33 ± 6.71 (a CV of 14%) and 10.66 to 134.10 ± 6.23 (a CV of 11%) in wet and dry periods at Enugu, respectively. Based on these new findings, it is concluded that waste disposal sites had a positive effect on the fertility of the soil.