During the long service period of a nuclear waste repository in crystalline rock,large earthquake(s)may occur nearby the repository site and coseismically alter the local stress field around pre-existing fractures wit...During the long service period of a nuclear waste repository in crystalline rock,large earthquake(s)may occur nearby the repository site and coseismically alter the local stress field around pre-existing fractures within the geological formation.The resulting fracture normal/shear displacements may lead to fracture opening and further promote the transport of leaked radionuclides into the groundwater system.Thus,it is of central importance to analyze the consequences of potential future earthquake(s)on the hydrogeological properties of a repository site for spent nuclear fuel disposal.Based on the detailed site characterization data of the repository site at Forsmark,Sweden,we conduct a three-dimensional(3D)seismo-hydro-mechanical simulation using the 3Dimensional Distinct Element Code(3DEC).We explicitly represent a primary seismogenic fault zone and its surrounding secondary fracture network associated with a power-law size scaling and a Fisher orientation distribution.An earthquake with a magnitude of M_(w)=5.6 caused by the reactivation of the primary fault zone is modeled by simulating its transient rupture propagating radially outwards from a predefined hypocenter at a specified rupture speed,with the faulting dynamics controlled by a strength weakening law.We model the coseismic response of the off-fault fracture network subject to both static and dynamic triggering effects.We further diagnose the distribution of fracture hydro-mechanical properties(e.g.mechanical/hydraulic aperture,hydraulic transmissivity)before and after the earthquake in order to quantify earthquakeinduced hydraulic changes in the fracture network.It is found that earthquake-induced fracture transmissivity changes tend to follow a power-law decay with the distance to the earthquake fault.Our simulation results and insights obtained have important implications for the long-term performance assessment of nuclear waste repositories in fractured crystalline rocks.展开更多
In this paper,we present observations of free oscillations of the Earth after major earthquakes in Chile(February 27,2010,Mw8.8)and Japan(March 11,2011,Mw9.1)using data from the dual-sphere superconducting gravimeter(...In this paper,we present observations of free oscillations of the Earth after major earthquakes in Chile(February 27,2010,Mw8.8)and Japan(March 11,2011,Mw9.1)using data from the dual-sphere superconducting gravimeter(SG-055),installed at Badargadh(23°0.47 N,70°0.62 E),Kutch,Gujarat,India in March 2009.To see the noise characteristics,we calculated the power spectral density of the gravity time series of 5 quiet days in the frequency band 0.05-20 mHz using the new low noise model(NLNM)as a reference.We compared the noise level of the Badargadh site to other SG sites around the world.This shows that the Badargadh SG is in a low noise state.We find that the noise increases at frequencies below 1 mHz.Such a characteristic is also observed in Djougou(Afrique,Benin)and Strasbourg(France).Using theoretical tides for Gujarat,we estimated a scale factor of about-814 nm/s~2/V for Gravl(lowersphere)and about-775 nm/s~2/V for Grav2(upper-sphere).We corrected the influence of atmospheric pressure from the one-second gravity data before switching to the frequency domain.We extracted a total of 53 Earth’s Free Oscillations(EFO)modes during the earthquake in Japan and about 47 EFO modes during the earthquake in Chile.We are able to extract the lowest0S2spheroidal mode(0.30945 mHz or54 min)and0S0radial mode(0.81439 mHz or 20 min).The longer time series shows individual0S2singlets and0S3(0.46855 mHz)singlets due to the Coriolis splitting effect.We cross-referenced the frequencies of these modes using the PREM model and previous global observations.The correlation coefficient between the observed and the PREM model for these two events are 0.999 for Japan earthquake and 0.993 for Chile earthquake.This validates the quality of the data useful for low-frequency studies in seismology.We also calculated the relative deviations of our observed fundamental modes with previously determined observed and theoretical values.We found that the relative deviations of our observed free oscillations do not exceed 0.5%,indicating good correlations.展开更多
The geological and geographical position of the Northwest Himalayas makes it a vulnerable area for mass movements particularly landslides and debris flows. Mass movements have had a substantial impact on the study are...The geological and geographical position of the Northwest Himalayas makes it a vulnerable area for mass movements particularly landslides and debris flows. Mass movements have had a substantial impact on the study area which is extending along Karakorum Highway(KKH) from Besham to Chilas. Intense seismicity, deep gorges, steep terrain and extreme climatic events trigger multiple mountain hazards along the KKH, among which debris flow is recognized as the most destructive geohazard. This study aims to prepare a field-based debris flow inventory map at a regional scale along a 200 km stretch from Besham to Chilas. A total of 117 debris flows were identified in the field, and subsequently, a point-based debris-flow inventory and catchment delineation were performed through Arc GIS analysis. Regional scale debris flow susceptibility and propagation maps were prepared using Weighted Overlay Method(WOM) and Flow-R technique sequentially. Predisposing factors include slope, slope aspect, elevation, Topographic Roughness Index(TRI), Topographic Wetness Index(TWI), stream buffer, distance to faults, lithology rainfall, curvature, and collapsed material layer. The dataset was randomly divided into training data(75%) and validation data(25%). Results were validated through the Receiver Operator Characteristics(ROC) curve. Results show that Area Under the Curve(AUC) using WOM model is 79.2%. Flow-R propagation of debris flow shows that the 13.15%, 22.94%, and 63.91% areas are very high, high, and low susceptible to debris flow respectively. The propagation predicated by Flow-R validates the naturally occurring debris flow propagation as observed in the field surveys. The output of this research will provide valuable input to the decision makers for the site selection, designing of the prevention system, and for the protection of current infrastructure.展开更多
Considering the importance of fractured rock aquifers in the hydrogeologic process,this research aimed to analyze the flow regime,internal degree of karstification,and estimate storage volume in fractured rock aquifer...Considering the importance of fractured rock aquifers in the hydrogeologic process,this research aimed to analyze the flow regime,internal degree of karstification,and estimate storage volume in fractured rock aquifers of the Germi Chai Basin in northwest Iran,which is attributed to its active tectonics,erosion,and the lithological diversity.Given the geological setting,the hypothesis is that this basin is characterized by a high degree of karstification and diffuse or intermediate flow regime leading to variation in discharge flow rate.The hydrodynamic and hadrochemical analysis was conducted on 9 well distributed springs across the basin from 2019 to 2020.The maximum flow rate in most of the springs appeared in the early wet season despite their different levels of fluctuations on the monthly discharge time series.Analyzing the spring recession curve form revealed an aquifer containing multiple micro-regimes withαrecession coefficients and a degree of karstification ranging between 0.001 to 0.06 and 0.55 to 2.61,respectively.These findings indicated a dominant diffuse and intermediate flow system resulting from the development of a high density of fractures in this area.The electrical conductivity of the spring changes inversely proportional to the change in flow discharge,indicating the reasonable hydrological response of the aquifer to rainfall events.Hydrograph analysis revealed that the delay time of spring discharge after rainfall events mostly varies between 10 to 30 days.The total dynamic storage volume of the spring for a given period(2019-2020)was estimated to be approximately 1324 million cubic meters reflecting the long-term drainage potential and high perdurability of dynamic storage.Estimating the maximum and minimum ratio revealed that the springs recharging system in Germi Chai Basin comes under the slow aquifers category.This finding provides valuable insight into the hydrogeological properties of fractured rock aquifers contributing to effective water management strategy.展开更多
In this study,we report for thefirst time an Early Palaeozoic basement diorite from the drilled well Nirona-A in the Banni Half-Graben of the Kutch basin,western India.The 40Ar–39Ar dates provided a plateau age of 441...In this study,we report for thefirst time an Early Palaeozoic basement diorite from the drilled well Nirona-A in the Banni Half-Graben of the Kutch basin,western India.The 40Ar–39Ar dates provided a plateau age of 441.84±2.66 Ma and another pseudo plateau of 441.28±5.82 to 388.08±16.65 Ma for the basement diorite.These ages constrain the basement formation age to the Late Ordovician-Early Silurian period.The obtained basement ages are correlatable with the later part of Cambro-Ordovician alkaline magmatism that has been reported from the Huqf area in Central Oman,whereas their lithological and petrographic correlativity with base-ment diorites occurring in the Dinsi Body of Nagar Parkar igneous complex in Pakistan can also be envisaged.The geochemical studies characterized the diorite with enrich-ment of LILE(Rb,Ba,and K)and LREE(La,Ce,Nd),strong depletion of HFSE(Nb,Sr,P,and Ti),along with weakly negative Eu anomalies.The geochemical signatures indicate their petrogenetic affiliation with mantle-derived magmas,as well as their tectonic setting to be arc-related,having post-collisional continental-arc type affinity.The*440 Ma basement of Kutch,therefore,appears to rep-resent the later thermal event associated with the reworked Neoproterozoic subduction-related suite from Greater India’s northwest edge,which has implications for Gond-wana assembly in the northwest Indian subcontinent.展开更多
The tensile strength at the rock-concrete interface is one of the crucial factors controlling the failure mechanisms of structures,such as concrete gravity dams.Despite the critical importance of the failure mechanism...The tensile strength at the rock-concrete interface is one of the crucial factors controlling the failure mechanisms of structures,such as concrete gravity dams.Despite the critical importance of the failure mechanism and tensile strength of rock-concrete interfaces,understanding of these factors remains very limited.This study investigated the tensile strength and fracturing processes at rock-mortar interfaces subjected to direct and indirect tensile loadings.Digital image correlation(DIC)and acoustic emission(AE)techniques were used to monitor the failure mechanisms of specimens subjected to direct tension and indirect loading(Brazilian tests).The results indicated that the direct tensile strength of the rock-mortar specimens was lower than their indirect tensile strength,with a direct/indirect tensile strength ratio of 65%.DIC strain field data and moment tensor inversions(MTI)of AE events indicated that a significant number of shear microcracks occurred in the specimens subjected to the Brazilian test.The presence of these shear microcracks,which require more energy to break,resulted in a higher tensile strength during the Brazilian tests.In contrast,microcracks were predominantly tensile in specimens subjected to direct tension,leading to a lower tensile strength.Spatiotemporal monitoring of the cracking processes in the rock-mortar interfaces revealed that they show AE precursors before failure under the Brazilian test,whereas they show a minimal number of AE events before failure under direct tension.Due to different microcracking mechanisms,specimens tested under Brazilian tests showed lower roughness with flatter fracture surfaces than those tested under direct tension with jagged and rough fracture surfaces.The results of this study shed light on better understanding the micromechanics of damage in the rock-concrete interfaces for a safer design of engineering structures.展开更多
Suites of granitic and metamorphic rocks form a perfect geological environment in which to investigate the source of metals related to gold deposits.In the East Province of Cameroon,the source of metals-related gold(g...Suites of granitic and metamorphic rocks form a perfect geological environment in which to investigate the source of metals related to gold deposits.In the East Province of Cameroon,the source of metals-related gold(grade~4.6 g/t)that occurs within metamorphic and granitic rocks remains ambiguous.The host rocks were subjected to XRF and ICP-MS whole-rock geochemistry and BSE/EDS mineral analyses to investigate the source(s)of metals related to gold in the Province.Petrographically,chalcopyrite-pyrite and magnetite-ilmenite are the main sulfi des and oxides of granites,respectively.The low-grade metamorphic rocks are sulfi de-rich consisting of arsenopyrite,chalcopyrite,pyrite,and sphalerite,and oxides include magnetite,ilmenite,hematite,and rutile.Cu,Ni,Co,Sb,Sc,and Zn concentrations depleted in high-grade metamorphic rocks and granites compared to low-grade metamorphic rocks.As well,Bi,Cd,Co,Cu,Ni,Sb,V,W,and Zn concentrations decrease with increasing temperatures from low-grade rocks to high-grade rocks and granites.The suite of depleted elements in high-grade rocks and granites is almost identical to those enriched in gold occurrences.We conclude that metals(Bi,Cd,Co,Cu,Ni,Sb,and Zn)related to gold mineralization in the East Province of Cameroon likely originated from metal-rich low-grade metamorphic rocks during prograde metamorphic processes prior to partial melting.展开更多
The damage of rock joints or fractures upon shear includes the surface damage occurring at the contact asperities and the damage beneath the shear surface within the host rock.The latter is commonly known as off-fault...The damage of rock joints or fractures upon shear includes the surface damage occurring at the contact asperities and the damage beneath the shear surface within the host rock.The latter is commonly known as off-fault damage and has been much less investigated than the surface damage.The main contribution of this study is to compare the results of direct shear tests conducted on saw-cut planar joints and tension-induced rough granite joints under normal stresses ranging from 1 MPa to 50 MPa.The shear-induced off-fault damages are quantified and compared with the optical microscope observation.Our results clearly show that the planar joints slip stably under all the normal stresses except under 50 MPa,where some local fractures and regular stick-slip occur towards the end of the test.Both post-peak stress drop and stick-slip occur for all the rough joints.The residual shear strength envelopes for the rough joints and the peak shear strength envelope for the planar joints almost overlap.The root mean square(RMS)of asperity height for the rough joints decreases while it increases for the planar joint after shear,and a larger normal stress usually leads to a more significant decrease or increase in RMS.Besides,the extent of off-fault damage(or damage zone)increases with normal stress for both planar and rough joints,and it is restricted to a very thin layer with limited micro-cracks beneath the planar joint surface.In comparison,the thickness of the damage zone for the rough joints is about an order of magnitude larger than that of the planar joints,and the coalesced micro-cracks are generally inclined to the shear direction with acute angles.The findings obtained in this study contribute to a better understanding on the frictional behavior and damage characteristics of rock joints or fractures with different roughness.展开更多
Objective:To explore the impact of Ficus carica fruit aqueous extract on fertility parameters in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced male rats.Methods:Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four different grou...Objective:To explore the impact of Ficus carica fruit aqueous extract on fertility parameters in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced male rats.Methods:Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four different groups.All groups except a normal control group were induced with 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin(STZ)intravenously to induce diabetes.A positive control group was treated with an antidiabetic drug,metformin(500 mg/kg)whereas a negative control group remained untreated throughout the experiment.Meanwhile,another diabetic rat group received treatment with 400 mg/kg of aqueous Ficus carica fruit extract.Rats in the treatment group were administered Ficus carica fruit aqueous extract daily through forcefeeding via oral gavage for a 21-day period.Assessments included the sperm quality(count,motility and morphology),histology of the testes,serum testosterone and fasting blood glucose(FBG)level.Results:The FBG level of the Ficus carica-treated rats exhibited a significant decrease compared to the negative control group(P<0.05).Sperm quality analysis also indicated that the aqueous Ficus carica extract had significant positive effects on sperm count and motility(P<0.05).The histology of the testes in Ficus caricatreated rats revealed an improved cell arrangement in the germinal cell layer.Furthermore,serum testosterone level showed an increment in the Ficus carica treatment group in comparison to the negative control group.Conclusions:Our findings provide compelling evidence for the profertility and anti-hyperglycemic properties of aqueous Ficus carica fruit extract in diabetic-induced male rats.展开更多
The Jiangchuan Biota from the Jiucheng Member(Mb.)of the Dengying Formation(Fm.),discovered in Jiangchuan,eastern Yunnan,China,is marked by copious macrofossils at the apex of the Ediacaran strata.This fauna features ...The Jiangchuan Biota from the Jiucheng Member(Mb.)of the Dengying Formation(Fm.),discovered in Jiangchuan,eastern Yunnan,China,is marked by copious macrofossils at the apex of the Ediacaran strata.This fauna features benthic algae with varied holdfasts and other fossils of indeterminate taxonomic affinity and is compositionally unique compared to the Shibantan and Gaojiashan biotas of the Dengying Fm.and the Miaohe and Wenghui biotas of the Doushantuo Fm.,elsewhere in China.One novel benthic saccular macroalgal fossil,named here Houjiashania yuxiensis gen.and sp.nov.,from the Jiangchuan Biota is based on fossils that are sausage-shaped,elongate,tubular,ranging from 0.3 to 4 cm in length,and up to 0.8 cm in diameter.One terminus is blunt and rounded to an obtuse angle,the other is bent with a spread-out surface resembling a holdfast,suggesting a three-dimensional thallus.Thin,stipe-shaped outgrowths,likely vestiges of sessile saccular life forms,are prevalent in macroalgal fossils of analogous size and shape,as well as present brown algae Scytosiphonaceae,such as Colpomenia and Dactylosiphon.The new findings augment the diversity of benthic algae,such as those known from the Early Neoproterozoic Longfengshan Biota in North China.The benthic algal macrofossils in the Jiucheng Mb.add to knowledge of Late Ediacaran metaphyte diversification and offer more clues about the evolutionary positioning of primitive macroalgae.The co-occurrence of numerous planktonic and benthic multicellular algae and planktonic microbes might have facilitated ecologically the more extensive later Cambrian explosion evidenced by the Chengjiang Biota in Yunnan.展开更多
Rubidium(Rb)deposits mostly occur in the South China and Central Asia orogenic belts and are often closely associated with highly differentiated granites.This study investigates a newly-discovered giant Rb deposit at ...Rubidium(Rb)deposits mostly occur in the South China and Central Asia orogenic belts and are often closely associated with highly differentiated granites.This study investigates a newly-discovered giant Rb deposit at Gariatong in the Central Lhasa terrane in Tibet.Detailed field studies and logging data revealed that the Rb mineralization mainly occurs in monzogranite and is related to greisenization.LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of zircon yielded ages of 19.1±0.2 Ma and 19.0±0.2 Ma for greisenized monzogranite and fresh monzogranite,respectively.The monzogranites are characterized as strongly peraluminous,with high contents of SiO2,Al2O3,K2O and Na2O as well as a high differentiation index.They are enriched in light rare earth and large ion lithophile elements with significant negative Eu anomalies and depleted high fieldstrength elements.Petrological and geochemical features of these ore-related monzogranites suggest that they are highly fractionated S-type granites,derived from remelting of crustal materials in a post-collisional setting.The geochemistry of zircon and apatite points to a low oxygen fugacity of the ore-related monzogranite during the magma’s evolution.The discovery of the Gariatong Rb deposit suggests that the Central Lhasa terrane may be an important region for rare metal mineralization.展开更多
A regional study connecting geolelectrical surveys with geology and hydrogeology was carried out in the western part of the Iullemmeden basin, precisely in the Dosso region in Niger. One hundred and four (104) vertica...A regional study connecting geolelectrical surveys with geology and hydrogeology was carried out in the western part of the Iullemmeden basin, precisely in the Dosso region in Niger. One hundred and four (104) vertical electrical sounds have been realized, among them nineteen representative were thus be used as parametric surveys. The local resistivity values of the geological formations of Quaternary range from 100 Ω⋅m to 1000 Ω⋅m (sands and lateritic sandstones). The Oligo-Miocene formation of the Continental terminal (Ct) shows resistivity values ranging from 1 to 5 Ω⋅m (brackish groundwaters) to 1500 Ω⋅m (clay sandstones) while the Upper Cretaceous formation of the Continental “hamadien” (Ch) indicates values ranging from 20 Ω⋅m (sandy clay) to 5000 Ω⋅m (clayey sandstones). The geological formations of Paleocene have values from 2 Ω⋅m (marls) to 60 Ω⋅m (calcareous marl), while the Precambrian basement exhibits values of granite around 300 Ω⋅m to 60,000 Ω⋅m. The update of the structural settings reveals many faults in the study area which explain both the shape of the basin and the geometry of the aquifers. Tectonics is also consistent with the hydraulic characteristics of aquifers. In addition, brackish groundwaters were identified as perched aquifer groundwaters in different depths in Dosso region. They probably come from the marine brines during the regression of the Paleocene Sea.展开更多
Accurate cropland information is critical for agricultural planning and production,especially in foodstressed countries like China.Although widely used medium-to-high-resolution satellite-based cropland maps have been...Accurate cropland information is critical for agricultural planning and production,especially in foodstressed countries like China.Although widely used medium-to-high-resolution satellite-based cropland maps have been developed from various remotely sensed data sources over the past few decades,considerable discrepancies exist among these products both in total area and in spatial distribution of croplands,impeding further applications of these datasets.The factors influencing their inconsistency are also unknown.In this study,we evaluated the consistency and accuracy of six cropland maps widely used in China in circa 2020,including three state-of-the-art 10-m products(i.e.,Google Dynamic World,ESRI Land Cover,and ESA WorldCover)and three 30-m ones(i.e.,GLC_FCS30,GlobeLand 30,and CLCD).We also investigated the effects of landscape fragmentation,climate,and agricultural management.Validation using a ground-truth sample revealed that the 10-m-resolution WorldCover provided the highest accuracy(92.3%).These maps collectively overestimated Chinese cropland area by up to 56%.Up to 37%of the land showed spatial inconsistency among the maps,concentrated mainly in mountainous regions and attributed to the varying accuracy of cropland maps,cropland fragmentation and management practices such as irrigation.Our work shed light on the promotion of future cropland mapping efforts,especially in highly inconsistent regions.展开更多
This paper is intended to explore soil organic matter and carbon isotope fractionation at three locations of the Passaic River to determine if microbial degradation of organic contaminants in soil is correlated to the...This paper is intended to explore soil organic matter and carbon isotope fractionation at three locations of the Passaic River to determine if microbial degradation of organic contaminants in soil is correlated to the surrounding physical environment. Microbial degradation of organic contaminants is important for the detoxification of toxic substances thereby minimizing stagnation in the environment and accumulating in the food chain. Since organic contaminants are not easily dissolved in water, they will penetrate sediment and end up enriching the adjacent soil. The hypothesis that we are testing is microbial activity and carbon isotope fractionation will be greater in preserved soils than urban soils. The reason why this is expected to be the case is the expectation of higher microbial activity in preserved environments due to less exposure to pollutants, better soil structure, higher organic matter content, and more favorable conditions for microbial growth. This is contrasted with urban soils, which are impacted by pollutants and disturbances, potentially inhibiting microbial activity. We wish to collect soil samples adjacent to the Passaic River at a pristine location, Great Swamp Wildlife Refuge, a suburban location, Goffle Brook Park, Hawthorne NJ, and an urban location, Paterson NJ. These soil samples will be weighed for soil organic matter (SOM) and weighed for isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) to test organic carbon isotopes. High SOM and δ13C depletion activity indicate microbial growth based on the characteristics of the soil horizon rather than the location of the soil sample which results in degradation of organic compounds.展开更多
This study was focused to assess major and trace elements in bauxitic duricrusts from Ngaoundal and its surroundings in order to establish their mining interest. To this end, fieldworks, mineralogical and geochemical ...This study was focused to assess major and trace elements in bauxitic duricrusts from Ngaoundal and its surroundings in order to establish their mining interest. To this end, fieldworks, mineralogical and geochemical analyses were carried out. Four facies of duricrust were identified and characterized from the summit to the top of the slope of the Ngaoundal mountain: scoriaceous, pisolitic, nodular and massive. Mineralogical and geochemical analyses performed on 16 samples, revealed a significant concentration of Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> mainly in the scoriaceous facies (over 45% in grade), moderate in Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> (averaging 23.69%) and SiO<sub>2</sub> (averaging 21.7%). Trace elements were generally low, excluding Cr (421 ppm on average), Zr (327 ppm on average and V (213 ppm on average). In addition, the limited quantities of alkalis (Na<sub>2</sub>O, K<sub>2</sub>O) and alkaline earths metals (MgO, CaO) coupled with the very high values of Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) and Mineralogical Index of Alteration (MIA), (more than 99%) attest to the intense weathering of the studied materials. Allitization and monosiallitization constituted the crystallochemical phenomena that have led to the development of bauxitic minerals. More than 90% of gibbsite in scoriaceous facies, 52.21% - 76.01% of kaolinite in pisolitic facies and more than 40% of hematite in nodular facies were quantified. The relationships between the constitutive components indicated their interdependency during the bauxitization phenomenon. The mineralogical and geochemical properties highlighted the mining interest of the studied duricrusts to be valorized.展开更多
Cholera remains a public health threat in most developing countries in Asia and Africa including Malawi with seasonal recurrent outbreaks. Malawi’s recent Cholera outbreak in 2022 and 2023, exhibited higher morbidity...Cholera remains a public health threat in most developing countries in Asia and Africa including Malawi with seasonal recurrent outbreaks. Malawi’s recent Cholera outbreak in 2022 and 2023, exhibited higher morbidity and mortality rates than the past two decades. Lack of spatiotemporal-based technology and variability assessment tools in Malawi’s Cholera monitoring and management, limit our understanding of the disease’s epidemiology. The present work developed a spatiotemporal variability model for Cholera disease at district level and its relationship to socioeconomic and climatic factors based on cumulative confirmed Cholera cases in Malawi from March 2022 to July 2023 using Z-score statistic and multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) in a Geographical Information System (GIS). We found out that socioeconomic factors such as access to safe drinking water, population density and poverty level, and climatic factors including temperature and rainfall strongly influenced Cholera prevalence in a complex and multifaceted manner. The model shows that Lilongwe, Mangochi, Blantyre and Balaka districts were highly vulnerable to Cholera disease followed by lakeshore districts of Salima, Nkhotakota, Nkhata-Bay and Karonga than other districts. We recommend strategic measures such as Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions, community awareness on proper water storage, Cholera case management, vaccination campaigns and spatial-based surveillance systems in the most affected districts. This research has shown that MGWR, as a surveillance system, has the potential of providing insights on the disease’s spatial patterns for public health authorities to identify high-risk districts and implement early response interventions to reduce the spread of the disease.展开更多
The findings of a study to ascertain and assess the petrophysical characteristics of Cape Three Points reservoirs in the Western basin with a view to describe the reservoir quantitatively using Well Logs, Petrel and T...The findings of a study to ascertain and assess the petrophysical characteristics of Cape Three Points reservoirs in the Western basin with a view to describe the reservoir quantitatively using Well Logs, Petrel and Techlog. The investigated characteristics, which were all deduced from geophysical wire-line logs, include lithology, porosity, permeability, fluid saturation, and net to gross thickness. To characterise the reservoir on the field, a suite of wire-line logs including gamma ray, resistivity, spontaneous potential, and density logs for three wells (WELL_1X, WELL_2X, and WELL_3X) from the Tano Cape Three Point basin were studied. The analyses that were done included lithology delineation, reservoir identification, and petrophysical parameter determination for the identified reservoirs. The tops and bases of the three wells analysed were marked at a depth of 1203.06 - 2015.64 m, 3863.03 - 4253.85 m and 2497.38 - 2560.32 m respectively. There were no hydrocarbons in the reservoirs from the studies. The petrophysical parameters computed for each reservoir provided porosities of 13%, 3% and 11% respectively. The water saturation also determined for these three wells (WELL_1X, WELL_2X and WELL_3X) were 94%, 95% and 89% respectively. These results together with the behaviour of the density and neutron logs suggested that these wells are wildcat wells.展开更多
This research initiative, conducted along the coastal zones of Al Hamama and Susah in northeastern Libya, aimed to enhance our understanding of Holocene benthic foraminifera assemblages and the paleoenvironmental para...This research initiative, conducted along the coastal zones of Al Hamama and Susah in northeastern Libya, aimed to enhance our understanding of Holocene benthic foraminifera assemblages and the paleoenvironmental parameters in the region. We meticulously gathered five sediment samples to analyze the composition of foraminifera populations within the unconsolidated sedimentary deposits adjacent to these locations. We successfully identified nine distinct benthic foraminifera species, including Amphistegina lobifera, Eliphidium crispum, Sigmoilinita tenuis, Sorites orbiculus, Stomatorbina concentrica, Peneroplis planatus, Pseudotriloculina rotunda, Pyrgoella sphaera, and Triloculina schreberiana. Notably, Eliphidium crispum and Amphistegina lobifera emerged as the most prevalent species. These foraminifera species exhibited distinct ecological preferences, shedding light on paleoenvironmental conditions and climatic fluctuations during the Quaternary Period in the Susah and Al Hamama coastal regions. The presence of Orbulina universa, a planktonic foraminifera species, further enriched our understanding of the paleoenvironment by providing insights into specific water depths and temperature ranges. This research significantly contributes to paleoceanography and environmental reconstruction, highlighting the invaluable use of foraminifera as proxies for exploring past environmental changes. Additionally, the study investigated the impacts of anthropogenic influences on benthic ecosystems in the Al Hamama and Susah coastal areas. These influences included reworked foraminifera specimens and the effects of karst formations, acid rain, and eutrophication. Notably, human-induced factors have visibly affected biogenic fauna and ecosystem dynamics in the study area. Consequently, this research provides valuable insights into paleoenvironmental conditions and ecological dynamics within the Susah and Al Hamama coastal regions, emphasizing the crucial role of foraminifera in reconstructing historical environmental fluctuations.展开更多
The aim of this study of the spatial dispersion of tin, niobium and tantalum mineralization associated with the Mayo Darlé granitoids was to produce prospecting guides through predictive maps of Sn, Nb and Ta in ...The aim of this study of the spatial dispersion of tin, niobium and tantalum mineralization associated with the Mayo Darlé granitoids was to produce prospecting guides through predictive maps of Sn, Nb and Ta in the region. It was based on a database (in appendix) obtained after analysis of rock samples (greisens and quartz veins) collected in the field, using a portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. Two approaches were used: 1) structural studies in the field using the directions of veins and fractures 2) the use of variographic maps, an essential element in geostatistics for determining directional anisotropies. A joint synthesis of the modelling results shows that tin, tantalum and niobium mineralization at Mayo Darlé is concentrated along strike intervals N315E to N320E, with mineralization also occurring along strike N35E for high-grade Sn, medium-grade Ta and low-grade Nb. In short, mineral concentrations disperse progressively in space: positively from east to west for tantalum and niobium, and inversely for tin.展开更多
<正>In more than 4 Ga of geological evolution,the Earth has twice gone through extreme climatic perturbations, when extensive glaciations occurred,together with alternating warm periods which were accompanied by...<正>In more than 4 Ga of geological evolution,the Earth has twice gone through extreme climatic perturbations, when extensive glaciations occurred,together with alternating warm periods which were accompanied by atmospheric oxygenation.The younger of these two episodes of climatic oscillation preceded the Cambrian 'explosion' of metazoan life forms,but similar extreme climatic conditions existed between about 2.4 and 2.2 Ga.Over long time periods,changing solar luminosity and mantle temperatures have played important roles in regulating Earth's climate but both periods of climatic upheaval are associated with supercontinents.Enhanced weathering on the orogenically and thermally buoyed supercontinents would have stripped CO_2 from the atmosphere,initiating a cooling trend that resulted in continental glaciation.Ice cover prevented weathering so that CO_2 built up once more,causing collapse of the ice sheets and ushering in a warm climatic episode.This negative feedback loop provides a plausible explanation for multiple glaciations of the Early and Late Proterozoic,and their intimate association with sedimentary rocks formed in warm climates.Between each glacial cycle nutrients were flushed into world oceans, stimulating photosynthetic activity and causing oxygenation of the atmosphere.Accommodation for many ancient glacial deposits was provided by rifting but escape from the climatic cycle was predicated on breakup of the supercontinent,when flooded continental margins had a moderating influence on weathering. The geochemistry of Neoproterozoic cap carbonates carries a strong hydrothermal signal,suggesting that they precipitated from deep sea waters,overturned and spilled onto continental shelves at the termination of glaciations.Paleoproterozoic(Huronian) carbonates of the Espanola Formation were probably formed as a result of ponding and evaporation in a hydrothermally influenced,restricted rift setting.Why did metazoan evolution not take off after the Great Oxidation Event of the Paleoproterozoic? The answer may lie in the huge scar left by the ~2023 Ma Vredefort impact in South Africa,and in the worldwide organic carbon-rich deposits of the Shunga Event,attesting to the near-extirpation of life and possible radical alteration of the course of Earth history.展开更多
文摘During the long service period of a nuclear waste repository in crystalline rock,large earthquake(s)may occur nearby the repository site and coseismically alter the local stress field around pre-existing fractures within the geological formation.The resulting fracture normal/shear displacements may lead to fracture opening and further promote the transport of leaked radionuclides into the groundwater system.Thus,it is of central importance to analyze the consequences of potential future earthquake(s)on the hydrogeological properties of a repository site for spent nuclear fuel disposal.Based on the detailed site characterization data of the repository site at Forsmark,Sweden,we conduct a three-dimensional(3D)seismo-hydro-mechanical simulation using the 3Dimensional Distinct Element Code(3DEC).We explicitly represent a primary seismogenic fault zone and its surrounding secondary fracture network associated with a power-law size scaling and a Fisher orientation distribution.An earthquake with a magnitude of M_(w)=5.6 caused by the reactivation of the primary fault zone is modeled by simulating its transient rupture propagating radially outwards from a predefined hypocenter at a specified rupture speed,with the faulting dynamics controlled by a strength weakening law.We model the coseismic response of the off-fault fracture network subject to both static and dynamic triggering effects.We further diagnose the distribution of fracture hydro-mechanical properties(e.g.mechanical/hydraulic aperture,hydraulic transmissivity)before and after the earthquake in order to quantify earthquakeinduced hydraulic changes in the fracture network.It is found that earthquake-induced fracture transmissivity changes tend to follow a power-law decay with the distance to the earthquake fault.Our simulation results and insights obtained have important implications for the long-term performance assessment of nuclear waste repositories in fractured crystalline rocks.
基金the Department of Science and Technology,Government of Gujarat for providing the necessary funds for the study。
文摘In this paper,we present observations of free oscillations of the Earth after major earthquakes in Chile(February 27,2010,Mw8.8)and Japan(March 11,2011,Mw9.1)using data from the dual-sphere superconducting gravimeter(SG-055),installed at Badargadh(23°0.47 N,70°0.62 E),Kutch,Gujarat,India in March 2009.To see the noise characteristics,we calculated the power spectral density of the gravity time series of 5 quiet days in the frequency band 0.05-20 mHz using the new low noise model(NLNM)as a reference.We compared the noise level of the Badargadh site to other SG sites around the world.This shows that the Badargadh SG is in a low noise state.We find that the noise increases at frequencies below 1 mHz.Such a characteristic is also observed in Djougou(Afrique,Benin)and Strasbourg(France).Using theoretical tides for Gujarat,we estimated a scale factor of about-814 nm/s~2/V for Gravl(lowersphere)and about-775 nm/s~2/V for Grav2(upper-sphere).We corrected the influence of atmospheric pressure from the one-second gravity data before switching to the frequency domain.We extracted a total of 53 Earth’s Free Oscillations(EFO)modes during the earthquake in Japan and about 47 EFO modes during the earthquake in Chile.We are able to extract the lowest0S2spheroidal mode(0.30945 mHz or54 min)and0S0radial mode(0.81439 mHz or 20 min).The longer time series shows individual0S2singlets and0S3(0.46855 mHz)singlets due to the Coriolis splitting effect.We cross-referenced the frequencies of these modes using the PREM model and previous global observations.The correlation coefficient between the observed and the PREM model for these two events are 0.999 for Japan earthquake and 0.993 for Chile earthquake.This validates the quality of the data useful for low-frequency studies in seismology.We also calculated the relative deviations of our observed fundamental modes with previously determined observed and theoretical values.We found that the relative deviations of our observed free oscillations do not exceed 0.5%,indicating good correlations.
基金financially supported by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) grant under National Research Program for Universities (NRPU) with No: (20-14681/NRPU/R&D/HEC/20212021)。
文摘The geological and geographical position of the Northwest Himalayas makes it a vulnerable area for mass movements particularly landslides and debris flows. Mass movements have had a substantial impact on the study area which is extending along Karakorum Highway(KKH) from Besham to Chilas. Intense seismicity, deep gorges, steep terrain and extreme climatic events trigger multiple mountain hazards along the KKH, among which debris flow is recognized as the most destructive geohazard. This study aims to prepare a field-based debris flow inventory map at a regional scale along a 200 km stretch from Besham to Chilas. A total of 117 debris flows were identified in the field, and subsequently, a point-based debris-flow inventory and catchment delineation were performed through Arc GIS analysis. Regional scale debris flow susceptibility and propagation maps were prepared using Weighted Overlay Method(WOM) and Flow-R technique sequentially. Predisposing factors include slope, slope aspect, elevation, Topographic Roughness Index(TRI), Topographic Wetness Index(TWI), stream buffer, distance to faults, lithology rainfall, curvature, and collapsed material layer. The dataset was randomly divided into training data(75%) and validation data(25%). Results were validated through the Receiver Operator Characteristics(ROC) curve. Results show that Area Under the Curve(AUC) using WOM model is 79.2%. Flow-R propagation of debris flow shows that the 13.15%, 22.94%, and 63.91% areas are very high, high, and low susceptible to debris flow respectively. The propagation predicated by Flow-R validates the naturally occurring debris flow propagation as observed in the field surveys. The output of this research will provide valuable input to the decision makers for the site selection, designing of the prevention system, and for the protection of current infrastructure.
基金the Water and Wastewater Company of East Azarbaijan Province for providing the funding for this research
文摘Considering the importance of fractured rock aquifers in the hydrogeologic process,this research aimed to analyze the flow regime,internal degree of karstification,and estimate storage volume in fractured rock aquifers of the Germi Chai Basin in northwest Iran,which is attributed to its active tectonics,erosion,and the lithological diversity.Given the geological setting,the hypothesis is that this basin is characterized by a high degree of karstification and diffuse or intermediate flow regime leading to variation in discharge flow rate.The hydrodynamic and hadrochemical analysis was conducted on 9 well distributed springs across the basin from 2019 to 2020.The maximum flow rate in most of the springs appeared in the early wet season despite their different levels of fluctuations on the monthly discharge time series.Analyzing the spring recession curve form revealed an aquifer containing multiple micro-regimes withαrecession coefficients and a degree of karstification ranging between 0.001 to 0.06 and 0.55 to 2.61,respectively.These findings indicated a dominant diffuse and intermediate flow system resulting from the development of a high density of fractures in this area.The electrical conductivity of the spring changes inversely proportional to the change in flow discharge,indicating the reasonable hydrological response of the aquifer to rainfall events.Hydrograph analysis revealed that the delay time of spring discharge after rainfall events mostly varies between 10 to 30 days.The total dynamic storage volume of the spring for a given period(2019-2020)was estimated to be approximately 1324 million cubic meters reflecting the long-term drainage potential and high perdurability of dynamic storage.Estimating the maximum and minimum ratio revealed that the springs recharging system in Germi Chai Basin comes under the slow aquifers category.This finding provides valuable insight into the hydrogeological properties of fractured rock aquifers contributing to effective water management strategy.
文摘In this study,we report for thefirst time an Early Palaeozoic basement diorite from the drilled well Nirona-A in the Banni Half-Graben of the Kutch basin,western India.The 40Ar–39Ar dates provided a plateau age of 441.84±2.66 Ma and another pseudo plateau of 441.28±5.82 to 388.08±16.65 Ma for the basement diorite.These ages constrain the basement formation age to the Late Ordovician-Early Silurian period.The obtained basement ages are correlatable with the later part of Cambro-Ordovician alkaline magmatism that has been reported from the Huqf area in Central Oman,whereas their lithological and petrographic correlativity with base-ment diorites occurring in the Dinsi Body of Nagar Parkar igneous complex in Pakistan can also be envisaged.The geochemical studies characterized the diorite with enrich-ment of LILE(Rb,Ba,and K)and LREE(La,Ce,Nd),strong depletion of HFSE(Nb,Sr,P,and Ti),along with weakly negative Eu anomalies.The geochemical signatures indicate their petrogenetic affiliation with mantle-derived magmas,as well as their tectonic setting to be arc-related,having post-collisional continental-arc type affinity.The*440 Ma basement of Kutch,therefore,appears to rep-resent the later thermal event associated with the reworked Neoproterozoic subduction-related suite from Greater India’s northwest edge,which has implications for Gond-wana assembly in the northwest Indian subcontinent.
文摘The tensile strength at the rock-concrete interface is one of the crucial factors controlling the failure mechanisms of structures,such as concrete gravity dams.Despite the critical importance of the failure mechanism and tensile strength of rock-concrete interfaces,understanding of these factors remains very limited.This study investigated the tensile strength and fracturing processes at rock-mortar interfaces subjected to direct and indirect tensile loadings.Digital image correlation(DIC)and acoustic emission(AE)techniques were used to monitor the failure mechanisms of specimens subjected to direct tension and indirect loading(Brazilian tests).The results indicated that the direct tensile strength of the rock-mortar specimens was lower than their indirect tensile strength,with a direct/indirect tensile strength ratio of 65%.DIC strain field data and moment tensor inversions(MTI)of AE events indicated that a significant number of shear microcracks occurred in the specimens subjected to the Brazilian test.The presence of these shear microcracks,which require more energy to break,resulted in a higher tensile strength during the Brazilian tests.In contrast,microcracks were predominantly tensile in specimens subjected to direct tension,leading to a lower tensile strength.Spatiotemporal monitoring of the cracking processes in the rock-mortar interfaces revealed that they show AE precursors before failure under the Brazilian test,whereas they show a minimal number of AE events before failure under direct tension.Due to different microcracking mechanisms,specimens tested under Brazilian tests showed lower roughness with flatter fracture surfaces than those tested under direct tension with jagged and rough fracture surfaces.The results of this study shed light on better understanding the micromechanics of damage in the rock-concrete interfaces for a safer design of engineering structures.
基金funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China(State Key Research Plan,No.2017YFC0601302).
文摘Suites of granitic and metamorphic rocks form a perfect geological environment in which to investigate the source of metals related to gold deposits.In the East Province of Cameroon,the source of metals-related gold(grade~4.6 g/t)that occurs within metamorphic and granitic rocks remains ambiguous.The host rocks were subjected to XRF and ICP-MS whole-rock geochemistry and BSE/EDS mineral analyses to investigate the source(s)of metals related to gold in the Province.Petrographically,chalcopyrite-pyrite and magnetite-ilmenite are the main sulfi des and oxides of granites,respectively.The low-grade metamorphic rocks are sulfi de-rich consisting of arsenopyrite,chalcopyrite,pyrite,and sphalerite,and oxides include magnetite,ilmenite,hematite,and rutile.Cu,Ni,Co,Sb,Sc,and Zn concentrations depleted in high-grade metamorphic rocks and granites compared to low-grade metamorphic rocks.As well,Bi,Cd,Co,Cu,Ni,Sb,V,W,and Zn concentrations decrease with increasing temperatures from low-grade rocks to high-grade rocks and granites.The suite of depleted elements in high-grade rocks and granites is almost identical to those enriched in gold occurrences.We conclude that metals(Bi,Cd,Co,Cu,Ni,Sb,and Zn)related to gold mineralization in the East Province of Cameroon likely originated from metal-rich low-grade metamorphic rocks during prograde metamorphic processes prior to partial melting.
基金financial support from Taishan Scholars Program(Grant No.2019KJG002)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.42272329 and 52279116).
文摘The damage of rock joints or fractures upon shear includes the surface damage occurring at the contact asperities and the damage beneath the shear surface within the host rock.The latter is commonly known as off-fault damage and has been much less investigated than the surface damage.The main contribution of this study is to compare the results of direct shear tests conducted on saw-cut planar joints and tension-induced rough granite joints under normal stresses ranging from 1 MPa to 50 MPa.The shear-induced off-fault damages are quantified and compared with the optical microscope observation.Our results clearly show that the planar joints slip stably under all the normal stresses except under 50 MPa,where some local fractures and regular stick-slip occur towards the end of the test.Both post-peak stress drop and stick-slip occur for all the rough joints.The residual shear strength envelopes for the rough joints and the peak shear strength envelope for the planar joints almost overlap.The root mean square(RMS)of asperity height for the rough joints decreases while it increases for the planar joint after shear,and a larger normal stress usually leads to a more significant decrease or increase in RMS.Besides,the extent of off-fault damage(or damage zone)increases with normal stress for both planar and rough joints,and it is restricted to a very thin layer with limited micro-cracks beneath the planar joint surface.In comparison,the thickness of the damage zone for the rough joints is about an order of magnitude larger than that of the planar joints,and the coalesced micro-cracks are generally inclined to the shear direction with acute angles.The findings obtained in this study contribute to a better understanding on the frictional behavior and damage characteristics of rock joints or fractures with different roughness.
文摘Objective:To explore the impact of Ficus carica fruit aqueous extract on fertility parameters in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced male rats.Methods:Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four different groups.All groups except a normal control group were induced with 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin(STZ)intravenously to induce diabetes.A positive control group was treated with an antidiabetic drug,metformin(500 mg/kg)whereas a negative control group remained untreated throughout the experiment.Meanwhile,another diabetic rat group received treatment with 400 mg/kg of aqueous Ficus carica fruit extract.Rats in the treatment group were administered Ficus carica fruit aqueous extract daily through forcefeeding via oral gavage for a 21-day period.Assessments included the sperm quality(count,motility and morphology),histology of the testes,serum testosterone and fasting blood glucose(FBG)level.Results:The FBG level of the Ficus carica-treated rats exhibited a significant decrease compared to the negative control group(P<0.05).Sperm quality analysis also indicated that the aqueous Ficus carica extract had significant positive effects on sperm count and motility(P<0.05).The histology of the testes in Ficus caricatreated rats revealed an improved cell arrangement in the germinal cell layer.Furthermore,serum testosterone level showed an increment in the Ficus carica treatment group in comparison to the negative control group.Conclusions:Our findings provide compelling evidence for the profertility and anti-hyperglycemic properties of aqueous Ficus carica fruit extract in diabetic-induced male rats.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.42172035,42062005 and 41572024)the China Geological Survey(Grant No.DD20221648)+1 种基金Yunnan Province Science and Technology Department(Grant No.202305AD160031,202401AT070012)the project entitled 1:50000 Regional Geological Survey of Dazhuang,Fabiao,Ditu,and Dianzhong Sheets in Yunnan Province(Grant No.D202207).
文摘The Jiangchuan Biota from the Jiucheng Member(Mb.)of the Dengying Formation(Fm.),discovered in Jiangchuan,eastern Yunnan,China,is marked by copious macrofossils at the apex of the Ediacaran strata.This fauna features benthic algae with varied holdfasts and other fossils of indeterminate taxonomic affinity and is compositionally unique compared to the Shibantan and Gaojiashan biotas of the Dengying Fm.and the Miaohe and Wenghui biotas of the Doushantuo Fm.,elsewhere in China.One novel benthic saccular macroalgal fossil,named here Houjiashania yuxiensis gen.and sp.nov.,from the Jiangchuan Biota is based on fossils that are sausage-shaped,elongate,tubular,ranging from 0.3 to 4 cm in length,and up to 0.8 cm in diameter.One terminus is blunt and rounded to an obtuse angle,the other is bent with a spread-out surface resembling a holdfast,suggesting a three-dimensional thallus.Thin,stipe-shaped outgrowths,likely vestiges of sessile saccular life forms,are prevalent in macroalgal fossils of analogous size and shape,as well as present brown algae Scytosiphonaceae,such as Colpomenia and Dactylosiphon.The new findings augment the diversity of benthic algae,such as those known from the Early Neoproterozoic Longfengshan Biota in North China.The benthic algal macrofossils in the Jiucheng Mb.add to knowledge of Late Ediacaran metaphyte diversification and offer more clues about the evolutionary positioning of primitive macroalgae.The co-occurrence of numerous planktonic and benthic multicellular algae and planktonic microbes might have facilitated ecologically the more extensive later Cambrian explosion evidenced by the Chengjiang Biota in Yunnan.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2022YFC2905001)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.42272093,42230813)+1 种基金the Basic Research Fund of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences(Grant Nos.JKYZD202316,KK2116)the China Scholarship Council project and the Geological Survey project(Grant No.DD20230054).
文摘Rubidium(Rb)deposits mostly occur in the South China and Central Asia orogenic belts and are often closely associated with highly differentiated granites.This study investigates a newly-discovered giant Rb deposit at Gariatong in the Central Lhasa terrane in Tibet.Detailed field studies and logging data revealed that the Rb mineralization mainly occurs in monzogranite and is related to greisenization.LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of zircon yielded ages of 19.1±0.2 Ma and 19.0±0.2 Ma for greisenized monzogranite and fresh monzogranite,respectively.The monzogranites are characterized as strongly peraluminous,with high contents of SiO2,Al2O3,K2O and Na2O as well as a high differentiation index.They are enriched in light rare earth and large ion lithophile elements with significant negative Eu anomalies and depleted high fieldstrength elements.Petrological and geochemical features of these ore-related monzogranites suggest that they are highly fractionated S-type granites,derived from remelting of crustal materials in a post-collisional setting.The geochemistry of zircon and apatite points to a low oxygen fugacity of the ore-related monzogranite during the magma’s evolution.The discovery of the Gariatong Rb deposit suggests that the Central Lhasa terrane may be an important region for rare metal mineralization.
文摘A regional study connecting geolelectrical surveys with geology and hydrogeology was carried out in the western part of the Iullemmeden basin, precisely in the Dosso region in Niger. One hundred and four (104) vertical electrical sounds have been realized, among them nineteen representative were thus be used as parametric surveys. The local resistivity values of the geological formations of Quaternary range from 100 Ω⋅m to 1000 Ω⋅m (sands and lateritic sandstones). The Oligo-Miocene formation of the Continental terminal (Ct) shows resistivity values ranging from 1 to 5 Ω⋅m (brackish groundwaters) to 1500 Ω⋅m (clay sandstones) while the Upper Cretaceous formation of the Continental “hamadien” (Ch) indicates values ranging from 20 Ω⋅m (sandy clay) to 5000 Ω⋅m (clayey sandstones). The geological formations of Paleocene have values from 2 Ω⋅m (marls) to 60 Ω⋅m (calcareous marl), while the Precambrian basement exhibits values of granite around 300 Ω⋅m to 60,000 Ω⋅m. The update of the structural settings reveals many faults in the study area which explain both the shape of the basin and the geometry of the aquifers. Tectonics is also consistent with the hydraulic characteristics of aquifers. In addition, brackish groundwaters were identified as perched aquifer groundwaters in different depths in Dosso region. They probably come from the marine brines during the regression of the Paleocene Sea.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(72221002,42271375)the Strategic Priority Research Program(XDA28060100)the Informatization Plan Project(CAS-WX2021PY-0109)of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
文摘Accurate cropland information is critical for agricultural planning and production,especially in foodstressed countries like China.Although widely used medium-to-high-resolution satellite-based cropland maps have been developed from various remotely sensed data sources over the past few decades,considerable discrepancies exist among these products both in total area and in spatial distribution of croplands,impeding further applications of these datasets.The factors influencing their inconsistency are also unknown.In this study,we evaluated the consistency and accuracy of six cropland maps widely used in China in circa 2020,including three state-of-the-art 10-m products(i.e.,Google Dynamic World,ESRI Land Cover,and ESA WorldCover)and three 30-m ones(i.e.,GLC_FCS30,GlobeLand 30,and CLCD).We also investigated the effects of landscape fragmentation,climate,and agricultural management.Validation using a ground-truth sample revealed that the 10-m-resolution WorldCover provided the highest accuracy(92.3%).These maps collectively overestimated Chinese cropland area by up to 56%.Up to 37%of the land showed spatial inconsistency among the maps,concentrated mainly in mountainous regions and attributed to the varying accuracy of cropland maps,cropland fragmentation and management practices such as irrigation.Our work shed light on the promotion of future cropland mapping efforts,especially in highly inconsistent regions.
文摘This paper is intended to explore soil organic matter and carbon isotope fractionation at three locations of the Passaic River to determine if microbial degradation of organic contaminants in soil is correlated to the surrounding physical environment. Microbial degradation of organic contaminants is important for the detoxification of toxic substances thereby minimizing stagnation in the environment and accumulating in the food chain. Since organic contaminants are not easily dissolved in water, they will penetrate sediment and end up enriching the adjacent soil. The hypothesis that we are testing is microbial activity and carbon isotope fractionation will be greater in preserved soils than urban soils. The reason why this is expected to be the case is the expectation of higher microbial activity in preserved environments due to less exposure to pollutants, better soil structure, higher organic matter content, and more favorable conditions for microbial growth. This is contrasted with urban soils, which are impacted by pollutants and disturbances, potentially inhibiting microbial activity. We wish to collect soil samples adjacent to the Passaic River at a pristine location, Great Swamp Wildlife Refuge, a suburban location, Goffle Brook Park, Hawthorne NJ, and an urban location, Paterson NJ. These soil samples will be weighed for soil organic matter (SOM) and weighed for isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) to test organic carbon isotopes. High SOM and δ13C depletion activity indicate microbial growth based on the characteristics of the soil horizon rather than the location of the soil sample which results in degradation of organic compounds.
文摘This study was focused to assess major and trace elements in bauxitic duricrusts from Ngaoundal and its surroundings in order to establish their mining interest. To this end, fieldworks, mineralogical and geochemical analyses were carried out. Four facies of duricrust were identified and characterized from the summit to the top of the slope of the Ngaoundal mountain: scoriaceous, pisolitic, nodular and massive. Mineralogical and geochemical analyses performed on 16 samples, revealed a significant concentration of Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> mainly in the scoriaceous facies (over 45% in grade), moderate in Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> (averaging 23.69%) and SiO<sub>2</sub> (averaging 21.7%). Trace elements were generally low, excluding Cr (421 ppm on average), Zr (327 ppm on average and V (213 ppm on average). In addition, the limited quantities of alkalis (Na<sub>2</sub>O, K<sub>2</sub>O) and alkaline earths metals (MgO, CaO) coupled with the very high values of Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) and Mineralogical Index of Alteration (MIA), (more than 99%) attest to the intense weathering of the studied materials. Allitization and monosiallitization constituted the crystallochemical phenomena that have led to the development of bauxitic minerals. More than 90% of gibbsite in scoriaceous facies, 52.21% - 76.01% of kaolinite in pisolitic facies and more than 40% of hematite in nodular facies were quantified. The relationships between the constitutive components indicated their interdependency during the bauxitization phenomenon. The mineralogical and geochemical properties highlighted the mining interest of the studied duricrusts to be valorized.
文摘Cholera remains a public health threat in most developing countries in Asia and Africa including Malawi with seasonal recurrent outbreaks. Malawi’s recent Cholera outbreak in 2022 and 2023, exhibited higher morbidity and mortality rates than the past two decades. Lack of spatiotemporal-based technology and variability assessment tools in Malawi’s Cholera monitoring and management, limit our understanding of the disease’s epidemiology. The present work developed a spatiotemporal variability model for Cholera disease at district level and its relationship to socioeconomic and climatic factors based on cumulative confirmed Cholera cases in Malawi from March 2022 to July 2023 using Z-score statistic and multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) in a Geographical Information System (GIS). We found out that socioeconomic factors such as access to safe drinking water, population density and poverty level, and climatic factors including temperature and rainfall strongly influenced Cholera prevalence in a complex and multifaceted manner. The model shows that Lilongwe, Mangochi, Blantyre and Balaka districts were highly vulnerable to Cholera disease followed by lakeshore districts of Salima, Nkhotakota, Nkhata-Bay and Karonga than other districts. We recommend strategic measures such as Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions, community awareness on proper water storage, Cholera case management, vaccination campaigns and spatial-based surveillance systems in the most affected districts. This research has shown that MGWR, as a surveillance system, has the potential of providing insights on the disease’s spatial patterns for public health authorities to identify high-risk districts and implement early response interventions to reduce the spread of the disease.
文摘The findings of a study to ascertain and assess the petrophysical characteristics of Cape Three Points reservoirs in the Western basin with a view to describe the reservoir quantitatively using Well Logs, Petrel and Techlog. The investigated characteristics, which were all deduced from geophysical wire-line logs, include lithology, porosity, permeability, fluid saturation, and net to gross thickness. To characterise the reservoir on the field, a suite of wire-line logs including gamma ray, resistivity, spontaneous potential, and density logs for three wells (WELL_1X, WELL_2X, and WELL_3X) from the Tano Cape Three Point basin were studied. The analyses that were done included lithology delineation, reservoir identification, and petrophysical parameter determination for the identified reservoirs. The tops and bases of the three wells analysed were marked at a depth of 1203.06 - 2015.64 m, 3863.03 - 4253.85 m and 2497.38 - 2560.32 m respectively. There were no hydrocarbons in the reservoirs from the studies. The petrophysical parameters computed for each reservoir provided porosities of 13%, 3% and 11% respectively. The water saturation also determined for these three wells (WELL_1X, WELL_2X and WELL_3X) were 94%, 95% and 89% respectively. These results together with the behaviour of the density and neutron logs suggested that these wells are wildcat wells.
文摘This research initiative, conducted along the coastal zones of Al Hamama and Susah in northeastern Libya, aimed to enhance our understanding of Holocene benthic foraminifera assemblages and the paleoenvironmental parameters in the region. We meticulously gathered five sediment samples to analyze the composition of foraminifera populations within the unconsolidated sedimentary deposits adjacent to these locations. We successfully identified nine distinct benthic foraminifera species, including Amphistegina lobifera, Eliphidium crispum, Sigmoilinita tenuis, Sorites orbiculus, Stomatorbina concentrica, Peneroplis planatus, Pseudotriloculina rotunda, Pyrgoella sphaera, and Triloculina schreberiana. Notably, Eliphidium crispum and Amphistegina lobifera emerged as the most prevalent species. These foraminifera species exhibited distinct ecological preferences, shedding light on paleoenvironmental conditions and climatic fluctuations during the Quaternary Period in the Susah and Al Hamama coastal regions. The presence of Orbulina universa, a planktonic foraminifera species, further enriched our understanding of the paleoenvironment by providing insights into specific water depths and temperature ranges. This research significantly contributes to paleoceanography and environmental reconstruction, highlighting the invaluable use of foraminifera as proxies for exploring past environmental changes. Additionally, the study investigated the impacts of anthropogenic influences on benthic ecosystems in the Al Hamama and Susah coastal areas. These influences included reworked foraminifera specimens and the effects of karst formations, acid rain, and eutrophication. Notably, human-induced factors have visibly affected biogenic fauna and ecosystem dynamics in the study area. Consequently, this research provides valuable insights into paleoenvironmental conditions and ecological dynamics within the Susah and Al Hamama coastal regions, emphasizing the crucial role of foraminifera in reconstructing historical environmental fluctuations.
文摘The aim of this study of the spatial dispersion of tin, niobium and tantalum mineralization associated with the Mayo Darlé granitoids was to produce prospecting guides through predictive maps of Sn, Nb and Ta in the region. It was based on a database (in appendix) obtained after analysis of rock samples (greisens and quartz veins) collected in the field, using a portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. Two approaches were used: 1) structural studies in the field using the directions of veins and fractures 2) the use of variographic maps, an essential element in geostatistics for determining directional anisotropies. A joint synthesis of the modelling results shows that tin, tantalum and niobium mineralization at Mayo Darlé is concentrated along strike intervals N315E to N320E, with mineralization also occurring along strike N35E for high-grade Sn, medium-grade Ta and low-grade Nb. In short, mineral concentrations disperse progressively in space: positively from east to west for tantalum and niobium, and inversely for tin.
基金supported by funds from the Natural Science and Engineering Council of Canada
文摘<正>In more than 4 Ga of geological evolution,the Earth has twice gone through extreme climatic perturbations, when extensive glaciations occurred,together with alternating warm periods which were accompanied by atmospheric oxygenation.The younger of these two episodes of climatic oscillation preceded the Cambrian 'explosion' of metazoan life forms,but similar extreme climatic conditions existed between about 2.4 and 2.2 Ga.Over long time periods,changing solar luminosity and mantle temperatures have played important roles in regulating Earth's climate but both periods of climatic upheaval are associated with supercontinents.Enhanced weathering on the orogenically and thermally buoyed supercontinents would have stripped CO_2 from the atmosphere,initiating a cooling trend that resulted in continental glaciation.Ice cover prevented weathering so that CO_2 built up once more,causing collapse of the ice sheets and ushering in a warm climatic episode.This negative feedback loop provides a plausible explanation for multiple glaciations of the Early and Late Proterozoic,and their intimate association with sedimentary rocks formed in warm climates.Between each glacial cycle nutrients were flushed into world oceans, stimulating photosynthetic activity and causing oxygenation of the atmosphere.Accommodation for many ancient glacial deposits was provided by rifting but escape from the climatic cycle was predicated on breakup of the supercontinent,when flooded continental margins had a moderating influence on weathering. The geochemistry of Neoproterozoic cap carbonates carries a strong hydrothermal signal,suggesting that they precipitated from deep sea waters,overturned and spilled onto continental shelves at the termination of glaciations.Paleoproterozoic(Huronian) carbonates of the Espanola Formation were probably formed as a result of ponding and evaporation in a hydrothermally influenced,restricted rift setting.Why did metazoan evolution not take off after the Great Oxidation Event of the Paleoproterozoic? The answer may lie in the huge scar left by the ~2023 Ma Vredefort impact in South Africa,and in the worldwide organic carbon-rich deposits of the Shunga Event,attesting to the near-extirpation of life and possible radical alteration of the course of Earth history.
