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COMPUTATION OF DREDGED MATERIAL AND SELECTION OF THE BEST KRIGING METHOD

In this study, it is demanded that a preparatory survey for an oil well location be carried out and the estimated number of dredged materials be calculated at various sections inside the perimeter of an oil mining lease (OML 38) located at Ovhor field, Niger Delta Region, Nigeria. Seven sub-sectional areas initially earmarked for dredging at predetermined depths were delineated for different purposes to accomplish the dredging task. The total sum of the seven sectional areas calculated was 89,321.31m2. Of the seven sub-sectional areas, the volume of dredged material was calculated for only five by multiplying the obtained two-dimensional areas by the designed depth. The two sub-sections exempted from dredging were because depths are appropriate at these locations. The total volume of dredged material, therefore, calculated was 56,630.73m3. Recording and monitoring of tidal observations and analysis complement bathymetry and dredging activities. Due to the rugged terrain, interpolation remains a viable option to predict spatial variability at unsampled dredged lines. To achieve this, different kriging methods were investigated before finally choosing the best. The model that made the most accurate predictions was “Indicator Kriging” with a mean error of 0.000364 and a root-mean-square-standardized error of 0.806. This result is geostatistically acceptable when predicting spatial variability at an un-sampled location. The indicator kriging approach was subsequently used to predict the spatial variability of the un-sampled locations encountered in the study area.

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CONCEPT OF CHANNEL PLANFORMS CHANGES ON POTENTIAL RIVER FLOODING

This study investigated the effect of channel planforms changes on potential river flooding in Kaduna state (River Kaduna as case study); with the aim to ascertain the effects of river channel planform on its potential flooding and put measures in place to advert the environmental menace. Topographic maps covering the entire course of the river and the characteristics of the river to be studied were obtained from the federal ministry of survey. The reliability of satellite images was verified by ground measurements using a 30m Surveyor’s tape on four bridges that cross River Kaduna. The measurements obtained were compared with correspondent measurements on the satellite image and found that the ground measurements and the measurements on both SPOT and Sentinel images were close. Three reaches (Meander 1, 2, 3; Straight reach 1, 2, 3 and Braided reach 1, 2, 3) were selected for this study. Variations measured along the river were changes in channel width, changes in sinuosity index, changes in braiding index channel lateral migration and changes in channel length from 1962 to 2017. The results showed a reduction in the channels width in all the reaches from average of 190m in 1962 to 74m in 2017; the sinuosity index was low in the duration considered (average of 1,15) while the braiding index value had a mean of 0.55. Channel migration also reduced from an average of 82m in 1962 to 53m in 2017 while the river reduced by 12% within this same period. The propensity of river flooding in the study area is high hence there is the need to carry out channel improvement, early warning system and desiltation of the river in order to eliminate the potential danger.

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MESOZOIC DELTAIC SYSTEM AND SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHIC MODEL OF THE LOWER JURASSIC DATTA FORMATION ALONG THE WESTERN SALT RANGE, PAKISTAN

In this research, the Early Jurassic Datta Formation from three outcrop sections of the western Salt Range has been extensively studied to elucidate facies architecture, sedimentary features, diagenetic features, sequence stratigraphy, and depositional model. Datta Formation is well exposed with massive thickness in the western Salt Range and the Trans Indus Ranges, while tapering in the central Salt Range further eastward, it dies out. Its mainly dominated by variegated sandstone, siltstone, shale, fire clays, laterites, and carbonates. Seven lithofacies has been identified and interpreted in the Datta Formation, i.e., (i). Fluvial Meandering Lithofacies (JDL-01), (ii). Braided Fluvial Lithofacies (JDL-02), (iii). Lateritic Lithofacies (JDL-03), (iv). Flood Plain Lithofacies (JDL-04), (v). Siliciclastic Lagoon Lithofacies (JDL-05), (vi). Carbonates dominant Lagoon Lithofacies (JDL-06), (vii). Swamps related Deltaic Lithofacies (JDL-07). Sequence stratigraphic analysis is primarily based on recognizing sequence surfaces, finning-coarsening upward trends, and types of facies. Two transgressive-regressive cycles are identified in the south-eastern section (Kassan Nala and Kaowali sections), while four sequences are identified in the Nammal Gorge section. These sequences are started with the underlying sequence boundary of LST and ended with the sequence bounding surface after HST. Datta Formation is possibly deposited in fluvial to deltaic environments in the study area, revealing a prograding delta with a shoreline oriented in the SW-NE direction and the siliciclastic detritus fed the fluvial system running over the Indian cratonic basement in the direction of N-NW. The lower part of the formation is deposited in fluvial settings, probably in the incised valley. The point bar sequences result from meandering channel facies and show association with overlying flood plain/overbank facies. Moreover, the lagoonal facies mainly covered the upper part of the formation and displayed mixed lithologies of delta plain to delta front setting. However, the repetition of these lithofacies in the study area at several points indicates the recurrence of depositional phases. The carbonaceous shales and coal streaks are evident by the presence of swamp or marshy lands. These conditions meet the criteria of deltaic settings. Furthermore, several laterites and fire clay horizons are also argue periodic sub-aerial exposure of the depositional area. Thus it is concluded that the depositional area lies in a fluvial to deltaic setting with major distributary channels and their flood plain in the adjoining delta plain to delta front part.

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HYDROGEOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF WATER IN THE AYANFURI AREA: IMPLICATIONS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION AND IRRIGATION

The study of groundwater and surface water in the Ayanfuri area of the Central Region of Ghana has been carried out using hydrochemical analysis and geochemical modelling to determine its suitability for human consumption and irrigation purposes. A total of 77 samples were collected from community boreholes, observation boreholes, Tailing Storage Facility (TSF) boreholes, and streams and analyzed for geochemical parameters. Sodium is the dominant cation for all the sampling sites except for TSF boreholes which are calcium-dominated. Also, the dominant anion is bicarbonate for all sampling sites, except for streams that are sulphate-dominated. The hydrochemical facies in the sampling sites are Na-Mg-HCO3 (54.55%), Na-Mg-HCO3-Cl (23.08%), Na-Mg-HCO3 (22.22%), Na-Mg-HCO3-Cl (22.86%) representing community boreholes, observation boreholes, TSF borehole, and streams, respectively. Water-rock interaction, atmospheric precipitation patterns, ion exchange reactions, and breath dissolution/erosion of plagioclase feldspars serve as the mechanisms influencing the chemical composition of the various water sampling sites. The geochemical modelling reveals the signatures of calcite, dolomite, and gypsum as the main mineral phases. From the water quality guidelines of WHO and WQI classifications, the water is suitable for consumption purposes. Also, the results of the sodium adsorption ratio, sodium percentage, and magnesium hazard indicate that the water in the study area is suitable for irrigation purposes.

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ASSESSMENT OF RESERVOIR PERFORMANCE IN THE CZ FIELD, NIGER DELTA BASIN, UTILIZING INTEGRATED FACIES AND PETROPHYSICAL ANALYSES FOR PREDICTIVE MODELING

The “CZ” field refers to a promising hydrocarbon reservoir situated inside the Niger Delta region in Nigeria. The field is characterised by the presence of three distinct reservoir zones, namely the Agbada, Benin, and Akata formations. The research employed a multidisciplinary methodology to assess the hydrocarbon potential of the field, using techniques such as well log analysis, seismic interpretation, and petrophysical modelling. The findings of the research indicate that the “CZ” region has noteworthy potential for hydrocarbon resources. The aggregate assessed in-situ reserves of oil and gas amount to 1.2 billion barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) and 8.0 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of gas, correspondingly. The expected recovery factor for oil in the field is 20%, while for petrol it is predicted to be 80%. The study has identified a number of issues that want attention in order to advance the subject of “CZ.” The problems encompass several factors, namely the existence of water and gas within the reservoir, the intricate structural geology of the field, and the field’s distant geographical position. Notwithstanding these obstacles, the “CZ” sector exhibits the capacity to emerge as a significant hydrocarbon producer. The research offers a significant foundation for subsequent assessment and advancement of the discipline.

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ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION OF STORAGE VESSEL’S IMPACT ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF BOREHOLE WATER FOR IRRIGATION AND DOMESTIC USE SUITABILITY

The impact of storage vessels on stored water quality changes and how it can influence plant growth, and human health through irrigation and domestic uses has been evaluated. The water was collected from the same borehole source at Ebonyi State University and stored in vessels made of plastic, metal, calabash, and clay pot. The samples were tested in the laboratory to ascertain the physiochemical quality of the water. The following ions Cd, Pb, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, K+, and Cl- were identified in each of the storage vessels which vary from the values of the controlled sample and were below their respective WHO permissible limits, except Cd which is significantly higher than WHO limit (>0.0003mg/l). The variation in qualities (odour, taste, colour, and metal concentration) of stored samples implies a significant influence of storage vessels on water quality. The pH range changed to slight alkali and hardness ranges from 160 to 330 mg/l after storage. The non-uniformity of each of the tested parameters among the samples indicated that each vessel had a different degree of impact on water quality during storage. The irrigation parameter and domestic use assessment showed some level of the potential risk to crops and humans mostly indicated by the MAR of calabash and Cd concentration respectively. The significant decrease in Cl- after storage suggests Cl decay, this enhances quality deterioration as microbial growth can be accelerated. The research conclusively noted that water quality deterioration is not an isotropic result of storage vessel influence but an integral impact of storage culture and geogenic factors’ influence on the water before and during storage and varying environmental constraints.

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APPLICATION OF GROUND MAGNETIC METHOD FOR DELINEATION SUBSURFACE STRUCTURAL CONTROL ON SULPHIDE ORE DEPOSIT IN BENUE TROUGH; A CASE STUDY OF IKENYI IZZI

The sulphide ore mineralization occurrence in the area is structurally controlled. However, wrong structural delineation has led to some recorded mine failures and revenue loss faced by investors and government. Therefore, subsurface structural mapping is crucial for the successful and reliable delineation of sulphide ore enrichment zone within the area. To this effect ground magnetic method was used to appraise the structural elements associated with the sulphide mineralization in Ikenyi Izzi area, part of Southern Benue Trough. The total magnetic field intensity (TMI) was recorded, corrected, and separated into regional and residual magnetic fields. The TMI varies from 33259.7–33329.7nT with an average field value of 33299.4nT. Whereas residual susceptibility value ranges from -36.3–25.7nT with significant magnetic closures which correspond to the areas of low and high susceptibility values. Three dominant structural geometries was identified in the area; NE-SW>NW-SE>N-S with few E-W structures. The NE-SW and some N-S structures characterized areas of high magnetic anomaly closures and are associated with the regional trends of the igneous intrusive rocks, whereas NW-SE structures host the ore deposit (Trending ≥N300°) and dominantly associated with areas of low magnetic anomaly zones. The cross-cutting relationship of the NE-SW, N-S and NW-SE structures infers a close association of the intrusions and mineralization, which was validated by ground truthing. The residual susceptibility values of 1 to 10nT and ≥ 10nT were inferred as shale and intrusive rocks respectively. The implication of this study denotes that missing appropriate structural elements delineation could lead to abortive mines target.

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