ABSTRACT Water is essential for life and socio-economic development, yet increasing population pressure and climate change are intensifying freshwater demand. This study delineates groundwater potential zones (GWPZ) in the Baja sub-watershed by integrating geospatial techniques with gravity data to assess surface and subsurface controls on groundwater occurrence. Nine thematic layers: geology, slope, land use/land cover, geomorphology, elevation, soil texture, rainfall, lineament density, and drainage density were evaluated using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The resulting GWPZ map classifies the area into high (12.35 km², 2.93%), moderate (316.80 km², 75.11%), low (92.58 km², 21.95%), and very low (0.06 km², 0.01%) potential zones. High-potential zones are concentrated in the southwestern, southern, and northern parts of the watershed, whereas rugged volcanic terrains in the east and northwest exhibit low potential. Gravity data reveal N–S-oriented subsurface structures acting as groundwater barriers, while NNE–SSW lineaments derived from satellite imagery indicate shallow aquifer systems associated with springs. Validation using 46 well data produced an AUC value of 0.74, confirming good predictive accuracy. This integrated approach supports sustainable groundwater management in climate-affected, water-scarce regions.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the Zagora aquifer, the main water resource in southeastern Morocco, between December 2020 and November 2021, with the aim of assessing groundwater invertebrate diversity and its relationship with water quality. Monthly sampling from nine wells combined physico-chemical analyses with detailed faunal identification. In total, 108 samples yielded 80 taxa, including Gastropoda, Oligochaeta, Ostracoda, Copepoda, Isopoda, Amphipoda, and Insecta, with five stygobiont taxa recorded. Multivariate analyses revealed significant differences between wells, but water quality was not the main driver of faunal distribution. Protected wells, less exposed to pollution, were dominated by dipterans (Chironomidae, Culicidae). Importantly, subterranean crustaceans belonging to Metacrangonyx, Monodella, Magnezia, and Typhlocirolana were identified for the first time in this aquifer. These findings highlight the biodiversity of the Zagora groundwater ecosystem and contribute novel records for Morocco’s subterranean fauna.

ABSTRACT Geological and tectonic characteristics of the Mekong River Rapids in Chiang Khan District, Northern Loei Province, are investigated within the structural context of the Loei-Phetchabun Foldbelt. A multidisciplinary approach – including detailed fieldwork, petrographic analysis, whole-rock geochemistry (major, trace, and rare earth elements), and structural interpretation – reveals a complex lithological assemblage spanning the Middle Devonian to Jurassic periods. Volcanic sequences, including rhyolite, rhyodacite, dacite, and andesite, exhibit calc-alkaline arc signatures. Associated intrusive rocks (aplite and microgranodiorite) are enriched in LREEs and exhibit elevated LaN/YbN (10.06–15.89) and LILE/HFSE ratios, indicating subduction-related magmatism. Sedimentary formations reflect fore-arc basin settings, with Carboniferous strata dominating the east and Permian units in the west. Contact metamorphism has produced marble, garnet-pyroxene skarn, and spotted phyllite. Structural evidence documents multiphase deformation, linked to Indosinian compression followed by post-orogenic extension. The differential persistence of rapids is governed by lithological variability, tectonic uplift, intense monsoonal regimes, and pervasive silica-rich hydrothermal alteration that enhances bedrock competence through silicification. These factors collectively increase resistance to fluvial incision despite pronounced seasonal erosional forces. The findings underscore the complex interplay between lithology, structural deformation, and climatic dynamics in controlling the long-term stability and geomorphic evolution of rapids in tectonically active fluvial landscapes.

ABSTRACT Water is a critical resource for human and ecological sustainability, particularly in semi-arid regions such as Namibia, where surface water is limited and evaporation rates are high. Consequently, communities rely heavily on groundwater, making sustainable groundwater management essential. Understanding groundwater recharge processes is therefore vital. This study delineates groundwater potential recharge zones (GWRZ) in three northern Namibian landscapes Uukolonkadhi, Okatjandja, and Okongo using remote sensing and GIS-based techniques. Satellite-derived thematic layers influencing groundwater recharge were analyzed in ArcGIS 3.2.2 and integrated using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). A cumulative score index (CSI), classified using mean and standard deviation, was applied to identify four recharge potential categories: very high, high, moderate, and low. Results show that more than 80% of the Okongo area falls within very high to high recharge zones, while Okatjandja and Uukolonkadhi are predominantly characterized by moderate to low recharge potential. Validation using the spatial distribution of pans, surface depressions, and seasonal ponds demonstrated strong agreement, with most features occurring in high to very high GWRZ. Additionally, the delineated recharge zones correspond well with aquifer potential classes from Namibia’s hydrogeological map. Areas with high lineament density, unconsolidated sediments, and low drainage density exhibit the highest recharge potential, providing a useful basis for groundwater management and land-use planning.

ABSTRACT The Genus Hippophae L. (Elaeagnaceae), known for its ecological resilience and socio-economic significance, faces increasing threats from habitat degradation and human-induced activities. Despite its importance, research on species’ response to climatic shifts is limited. This study investigates the geographical distribution and habitat suitability of Hippophae to understand how changing environmental conditions affect its distribution patterns in the Himalayan region. Using an ensemble modeling approach, we analyzed the habitat suitability under past, present, and future climatic scenarios. Bioclimatic variables were key determinants of species distribution, with temperature-related factors showing strong influence. The ensemble model, integrating six robust algorithms, showed exceptional predictive accuracy (TSS > 0.80). Analysis of field surveys, online sources, and herbarium data revealed an upward shift in species habitat toward higher elevations in recent decades. Future projections indicate expansion of suitable habitat, particularly in central and eastern regions, with contrasting trends in protected areas. Suitable habitat is projected to expand by 3.32%(2050) and 11.21% (2070) under SSP 2–4.5 and by 11.21% (2050) and 12.42% (2070) under SSP5-8.5. The results predict reduced suitable habitat in west Nepal, with expansion in central and eastern Nepal. The results highlight climate-driven distribution shifts and provides guidance for conservation planning in Nepal.

ABSTRACT Artisanal and small-scale mining refers to labor-intensive and low-tech mineral extraction and processing that usually follows no formal mining regulations. The extent of environmental damage caused by small-scale mining has generated sensitive discussions in Ghana, warranting the need to quantify the amount of mining-related environmental loss. This study seeks to highlight the most recent extent to which vegetative cover has changed in a 158,493-hectare (ha) top artisanal mining district in Ghana. The yearly three standard deviations of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was applied to assess the changes in vegetation. The NDVI was calculated on Harmonized Corpernicus Sentinel 2A/B imagery processed in Google Earth Engine from 01-December to 31-January of each dry season of 2019 to 2023. A vegetation loss rate of 1,464 ha/year, representing a 1.2% reduction in vegetation per year, was found. The analysis showed that the highest vegetation loss of 2,693 ha for a net loss of 2,346 ha was experienced in 2022–2023. The result of this study offers a rapid way to monitoring the fast-changing landscape and damaged farm lands in artisanal mining communities of southern Ghana.. The results imply the need for intervention from the Ghanaian mining authorities to put measures in place to mitigate the negative effects of unregulated mining on the environment.

ABSTRACT Urbanization and land use land cover (LULC) change significantly influence local climate patterns, particularly land surface temperature (LST). This study investigates the spatial and temporal impact of land use and land cover (LULC) changes on land surface temperature (LST) in Jimma city and its surrounding areas from 1987 to 2019 using geospatial and statistical techniques. By employing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods research design, this research integrates multi-temporal satellite imagery analysis with qualitative data from key informant interviews. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive approach, combining the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), and multi-temporal LST regression modeling to assess the relationship between LULC types and LST. The findings revealed a significant increase in settlement and agricultural land from 4.40% and 54.58% in 1987 to 12.27% and 62.40% in 2019, respectively, with a corresponding decrease in forest cover, shrubland, and wetland areas. The mean land surface temperatures soared from 20.53°C and 19.59°C to 26.79°C and 25.82°C from 1987 to 2019 in settlement and agricultural land. A strong negative correlation was observed between LST and NDVI, while a strong positive correlation was found between LST and NDBI indicate highly statistically significant (ρ = 0.000). These results highlight the profound impact of urbanization on the local climate and provide crucial insights for sustainable urban planning and environmental management in rapidly growing cities like Jimma.

ABSTRACT Quantifying the impact of increasing CO2 levels on plant growth traits and carbon sequestration is crucial for forecasting ecosystem dynamics and evaluating climate change mitigation strategies. Here, we aimed to investigate how the growth and carbon sequestration potential of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. a notable agroforestry tree species responds to varying levels of atmospheric CO2 concentration, ranging from ambient level (408 ppm) to elevated levels (450 ppm, 500 ppm, 550 ppm, and 600 ppm), using OSC S-1000 L plant growth chamber. Plant growth in terms of growth traits such as shoot length, leaf length, and leaf width was measured. Carbon sequestration potential was determined by the carbon stock of the whole plant by adopting the loss on ignition method. We found that at 600 ppm, plant growth peaked, showing a 17.13% increase in leaf length, 6.82% in leaf width, and 5.21% in shoot length compared to ambient CO2 level. Likewise, an increase in carbon content of 5.21% was observed at this level. This study highlights both the adaptability of the species and a direct relationship between CO2 levels, growth traits, and carbon content. Our findings not only deepen the understanding of species-specific responses to climate change but also hint at potential strategies for enhancing carbon sequestration in agroforestry systems.

ABSTRACT This research examines drought behavior in the Lake Urmia basin, Iran, over the years 1994 to 2023 using the SRI and a selection of statistical distribution models to improve drought assessment and monitoring. The suitability of each distribution was tested using standard performance measures such as RMSE, MSE, CC, and R2. Among the tested models, the Weibull distribution consistently gave the most reliable results, while the LogLogistic distribution also performed well across most criteria. In contrast, the Stable distribution showed weaker alignment with observed data. At the Chahrigh-Olia station, the LogLogistic model produced the most accurate SRI predictions, with an RMSE of 0.236, MSE of 0.052, CC of 0.993, and R2 of 0.989. The linear equation Y = –3.242 + 0.011X accounted for nearly 99.1% of the observed variation. To assess spatial drought conditions, a map was created using the IDW method for the year 2005, revealing areas under severe hydrological stress. The study supports the application of appropriate distribution functions to improve drought modeling in semi-arid environments. By comparing several distribution models and evaluating their performance across space and time, the analysis offers practical guidance for selecting reliable approaches to streamflow-based drought monitoring and water management planning.