Basement Features Research Articles

Effects of bedrock on the chemical and Sr isotopic compositions of plants

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the chemical and isotopic compositions of plants and the lithology of their growth location. This relationship is one of the principles underlying the geographical discrimination used for agricultural, forestry, and food products. Locations in South Korea with solely basaltic (Jeju), granitic (Gongju), and carbonate (Yeongwol) rocks were selected as test sites, and bedrocks, soils, and plants in each location were sampled. The multi-element compositions and Sr isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) were analyzed for all samples, including various soil fractions (exchangeable, carbonates, silicates) and plant parts (tree leaves, vegetable leaves, and fruits). Based on a preliminary statistical analysis (ANOVA), Ca, Mg, K, Al, Sr concentrations, and 87Sr/86Sr ratios were selected as key variables with greater variability with location. Using these variables, a multivariate statistical analysis was conducted, and three soil fractions and plant parts were successfully discriminated according to their geographical origin (i.e., bedrock type) with statistical significance. The results indicated that Sr isotope ratios of bedrocks can be preserved in soils (except in silicate fractions) and plants throughout weathering and plant physiological processes, and are the most critical variable in the tracing of bedrock characteristics.

Thermal characteristics of permafrost in the steep alpine rock walls of the Aiguille du Midi (Mont Blanc Massif, 3842 m a.s.l)

Abstract. Permafrost and related thermo-hydro-mechanical processes are thought to influence high alpine rock wall stability, but a lack of field measurements means that the characteristics and processes of rock wall permafrost are poorly understood. To help remedy this situation, in 2005 work began to install a monitoring system at the Aiguille du Midi (3842 m a.s.l). This paper presents temperature records from nine surface sensors (eight years of records) and three 10 m deep boreholes (4 years of records), installed at locations with different surface and bedrock characteristics. In line with previous studies, our temperature data analyses showed that: micro-meteorology controls the surface temperature, active layer thicknesses are directly related to aspect and ranged from <2 m to nearly 6 m, and that thin accumulations of snow and open fractures are cooling factors. Thermal profiles empirically demonstrated the coexistence within a single rock peak of warm and cold permafrost (about −1.5 to −4.5 °C at 10 m depth) and the resulting lateral heat fluxes. Our results also extended current knowledge of the effect of snow, in that we found similar thermo-insulation effects as reported for gentle mountain areas. Thick snow warms shaded areas, and may reduce active layer refreezing in winter and delay its thawing in summer. However, thick snow thermo-insulation has little effect compared to the high albedo of snow which leads to cooler conditions at the rock surface in areas exposed to the sun. A consistent inflection in the thermal profiles reflected the cooling effect of an open fracture in the bedrock, which appeared to act as a thermal cutoff in the sub-surface thermal regime. Our field data are the first to be obtained from an Alpine permafrost site where borehole temperatures are below −4 °C, and represent a first step towards the development of strategies to investigate poorly known aspects in steep bedrock permafrost such as the effects of snow cover and fractures.

2-D Spectral Analysis of Aeromagnetic Anomalies over Parts of Monguno and Environs, Northeastern Nigeria

2-D Spectral Analysis of aeromagnetic anomalies over parts of Monguno and environs, northeastern Nigeria was carried out to determine the depth to basement, establish the basement topography and determine the temperature at depths in the area. Data enhancement was carried out to delineate residual features and the more intense anomalies relative to the strong regional gradients. Typical techniques applied were computations of reduction to pole, trend surface analysis, and a number of filtering processes. Results of the 2-D spectral analysis of the aeromagnetic data revealed a two depth source model. The depth to the deeper magnetic source bodies ranges from 1.22 to 3.14 km, with an average depth of 2.341 km. This layer may be attributed to magnetic rocks of the basement, lateral variations in basement susceptibilities and intra- basement features like faults and fractures. The shallower magnetic sources range in depth from 0.12 to 0.93 km, with an average depth of 0.572 km and could be attributed to near surface magnetic sources, which are magnetic rocks that intruded into the sedimentary formations. Based on the computed average sediment thickness obtained in this study together with the temperature at depths in the area, some parts of the study area have been demarcated for detail hydrocarbon exploration in-line with the renewed interest in hydrocarbon exploration in the basin.

하한지지력이 현장타설말뚝의 저항계수에 미치는 영향

한계상태설계법의 하나인 하중저항계수설계법의 이용이 북미를 중심으로 점차 확산되고 있는 가운데, 국내에서도 이에 대한 연구가 활발하게 진행되고 있다. 하지만, 국내에서는 자료가 충분히 확보되지 못하여 기초구조물의 설계에 AASHTO에서 제안한 저항계수를 설계에 이용하고 있다. AASHTO에서 제안하고 있는 저항계수는 북미에 보편적으로 존재하는 암반조건을 이용하여 결정된 저항계수로서, 국내지반에 적합한 저항계수를 독자적으로 개발할 필요가 있다. 또한, 기존의 신뢰성 분석 기법에서는 하중저항계수를 결정할 때, 저항의 최소값을 0으로 가정하는 일반적인 대수정규 분포를 이용하기 때문에, 이로부터 산정한 파괴확률은 비현실적이라고 알려져 있다. 따라서, 이를 개선하기 위하여 저항계수를 산정할 때 저항의 하한값이 0이 아닌, 현실적으로 의미가 있는 하한지지력을 이용하는 방법이 최근에 고안되었다. 따라서, 본 연구에서는 국내에서 수행된 현장타설말뚝 13본에 대한 재하시험자료를 면밀히 분석하여 저항계수를 산정한 다음, 현실성 있는 하한지지력을 산정하여 저항계수 값을 보정하였다. 그 결과, 목표신뢰도지수가 3.0일때, 기존의 신뢰성 분석 기법으로부터 산정된 주면저항계수와 선단저항계수는 각각 0.13-0.32, 0.19-0.29 이었으며, 하한지지력을 보정하여 구한 주면저항계수와 선단저항계수는 Carter & Kulhawy 공식의 경우 각각 8%와 13% 증가하였다. Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) is one of the limit state design methods, and has been used worldwide, especially in North America. Also, the study for LRFD has been actively conducted in Korea. However, the data for LRFD in Korea were not sufficient, so resistance factors suggested by AASTTO have been used for the design in Korea. But the resistance factors suggested by AASHTO represent the characteristics of bedrocks defined in the US, therefore, it is necessary to determine the resistance factors for designs in Korea, which can reflect the characteristics of bedrocks in Korea. Also, the calculated probabilities of failure from conventional reliability analyses which commonly use log-normal distribution are not realistic because of the lower tail that can be extended to zero. Therefore, it is necessary to calibrate the resistance factors considering the lower-bound resistance. Thus, this study calculates the resistance factors using thirteen sets of drilled shaft load test results, and then calibrates the resistance factors considering the lower-bound resistance corresponding to a target reliability index of 3.0. As a result, resistance factors from conventional reliability analyses were determined in the range of 0.13-0.32 for the shaft resistance, and 0.19-0.29 for the base resistance, respectively. Also, the lower bounds of resistance were determined based on the Hoek-Brown failure criteria (2002) and GSI downgrading. Considering the lower-bound resistances, resistance factors increased by 0~8% for the shaft, and 0~13% for the base, respectively.

Prehistoric bedrock features: recent advances in 3D characterization and geometrical analyses

Bedrock features such as hewn mortars, cupmarks and cupules are known around the world. In the Levant they first appear in Natufian sites (ca. 15,500–11,500 Cal BP), in large numbers and a wide variety. Traditional archaeological documentation was commonly limited to hand drawing and general photography. In order to better document these features and provide a high-resolution analysis platform, we hereby introduce a protocol based on photogrammetry, 3D modeling and geometrical characterization even of the deepest features. As case studies, we analyze a deep narrow mortar and a bowl-like mortar from the Natufian site of Raqefet Cave, Mt. Carmel, Israel. Using 20 images per feature was sufficient to create a 3D model for each, with a millimeter level of accuracy. We then characterized each by measurements of volume, shape, vertical and horizontal reflective symmetries. The method offers quick and affordable in-field archaeological recording apparatus, facilitating the derivation of high-resolution 3D models. Using the method provides new avenues for bedrock features documentation and analyses, both on intra- and inter-site levels.

The development of the Betton Farm Coral Bed within the Malton Oolite Member (Upper Jurassic, Middle Oxfordian) of the Scarborough District, North Yorkshire, UK

Summary Betton Farm quarries contain, within a small area, a remarkable range of facies associated with the development of a Jurassic coral reef. A NW–SE-trending barrier reef protected the whole area containing the two quarries. Betton Farm North Quarry displays Thamnasteria patch reefs. These consist of scattered, 1 m high masses of colonial coral surrounded by reef debris that were situated behind the barrier within a large reef platform area. In Betton Farm South Quarry, bioclastic sand, consisting largely of coral and bivalve debris, interdigitates with the development of a small ribbon reef made up of the massive colonial coral Thamnasteria . This ribbon reef, only 3 to 4 m wide, sheltered a lagoonal area that accumulated lime mud and was colonized by large gastropods and burrowing bivalves. A fauna of reef-specializing bivalves and echinoids occupied these areas of patch/ribbon reef development, which were periodically swept by nutrient-bearing currents. Competition between the growth of the ribbon of Thamnasteria and the accumulation of fringing sediments saw periods when the Thamnasteria expanded over the coral-shell sand, and periods when the encroaching sediment cut back the growth of the Thamnasteria considerably. Considered initially to represent the Coral Rag Member of the Coralline Oolite Formation, the Betton Farm Coral Bed is now seen to represent localized coral reef developments situated near the base of the Malton Oolite Member, and growing upon antecedent bedrock features such as hard-ground surfaces that formed during pauses in sedimentation of the Malton Oolite.

Effects of Ninetyeast Ridge Magmatism and Pre India-Eurasia Collision Dynamics on Basement and Crust-lithospheric Structures of the Northeastern Indian Ocean

Abstract: The coexistence of multifaceted geodynamical situation in the Northeastern Indian Ocean (Bay of Bengal) lithosphere inspires to investigate the origin, present day orientation and gravitational stability of its basement, crust and lithospheric structures. The origin, evolution and the present day configuration of these structures such as the northward down dipping of the Bay of Bengal basement and its lithosphere, the Moho of the 85°E ridge, the formation of the Ninetyeast ridge median graben and ridge normal faults and their interaction with slow convergence and stress diffusion processes in the north Andaman trench, remain conspicuous. In this paper, we explain the above mentioned processes and the existence of the Bay of Bengal basement features through plausible tectonic scenarios that related with past time dynamics of the Indian Plate prior to the India-Eurasia collision and lithospheric thermal perturbation due to the Ninetyeast Ridge magmatism. Our analysis on the basis of satellite altimeter-derived geoid, gravity, sediment thickness, basement undulation, isostatic and prospecting geoid anomaly; suggests apart from the enhanced Oligocene Himalayan erosion and subsequent increased sediment load, the gravitational stability of the basin load (like formation of ridge graben) was also affected by altering the basin rheology to inelastic, owing to the enhanced thermal perturbation by the ninetyeast ridge magma. This made the Bay of Bengal lithosphere rheologically weak. Pre India-Eurasia collision, fast movement and fast convergence of the Indian plate at erstwhile north Andaman subduction zone made the lithosphere relatively stretchable due to the prevalence of intra-plate extensional stresses. The NE-SW orientation of the Central basin depression and the northward (NE-SW) dipping of the Bay of Bengal (BOB) lithosphere are pointing to such a stretchable lithosphere and its remnants are present at the northeast of the northern Ninetyeast ridge, as observed from the low prospecting geoid anomaly. The presence of such a thermally altered, weak lithosphere as a subducting slab at the north Andaman trench caused the present day observed low convergence rate, lack of seismicity, as well as the cessation of fault rupture followed by the Great Sumatra Andaman earthquake of Mw (9.1) on 26 December 2004. The Ninetyeast ridge oblique collision with the north Andaman trench was presumed around Pleistocene based on the timing of abandonment of the Nicobar fan from the Bengal head fan. The discontinuity of the ridge along the oblique convergence zone of the north Andaman and its isostatic stability are mainly controlled by the subduction zone dynamics, unlike the 85°E ridge.

A critical appraisal of allometric growth among alpine cirques based on multivariate statistics and spatial analysis

When considering the morphometric attributes of a glacial cirque, imbalances between length, width, and amplitude have been deemed relevant tools for discriminating between two possible pathways of cirque growth: downwearing by glaciers or backwearing by freeze–thaw processes. Based on a sample of 1071 cirques in the French Pyrenees, we reframe the concern for climatic variables by also granting systematic consideration to cirque lithology. Insight into the factors that control cirque shape is gained from Principal Component Analysis, where maps of eigenvalues assigned to six classes of bedrock display spatial patterns of cirque form as a function of position along the regional climatic gradient. Among crystalline rocks (granite, gneiss, migmatite), cirque form is predominantly determined by climatic controls. This is highlighted in the contrast between the elevated core of the Pleistocene icefield, where cirque isometry prevails, and the more peripheral areas (external sierras of the Atlantic precipitation zone and high sierras of the drier Mediterranean zone) where the lighter imprint of glaciation on the landscape has failed to erase (through glacial deepening) the allometric signature of pre-Pleistocene topographic features such as shallow valley heads and etch-basins. As a result, wide and shallow cirques occur in these settings. Among schist outcrops, in contrast, cirque form appears randomly distributed, suggesting that bedrock characteristics (e.g., structure) rather than climate are the key controls on cirque growth patterns. Given the importance of geological structure and preglacial topographic inheritance, cirques are complex landforms for which assumptions of allometric growth may be spurious. It follows that form is not always a reliable guide to process.

The use of the GIS Kriging technique to determine the spatial changes of natural radionuclide concentrations in soil and forest cover.

BackgroundThe distribution of radionuclides occurring naturally in the earth depends on bedrock characteristics. Therefore, the spatial distribution of radionuclides is not uniform. Consequently, radionuclide information is vitally important in determining and monitoring the spatial variation of the radionuclide concentrations that are over the limits for the sustainable environment and human health.MethodsThis research was carried out using GIS methods and geostatistical analysis as Kriging techniques to reveal the spatial variation of the 226Ra, 232Th and 40 K concentrations of natural radionuclides in the Çoruh and Aras Basin. The spatial variations of the detected radionuclides were correlated with soil groups and forest cover.ResultsIn the study area, 43.17% of the concentration of 40 K, 26.67% of the concentration of 226Ra and 28.16% of the 232Th concentration was determined to be over the average limits. Concentrations of radionuclides that are over the average limits have been found to be on basalt and chestnut soils. Brown and reddish brown soils have a low concentration of the spatial distribution of the radionuclides. Statistically positive correlations were detected (0.865 **) between the 226Ra and 232Th. In addition, a positive relationship between forest cover and 226Ra and a negative relationship between 232Th and 40 K were identified.ConclusionsExcessive exposure to radiation may cause cancer and hereditary diseases. Ecological environments include the soil and the plants. Hence, the periodical monitoring of the spatial variation in concentrations of radionuclides is very important for the health of future generations.

Corrigendum: A low-relief hill in eastern Ontario, Canada, covered by the easily erodible Queenston Formation and derived sediments — probably the result of Quaternary tectonic uplift

The Upper Ordovician Queenston Formation is predominantly a brick red, easily erodible, fine-grained clastic sedimentary rock that is not expected to form topographic highs. Nevertheless, the Queenston, overlain by a relatively thin cover of red unconsolidated sediments derived from it, blankets two low-relief hills. Their combined presence at the top of those hills is curious; therefore, Cholowski Hill, the larger of the two, and its surroundings were studied to try to resolve that apparent contradiction. Cholowski Hill is elongated nearly north–south and overlies a similarly shaped, north–south magnetic anomaly, which is a spur off a generally north-northeast-trending magnetic high. The spatial and geometric relationships of the hill to the magnetic anomaly, a feature of the Precambrian basement, suggest that the hill resulted from repeated tectonic uplift along faults that propagated upward from the basement, though many of them show no surface expression. Two notable exceptions are the North Russell and East Ridge faults that are topographically expressed at the surface and extend along the spine of Cholowski Hill. Their presence and that of Cholowski Hill imply geologically recent uplift. Glacial erratics on, and the smooth character of, the hill imply that it had been overridden by continental ice and was an upland prior to at least the last major glacial advance. Champlain Sea sediments surrounding and encroaching on the lowest part of the hill, but absent from the higher elevations, intimate that Cholowski Hill was not completely covered by those sediments, though it is conceivable that deposited sediments were washed away. The precise age of uplift is unknown, but the characteristics of the hill suggest a Quaternary event.

A low-relief hill in eastern Ontario, Canada, covered by the easily erodible Queenston Formation and derived sediments — probably the result of Quaternary tectonic uplift

The Upper Ordovician Queenston Formation is predominantly a brick red, easily erodible, fine-grained clastic sedimentary rock that is not expected to form topographic highs. Nevertheless, the Queenston, overlain by a relatively thin cover of red unconsolidated sediments derived from it, blankets two low-relief hills. Their combined presence at the top of those hills is curious; therefore, Cholowski Hill, the larger of the two, and its surroundings were studied to try to resolve that apparent contradiction. Cholowski Hill is elongated nearly north–south and overlies a similarly shaped, north–south magnetic anomaly, which is a spur off a generally north-northeast-trending magnetic high. The spatial and geometric relationships of the hill to the magnetic anomaly, a feature of the Precambrian basement, suggest that the hill resulted from repeated tectonic uplift along faults that propagated upward from the basement, though many of them show no surface expression. Two notable exceptions are the North Russell and East Ridge faults that are topographically expressed at the surface and extend along the spine of Cholowski Hill. Their presence and that of Cholowski Hill imply geologically recent uplift. Glacial erratics on, and the smooth character of, the hill imply that it had been overridden by continental ice and was an upland prior to at least the last major glacial advance. Champlain Sea sediments surrounding and encroaching on the lowest part of the hill, but absent from the higher elevations, intimate that Cholowski Hill was not completely covered by those sediments, though it is conceivable that deposited sediments were washed away. The precise age of uplift is unknown, but the characteristics of the hill suggest a Quaternary event.

Reconstructing fluctuations of la mare glacier (eastern italian alps) in the late holocene: new evidence for a little ice age maximum around 1600 ad

Field observations, old terrestrial photographs and maps, aerial orthophotos and detailed geomorphological mapping were used for compiling and validating a 119‐year cumulative record of terminus changes for a are lacier, astern talian lps. ate olocene glacier maxima preceding direct observations were reconstructed by applying age dating techniques (radiocarbon and lichenometry) to glacial deposits in the proglacial area of the glacier. Results show that the glacier reached its maximal position around 1600 ad, followed by smaller advances in the eighteenth century, while in the nineteenth century it did not reach or overrun these positions. A similar behaviour for neighbouring glaciers was reported by previous works, documenting absolute ate olocene maxima in the seventeenth or eighteenth centuries. By contrast, multi‐century reconstructions available for the north‐western lps show that in the nineteenth century, glaciers were at their maximum or very close to previous maxima achieved in the first half of the seventeenth century. Climatic causes for these discrepancies have been examined, analyzing multi‐proxy climatic reconstructions starting in 1500 ad, but also morphodynamic processes linked to the bedrock characteristics of a are lacier could have played a role in modulating its response to climatic changes.

Distribution patterns in the native vascular flora of Iceland.

The aim of our study was to reveal biogeographical patterns in the native vascular flora of Iceland and to define ecological factors responsible for these patterns. We analysed dataset of more than 500,000 records containing information on the occurrence of vascular plants. Analysis of ecological factors included climatic (derived from WORLDCLIM data), topographic (calculated from digital elevation model) and geological (bedrock characteristics) variables. Spherical k-means clustering and principal component analysis were used to detect biogeographical patterns and to study the factors responsible for them. We defined 10 biotic elements exhibiting different biogeographical patterns. We showed that climatic (temperature-related) and topographic variables were the most important factors contributing to the spatial patterns within the Icelandic vascular flora and that these patterns are almost completely independent of edaphic factors (bedrock type). Our study is the first one to analyse the biogeographical differentiation of the native vascular flora of Iceland.

Formation and age of sphalerite mineralization in carbonate rocks of Bajocian age in the Swiss Jura Mountains: evidence of Mesozoic hydrothermal activity

A combination of petrographic and geochemical techniques was applied to better constrain the origin and evolution of the fluid systems responsible for the formation of disseminated, Cd-rich (up to 0.6 wt%), sphalerite (ZnS) mineralization in the northeastern part of the Jura Mountains, Switzerland. The Rb–Sr ages of sphalerite samples indicate that a main phase of sphalerite formation occurred near the boundary between the late Middle and early Late Jurassic, at around 162 Ma. The negative δ34S values (−22.3 to −5.3 ‰) suggest that biogenic sulfide sulfur was involved in ZnS precipitation. The strontium isotope composition is more radiogenic than that of contemporaneous seawater, reflecting the interaction of mineralizing fluids with silicate rocks. Lead isotope signatures are very uniform (206Pb/204Pb = 18.63–18.67, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.63–15.64, 208Pb/204Pb = 38.51–38.63), indicating an isotopically well-homogenized fluid system. The basement rocks underlying the Jurassic strata are considered to be the main source of metals for the sphalerite mineralization. The migration of deep-sourced hydrothermal saline metal-bearing fluids into the Bajocian host carbonates containing sedimentary reduced sulfur resulted in the precipitation of sulfides. The period of sphalerite formation near the Middle–Late Jurassic boundary is characterized by enhanced tectonic and hydrothermal activity in Europe, related to the opening of the Central Atlantic and tectonic/thermal subsidence during spreading of the Alpine Tethys. Our study provides evidence that the Bajocian carbonate rocks in the Jura Mountains area were affected by the circulation of deep-sourced metal-bearing hydrothermal fluids in response to these continent-wide tectonothermal events. The presence of sphalerite mineralization and associated geochemical anomalies in Zn and Cd contents in carbonate rocks may also be used to trace basement features.

New data on the palaeo–incisions network of the south–eastern Baltic Sea

The present study area is located within the south–eastern segment of the Baltic Sea framed by 55o30’–56o30’ N and 19o00’–21o15’E. The area is re-visited with the aim to describe in more detail the geologic prerequisite and development of the palaeo–incisions as well as the timing of their subsequent infillings. The channels form distinctive features in the sedimentary bedrock along the outer limits of pre–Weichselian ice sheets, on average reaching depths into the bedrock of 50 m in the nearshore zone of Lithuania to 100 m along the slope to the Gotland depression in the west. The development of palaeo–incisions systems is governed by the easily eroded late Palaeozoic to Mesozoic bedrock of the present area. Only rare ocurrences of channels have been reported from the middle and lower parts of the Palaeozoic further west in the Baltic Sea. The present investigation supports a mechanism that the channels formed below the ice near the ice sheet margin by melt water erosion under high pressure. The channels start at random where a fracture in the ice develops forming outlet of water contained below the central part of the ice sheet. The channels often merge together in the direction of the ice margin, possibly gradually adapting to previous fracture systems in the bedrock. The investigated incisions were infilled prior to the advance of the Weichselian ice sheet and some have been reopened and repeatedly infilled.

Crustal velocity structure associated with the eastern Tennessee seismic zone: Vp and Vs images based upon local earthquake tomography

AbstractWe present three‐dimensional P and S wave velocity models for the active eastern Tennessee seismic zone (ETSZ) using arrival time data from more than 1000 local earthquakes. A nonlinear tomography method is used that involves sequential inversion for model and hypocenter parameters. We image several velocity anomalies that persist through most of the inversion volume. Some anomalies support the presence of known features such as an ancient rift zone in northern Tennessee. Other anomalies reveal the presence of basement features that can be correlated with regional gravity and magnetic anomalies. We image a narrow, NE‐SW trending, steeply dipping zone of low velocities that extends to a depth of at least 24 km and is associated with the vertical projection of the prominent New York‐Alabama magnetic lineament. The low‐velocity zone may have an apparent dip to the SE at depths exceeding 15 km. The low‐velocity zone is interpreted as a major basement fault juxtaposing Granite‐Rhyolite basement to the NW from Grenville southern Appalachian basement to the SE. Relocated hypocenters align in near‐vertical segments suggesting reactivation of a distributed zone of deformation associated with a major strike‐slip fault. We suggest that the ETSZ represents reactivation of an ancient shear zone established during formation of the super continent Rodinia.

Approaches to confirmatory testing of a groundwater flow model for sparsely fractured crystalline rock, exemplified by data from the proposed high-level nuclear waste repository site at Forsmark, Sweden

The Svensk Karnbranslehantering AB (SKB) has proposed the Forsmark site as a future repository for spent high-level nuclear fuel, involving disposal at about 470 m depth in sparsely fractured crystalline bedrock. An essential part of the completed inter-disciplinary site investigation was to develop an integrated account of the site and its regional setting, including the current state of the geosphere and the biosphere as well as natural processes affecting long-term evolution. First, this report recollects the integrated understanding and some key hydraulic characteristics of the crystalline bedrock at Forsmark along with a description of the flow model set-up and the methodology used for paleoclimatic flow modeling. Second, the protocol used for site-scale groundwater flow and solute transport modeling is demonstrated. In order to conduct a quantitative assessment of groundwater flow paths at Forsmark, the standard guide for groundwater flow modeling was elaborated on, to support both discrete and porous media flow approaches. In total, four independent types of data were used to confirm that the final groundwater flow model for the crystalline bedrock was representative of site conditions.

The economic and ritual utilization of plants at the Raqefet Cave Natufian site: The evidence from phytoliths

The Natufian culture marks a dramatic in the cultural evolution of our species, the shift from mobile to sedentary communities. Within this framework, analysis of their use of plants is pivotal for social and economic reconstruction. While most researchers believe the Natufians collected the grains of grasses, little direct evidence (e.g. macrobotanical remains) has been found. This current study uses phytoliths (opal silica bodies) to interpret Late Natufian plant use at Raqefet Cave (Mt. Carmel, Israel). We analyzed a wide range of sediment samples for microbotanical phytoliths remains. This analysis, of an assemblage of 35 samples, was aimed at exposing plant use at the site both in burial contexts and hewn bedrock features (e.g. mortars, cupmarks).The results indicate economic use of grass seeds, including both small-seeded varieties and large-seeded grasses such as barley and wheat. They also suggest an opportunistic approach to grass seed collection. Phytoliths found in the burials of Homo 19 and Homo 22 may be the remnants of a final meal. The phytolith assemblages from burial contexts also show abundant morphotypes from dicotyledons that are rare elsewhere in the cave. The evidence suggests that a multi-species layer of vegetation including flowering plants and Phragmites lined the graves, accompanying the dead. This adds new insights to the range of known Late Natufian mortuary practices.

Retracted: Pierced Salt Domes in the Persian Gulf and in the Zagros Mountain Ranges in Southern Iran and their Relationship to Hydrocarbon and Basement Tectonics

The most enigmatic problems with the nearly 200 salt domes pierced in the Persian Gulf and in the Zagros Mountain Ranges (ZMR) in southern Iran, a unique morphology in the world, have been the matter of this study, which is based on a combination of field work, enhancement of satellite and aerial photographs etc. In the ZMR, structural anomalies are frequently associated with similar facies distribution patterns. In the eastern portion of the region, emergent salt plugs of Infra-Cambrian age exhibit the same alignment patterns. Such trends bear no apparent genetic relationship to the Tertiary folding responsible for the present Zagros fold belt, but rather indicate their affinity with linear basement features which are readily observable on Land sat imagery and aerial photographs. Bending of anticlines in the competent cover rock, combined with minor strike-slip faults and horizontal displacements of parts of folded structures, strongly point to the presence of these basement faults. The salt plugs, which have pierced cover rocks of up to 10000 m thick, are distributed on the Arabian Platform along regional basement faults. The area of diapir outcrops is bounded by the Oman Line to the east and by the Kazerun fault to the west. Pieces of the basement have been brought up to the surface on some of the salt domes. The fragments were transported by rotational ascent of the Hormuz Salt Formation to the present and former land surfaces. The recognition of features related to basement tectonics and realization of their implication in the control and modification of geological processes are important adjuncts to the search for hydrocarbon accumulations in this region. To our best knowledge, data of basement faults in the study area are scarce. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine basement faults and their relation to salt dome distribution. Considering the fold axes bending, the trend of the salt plugs and also the distribution of epicenters of the last century, n umerous new basement faults are introduced in this paper.

Role of potential field data modeling for inferring the hydrocarbon-lean basins and ridges system of the eastern region of Yemen

The integrated interpretation of the magnetic and gravity data allowed the depth configuration of the basement surface and gave a new picture of the sedimentary basins and ridges distribution at the eastern region of Yemen. According to the well logs, related studies and classification of the rocks, the average density of the stratigraphic cover is about 2.45g/cc, the average density of the crust is about 2.7g/cc and the average susceptibility is about 0.005cgs-units, while the average density of the upper mantle is about 3.26g/cc. The depth regimes to the basement are varied from zero near Al-Mukalla city at the southern part to more than 4000m at its northern part of the study area. The comparative study among the 2.5-D gravity and magnetic modeling was established by constructing 20 profiles. They adapted the relation between the gravity and magnetic anomalies and the causative rock units and their properties.The results indicated that, the area can be divided into some major units of relatively thick sedimentary cover, concealed beneath it were more complicated basement features made up of a number of swells and troughs created due to intense tectonic phases. The models indicated that, the basement rocks are almost affected by high angle or nearly vertical normal faults with varying throws and dips. They provided evidence that, the basement swell and trough structures play a vital role in the distribution of the sedimentary cover, as ridges and basins. This argument is often agreed with the local studies presented by some oil companies operating in the study area. The interpreted structural features in the concerned area can be arranged, trend-wise and depth-wise as follows: The deepest are the folds and faults of the NE–SW trend, then those of the NW–SE trend. These are followed upwardly by the folds and faults of the E–W (ENE-–SW and WNW–ESE) trend, and then the N–S trend is the shallowest. Also, the present work revealed the probable hydrocarbon zones that occupy the reservoir of oil and gas occurrences.