Basin System Research Articles

Using UAV-Based Photogrammetry Coupled with In Situ Fieldwork and U-Pb Geochronology to Decipher Multi-Phase Deformation Processes: A Case Study from Sarclet, Inner Moray Firth Basin, UK

Constraining the age of formation and repeated movements along fault arrays in superimposed rift basins helps us to better unravel the kinematic history as well as the role of inherited structures in basin evolution. The Inner Moray Firth Basin (IMFB, western North Sea) overlies rocks of the Caledonian basement, the pre-existing Devonian–Carboniferous Orcadian Basin, and a regionally developed Permo–Triassic North Sea basin system. IMFB rifting occurred mainly in the Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous. The rift basin then experienced further regional tilting, uplift and fault reactivation during the Cenozoic. The Devonian successions exposed onshore along the northwestern coast of IMFB and the southeastern onshore exposures of the Orcadian Basin at Sarclet preserve a variety of fault orientations and structures. Their timing and relationship to the structural development of the wider Orcadian and IMFB are poorly understood. In this study, drone airborne optical images are used to create high-resolution 3D digital outcrops. Analyses of these images are then coupled with detailed field observations and U-Pb geochronology of syn-faulting mineralised veins in order to constrain the orientations and absolute timing of fault populations and decipher the kinematic history of the area. In addition, the findings help to better identify deformation structures associated with earlier basin-forming events. This holistic approach helped identify and characterise multiple deformation events, including the Late Carboniferous inversion of Devonian rifting structures, Permian minor fracturing, Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous rifting and Cenozoic reactivation and local inversion. We were also able to isolate characteristic structures, fault kinematics, fault rock developments and associated mineralisation types related to these events

Competition of deltaic feeder systems reflected by slope progradation: a high-resolution example from the Late Miocene-Pliocene, Drava Basin, Croatia

The thick Lake Pannon sedimentary record provides insights into the downdip and lateral development of stratigraphic surfaces through the analysis of the basin-scale clinoform progradation. The clinoform architecture from the eastern part of the Drava Basin (Pannonian Basin System) was interpreted to reflect the base-level changes. A major downlap surface interpreted as a flooding event followed by rejuvenation of slope progradation was recognized on 2D seismic sections. Detailed 3D seismic interpretation combined with well data revealed that the large sigmoidal and the overlying small oblique clinoform sets that downlap the large one only apparently produce the geometry of a maximum flooding surface. Instead, the 3D mapping revealed the influence of two competing slope systems arriving from the north and northwest. Lateral switching of sediment input, similar to many recent deltaic systems. e.g., Danube and Po rivers led to the variability of stratigraphic surfaces, lithology, and thickness, which resulted in non-uniform shelf-edge migration. These observations were supported by forward stratigraphic modeling simulating different scenarios, which led to the generation of the depositional architecture with an apparent maximum flooding surface. This study also implies the potential pitfalls in basin analysis based only on scarce 2D seismic and emphasizes the role of lateral variations in sediment input controlling the depositional architecture.

Fighting Fire with Fire: Using Film to Counter Film Propaganda

His article explores how effective films are in countering propaganda in films. To organize the discussion, first a simple sketch of propaganda theory is drawn up, in which propaganda can be ranked from completely rational to highly irrational, on six different dimensions. This is how far the propaganda went: evidence-based; Honest; broadly logical; transparent; right on target; and transparent. Then the main propaganda film is reviewed in detail, Gasland. This film is a highly successful documentary attacking the production of natural gas by hydrofracturing, which is referred to in America as "fracking". Gasland was successful in organizing domestic opposition to fracking, actually blocking it in the Delaware River Basin system. The film was also influential abroad, leading to a ban on fracking in France, Bulgaria and elsewhere in Europe. Next, two counter-propaganda films are reviewed in detail—namely, in this case, two pro-fracking documentaries: Truthland and FrackNation. Truthland is a short documentary that refutes many of Gasland's important claims. It was funded by the fracking industry and had limited distribution but manage d to refute most of the longer, better-funded anti-fracking films. A much more successful film in terms of general distribution and debunking efficacy is the much longer pro-fracking documentary FrackNation. It critiques all Gasland's main points, in vivid detail. Due to crowdfunding, it cannot be ignored due to bias because it is supported by the industry. From this article it can be concluded by explaining why pro-fracking documentaries have not resulted in major changes in public opinion.

Editorial: Style of deformation, sedimentation, kinematic and thermal evolution of thrust-top basins: From natural examples to models

Thrust-top basins (or "piggyback", "wedge-top", or "structural" basins) are a fairly common feature in the accretionary and orogenic wedges worldwide. The formation of thrust-top basins provides information on compressional deformation history in various subductioncollisional settings, and was mainly controlled by the kinematics of competing growth faultrelated fold and thrust sequences. The aim of this research topic was to assemble geoscientists interested in thrust-top basins, spanning a broad array of different tectonic settings, geographical locations, and geological times. This research topic presents a collection of some of the diverse research that is being carried out on this topic. We believe that these studies contribute to a better understanding of orogenic processes in foreland basin systems.

Influence of lake-basin morphology on climate-sediment transfer functions: Early Eocene Wilkins Peak Member, Green River Formation, Wyoming

Lacustrine strata are often among the highest-resolution terrestrial paleoclimate archives available. The manner in which climate signals are registered into lacustrine deposits varies, however, as a function of complex sedimentologic and diagenetic processes. The retrieval of reliable records of climatic forcing therefore requires a means of evaluating the potential influence of changing sedimentary transfer functions. Here, we use high-resolution X-ray fluorescence core scanning of the Wilkins Peak Member of the Green River Formation to characterize the long-term evolution of transfer functions in an ancient lacustrine record. Our analysis identifies a shift in the frequency distribution of Milankovitch-band variance between the lower and middle Wilkins Peak Member across a range of temporally calibrated elemental intensity records. Spectral analysis of the lower Wilkins Peak Member shows strong short eccentricity, obliquity, precession, and sub-Milankovitch−scale variability, while the middle Wilkins Peak Member shows strong eccentricity variability and reduced power at higher frequencies. This transition coincides with a dramatic decline in the number and volume of evaporite beds. We attribute this shift to a change in the Wilkins Peak Member depositional transfer function caused by evolving basin morphology, which directly influenced the preservation of bedded evaporite as the paleolake developed from a deeper, meromictic lake to a shallower, holomictic lake. The loss of bedded evaporite, combined with secondary evaporite growth, results in reduced obliquity- and precession-band power and enhanced eccentricity-band power in the stratigraphic record. These results underscore the need for careful integration of basin and depositional system history with cyclostratigraphic interpretation of the dominant astronomical signals preserved in the stratigraphic archive.

Effect of seasonal variability on the development and application of a novel Multimetric Index based on benthic macroinvertebrate communities – A case study from streams in the Karun river basin (Iran)

Using multimetric indices (MMIs) for monitoring the ecosystem health of rivers is common practice. Increasing the applicability of MMIs needs understanding of the impacts of natural spatial and temporal variability on community structure in relation to effects of anthropogenic pressure gradients. In this study, we tested the impact of seasonal variability in environmental conditions and macroinvertebrate community structure on the development and application of MMIs using streams in the Karun river basin as a case study. We sampled and measured physical and chemical variables, physical habitat characteristics, and macroinvertebrate communities from 53 stream sites during four seasons. We defined pressure gradients for each season and also by combining all seasons’ data. Then, we assessed the applicability of three strategies recommended for tackling the effect of seasonal variability on MMIs development and application: (i) by developing seasonal MMIs (MMIspr,11MMIspr: Multimetric index for spring; MMIsum,22MMIsum: Multimetric index for summer; MMIaut,33MMIaut: Multimetric index for autumn; MMIwin44MMIwin: Multimetric index for Winter;), (ii) by aggregating data across seasons (MMIcomb55MMIcomb: Multimetric index for whole year;), and (iii) by using the signal-to-noise ratio (MMIS/N66MMIS/N: Multimetric index based on S/N ratio.). Our results showed that high seasonal variability in the streams of the Karun river could affect the MMIs’ core metrics composition and performance. Developing seasonal MMIs was the best strategy to tackle the seasonal variability as indicated by highest precision of MMIs, responsiveness to anthropogenic pressure gradient and sensitivity to impairment. Based on the results of this study, seasons with base-flow (summer and autumn) were most suited for the development of MMIs. The main reason might be the stability in natural drivers (e.g., stable river flows) shaping macroinvertebrate community structure during these seasons. In general, our results showed the MMIs developed based on macroinvertebrate communities could efficiently discriminate reference sites from the impacted sites and, therefore, can be used as a valuable tool for bioassessment in the streams of the Karun river basin and similar systems.

Petroleum play types and source rocks in the Pannonian basin, insight from the Slovak part of the Danube Basin

The Danube Basin represents a Miocene depocenter located on the NW margin of the Alpine-Pannonian-Carpathian region and is considered a partial sub-basin of the larger Pannonian Basin System. The gradual opening of the northern Slovak part of the basin during a 4-stage rifting event between the Badenian, Sarmatian (Langhian, Serravallian) to Pannonian (Tortonian) time reflected not only on the sedimentary fill and the development of volcanic fields but also on individual elements of the petroleum system. The presence of effective petroleum systems is supported by several gas and condensate deposits together with abundant hydrocarbon shows. The study offers new insight into the petroleum plays in Danube Basin based on new and vintage reflection seismic lines and organic geochemistry data. The novel findings reveal that within the older sub-basins (Blatné and Želiezovce) the main source rock is the lower Badenian mudstone with mixed Type III/II kerogen. Paleogene shales with Type II kerogen together with Pre-Cenozoic basement Type III/II rocks cannot be excluded. In the younger sub-basins (Komjatice and Gabčíkovo-Győr) the main source rocks are upper Badenian – Sarmatian, and Pannonian mudstones with Type III/II kerogen. Two gas play groups are defined. 1) Plays in older sub-basins characterized by structural traps mostly in the Badenian reservoirs. 2) Plays in younger sub-basins characterized by stratigraphic and structural traps in Sarmatian and Pannonian reservoirs. Non-hydrocarbon gas risk arises from CO2 and N2 contents sourced from buried volcanic fields. The volume of inert gasses trapped in particular sub-basins is dependent on the timing and type of volcanism. It is lower in the older sub-basins and higher in the younger ones, at the same time, the risk is lower in stratigraphically highest reservoir intervals.

Study on Ecological Security Evaluation Index System of the Yellow River Basin

As an important energy base and ecological barrier in China, the ecological security of the Yellow River Basin has a very important strategic position in the pattern of high-quality development, but it is threatened by human activities and climate change. In order to evaluate the degree of ecological security in the Yellow River Basin and clarify the influencing factors of ecological security, this paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the existing ecological security assessment methods and models. On this basis, the system dynamics model is used to describe the process of ecological security threats, identify the key factors that threaten ecological security, and then sort out the ecological security assessment indicators. The ecological security assessment model composed of pressure(P), state(S), hidden dangers(D), response(R) and management (M) (PSDRM) indicators is constructed, and the ecological security assessment methods and processes are improved to provide theoretical guidance and technical support for improving the ecological security assessment of the basin.

"НЕОБХОДИМОСТЬ СОВРЕМЕННЫХ ЭКОНОМИКО-ГЕОГРАФИЧЕСКИХ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЙ ПРИ АНАЛИЗЕ ТЕРРИТОРИАЛЬНОГО РАЗМЕЩЕНИЯ НАСЕЛЕНИЯ"

"НЕОБХОДИМОСТЬ СОВРЕМЕННЫХ ЭКОНОМИКО-ГЕОГРАФИЧЕСКИХ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЙ ПРИ АНАЛИЗЕ ТЕРРИТОРИАЛЬНОГО РАЗМЕЩЕНИЯ НАСЕЛЕНИЯ"

The database management framework for combined sewerage system of Phu Loc river basin in Danang city by GIS

Nowadays, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications have provided tools to integrate information, visualize scenarios, present powerful ideas, and develop effective solutions like never before so that it supports strategic decision making. Based on the advantages of GIS applications, the main goal of database management framework is simulation and visualization combined sewerage system and water quality data of Phu Loc river, Da Nang city via QGIS software. Although the length of the river is only 1.9 km, the Phu Loc river was discharge point of drainage basin in the northwest area of Da Nang city with a total area of more than 3500 hectars, which included 5 urban lakes, the municipal wastewater treatment plant with capacity over 40000 m3/d. After transform and organize data from other source to QGIS, the researchers created a database management framework for sewerage system with relation model for each group of data. Based on process digitalization data of water quality, QGIS software should presented type of digital map of Phuloc basin area with construction of combined sewerage system for basin area and water quality index for river and urban lakes.

Techno-Economic Investigation of Geothermal Development in Sedimentary Basins

Abstract Models of the enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) in super-hot igneous rocks have demonstrated significantly higher heat transfer rates and power production compared to conventional geothermal systems. On the other hand, along with the high upfront costs, the major geological and technical challenges associated with drilling super-hot EGS wells in igneous rocks constrain the development of geothermal systems and prevent their worldwide application. Meanwhile, geothermal energy development in sedimentary basins could provide clean energy production with relatively lower investment costs compared to super-hot EGS development in igneous rocks. A significant amount of data, knowledge, and expertise has been gathered through decades of drilling and development of oil and gas wells in sedimentary basins. Application of this experience and data for geothermal drilling can eliminate and reduce costs of subsurface data gathering, well drilling, and completion. This paper investigates the economic viability of geothermal energy production systems in sedimentary basins. The study provides initial time-to-hit temperature (THT) and cost-to-hit temperature (CHT) maps across the US based on the well depth, total drilling and completion time, and total well cost data. Combined with sedimentary basin maps and underground temperature maps, THT and CHT maps could be utilized to place EGS wells and other geothermal systems applications at the most favorable locations in the US.

Corrigendum to: Study on Ecological Security Evaluation Index System of the Yellow River Basin

Corrigendum to: Study on Ecological Security Evaluation Index System of the Yellow River Basin

Исследователи и история геологических изысканий в Восточной Сибири: введение

A special issue of the journal is dedicated to researchers and the history of geological exploration in Eastern Siberia. The articles in the issue highlight the initial contributions to the study of geology, geography and mineral resources of the territory by A.V. Lvov, S.P. Peretolchin, and V.M. Senyukov, provide information about the unknown pages of the construction of the Circum-Baikal Railway, studies of the Botogol graphite deposit, the Markov oil and gas condensate field, the Baikal system of basins, and volcanism spatially associated with its development. An overview is given of the 50-year career of geologists who graduated from ISU in 1973.

Первоначальное обоснование и последующее восприятие гипотез о строении и развитии Байкальской системы впадин

The history of getting ideas on the structure and development of the Baikal system of basins and its most important structural elements is conventionally divided into stages of putting forward: 1) initial hypotheses that appeared before the 1960s, 2) numerous hypotheses associated with a large amount of work performed in connection with the development of the rifting problems in the south of Eastern Siberia in the 1960–1990s, and 3) latest hypotheses that resulted from new facts obtained through new approaches implemented in geological studies of the 2000–2020s.

Fluid-rock interaction control on fault reactivation: A review of the Montmell-Vallès Fault System, central Catalan Coastal Ranges (NE Iberia)

Structural inheritance is a key factor controlling the tectonic evolution of the central Catalan Coastal Ranges. Up to two periods of tectonic inversion (one positive during the Paleogene and the other negative during the Neogene) affected a previously well-developed Mesozoic extensional basin system and characterized the Cenozoic evolution of the area. In this scenario, tectonic fault inversion is often observed along the Montmell-Vallès Fault System. Fault reactivation shows differences along strike from NE to SW and appears decoupled from surface to depth due to its kinked-planar geometry and the change of fault dip from >60° to 30° in depth. The ability of the Mesozoic faults to be reactivated appears also influenced by changes in the mechanical properties of the inherited fault zone. Whereas the deeper and less dipping panels of the major faults are reactivated in the entire zone (contractional during the Paleogene and extensional during the late Oligocene-Neogene), the upper and highly dipping parts of the faults only show local reactivations. The observations indicate that fault dip, the indirect role of hosting lithologies (granites and siliciclastic metasediments versus carbonate rocks) on fault rocks, the indirect role of mineral precipitation and cementation product of fluid circulation, and the direct role of the mechanical properties of the resulting fault rocks (gouge versus cemented breccias) significantly control the fault reactivation. Upper crust low angle fault segments are easily reactivated during contractional deformation but not during the extensional one. Conversely, the segments with a high-angle dip are more easily reactivated during the extensional deformation but not during the contractional one. In the study area, this resulted in the formation of footwall short-cuts developed during the Paleogene compression and extensional short-cuts occurred during the Neogene extension. On the other hand, reactivation is effective in areas where granites and siliciclastic metasediments characterize the host-rock, and non-cohesive fault gouge forms the pre-existent fault core. Instead, fault reactivation appears restricted or even prevented where the host-rock includes thick carbonate successions, and the pre-existent damage zone is formed by highly cemented and cohesive breccias.

Evolution of the southeastern part of the Pannonian Basin and its implications

The southeastern part of the Pannonian Basin System probably represents the most important area for determining its origin and evolution. The geodynamics also influenced the way that sediments fill the basin and therefore the economic resources that can be found in these sediments. All this led to the fact that the Pannonian Basin is the most developed part of our country. The great scientific value of this area is found in the fact that it represents an excellent training ground for the demonstration of the opening of the Pannonian basin system as well as the progradation of sediments from the southern and southeastern directions. In addition to the already confirmed economic importance through the exploitation of hydrocarbons, geothermal and hydrothermal waters, coal and construction materials, there is great potential in geoheritage and geotourism.

Application of physical models to improve the mitigation structures of debris flow in a case study

Debris flows are a phenomenon in mountains areas, where a large amount of mobile rock material, large amounts of water and steep slopes meet together. They are characterized by high capacity of sediment transport, high concentration of sediment with wide range of grain sizes and high front-velocity. To improve the protection measures against debris flow, it is necessary to know the processes of debris flows and its interaction with structures of the measures. By investigation of the mitigation structures in experimental scaled physical models it is possible to understand the functionality of the structures under different scenarios as well as optimization of the structures. For the protection of the counties Agarn und Leuk in Valais in Switzerland a multi-level debris flow basin system has been designed. By means the physical model in scale of 1:55 the functionality and the dimensions as well as the details of the structures could be optimized.

QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF GROUNDWATER OF INTERMOUNTAIN BASIN OF KORÇA IN ALBANIA AND IMPLICATION FOR SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT

Korça intermountain basin is the largest of its kind in Albania and from the hydrogeological point of view represents a semiclosed intermountain basin developed in Pliocene-Holocene granular unconsolidated deposits, which maximal thickness is about 300 m. The aquifer consists of intergranular gravelly to sandy layers containing artesian groundwater and the drilling wells are free flowing on most of the basin surface. The main recharge of the intergranular aquifer comes mainly from the rivers and torrents flowing from mountain gorges around the Korça Plain. The natural groundwater drainage of Korça basin is realized through the vertical leakage in the area of the former Maliq marsh. Hydrochemistry of the aquifers show the presence of four main hydrochemical facies which are related mainly to the hydrochemistry of the recharge sources and to the solution processes and ion exchange. In the central part of the basin the water supply wells of the cities Korça and Maliq are located. The natural renewable groundwater resources of the basin are relatively restricted, but the volume resources (or static water resources) are abundant (about 1.1 × 10–9 m3). The perspective of their exploitation is very important, but respecting the “basin yield” concept that is defined as the maximum rate of withdrawal that can be sustained by the hydrogeological system of groundwater basin without causing unacceptable changes to any other environmental component of the basin. To face the problems related to the intensification of the groundwater pumping systematic observations of the hydraulic reaction of the basin and of the possible groundwater quality deterioration and other negative environmental impacts must be organized. The purpose of the present study is for the first time to analyze the abundant basin wide hydrogeological data and to evaluate: (1) geometry and hydraulic parameters of the aquifers: (2) groundwater hydrodynamic conditions; (3) their chemical composition and (4) the natural groundwater resources and the possibility to intensify the groundwater pumping in close relation to the environmental impact.

Study on Balanced Allocation of Water Resources in the Yellow River Basin Based on Water Benefit Sharing

In recent years, the shortage of water resources and the deterioration of water ecological environment have led to the increasing contradiction between supply and demand of water resources in river basins. How to realize the balanced allocation and scientific regulation of water resources in river basins is a serious challenge for China to face water resources problems. In this paper, the dynamic process and allocation scheme of water resources and water benefit allocation under different cooperative scenarios are simulated by constructing the water resources equilibrium allocation model of water benefit sharing. The influencing factors of water benefit sharing mechanism and the process of allocation compensation are studied, and the benefit relationship in regional coordinated utilization of water resources is revealed. The upstream, midstream and downstream water users of the Yellow River Basin are formed into alliances, respectively. Based on the principle of master–slave game theory, a basin system optimization problem with multi-level hierarchical structure is established. The initial allocation of water resources is carried out with the maximum overall benefit of water resources allocation, and the incremental benefits of the system optimization compared with the current individual and overall benefits are analyzed. The fuzzy cooperative alliance is used to allocate incremental benefits, improve the stability of cooperation among alliances, realize the cooperation and interaction of water resources in distribution, and finally achieve a dynamic equilibrium state. This paper focuses on the allocation mechanism of water resources competition and cooperation under water benefit sharing, which can provide a scientific basis for improving water resources security in water shortage basins and adapt to new problems and challenges brought by changing environments.

Stratigraphy of the Eocene–Oligocene Titus Canyon Formation, Death Valley, California (USA), and Eocene extensional tectonism in the Basin and Range

Abstract Geologic mapping, measured sections, and geochronologic data elucidate the tectonostratigraphic development of the Titus Canyon extensional basin in Death Valley, California (USA), and provide new constraints on the age of the Titus Canyon Formation, one of the earliest synextensional deposits in the central Basin and Range. Detrital zircon maximum depositional ages (MDAs) and compiled 40Ar/39Ar ages indicate that the Titus Canyon Formation spans 40(?)–30 Ma, consistent with an inferred Duchesnean age for a unique assemblage of mammalian fossils in the lower part of the formation. The Titus Canyon Forma tion preserves a shift in depositional environment from fluvial to lacustrine at ca. 35 Ma, which along with a change in detrital zircon provenance may reflect both the onset of local extensional tectonism and climatic changes at the Eocene–Oligocene boundary. Our data establish the Titus Canyon basin as the southernmost basin in a system of late Eocene extensional basins that formed along the axis of the Sevier orogenic belt. The distribution of lacustrine deposits in these Eocene basins defines the extent of a low-relief orogenic plateau (Nevadaplano) that occupied eastern Nevada at least through Eocene time. As such, the age and character of Titus Canyon Formation implies that the Nevadaplano may have extended into the central Basin and Range, ~200 km farther south than previously recognized. Development of the Titus Canyon extensional basin precedes local Farallon slab removal by ~20 m.y., implying that other mechanisms, such as plate boundary stress changes due to decreased convergence rates in Eocene time, are a more likely trigger for early extension in the central Basin and Range.