Geological Research Research Articles

Forensic-geology-based magnetic analysis of beach sediments from the Shimokita Peninsula, Japan.

The occurrences of various illegal activities on beaches require effective geological and environmental investigation methods. Among these methods, the room-temperature magnetic analysis of soils and sediments represents a nondestructive investigation method for various amounts, types, and grain sizes of magnetic minerals. Here, to verify the usefulness of magnetic analysis in forensic geology research, beach sediment samples from nine sites in the Shimokita Peninsula, Japan, were measured using magnetic analysis to determine the correlations between their concentration-dependent magnetic parameters and actual regional characteristics. The results revealed that the values of various parameters, namely the low-field magnetic susceptibility, anhysteretic remanent magnetization, and isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM), were relatively higher at sites near Ti and Fe sedimentary ore deposits. Further, thermomagnetometry results revealed that magnetite was the main magnetic carrier of the sediments. Moreover, pyrrhotite was detected around Ti-Fe mine sites. Furthermore, the results of the investigated parameters reflected the regional characteristics of the amount of magnetic minerals in the beach sediments. Low-temperature IRM curves and the magnetic grain size parameter also displayed sample-site-reflective characteristics. Thus, we believe that magnetic analysis represents an effective method for estimating the provenance of beach sediments in forensic geology research.

Molybdenum isotopes demonstrate that multistage upgrading is required to generate heavy rare earth element–enriched carbonatites

Carbonatites with heavy rare earth element (HREE) enrichment are a rare and intriguing prospect for economic geology research, due to the growing global demand for HREEs in various industries. However, debate persists over the mechanism responsible for HREE enrichment in carbonatites, with the mantle source, magmatic-hydrothermal evolution, or a combination of these factors proposed to be responsible. This study examines three adjacent Late Triassic carbonatites (from the Huanglongpu, Huayangchuan, and Jialu carbonatite dike systems) in the Lesser Qinling of Central China and uses Mo isotope systematics to provide unique insights into the HREE enrichment process of these magmas. All three carbonatites exhibit elevated total REE (ΣREE) concentrations (up to 4600 ppm), along with significant HREE enrichment (ΣHREE/ΣREE = 0.1−0.4). Notably, Jialu carbonatite stands out for having the highest total HREE concentrations (≥360 ppm) and ΣHREE/ΣREE ratios (0.2−0.4). Regardless of their variable degrees of HREE enrichment, the three carbonatites display similar Sr-Nd-Pb isotope signatures, which indicates a shared enriched mantle source. The Huanglongpu and Huayangchuan carbonatites mostly display significantly lighter δ98/95Mo (−1.71‰ to −0.15‰) values than the depleted mantle, which indicates an origin from an enriched mantle influenced by recycled pelagic clays and Fe-Mn nodules. Both types of marine sediments are enriched in REEs and would have undergone initial HREE enrichment during slab dehydration and metamorphism, resulting in an HREE-enriched mantle source region. In contrast, Jialu carbonatite possesses significantly heavier δ98/95Mo (0.13‰−1.89‰), which is indicative of the subsequent influence of hydrothermal processes. Additional evidence of this hydrothermal influence at Jialu is preserved in calcite crystal fluid inclusions, elevated δ18O (8.71‰−10.72‰), non-charge-and-radius−controlled (CHARAC) Y/Ho ratios (36−41), and low Sr concentrations (<4800 ppm). Secondary upgrading of HREEs at Jialu occurred due to preferential complexation and transportation during hydrothermal exsolution. This study demonstrates that maximum HREE enrichment in carbonatites is achieved through a two-stage process that involves both a refertilized mantle source and late-stage hydrothermal exsolution.

Differential Spatiotemporal Patterns of Major Ions and Dissolved Organic Carbon Variations from Non-Permafrost to Permafrost Arctic Basins: Insights from the Severnaya Dvina, Pechora and Taz Rivers

The Arctic river basins, among the most sensitive regions to climate warming, are experiencing rapid temperature rise and permafrost thawing that profoundly affect their hydrological and hydrochemical systems. However, our understanding of chemical export from Arctic basins to oceans remains limited due to scarce data, particularly in permafrost-dominated regions. This study examines the spatiotemporal variations and seasonal dynamics of major ions (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−, SO42−) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations across three river basins with varying permafrost extents: the Severnaya Dvina (2006–2008, 2012–2014), the Pechora (2016–2019) and the Taz Rivers (2016–2020). All the data were sourced from published Chemical Geological researches and were taken from Mendeley and PANGAEA datasets. Our results showed that DOC concentrations ranged from 1.75 to 26.40 mg/L, with the Severnaya Dvina River exhibiting the highest levels of DOC concentrations, alongside significantly elevated ion concentrations compared to the other two basins. A positive correlation was observed between DOC concentrations and river discharge, with peaks during the spring flood and summer baseflow due to leaching processes. The Severnaya Dvina and Pechora Rivers exhibited the highest DOC values during the spring flood, reaching 26.40 mg/L and 8.07 mg/L, respectively. In contrast, the Taz River had the highest runoff during the spring flood season, but the DOC concentration reached its highest value of 11.69 mg/L in the summer. Specifically, a 1% increase in river discharge corresponded to a 1.25% rise in DOC concentrations in the Severnaya Dvina River and a 1.04% increase in the Pechora River, while there was no significant correlation between runoff and DOC concentrations in the Taz River. Major ion concentrations demonstrated a negative correlation with river discharge, remaining relatively high during winter low-flow period. A robust power-law relationship between river discharge and concentration of DOC and major ions was observed, with distinct variations across the three river basins depending on permafrost extent. The Pechora and Taz Rivers, characterized by extensive permafrost, exhibited increasing trends in river discharge and DOC concentrations, accompanied by decreasing major ion concentrations, whereas the non-permafrost-dominated Severnaya Dvina River basin showed the opposite pattern. The Taz River, with the most extensive permafrost, also displayed a delayed DOC peak and more complex seasonal ion concentration patterns. These findings highlight the importance of varying permafrost extents and their implications for water quality and environmental protection in these vulnerable regions.

Economic Value Creation and Management Strategies in the Lifecycle of Geological Research Projects

Geological research projects play a crucial role in resource exploration, development, and environmental protection. Maximizing economic value at each stage of the project lifecycle has become a key issue in research management. This paper explores the definition and phase division of the geological research project lifecycle, analyzes the economic value potential at each stage, and identifies key drivers of economic value creation, such as technological innovation, resource utilization efficiency, financial management, and risk management. Furthermore, this paper proposes lifecycle management strategies, resource optimization methods, and approaches for outcome transformation (outcome transformation refers to the transformation of research results into practical applications), aiming to enhance the overall effectiveness of geological research projects. Through a systematic analysis of management strategies, this paper provides theoretical guidance and practical references for creating economic value in geological research projects.

Development of radon detectors calibration system in Cameroon

ObjectiveTo develop a radon detectors calibration system at the Research Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology (CRSTN) of the Institute of Geological and Mining Research (IRGM) in Cameroon. MethodsA transparent box named radon chamber, a certified radon source, and a reference device have been provided to Cameroon by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) within the framework of a technical cooperation project. Depending on what radon levels are expected, two different configurations (Hookup I and Hookup II) of the system are adopted. Hookup I is a closed loop, and Hookup II is an open loop that samples fresh air. ResultsThe operation of the system generates a radon concentration of up to ∼ 30,000 Bq/m3 when applied the Hookup I and of up to ∼1,000 Bq/m3 using the Hookup II configuration. For the calibration of the detectors for environmental radon monitoring, a stabilized concentration of ∼1,000 Bq/m3 is enough. Furthermore, temperature, relative humidity, and pressure, in the reference instrument ranged from 23 to 40°C, 32 to 72%, and 929 to 936 mBar, respectively. Inside the radon chamber, temperature, relative humidity, and pressure are similar to the laboratory’s condition. ConclusionThe present calibration system will be useful for the calibration of radon detectors. The system can also be used for various purposes such as research activities on radon, education on radon detection, radon measurement, radon mitigation, radon mapping, protection against radon, and research in the African region.

The St. Meinrad Coal Member (Pennsylvanian)—Reference Sections from Spencer County, Indiana

The purpose of this study is to (a) specify locations in Indiana that can serve as reference sections for the St. Meinrad Coal Member (Pennsylvanian) and (b) acquire more data to better correlate this coal with its equivalents in the Illinois Basin. The work focused on 1) a core from Indiana Geological and Water Survey drill hole (SDH) 537, latitude 38.180721 N, longitude 86.83895 W); and 2) an outcrop of the St. Meinrad Coal Member (latitude 38.147652 N, longitude 86.808903 W), both in Spencer County, Indiana. The borehole was drilled in November 2023 and the core is archived at the Indiana Geological and Water Survey Core Research and Teaching Repository, Bloomington, Indiana, USA. The St. Meinrad Coal Member was encountered at a depth of 44.25 to 48.45 ft (13.49 to 14.77 m), with a total coal thickness of 4.20 ft (1.28 m). On a whole-seam basis, the coal has an ash yield of 1.27 wt % and is 3.92 wt % in total sulfur. Petrographically, the coal consists of moderate amounts of vitrinite (77.12 vol %), liptinite (15.84 vol %) and inertinite (7.04 vol %). Palynologically, the coal is dominated by lycopsid tree spores (74.12 vol %), with reduced amounts of small lycopsid (13.4 vol %) and tree fern (6.14 vol %) spores. Small fern (0.9 vol %) and calamite (4.17 vol %) spores are uncommon to rare, as is cordaite pollen (0.96 vol %). The outcrop location has a coal thickness of 3.15 ft (96 cm). In outcrop, the coal is relatively clean in the middle part and is enriched in mineral matter at the top and bottom parts of the seam. The coal is underlain by claystone. Palynologically, the coal has similar spore assemblage to that documented from the core. The common occurrence of Endosporites globiformis and other stratigraphically diagnostic taxa in both locations warrant assignment of the St. Meinrad Coal Member to the early Atokan NG (Microreticulatisporites nobilis - Endosporites globiformis) miospore zone of the Illinois Basin, which correlates with the early Duckmantian strata of western Europe and Middle-Late Bashkirian strata worldwide. The palynologic data also indicate that, within the Illinois Basin, the St. Meinrad Coal Member is coeval with the Hawesville and Bell coal beds in western Kentucky.

Lead and Barium strata-bound deposits in eocene carbonate ramps of Iran: Implications for the influence of sedimentary environment characteristics on the distribution of Ore reserves

In the case of ore deposits that are formed in marine environments, including kuroko deposits, the effect of paleo-sedimentary environment parameters and microfacies changes is very important, but it is often neglected in economic geological research. These factors determine the dispersion and concentration of ore horizons in an ore deposit area, and recognition them leads us to the localization of high concentration ore horizons.In this regard, lead and barite ore deposit area in the southeastern of Tafresh city (the border of Markazi and Qom provinces, Iran) was investigated. This ore deposit is of the kuroko type and is of the early to middle Eocene epoch (Ypresian-Lutetian ages) and was formed in a relatively deep ancient carbonate ramp. Investigating the concentration of different minerals and ore minerals in the mentioned ore deposit area using by remote sensing techniques indicates that the distribution of minerals and ore minerals is non-uniform with a noteworthy correlation unto the carbonate ramp microfacies in the southeastern of Tafresh. The scrutiny of microfacies characteristics and paleo-sedimentary environment showed that the distance from hydrothermal smokers, the action of different seawaves, sedimentological changes, structural features and initial morphology of microfacies have a remarkable impressiveness in the dispersion of ore reserves and the formation of horizons with a high concentration of ore.

Application of Seismic Sedimentology in Identifying Submarine Fan Bodies

Abstract The research area is located in the Yenisai Hatanga Basin of Russia, which is a transitional facies sedimentary rock between sea and land. Oil and gas are mostly concentrated in turbidite sand bodies of the low level domain submarine fans of Lower hutt formation in the Lower Cretaceous, and locally developed in the slope fan sand bodies of the high postion domain. which is good oil and gas reservoir, however, due to limitations of geological research conditions and data, the sedimentary characteristics and planar distribution of the submarine fan sand bodies are not clear in research area. This article conducts research on the identification and plane distribution prediction of submarine fan bodies using seismic sedimentology methods, By combining sequence stratigraphy, seismic profile, and RGB fusion technology, the sand bodies of submarine fans are analyzed. Through the correlation analysis of seismic profiles and seismic facies, corresponding relationship between sedimentary microfacies and typical seismic wave patterns is established. The study shows that the study area mainly develops continental shelf slope facies, submarine fans, and shallow to semi deep marine facies. Sediments formed a turbidite submarine fan composed of sandstone siltstone mudstone in the ancient trough. There are 5 sand groups developed in the Hutt Formation under the main target layer in the study area. Among them, the IV oil group is the main oil-bearing layer. The 0, Ⅰ, and Ⅱ sand groups have limited distribution and poor sand body connectivity. The Ⅲ sand group is mainly developed in the study area. In the north, it is distributed in the middle of the study area on the plane. The IV sand group is widely developed and distributed in the middle of the study area on the plane. Seismic sedimentology can provide technical support for prediction research of reservoirs.

Geosites of Northern Mountainous Adygeya (Southwestern Russia): A Novel Vision

Territorial inventories of geosites remain on the international agenda, and they can help in acquiring information for solving pure geological research tasks. New field investigations in the northern part of Mountainous Adygeya (geoheritage-rich territory in the western Greater Caucasus) permitted us to extend our knowledge of its geosites. Five geosites were described qualitatively and assessed semi-quantitatively, namely the Polkovnitskaya River Valley (ammonite-bearing concretions of Aptian glauconitic sandstones), the Little Khadzhokh River Valley (Aptian glauconitic sandstones with fossils and trace fossils), the Shakhan and Middle Khadzhokh River Valley (Upper Jurassic variegated siliciclastics, Hauterivian fluvial and deltaic sandstones, mixed ancient and modern clastic material), the Big Khadzhoh Waterfall (splendid waterfall and exposures of locally folded Oxfordian–Kimmeridgian limestones), and the Verblyud Mountain (small, camel-shaped cuesta’s remnant). They were ranked nationally (one geosite), regionally (three geosites), and locally (one geosite). Close examination of the considered geosites permitted to register pure geological peculiarities (changes in the dip direction between sedimentary packages), which indicate the tectonic activity across the Jurassic–Cretaceous transition. Additionally, complex accessibility patterns were established in some geosites, and these patterns should be addressed in further refinements of the semi-quantitative approaches to geosite assessment.

Review on the Study of Microscopic Pore Structure and Seepage Characteristics

Pore structure, as the focus of researchers, is also one of the main contents of reservoir geological research, and the characteristics of percolation depend on the micro-pore structure of the reservoir. The study of the characteristics of fluid percolation in the reservoir plays an important role in formulating a reasonable oil and gas exploitation scheme. Understanding the micro pore structure of the reservoir, analyzing the pore throat structure inside the oil and gas reservoir, and systematically studying the micro seepage characteristics of the reservoir have far-reaching influence and great significance for the exploration and development of oil and gas fields.

Mineral Composition and Distribution of Silt and Oxides in Shatt Al-Arab Deposits, Basra, Iraq

Understanding the mineral composition and distribution of river deposits is crucial for environmental management, resource utilization, and geological studies. This study aims to investigate the mineral composition and distribution of silt and oxides in the deposits of the Shatt al-Arab River, specifically in the Faw area of Basra Governorate. Samples were collected from depths of 0-30, 30-60, and 60-90 cm. The silt fraction (2-53 micrometers) was isolated, and mineral analysis was conducted using XRD and a point-counting device. Morphological characteristics were determined using a polarized light microscope. XRD analysis revealed the presence of minerals such as quartz, calcite, dolomite, smectite, kaolinite, chlorite, illite, hematite, magnetite, and albite at varying depths. Polarized light microscopy identified additional minerals within light and heavy fractions. The study found a dominance of monocrystalline quartz and opaque minerals, with magnetite being more prevalent than hematite across all depths and a high correlation coefficient with depth (0.96). Depth-specific variations in mineral composition suggest the need for further research in different locations and at greater depths. These findings provide insights into sedimentary processes and potential resource utilization in the region, making this study significant for regional geological and environmental research. Future research should focus on the temporal changes in mineral composition and their impact on sediment dynamics to enhance the understanding of regional geological history and resource management.

Review of morphotectonic studies in the East African Rift System: Insights from legacy research to modern advances

The East African Rift System (EARS) is a prime example of continental rifting, characterized by its iconic topographic features, which are significantly shaped by the interplay of tectonic and climatic forces. This review synthesizes past decades of morphotectonic studies (recent studies) on the plateau landscapes of the EARS, focusing particularly on their interiors and margins, and highlights their crucial role in advancing our understanding of landscape evolution. The paper revisits the legacy of geologic research in the EARS and delves into recent morphotectonic studies that quantify the rates and patterns of plateau incision, exhumation, and uplift through advanced thermochronological and topographic analyses. Additionally, the review identifies key unresolved questions, such as the origins of the plateau topography–whether from volcanic activity or mantle plume influence and explores how these plateaus maintained high elevations during the humid Oligocene Epoch without significant incision. The recent work described in this paper alongside legacy perspectives, continues to refine our geological understanding of the EARS, with broader implications for studies worldwide.

Advanced petrographic thin section segmentation through deep learning-integrated adaptive GLFIF

In geological research, precise segmentation of sandstone thin sections is crucial for detailed subsurface material analysis. Traditional methods often fall short in accurately capturing the complexities of these samples. This study presents an innovative segmentation approach that integrates an adaptive Global and Local Fuzzy Image Fitting (GLFIF) algorithm with Otsu's thresholding, significantly enhancing segmentation accuracy and efficiency. Our method combines deep learning and traditional image processing techniques. The adaptive GLFIF algorithm, powered by deep learning, automates parameter tuning, thereby reducing manual intervention and improving precision. Unlike conventional methods that learn fixed parameters, our model dynamically adjusts the segmentation process to achieve accurate results. The dual-phase segmentation strategy effectively isolates small features and handles intricate boundaries, ensuring high-quality outcomes. Experimental results demonstrate that our approach improves segmentation accuracy by 11.2% (from 82.6% to 93.8%), the Jaccard index by 15.4% (from 76.8% to 92.2%), and the Dice coefficient by 9% (from 86.9% to 95.9%) compared to traditional methods. This technique bridges the gap between conventional image analysis and deep learning, combining precise segmentation with the automation and computational power of advanced algorithms. Our segmentation algorithm represents a significant advancement in automated petrographic thin section analysis. Traditional image processing methods, such as thresholding and level sets, excel in handling small objects and complex boundaries but require significant manual intervention and cannot achieve full automation. Recent deep learning methods, particularly semantic segmentation, offer end-to-end automation but struggle with small targets and intricate boundaries. Our approach effectively combines the strengths of both methodologies, providing a comprehensive and efficient solution for geological image analysis that ensures both high accuracy and full automation.

Interaction between basement detachment fault, rift onset unconformity, and overlying basin fills: An example from the Songliao basin of a Cretaceous active continental margin volcanic rift in northeast Asia

How does a giant rift basin begin? No precise examples describe this issue. Based on 7108 m of continuous coring data recovered from the whole stratigraphy of the Songliao Basin (SLB), an attempt has been made to answer this question. Through comprehensive geological, geochemical and seismic research it has been found that there is a triangular extensional domain (TED) beneath the sedimentary cover in the basement at the rift center, from where the initial rupture of the giant rift was created. The basement detachment fault (DF), rift onset unconformity (ROU), and overlying basin fills are interrelated elements of a sedimentary basin and are the key to interpreting the geological archives recorded in the basin. The interaction processes between them determine the location of the basin center and the style of basement subsidence, which reflect the tectonic properties of the basin. This interaction may have a coevolutionary relationship with the deep magmatic activities beneath the basin. The basement of a basin typically consists of a series of strata that the lower strata age older. The uppermost basement sequence of the Triassic in the SLB is particularly important for the overlying basin formation and evolution. The surface topography controlled the thickness of the overlying Cretaceous cover. An ROU and DF developed at the top and bottom of the Triassic, respectively.The long-term uplift, denudation, and subsequent volcanic deposition may be common features of an ROU in a volcanic rift basin. More so, DF is the controlling factor for basin subsidence in the syn-rift stage of basin evolution. The frequent intrusive association with graben faults suggests that sublithospheric mantle flow may affect the accommodation space of the overlying basin by cutting the basement blocks via feeder dykes and shaping the graben pattern on top of the basement.

The Aerogeophysical Atlas of Tocantins State: Synthesis of Magnetic Anomaly And Radioelement Maps With Emphasis on Regional Signatures and the Serra Da Cangalha Impact Structure

The Tocantins State Aerogeophysical Atlas (TSAA) is an institutional product of the Geological Survey of Brazil. It is aimed at promoting the use of airborne magnetic and gamma-ray spectrometry data to support geophysical and geological research at state level. Here, we present a synthesis of the TSAA with special emphasis on the interpretation of the magnetic (Anomalous Magnetic Field, First Vertical Derivative (FVD), and Total Gradient Amplitude (TGA) images) and radiometric (RGB composite color map of concentrations, Inverse Images of K, eTh, and eU, and Normalized eU enhancement) map. In particular, the radiometric data for the Serra da Cangalha impact structure in northeast Tocantins are discussed. For Tocantins State, the results show that the radiometric and/or magnetic signatures of geological units (e.g., Mosquito Formation basalts; granite-gneiss/migmatite terrains) and structural features (e.g., dykes and lineaments), or related exogenous deposits (Serra Geral do Tocantins quartzose soils; alluvial deposits of main drainage channels) can be visualized well on regional-scale maps. Analysis of radiometric ratios for the area of the Serra da Cangalha impact structure indicates that eU concentrations are enriched in the annular basin around the central uplift structure, and in the zone straddling the contact between the Piauí and Pedra de Fogo formations. In the latter case, the elevated eU concentrations could be related to brecciated chert layers or silicified sandstones.

Tectonic and climate changes influences on distribution and morphology of Quaternary travertine, Kurkur oasis, Egypt

The present study aims to investigate the relationship between tectonic activity, climate changes and Quaternary travertine deposition around Kurkur Oasis in the southern Western Desert of Egypt. Our findings, based on field observations and structural investigations, revealed that extensional tectonics played a significant role in the formation and the distribution of travertine deposits in the study area. Three main travertine morphotypes are documented: fissure ridge, spring mound, and terrace mound along with four lithotypes: crystalline crust, fine-grained lithoclast, paper-thin raft, and reed. The spatial distribution of these travertine occurrences indicates that travertines located closest to the springs exhibit crystalline crust and paper-thin raft lithotypes. While, the reed and the fine-grained lithoclastic types are situated farther from the water sources. Terraces mounds are related to pluvial episodes, which led to travertine deposition in the suitable tectonically created depressions. A two-stage hypothesis for travertine deposition are proposed herein, involving tectonic fissuring and the circulation of carbonated water. These results may enhance our understanding of travertine formation and have broader implications for geological research in similar tectonic environments.

Geological genesis and identification of high-porosity and low-permeability sandstones in the Cretaceous Bashkirchik Formation, northern Tarim Basin

Abstract The genesis and prediction of high-porosity and low-permeability sandstone reservoirs are hot spots in oil and gas geology research worldwide. High-porosity and low-permeability sandstone reservoirs are developed in the Cretaceous Bashkirchik Formation of the Luntai Uplift in the northern Tarim Basin, China. In this article, we conducted a systematic study on the geological origin and logging identification of high-porosity and low-permeability tight sandstone based on core observation, thin section, logging index response, and mathematical discrimination methods. The results show that the K1bs sandstone segment in the study area generally contains calcium carbonate, which mainly comes from carbonate rock debris and calcite cement. Calcite cement mainly fills the pores between primary particles, and it is the main factor leading to the densification of the reservoir. The geological origin of the formation of low-permeability layer is mainly due to the early cementation of carbonate, and the development mode of the low-permeability layer is “high content of calcium debris → severe calcium cementation → poor petrophysical properties → formation of low-permeability layer.” The low-permeability layer has the characteristics of high gamma and high resistivity, and the multi-parameter discriminant method established based on the Fisher criterion has a good identification effect for the low-permeability layer. The low-permeability layer has a small thickness, poor stability and continuity, and strong longitudinal heterogeneity, thus it can form a low-permeability baffle inside the reservoir, which greatly reduces the oil and gas migration capacity.

Paradox Basin Uranium-Vanadium Deposits: History and Significance of Geological Research

Paradox Basin Uranium-Vanadium Deposits: History and Significance of Geological Research

The Yale-Cambridge Research Project to India: The Context, Disciplinary Character and Legal-Institutional Matters

This paper deals with the Yale-Cambridge Research Project which Helmut de Terra led to India in 1935. Its principal sponsors included the Carnegie Institution of Washington, Yale University and the American Philosophical Society. The expedition worked in various parts of British India and the princely state of Kashmir. The project is considered of exceptional importance in the field of both geological and archaeological research. This paper sets the historical context of the project and analyzes its disciplinary and scholarly character. The expedition aimed to address both geological and archaeological questions. In view of this interdisciplinary formation of the expedition, this study finally delves into legal and institutional matters so as to find out who were responsible for formally coordinating, such as issuance of the license etc. with de Terra and his team. The Geological Survey of India, the Archaeological Survey and the princely state of Kashmir, thus, come into our discussion.

Questionable suitability of pure geological publications to distant inventory of world-class palaeogeographical geosites

Present acceleration of interest in geoheritage makes urgent a very large inventory of geosites in all parts of the world, which task cannot be achieved by only geoconservationists. Pure geological publications seem to be promising to deal with geosites without visiting them. To realize the existence of such an opportunity, ten fresh examples of research articles reporting exceptional palaeogeographical localities from the different geographical domains and geological time slices were considered. A semi-quantitative, score-based assessment of suitability (quality) of the published information was undertaken. This procedure should be distinguished from geosite evaluation, which is not the aim of this study. It was found that the outcomes of pure geological research published in journal articles can really help to identify world-class geosites, although the information from these articles is not enough to characterize geosites (especially regarding such properties as accessibility and vulnerability). Finding additional literature and realizing conservation status are the other challenges of geosite inventories based on only journal articles. Some recommendations for writing geoheritage-unrelated articles so to satisfy the needs of geoconservation were given.