Geological Studies Research Articles

Rock Slope Stability Assessment for Selected Sites at Imam Mohammed Road \ Sulaimaniyah Governorate \ Northern Iraq

A detailed engineering geological study was performed for rock slope stability for several selected sites at Imam Mohammed Road that connects Sulaimaniyah city and Darbandikhan town, the study included four sites in which a comprehensive survey was made for the rock slopes, the rocks forming them, and discontinuities affecting in them. The assessment of rock slope stability of the sites was executed through the stereographic projection, to determine the status of the slopes and discontinuities, field measurements revealed many occurred and probable failure types represented by the rock fall and sliding. The rock slopes were also classified based on three factors; divergence angle (parallel, oblique lateral, and orthogonal), Laterality (right and left emergent), and concordance (concordant and discordant). The rocks forming the slopes are described geometrically based on their color, grain size, texture, discontinuities, weathering, rock strength, lithology, and permeability. On the other hand, the risk of each site was also assessed depending on the Landslide Possibility Index (LPI), which showed that the first site lies within the (moderate hazard) category whereas the others lie within the (High hazard) category. Finally, some treatment strategies were proposed in order to stabilize the slopes and decrease the danger of their collapse on the road.

Applied Terminology in Geodiversity and Geotourism Activity: a Sustainable Conceptual Exercise

Objective: Promoting environmental geoconservation, geodiversity and local culture, namely through tours and research on these natural environments. Theoretical Framework:t is based on modern scientific definitions used in geology, geomorphology, paleontology, culture, and for educational and geotourism purposes. Method:The literature review significantly contextualizes knowledge and broad understanding, as well as advances in the terminology most used in geotourism activity, adopted in Brazil and European references in the area.It is representativeness: relational: the suitability of the geosite to illustrate a geological process or quality, which contributes significantly to the understanding of the theme, process, characteristic or (i) representation: geological context, (ii) integrity: related to the state of conservation of the geosite, (iii) rarity: number of geosites in the geological study area, (iv) scientific knowledge. Results and Discussion:The results obtained revealed that review studies of specialized terminology applied in geodiversity and geotourism activity play a significant role in interpreting unique places where most geosites occur, attracting tourists who are increasingly surprised by geosites. Research Implications:The implications of geosite terminology do not involve universal consensus, and there are several ways to scientifically describe a geosite in the context of a type of terrestrial relief, geological structure and minerals. This interpretation should be carried out by a specialist or by experienced people who are knowledgeable about the local specificities. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by addressing the terminology applied in geoscience that encompasses geodiversity and geotourism. The relevance and potential of geosites for education, scientific interpretation of geological characteristics in the central region of the North Amazon.

Petrographic Characterisation and Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction of the Kipala Shales (Central Basin, DRC, Kwilu Province)

In order to fill the glaring gaps in geological data for the Kipala region, in the Kwilu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, geological studies were carried out. The results identified four different lithofacies in the study area: dark greasy shale, feldspathic microgres, clayey sandstone and bituminous shale. The petrographic compositions and palaeoenvironmental conditions of the deposit are presented for the first time in this work. From a petrographic point of view, the rock samples analysed differ in the nature of their constituent minerals and/or matrix or cement. Similarly, there is a close relationship between local lake and river sediments. The size and degree of rounding of the clayey sandstones in the rocks studied suggest that they were transported over a long period under strong hydrodynamic conditions.

Evaluation of the source and mechanisms of groundwater recharge for the southern sections of the western Afar rift margin and associated rift floor

Study areaSouthern Sections of Western Afar rift margin and associated rift floor. Study focusThe purpose of this study is to identify the source and mechanisms of groundwater recharge based on geological, hydrochemical, and environmental isotope studies. New hydrogeological insightsThe investigation illustrate that the columnar jointed basalt was extended from the plateau to the rift margin. In addition, transverse structures trending NW-SE and NE-SW connect the plateau to the rift margin and the marginal grabens to the rift floor. The hydrochemical interpretations with EC and TDS shows that the groundwater from the plateau has evolved from Ca-dominated and slightly mineralized to Na-dominated and highly mineralized to the rift floor. Isotopically, the deep groundwater systems are depleted in the entire physiography in contrast to the shallow groundwater systems. Radon measurements are higher at the outlets of the marginal grabens and between the rift margin and the rift floor, suggesting groundwater feeds the river. A comprehensive analysis of the aforementioned results suggests that the deep circulating groundwater is recharged in the plateau and escarpment and chemically altered with increasing depth and along its preferential flow path into the rift floor. Therefore, the plateau area is the main source of recharge for the western Afar rift margin and associated rift floor, due to the presence of preferential pathways, mainly the columnar jointed basalts and cross-structures.

Geology, Archaeology, and Historical Studies of the Late 16th Century Plinian Eruption of Raung Volcano: A Potential Case for Disaster Geotourism in Ijen UNESCO Global Geopark, East Java, Indonesia

The enigmatic major eruption in the late 16th century, believed to have originated from Raung, the most active stratovolcano in the Ijen UNESCO Global Geopark in East Java, Indonesia, has ignited significant debate among researchers and historians due to its profound impact on the region. This research aims to substantiate Raung as the likely source of the major eruption by integrating geological, archaeological, and historical data. This study synthesizes current findings and explores ongoing debates surrounding historical volcanic activities. Eruption parameters suggest that the late 16th century eruption exhibited a Plinian type, characterized by an explosive eruption column reaching the stratosphere, widespread pumiceous tephra fallout, and pyroclastic density current (PDC). Stratigraphic succession reveals that the eruption occurred in five phases, with deposits from 10 eruptive units. These deposits are mainly concentrated on the northwestern flank of Raung. Archaeological findings, historical records, and local legends converge to pinpoint the occurrence of this catastrophic event in the late 16th century. These diverse sources estimate that the eruption resulted in approximately 10,000 casualties, marking it as one of the most significant volcanic disasters in the past 500 years. The implications of this eruption extend beyond historical documentation, providing a critical case study for advancing disaster mitigation strategies through geotourism in the geopark area. Moreover, the eruption record outcrops identified in this study can be proposed as potential new geosites within the Ijen UNESCO Global Geopark, enhancing its educational and touristic value. We propose the Jebung Kidul, Alas Sumur, and Batu Sappar sites as potential disaster-based geosites, considering that these sites record the eruption process and preserve archaeological structures. This addition would not only commemorate the historical event but also promote awareness and preparedness for future volcanic activities in the region.

Geotechnical Justification for Designing Landslide Prevention Measures

Abstract When designing anti-landslide measures, slope stability assessment is an important factor and is determined by conducting comprehensive engineering and geological studies on a slope with potential landslide risks. The results of correct engineering and geological justification for the design of anti-landslide measures lead to the preservation of the structure and safe operation of infrastructure facilities. Our experience shows that to eliminate the negative effects of landslide processes, it is necessary to accurately determine the engineering and geological conditions of the slope, including the stability of the slope, taking into account natural dynamic phenomena (seismicity of the territory and tectonic processes) and, if possible, to see the complete elimination of the causes that lead to landslide processes when developing anti-landslide measures. To achieve these goals, the geotechnical justification of the design is the only correct solution. Geotechnical justification of protective measures intended to protect the structural elements of the Baku-Russian Federation State Border highway, which is part of the north-south transport corridor and passes through the foot of a potentially landslide-hazardous slope west of the city of Shabran, is one of the most important conditions that increase the effectiveness of these measures. On a slope located 1500 meters southwest of the current research area, the results of our scientific research were not properly utilized and many of our warnings were not heeded, resulting in a landslide during construction, leading to serious damage to the road's structural elements (Fig. 1) and additional costs. This event once again confirms that landslides are the most common natural and man-made processes that pose a threat to the safe operation of infrastructure facilities, civil and industrial construction in mountainous and foothill areas (Shiraliyev et al., 2024)

Late devonian calc-alkaline high-k fractionated “Ferroan” I-type leucogranites (Rudny Altai)

The paper presents the geological, geochemical and isotope-geochronological studies of the Rudny Altai granitoids in the west of Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) – the front part of the Altai convergent margin of the Siberian continent. Isotopic U–Pb dating of zircons showed an age range from 367 to 363 Ma. Geochemical characteristics indicate the relevance of leucogranites to calc-alkaline high-K series (SiO2 73 wt.%, Na2O+K2O = 6.9–9 wt.%, Na2O/K2O = 0.7–1.2), with calc-alkaline and alkaline-calcic affinities (MALI = 6.32–8.41). They bear meta- to weakly-peraluminous values (A/CNK = 0.9–1.2), high Fe* index (0.84–0.97) and high fluorine (0.04–0.17 wt.%) content. Variations of HFSEs, LILEs contents, Ga/Al ratios and strong negative A/CNK-P2O5 correlation indicate their affinity with fractionated I-type granitoids. Rare metal (beryllium) mineralization is spatially and genetically related to leucogranites. It is assumed that the formation of granitoids was associated with shearing setting at the convergent margin of the Siberian continent, as a result of oblique subduction of the Irtysh-Zaisan ocean plate.

Characteristics and Tectonic Implications of the Geomorphic Indices of the Watersheds around the Lijiang–Jinpingshan Fault

The Lijiang–Jinpingshan fault (LJF) is an important secondary boundary fault that obliquely cuts the Sichuan–Yunnan rhombic block. It is of great significance for understanding the tectonic evolution of the Sichuan–Yunnan rhombic block and even the southeastern margin of the Tibet Plateau. Based on a digital elevation model (DEM), this work combines ArcGIS with MATLAB script programs to extract geomorphic indices including slope, the relief degree of the land surface (RDLS), hypsometric integral (HI), and channel steepness index (ksn) of 593 sub–watersheds and strip terrain profiles around the LJF. By analyzing the spatial distribution characteristics of the geomorphic indices and combining the regional lithology and precipitation conditions, the spatial distribution of the geomorphic indices around the study area was analyzed to reveal the implications of the LJF’s activity. The results of this work indicate that (1) the distribution of geomorphic indices around the LJF may not be controlled by climate and lithological conditions, and the LJF is the dominant factor controlling the geomorphic evolution of the region. (2) The spatial distribution patterns of geomorphic indices and strip terrain profiles reveal that the vertical movement of the LJF resulted in a pronounced uplift on its northwest side, with tectonic activity gradually diminishing from northeast to southwest. Furthermore, based on the spatial distribution characteristics of these geomorphic indices, the activity intensity of the LJF can be categorized into four distinct segments: Jianchuan–Lijiang, Lijiang–Ninglang, Ninglang–Muli, and Muli–Shimian. (3) The activity of the LJF obtained from tectonic geomorphology is consistent with the conclusions obtained in previous geological and geodesic studies. This work provides evidence of the activity and segmentation of the LJF in tectonic geomorphology. The results provide insight for the discussion of tectonic deformation and earthquake disaster mechanisms in the southeastern margin of the Tibet Plateau.

Spatial distribution and deposits of cliffs along the Brazilian semi-arid coast

Cliffed coasts are common landforms found worldwide, but their precise spatial distribution and the nature of associated deposits may present regional gaps. This works presents a geological and geomorphological study of the Brazilian semi-arid coast (∼900 km), which was carried out on coastal cliffs with the aim of addressing three important knowledge gaps: i) spatial distribution of coastal cliffs, analyzed using topographic data from SRTM, LiDAR and field surveys, ii) the lithology and ages of the deposits, investigated through sedimentological analysis and OSL dating, and iii) origin of the cliffs, explored through relations with global and regional sea-level curves. The supply of terrigenous sediments to the western equatorial Atlantic coast was also considered. Coastal cliffs were identified along 235 km of the coastline, represented mainly by inactive cliffs (∼170 km). These cliffed coasts are composed mainly by poorly sorted siliciclastic sandstones and conglomerates, deposited in the Late Pleistocene. The depositional phases correlate with abrupt climate changes, due to pulses of terrigenous supply to the continental margin during the Heinrich Events. The formation of marine cliffs in these deposits occurred in the mid-Holocene, as sea level reached current elevation (msl) in ∼7 ka and 2-4 m above in ∼5.5 ka. This previous higher sea-level supports the widespread occurrence of inactive cliffs. The findings in this work contribute to i) improved mapping of coastal landforms, with higher resolution data demonstrating that previous works underestimated the presence of coastal cliffs; ii) the coastal cliffs are cut in Pleistocene sediments instead of older, Miocene deposits of the Barreiras Formation as previously assumed; iii) cliff formation due to marine erosion occurred in the mid- to- late Holocene; iv) the siliciclastic sediments that compose the cliffs are correlatable to marine sediments found in adjacent offshore areas, highlighting the role of abrupt global climatic changes in the Pleistocene in shaping contemporary coastal landscapes.

Палинологическое обоснование стратиграфического расчленения и корреляции отложений беловежского горизонта плейстоцена Беларуси

The Belovezhian stage is a part of the Middle Pleistocene of Belarus. It is located between the Narevian and Berezinian glacial stages and consists of three substages: Borkovian, Nizhninian and Mogilevian. Belovezhian stage corresponds to the Muchkapian one in the stratigraphic scheme of the Pleistocene of the European part of Russia, which is also subdivided into the Glazovian, Podrudnyanian and Konakhovian substages and located between the Donian and Okian glacial stages. Generalization and analysis of the results of accumulated palynological and geological studies indicate that the Borkovian, Nizhninian and Mogilevian substages can be assigned a higher status — stages. Arguments in favor of such a division are presented in this paper. This point of view was repeatedly expressed earlier, but was not accepted in the modern stratigraphic scheme of the Pleistocene of Belarus. Another topical issue of the stratigraphy of this part of Pleistocene, considered within this article, is the validity of the Korchevian substage within the Narevian glacial stage. According to the available palynological data, the deposits of the Korchevian substage are characterized by a similar sequence and features of pollen zones as the Mogilevian accumulations within the Belovezhian stage, and therefore their age should be determined as Mogilevian. To substantiate the conclusions, a detailed interregional correlation of the studied deposits with the corresponding deposits of other regions of Europe by pollen zones was carried out and presented in this article.

THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPANDING RESEARCH ON THE SERPENTINIZATION OF OPHIOLITE ROCKS BY NATURAL “WHITE” HYDROGEN FOR KAZAKHSTAN

In Kazakhstan, options and regions for hydrogen production are being considered, including in Western Kazakhstan, the Mangystau region, using the water of the Caspian Lake. The current advanced hydrogen production technologies, including green hydrogen, are very expensive, requiring billions of dollars of investment and potentially creating difficulties for the local population and nature, ecology, flora and fauna. At the same time, geological studies of alternative hydrogen production options in Kazakhstan are poorly developed. Kazakhstan needs and is currently very important to study serpentinization of ophiolite rocks using natural «white» hydrogen. In many countries, there is practically a «gold rush» now, hydrogeologists are conducting research on the search for natural «white» hydrogen. Hydrogeologists have now discovered numerous sources of natural hydrogen in geological environments from Mali to Switzerland, France, Germany, the USA, Canada, and Australia. More than 50 companies have sprung up to discover and mine it. A natural hydrogen well operates in Mali to provide energy to a local city with a population of about 4,000 people for free and forever. Unlike other geological fuels, which are formed over millions of years, natural hydrogen is generated by mixing water and iron particles, serpentinization of ophiolite rocks, and is renewable on the scale of human time, and not in geological epochs. Alternative options for the production and use of hydrogen are presented in this review, including various types of hydrogen, black, gray, green, blue, turquoise, pink and yellow, depending on the method of its extraction and production. Kazakhstan, with the richest natural ore reserves, including coal and polymetals, where ophiolite rocks may be located, may well have deposits of natural «white» hydrogen, such geological studies in Kazakhstan are poorly developed.

Bayesian inference of coupled groundwater flow and radiogenic helium-4 production and transport at the catchment scale

Hydrogeological numerical models are essential for assessing radioactive waste disposal by understanding groundwater flow systems. These models typically rely on hydraulic head data, with other state variables often underutilized in model inversions. In Flanders' Neogene aquifer, where safety studies for Boom Clay are ongoing, existing models face uncertainties due to dependence on hydraulic heads alone. This study aims to: i) develop a conceptual model of radiogenic Helium-4 (4Herad) production and transport to reproduce observed concentrations; ii) evaluate the usefulness of 4Herad observations as an additional state variable for inverse conditioning; and iii) assess how including 4Herad affects model calibration and uncertainty reduction. We address these objectives by incorporating radiogenic Helium-4 (4Herad) as an unconventional state variable in model inversion to tackle parameter non-uniqueness. Utilizing a Bayesian approach, we employ two 3D models: a groundwater flow (GWF) model conditioned by hydraulic heads and a coupled GWF model with 4Herad production and transport, conditioned by both hydraulic heads and 4Herad concentrations. We hypothesize that integrating 4Herad will improve model accuracy and reduce uncertainties compared to using hydraulic head data alone. Findings indicate that major 4Herad sources include crustal fluxes (~57 %) and in situ Boom Clay production (~25 %). The coupled inference narrows the posterior distributions of parameters, especially for hydraulic conductivity (e.g., Mol, Diest, Berchem formations, and the Rauw Fault) and recharge, showing that 4Herad observations effectively reduce uncertainty beyond hydraulic head data. Including 4Herad improves model reliability and prediction accuracy, highlighting its importance for refining groundwater flow parameters and derived fluxes. To the best of our knowledge, this study marks the first-ever attempt at harnessing 4Herad quantitative insights into flow and transport parameters following a Bayesian approach at a catchment scale, setting a precedent for future research and emphasizing the innovative nature of this work. This study showcases a state-of-the-art approach in hydrogeological modelling, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating 4Herad with hydraulic head observations to produce more reliable model predictions. By reducing uncertainties in crucial groundwater fluxes, this approach offers significant potential for improving geological disposal safety studies. This pioneering work advocates for the continued use of 4Herad in hydrogeological modelling, emphasizing its innovative contribution to future research and safety studies. Plain language summaryUnderstanding how groundwater flows is crucial for safely storing radioactive waste. Traditionally, models used to study groundwater rely mostly on measurements of water pressure, while other valuable data often go unused. In the Neogene aquifer in Flanders, where researchers are studying the Boom Clay formation for potential waste storage, relying only on water pressure has created uncertainties in the models. This study explores a new approach by using a different type of measurement: radiogenic Helium-4 (4Herad). The goals of the study are threefold: first, to build a model that accurately represents how 4Herad is produced and moves through the groundwater; second, to test whether including 4Herad as an additional measurement improves the model compared to using only water pressure data; and third, to see how using 4Herad affects the accuracy and reliability of the model. The study uses two types of models: one that relies only on water pressure data and another that includes both water pressure and 4Herad measurements. The idea is that 4Herad could provide additional insights and help reduce uncertainties in the model. The findings show that 4Herad comes mainly from two sources: the surrounding crust and the Boom Clay itself. Including 4Herad in the model helps narrow down uncertainties, particularly regarding how water moves through different layers and how much water is being replenished. This research is the first to use 4Herad in this way, using a formal statistical method to improve groundwater models. The results suggest that 4Herad is a valuable addition for making more accurate predictions and improving safety assessments for radioactive waste storage.

Geological and biostratigraphical factors in hydrocarbon recovery optimization using integrated seismic, petrophysical, and core data, Niger Delta

The study of geologic heterogeneities (the quality of reservoir rock according to its spatial variation in properties such as grain size, mineralogy, organic content, fossil content, and natural fracture) and their impact on recovery factors, optimization, and performance of injection fluids in concurrent development (production of both oil and gas at the same time) of oil rim reservoirs (reservoirs with a thin oil column that is overlain with a large gas cap) has become necessary to explore the role of geological and biostratigraphical heterogeneity in optimizing hydrocarbon recovery from oil rim reservoirs in the Niger Delta using integrated seismic, petrophysical, and core data. This is to achieve optimum hydrocarbon recovery instead of relying only on development strategies, which is usually the practice and thus fails. Petrel and Eclipse software were used to simulate the static and dynamic models, respectively, for three oil rim reservoirs, using data (seismic, petrophysical, core, and reservoir data) from a green field in the Niger Delta, Nigeria, for concurrent development under the natural depletion (base case), surfactant enhanced-water-alternating-gas (SeWAG), and water-alternating-gas (WAG) injection options. In each option, two scenarios of injection well positions were simulated: gas-oil contact (GOC) and oil-water contact (OWC). Geological studies showed that Reservoir 1 is a heterolith facies of lower-shoreface deposits with traces of Ophiomorpha burrows, Reservoir 2 is a channel facies of lower shoreface deposits with Ophiomorpha burrows, and Reservoir 3 is a heterolith facies of upper shoreface without vertical burrows. When SeWAG of ratio 1:4:2 was injected at OWC, the highest oil recovery factor was observed compared to other options, and injection at GOC gave the highest gas recovery factor. Permeability anisotropy (Kv/Kh) for reservoirs 1 and 2, with Ophiomorpha burrows being considered, was 0.32 and 0.34, respectively. High recovery factors for both oil and gas were recorded. However, the model of the same reservoir without Ophiomorpha burrows gave reduced values of Kv/Kh of 0.12 and 0.15, respectively, with reduced recovery factors. Reservoir 3, which doesn't have burrows in the initial model, has a Kv/Kh value of 0.11 with low recovery factors in various development cases. However, when Ophiomorpha burrows were integrated into the model, Kv/Kh was 0.31, and the recovery factors increased significantly. The study has shown that geological and biostratigraphical interactions induce Kv/Kh. It has a significant optimization impact on recovery factors in concurrent development and enhances vertical sweep efficiency in EOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery). The study further shows that Ophiomorpha burrows improve the geologic heterogeneity quality of a reservoir (permeability anisotropy) by enhancing the injection fluid to get into micro- and macropore spaces for efficient sweeping of oil and gas into the development well.

Surface and Deep Structure of the Hanshan–Wuwei Basins in the Lower Yangtze Region: Implications for Mesozoic Tectonic Evolution of the South China Block

AbstractIndicating the tectonic features of the Hanshan–Wuwei basin can reconstruct the framework of the basins formed in Mesozoic and further understand the Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the South China Block. Studies on surface structure, regional stress field and deep geophysical characteristics of the Mesozoic Hanshan–Wuwei basin in Lower Yangtze region were carried out. NE–NNE trending folds and faults developed in the northern margin of the basins. The reconstruction of tectonic stress fields indicates four stress stages dominating the basins' evolution including NW–SE compression, N–S compression, NW–SE extension and NWW–SEE compression. 2D seismic profiles reveal coexistence of thrust, strike‐slip and normal faults in the basin. Combined with regional geological studies, the geodynamic processes for the formation of the Hanshan–Wuwei basin can be divided into five stages: 1) During the Late Triassic, EW trending foreland basin was formed by N–S compression; 2) From Mid‐Jurassic to Late Jurassic, continuous compression strengthened the foreland deformation and formed thrust nappes. In this stage, the integrated foreland basin was compartmentalized or fragmented, and transferred to the broken foreland basin; 3) NE‐trending sinistral strike‐slip movement at the beginning of the Early Cretaceous; 4) Regional extension resulted in normal faults and rift basins developing in the Late Cretaceous; 5) The NWW–SEE compression at the end of the Late Cretaceous caused NW sinistral strike‐slip faults to form, which partly transformed the rift basin.

Fault‐Valve Instability: A Mechanism for Slow Slip Events

AbstractGeophysical and geological studies provide evidence for cyclic changes in fault‐zone pore fluid pressure that synchronize with or at least modulate slip events. A hypothesized explanation is fault valving arising from temporal changes in fault zone permeability. In our study, we investigate how the coupled dynamics of rate and state friction, along‐fault fluid flow, and permeability evolution can produce slow slip events. Permeability decreases with time, and increases with slip. Linear stability analysis shows that steady slip with constant fluid flow along the fault zone is unstable to perturbations, even for velocity‐strengthening friction with no state evolution, if the background flow is sufficiently high. We refer to this instability as the “fault valve instability.” The propagation speed of the fluid pressure and slip pulse, which scales with permeability enhancement, can be much higher than expected from linear pressure diffusion. Two‐dimensional simulations with spatially uniform properties show that the fault valve instability develops into slow slip events, in the form of aseismic slip pulses that propagate in the direction of fluid flow. We also perform earthquake sequence simulations on a megathrust fault, taking into account depth‐dependent frictional and hydrological properties. The simulations produce quasi‐periodic slow slip events from the fault valve instability below the seismogenic zone, in both velocity‐weakening and velocity‐strengthening regions, for a wide range of effective normal stresses. A separation of slow slip events from the seismogenic zone, which is observed in some subduction zones, is reproduced when assuming a fluid sink around the mantle wedge corner.

Drilling liquid from plant based oil using carbon based nanoparticles

The risks of disposal associated with using mineral-based drilling liquids have prompted the search for alternatives. Despite their long-standing use in the industry, mineral-based liquids pose challenges due to their eco-toxicity, poor biodegradability, and low fire resistance. Recently, vegetable-based liquids have gained attention for their excellent environmental friendliness and high fire resistance. In this study, a green drilling liquid was developed from non-food grade vegetable oil. The base liquid was extracted and the oil underwent epoxidation to enhance the thermal stability. Two different carbon-based nanoparticles were synthesized from coconut shells and graphite. The graphene nanoparticles derived from graphite exhibited a higher surface area compared to those from coconut shells. The properties of the developed graphene nanomud, such as gel strength, thermal conductivity, specific gravity, mud viscosity, mud filtrate properties, cutting carrying index, electrical conductivity, and toxicity, were investigated and compared with diesel-based nanomud. Results showed that neem graphene nanomuds possess properties that are comparable to, and in some cases better than diesel-based oil mud. The addition of 0.25 wt% to 2.0 wt% of graphene nanoparticles increased the electrical conductivity of the fluid from 58.7 to 229.5 µS/cm at 25 °C, enabling the use of resistivity imaging techniques for wellhole geological studies. Additionally, the nanofluids demonstrated desirable thermal conductivity, ranging from 0.138 W/m·K to 0.267 W/m·K at 25 °C, making them suitable coolants. Furthermore, toxicity tests using bean plants demonstrated that graphene-based nanomuds are environmentally friendly and could offer a cleaner, more sustainable option for drilling operations.

Spatial Analysis of Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Aetiology (CKDu) Prevalence in Badulupura Village, Sri Lanka

This study investigated spatial patterns of chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) patients in Badulupura village. The analysis utilized published locational data for all households, including households affected by CKDu, and all wells used by CKDu-affected patients (CPA wells). The study employed Average Nearest Neighbour (ANN) and Hot Spot Analysis (Getis-Ord Gi*) tools to assess the spatial clustering of CKDu households and CPA wells. The study also explored the impact of topographical factors such as elevation, slope, and distance to watershed boundaries on the spatial distribution of CKDu patients. The ANN analysis revealed a dispersed pattern for all wells, and a random distribution for all households. However, both CKDu households and CPI wells exhibited a clustered pattern, suggesting a location-specific cause for the spatial distribution of the disease. Additionally, overlaying CKDu-affected households on the digital elevation model revealed a concentration of CKDu hot spots in high-elevation areas, while cold spots were observed in low-elevation regions. Furthermore, the t-test was employed to investigate the significance of elevation, slope, and distance to the watershed boundaries in relation to CKDu distribution. The results indicated a significant (p<0.05) prevalence of CKDu in high-elevation areas, while no significant association was found with slope or distance to watershed boundaries. The study revealed the presence of localized CKDu hot spots and cold spots within a small geographical area, highlighting the importance of considering topographical factors and conducting comprehensive hydrogeological and geological studies to gain valuable insights into the spatial distribution of CKDu.

The Relationships between the Internal Nappe Zone and the Regional Mylonitic Complex in the NE Variscan Sardinia (Italy): Insight from a New Possible Regional Interpretation?

This study presents an updated interpretation of geological data collected between 1984 and 2022. The area under consideration holds significant regional importance as it is located between the Internal Nappe Zone (INZ) and the Regional Mylonitic Complex (RMC). Re-evaluation of the geological data has highlighted a more intricate structural framework than what is currently documented in the existing literature. This paper aims to illustrate, through structural analysis, that the Posada Valley Shear Zone (PVSZ) does not serve as the transitional boundary between the Inner Nappe Zone and the Regional Mylonitic Complex or High-Grade Metamorphic Complex (HGMC) as traditionally thought. Instead, the authors’ findings indicate that the transition boundary is confined to a shear band with a variable thickness ranging from 10 to 70 m at its widest points. The development of the Posada Valley Shear Zone is characterized by a series of transitions from mylonite I S-C to mylonite II S-C, extending over approximately 5 km. The formation of the Posada Valley Shear Zone is chronologically confined between the development of the East Variscan Shear Zone (EVSZ) and the emplacement of the Late Variscan granites. The differing orientations of Sm and S3 observed in the mylonitic events of the Posada Valley Shear Zone and the Regional Mylonitic Complex, respectively, are likely attributable to an anticlockwise rotation of the shortening directions during the upper Carboniferous period. Furthermore, this study proposes that the Condensed Isogrades Zone (CIZ), despite its unclear formation mechanism, should be recognized as the true transition zone between the Inner Nappe Zone and the Regional Mylonitic Complex or High-Grade Metamorphic Complex. This new interpretation challenges the previously accepted notion of increasing Variscan metamorphic zonation toward the northeast. This conclusion is supported by the identification of the same NE–SW orientation of the D2 tectonic event in both the Old Gneiss Complex (OGC in the Regional Mylonitic Complex) and the lithologies of the Inner Nappe Zone and the Condensed Isogrades Zone. The comprehensive analysis and new insights provided in this paper contribute to a refined understanding of the geological relationships and processes within this region, offering significant implications for future geological studies and interpretations.

Типовые условия государственного контракта на государственное геологическое изучение недр

The full implementation of the state geological survey of the subsurface directly depends on the terms of government contracts, which should reflect the specifics of the field of the subject of purchase, which cannot be done without special conditions for this type of government contracts. It is possible to avoid delaying procurement procedures for the state geological study of subsurface resources and possible nonfulfillment of tasks assigned to state customers by establishing standard conditions necessary to reflect the specifics of the subsurface use area. In this regard, the special law on public procurement requires adjustments in terms of setting standard conditions for the approval of project documentation and the ability of customers to limit the cost of an informational geological report.

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.