Geological Research Articles

Book Review: Winchester, S. (2009). The Map That Changed the World: William Smith and the Birth of Modern Geology. United States: HarperCollins

Writers have their own storytelling techniques to attract their readers, and Simon Winchester is no exception. The author is known for a unique interest in anecdotes dealing with the transmission of knowledge from one source to another and finally to the human mind, with its own inquisitive spirit. The Map That Changed the World is a perfect example of an author’s unerring ability to combine a character’s drama with historical facts and encyclopedic information. The book is a tribute to the achievement of a self-taught and extremely practical blacksmith’s son, named William Smith, and his famous map that paved the way for the science of geology to become part of the acknowledged scientific culture of the 18th century and beyond. Organized in 17 chapters, with a prologue and an epilogue, the whole project also contains valuable data that would enchant the readers’ eyes with geological terms to facilitate the journey of a pleasant awakening to the beauties of fossils, layers of rock, and excavations. And this all started in 1793, when the eight-year-old boy William Smith made a startling discovery: circular pound-stones used by dairymaids (like his aunt) to operate their butter-scales.

Organic geochemistry of in situ thermal-based analyses on Mars: the importance and influence of minerals

A high-priority goal for past, present and future missions to Mars is the search for evidence of past or present life. Some of the most information-rich signals are those represented by organic biomarkers. Thermal extraction has historically been the most popular in situ analysis technique employed on Mars owing to its elegance and ability to liberate both smallounds and large macromolecular networks. The geological record of Mars contains a variety of minerals, some of which can interact with organic matter when subjected to thermal extraction. We discuss the organic records that may be associated with these mineral hosts and the problems encountered when mineral–organic mixtures are analysed by thermal-based methods. We also suggest potential mitigations for future experiments of a similar nature and note that these mitigating steps can be applied not only in situ on Mars, but also after samples are returned to Earth as part of the Mars Sample Return mission, where more resources and time for sample preparation are available. Thematic collection: This article is part of the Astrobiology: Perspectives from the Geology of Earth and the Solar System collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/astrobiology

ENGINEERING GEOLOGICAL PROCESSES AS A RESULT OF MICROORGANISMS ACTIVITY (ON THE EXAMPLE OF St. PETERSBURG SUBSURFACE)

The history of microbiological research in various geological sciences is analyzed in brief. Development of the doctrine about underground microorganisms and its use in various engineering geological schools is shown on the basis of experimental studies, including modern metagenomic analysis. The primary sources of the microorganisms’ penetration into the underground space of St. Petersburg have been identified and systematized according to different principles. The analysis of engineering geological processes as a result of microorganisms and products of their vital activity provides the main aspects that control safety of subsurface exploration and use for various purposes, including the design, construction and operation of underground structures (subway tunnels) at different depths, as well as running deep foundation pits for ground structures. The results of experimental studies of the subsurface microorganisms’ activity make it possible to infer that it is necessary to extend engineering geological, hydrogeological and engineering ecological research of the urban underground space in order to assess the hazard of the underground microorganisms’ activity and to mitigate emergency cases for engineering structures.

Applications of MATLAB in Natural Sciences: A Comprehensive Review

In the natural sciences, MATLAB is a versatile and essential tool that has revolutionized research across various disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, geology, and environmental sciences. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of MATLAB's applications in data analysis, modeling, simulation, image processing, computational chemistry, environmental sciences, physics, engineering, and data visualization. MATLAB simplifies data analysis by handling complex datasets, performing statistical analyses, and aiding in tasks like curve fitting and spectral analysis. In modeling and simulation, it enables the creation of predictive models for intricate systems, facilitating simulations of physical processes, ecological dynamics, and chemical reactions. In image processing, MATLAB enhances and analyzes images, benefiting fields such as medical imaging and remote sensing. For computational chemistry, MATLAB offers a rich library of tools for exploring molecular structures and simulating chemical reactions. Environmental sciences rely on MATLAB for climate data analysis and ecological modeling. In physics and engineering, it is invaluable for simulating complex systems and analyzing experimental data. Additionally, MATLAB's data visualization capabilities allow scientists to create compelling visuals for effective communication. While challenges like licensing costs exist, efforts are underway to address these issues and enhance integration with other software, including artificial intelligence and machine learning tools. Overall, MATLAB's computational power and versatility are fundamental to advancing natural sciences research, making it an invaluable resource for scientists and researchers across various disciplines.

IN MEMORY OF OREST ILLYAROVICH MATKOVSKY (17.11.1929–23.03.2023)

This article is dedicated to highlighting the life and scientific heritage of the outstanding Ukrainian scientist Orest Ilyarovych Matkovskyi, doctor of geological and mineralogical sciences, professor, long-term head of the department of mineralogy and dean of the geological faculty of Ivan Franko Lviv National University, honored professor of Ivan Franko LNU, laureate of the State Prize of Ukraine in in the field of science and technology, academician of the Academy of Sciences of the Higher School of Ukraine, vice-president of the Ukrainian Mineralogical Society and part-time head of the Lviv branch, active member and chairman of the geological commission of the Shevchenko Scientific Society. Professor Matkovsky made a great contribution to the development of the scientific field of mineralogy in Ukraine. He is one of the discoverers of more than ten minerals previously unknown in Ukraine and scientific developments that contributed to the discovery of two gold deposits in the Ukrainian Carpathians. His range of interests was extremely wide. This is reflected in his scientific works, of which there are more than 570 (16 monographs, 3 textbooks, 2 teaching aids, 4 lecture courses, 2 dictionaries, 3 reference and informational and 2 literary and journalistic publications, hundreds of articles on mineralogy and related sciences, many of which published abroad, a number of reviews, essays on the history of science), and in 16 scientific and scientific-production reports. For many years, Orest Illyarovych was associated with Odesa mineralogists, primarily from Odesa National University named after I. I. Mechnikova. Therefore, for many of us, Orest Illyarovych was not only a teacher, but also a close friend, with whom a significant part of life is connected. He will forever remain in the hearts of his colleagues, friends, students and everyone he knew.

Brief historical review of the geological cartography in Ecuador.

Since 1892, seven versions of the national geological map of the Republic of the Ecuador have been published. In 1892, Dr. Theodor Wolf, of the German Scientific Mission, published the 1st map which included a preliminary geomorphological description. Later, Dr. Walther Sauer with the support of the Universidad Central del Ecuador (Central University of Ecuador), published a 2nd version in 1950, and then an update in 1970, both included oil wells information. In 1969, the Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería del Ecuador (National Service of Geology and Mining of Ecuador), and Institut Français du Pétrole (French Petroleum Institute), published the 3rd version which included a mineralogical index. The 4th version was developed by the Dirección General de Geología y Minas del Ecuador (General Directorate of Geology and Mines of Ecuador) and Institute of Geological Sciences & Natural Environment Research Council, and was published in 1982, it included a geological model from a plate tectonics approach. Later, in 1993, the Corporación de Desarrollo e Investigación Geológico Minero y Metalúrgica del Ecuador (Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Research and Development Corporation of Ecuador) and the British Geological Survey published a 5th version, which included an overview of mineral occurrences on the Ecuadorian Andes. On the 21st. century, in 2001 was published the 6th version, that consisted of a reviewed national geological map, which included data transferring to the geographical information system ArcGis. Ultimately in 2017, the Instituto Nacional de Investigación Geológico Minero Metalúrgico (National Institute of Geological-Mineral-Metallurgical Research), published the 7th version, incorporating the last updated geological results of previous campaigns. Every version contributed to the understanding of the regional geodynamic framework. Nevertheless, in the last two decades, informal coding of units for the geological cartography, thrived, involving a lack of characterization and descriptions of representative outcrops, along with uncertainties on geochronological control for newly mappable defined units, reduce reliability on the national geological cartography, increasing the uncertainties for the understanding the regional geodynamic framework.

Fast evaluation of spherical harmonics with sphericart.

Spherical harmonics provide a smooth, orthogonal, and symmetry-adapted basis to expand functions on a sphere, and they are used routinely in physical and theoretical chemistry as well as in different fields of science and technology, from geology and atmospheric sciences to signal processing and computer graphics. More recently, they have become a key component of rotationally equivariant models in geometric machine learning, including applications to atomic-scale modeling of molecules and materials. We present an elegant and efficient algorithm for the evaluation of the real-valued spherical harmonics. Our construction features many of the desirable properties of existing schemes and allows us to compute Cartesian derivatives in a numerically stable and computationally efficient manner. To facilitate usage, we implement this algorithm in sphericart, a fast C++ library that also provides C bindings, a Python API, and a PyTorch implementation that includes a GPU kernel.

Investigating the impact of a gamified learning analytics dashboard: Student experiences and academic achievement

AbstractBackgroundThe substantial growth in gamification research has connected gamified learning to enhanced engagement, improved performance, and greater motivation. Similar to gamification, personalized learning analytics dashboards can enhance student engagement.ObjectivesThis study explores the student experiences and academic achievements using a gamified dashboard in a large, introductory STEM course.MethodsWe examined two groups of students enrolled in different sections of a one‐semester‐long physical geology course with a total enrollment of 223 students. The only difference between the groups was that one had access to the dashboard. The data collection included students' assignments, overall performances, and exam scores. Students in both sections completed a Science Literacy Concept Inventory survey at the beginning and end of the term. Additionally, students completed an end‐of‐term survey containing open‐ended questions on their experience and interactions with specific elements.ResultsStudents shared mostly positive comments about their experience with the dashboard, and the final grade of students with access to the dashboard was 13% higher, on average, compared to their peers in the non‐dashboard section.ConclusionWith low costs and little time invested, gamified dashboards could have a significant impact on student performance in large STEM lecture courses.

Book review: A Dictionary of Geology and Earth Sciences (5th Edition), by Michael Allaby, 2020. Oxford University Press Academic UK, 720 pages, eBook price £14.99, ISBN: 9780198839033

Book review: A Dictionary of Geology and Earth Sciences (5th Edition), , by Michael Allaby, 2020. Oxford University Press Academic UK, 720 pages, eBook price £14.99, ISBN: 9780198839033.

Online data service for geologic formations (Lexicons) of China, India, Vietnam and Thailand with one‐click visualizations onto East Asia plate reconstructions

AbstractPaleogeography is the merger of sediment and volcanic facies, depositional settings, tectonic plate movements, topography, climate patterns and ecosystems through time. The construction of paleogeographic maps on tectonic plate reconstruction models requires a team effort to compile databases, data sharing standards and map projection methods. Two goals of the Paleogeography Working Group of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) program for Deep‐Time Digital Earth (DDE) are: (1) to interlink online national lexicons for all sedimentary and volcanic formations, and develop online ones for nations that currently lack these; (2) to target specific regions and intervals for testing/showcasing paleogeography output from the merger of these databases. Following those goals, we developed and applied new cloud‐based lexicon data services and interactive visualization techniques to regions in East Asia. This has been a successful collaboration among computer engineers and plate modellers and has involved stratigraphers in India (ONGC), China (Chengdu Univ. Tech., and Chinese Acad. Geol. Sci.), United States (Paleomap Project, and Purdue Univ.), Australia (GPlates visualization team) and Vietnam (Vietnam Nat. Univ.). Independent online lexicons with map‐based and stratigraphy‐based user interfaces have been developed (as of the date of this submission in March 2022) for all Proterozoic to Quaternary formations on the Indian Plate (over 800) and Vietnam (over 200), the majority of the Devonian through Neogene of China (ca. 2000) and partially for Thailand. A multi‐database search system returns all geologic formations of a desired geologic time from these four independent databases. With one click, users can plot the regional extent of one or of all of those regional formations on different plate reconstruction models of that desired age, and these polygons are filled with the lithologic facies pattern.

Identification of pegmatites zones in Muiane and Naipa (Mozambique) from Sentinel-2 images, using band combinations, band ratios, PCA and supervised classification

Remote sensing has been widely used in Geological Sciences for different applications, such as to identify geological and mineralogical objects and surface alteration changes. This study aimed to analyze the Sentinel-2 potential to detect pegmatite bodies and associated alteration zones in Muiane and Naipa in Mozambique. Different remote sensing techniques were applied to a Sentinel-2 image: RGB combinations, band ratios, principal component analysis (PCA), and supervised image classification algorithms such as the Maximum Likelihood Classifier (MLC) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). MLC was used as a benchmark classifier to evaluate the performance of SVM because MLC is the predominant algorithm employed in remote sensing classification studies. For that, several statistical metrics based on the confusion matrices were computed, namely accuracy, Kappa index, precision, recall, and f-score, among others. This study allows identifying the location of pegmatites by direct identification and segregating between hydrothermally altered zones and non-altered areas through remote sensing data/techniques, supported by field data. The field campaigns allowed for validating the results obtained and verifying the pegmatites identified using Sentinel-2 data that were not previously mapped. Moreover, reflectance spectroscopy studies in the laboratory were conducted on the samples collected in the field campaigns allow to validate the adequacy of the methodology proposed in this study. The results show that the precise identification of pegmatite targets requires a high spatial resolution such as Sentinel-2 images. Thus, with the integration of high spatial and spectral resolution data, a potential level of precision and accuracy can be achieved in the study areas.

Report on ‘World Innovative Neoteric Geological Sciences (WINGS-2023)’ held during 1-3 February, 2023, at the Department of Geology, Periar University Centre for Post-graduate and Research Studies at Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu

Report on ‘World Innovative Neoteric Geological Sciences (WINGS-2023)’ held during 1-3 February, 2023, at the Department of Geology, Periar University Centre for Post-graduate and Research Studies at Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu

Sustaining (Dis)Embodied Inequalities in the(ir) Eurocene: Ancient Microbes, Racial Anthropometry, and Life Choices

Racialisation and colonialism are central to sustaining (dis)embodied inequalities. We bring together our distinct ethnographic projects to explore this. The first project accompanied a microbiome expedition involving Amazonian Indigenous non/human communities, whereas the second project focussed on medical professional’ encounters with Mbya Guarani communities in the Atlantic Forest region. Both projects explore racialised assumptions of human difference and colonial extractive practices. In the case of medical intervention with the Mbya, and their forms of life, this is perpetuated through the imposition of anthropometric growth standards. With the human microbiome initiatives, identifying Indigenous Peoples as potential reservoirs for novel probiotics also ultimately amplifies racialised (dis)embodied inequalities. Rather than these interventions addressing such disembodied equalities, we draw parallels between the two, to show that they perpetuate them. Finally, we propose that part of ceasing to reproduce these (dis)embodied inequalities requires ‘us’ to challenge the racialised and colonial histories of the life and geological sciences, to recognise their embodied consequences in the present, as well as how they are implicated in emergent proposals for new geological ‘-cenes’.

Научное наследие А. К. Карабанова в области наук о Земле

2022 marks the 70th anniversary of the birth of A. K. Karabanov. He was a prominent Belarusian geologist and science organizer, a specialist in the field of the Quaternary geology and paleogeography, geomorphology, neotectonics and neogeodynamics, Doctor of geological and mineralogical sciences, Professor, Academician of the NAS of Belarus, Director of the Institute for Nature Management of the NAS of Belarus (2008—2019). He developed an original complex methodology for reconstructing amplitudes of neotectonic movements in the area of ancient continental glaciation. A. K. Karabanov formulated the concept of neotectonic evolution and the neogeodynamics of the western part of the East European Platform territory. He proposed methodology for making neotectonic maps. It is based on mapping of structural-formational complexes of the sedimentary cover, which have important theoretical and practical value. A review of main scientific achievements of Academician A. K. Karabanov is presented in this paper.

Личная библиотека палеонтолога Д. М. Раузер-Черноусовой

The article aims to characterize the composition of the personal library of a twentieth-century Russian scientist, Doctor of Geological Sciences D. M. Rauser-Chernousova, whose scientific research contributed to the industrial development of several regions of the USSR, including the European Northeast. The techniques of intellectual history, library science and bibliometry were used. The mentoring principles of the scientific supervisor Professor A. A. Chernov and the personal pedagogical experience gained in the Pechora North during the Civil War had a great influence on the formation of the personality of the scientist. The scientist collected a large library, part of it was transferred to the Institute of Geology of the Komi Scientific Center in the late 1980s, highlighting groups of the main world literature on foraminifera and stratigraphy, general works on micropaleontology and stratigraphy. Based on the principles of the typology of publications, the library had monographs, periodicals, reference books, collections, articles, prints, abstracts. The most important distinctive features of the library were multilingualism, the presence of little-known, rare publications. It is concluded that the library performed informational functions for scientific creativity, reflected the com-municative nature of the scientist and professional interests in the study of the Arctic, the European North and the Pechora Region. The library can be assessed as a significant scientific and cultural phenomenon of the twentieth century.

Drawing attention to attitudes toward scientists: Changes in 10- to 13-year-old students as a result of a GeoCamp experience in New Zealand

This paper reports on a two-week Earth Science programme, designed and delivered by the New Zealand Crown Research Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited (GNS Science) referred to as the GeoCamp. This initiative has offered 10- to 13-year-old students learning experiences outside the classroom in several regions throughout New Zealand. The programme discussed in this paper was held in the Wairarapa region in the south-east of the North Island. We examined 23 students’ attitudinal changes toward scientists and science. Data collection reported in this paper occurred on the first day of the programme and six months later, when students were asked to draw annotated diagrams of scientists. Our results indicate that students participating in the camp broadened their views of scientists from being stereotypically eccentric chemists in lab coats, to those being aligned with real-world scientists, i.e. not being eccentric, some being females, some working outdoors, and being collaborative. They also recognized that scientists engage in a diverse range of work, and suggested some specific problems that they would like to solve if they were to be scientists. We suggest that these results reveal affective learning outcomes of this Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) approach.

IN MEMORIAM OF ALEXANDER KLIMCHOUK, PROMINENT SCIENTIST IN SPELEOGENESIS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE “GEOLOGICAL JOURNAL” / “GEOLOGIČNIJ ŽURNAL” (August 29, 1956 – May 12, 2023)

The article is devoted to the blessed memory of Alexander Borysovych Klimchouk, the outstanding researcher of geomorphology and evolution of karst, origin and development of natural caves, hydrogeologist, speleologist, Laureate of the State Prize of Ukraine in Science and Technology (2011), Doctor of Geological Sciences (2014), Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (2018), initiator and head (in 2006–2014) of the Ukrainian Institute of Speleology and Karstology at the V.I. Vernadsky Tauride National University, Chief Research Scientist of the Institute of Geological Sciences of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Editor-in-Chief of the “Geological Journal”.

Nuclear Laboratory Setup for Measuring the Soil Water Content in Engineering Physics Teaching Laboratories

Soil water content (θ) is a crucial soil parameter that is determined in many studies involving engineering, geology, and soil and environmental sciences. For instance, evaluating the soil strength, groundwater recharge, hydraulic conductivity, and soil aeration status depends on θ. The measurement of θ is fundamental for monitoring and controlling several soil processes. The gamma-ray attenuation (GRA) technique is a fast and non-destructive way of evaluating θ in soils with very contrasting compositions. Although, GRA is rarely explored in lab physics classes. The proposal of an experiment using a teaching GRA apparatus for measuring θ is presented. The experimental setup consisted of a 137Cs radioactive source, a Geiger-Müller detector, and a radiation counter. Soil samples with four distinct granulometric compositions were analyzed. Strong linear correlations were found between the transmitted gamma-ray photon intensity and θ (correlation coefficients varying from −0.95 to −0.98). The soil porosity, measured by the conventional and GRA methods, presented differences that varied from c. 7.8% to c. 18.2%. In addition, strong linear relationships (correlation coefficients from 0.90 to 0.98) were observed between the GRA and the traditional (gravimetric) method of θ measurement. It was verified that the teaching GRA apparatus is useful for measuring θ. In addition, the apparatus allows the introduction of some important aspects related to the study of modern physics for undergraduate students of many fields of knowledge.

A New Geosite as a Contribution to the Sustainable Development of Urban Geotourism in a Tourist Peripheral Region—Central Poland

The article presents a new geosite in a small provincial town in central Poland. It contains twelve Scandinavian erratic boulders from the area, deposited by the Pleistocene ice sheet about 130,000 years ago. The geotrail is equipped with three informative boards, a folder, and each boulder has its own identifier. The article also draws attention to petrographic types and types of erratic boulders among the collected boulders. Their basic dimensions, age, and source area are given. Specific features of rock morphology are discussed. Records of sub/inglacial processes, periglacial processes affecting the forefield of the melting ice sheet, and contemporary morphogenetic processes are also analyzed. The recipient/beneficiary of such information can be anyone who is sensitive to the beauty of abiotic nature, feels heir to the geological past of his region, or wants to broaden his horizons with knowledge from the ice age. The recognized and disseminated heritage of abiotic objects in nature through the transfer of expert knowledge has great potential to become an effective generator of sustainable socio-economic development of peripheral tourist areas. The paper presents in detail expert knowledge and specific examples of improving the quality of life with the creation of this geosite. The tool to be used here is geotourism; it deals with the study of geodiversity and the development of elements of abiotic nature to perform tourist functions in accordance with the principles of nature protection. It protects the geological heritage by effectively securing geosites, widely disseminating geological sciences, and promoting their educational and tourist functions.

Short communication: The Wasserstein distance as a dissimilarity metric for comparing detrital age spectra and other geological distributions

Abstract. Distributional data such as detrital age populations or grain size distributions are common in the geological sciences. As analytical techniques become more sophisticated, increasingly large amounts of distributional data are being gathered. These advances require quantitative and objective methods, such as multidimensional scaling (MDS), to analyse large numbers of samples. Crucial to such methods is choosing a sensible measure of dissimilarity between samples. At present, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) statistic is the most widely used of these dissimilarity measures. However, the KS statistic has some limitations such as high sensitivity to differences between the modes of two distributions and insensitivity to their tails. Here, we propose the Wasserstein-2 distance (W2) as an additional and alternative metric for use in geochronology. Whereas the KS distance is defined as the maximum vertical distance between two empirical cumulative distribution functions, the W2 distance is a function of the horizontal distances (i.e. age differences) between observations. Using a variety of synthetic and real datasets, we explore scenarios where the W2 may provide greater geological insight than the KS statistic. We find that in cases where absolute time differences are not relevant (e.g. mixing of known, discrete age peaks), the KS statistic can be more intuitive. However, in scenarios where absolute age differences are important (e.g. temporally and/or spatially evolving sources, thermochronology, and overcoming laboratory biases), W2 is preferable. The W2 distance has been added to the R package, IsoplotR, for immediate use in detrital geochronology and other applications. The W2 distance can be generalized to multiple dimensions, which opens opportunities beyond distributional data.