Mountain Limestone Research Articles

Phaleria stevensiana: A Distinctive New Species of Thymelaeaceae Endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia

An undescribed species of Phaleria Jack from Sulawesi has been uncovered during ongoing herbarium studies of Thymelaeaceae and is still only known from the type. The species, P. stevensiana Z. S. Rogers, is endemic to a single limestone mountain in South Sulawesi and assigned a preliminary IUCN conservation status of Critically Endangered (CR). Morphologically, it is easily distinguished from the widespread P. octandra (L.) Baill. and P. capitata Jack by its linear-lanceolate leaves (length:width ratios ca. 11–20:1) and distinctive venation pattern, composed of ca. 29 to 35 pairs of secondary veins that diverge from the midrib of the blade at ± 90° angles; the contrasted species have much broader leaves with substantially fewer secondaries. Variation in other characters related to inflorescences, flowers, and fruits is also discussed, as is their taxonomic value. Moreover, all four species of Phaleria occurring in Sulawesi are allopatric, separated geographically and ecologically. The new species, overlooked in several herbaria since 1980, raises the number of Sulawesian Thymelaeaceae species to 10 and the total number of Phaleria species to ca. 25.

Ardisia phankelociana (Primulaceae), a New Species from Vietnam

Ardisia phankelociana C.M. Hu & G. Hao sp. nova (Primulaceae) collected from the limestone mountains of Ha Giang and Bac Kan Provinces, Vietnam, is described and illustrated. The species is assigned to the subgenus Crispardisia based on its gross morphology. It is most similar to A. crispa, differing from it by numerous black glandular dots and stripes on the abaxial surface of leaves, glabrous inflorescence, and the oblong-elliptic calyx with sub-rounded apex.

Bioerosion and encrustation: Evidences from the Middle ‒ Upper Jurassic of central Saudi Arabia

The Middle ‒ Upper Jurassic hard substrates of central Saudi Arabia displayed considerable signs of bioerosion and encrustations. They include organic (oysters, other bivalves, gastropods, corals and brachiopods) and an inorganic carbonate hardground that marks the boundary between the Middle Jurassic Tuwaiq Mountain Limestone and the Upper Jurassic Hanifa Formation. Traces of bioerosion in organic substrates include seven ichnotaxa produced by bivalves (Gastrochaenolites Leymerie, 1842), polychaete annelids (Trypanites Mägdefrau, 1932; MaeandropolydoraVoigt, 1965 and CaulostrepsisClarke, 1908), sponges (Entobia Bronn, 1837), acrothoracican cirripedes (Rogerella Saint-Seine, 1951), gastropods (Oichnus Bromley, 1981) and probable ?Centrichnus cf. eccentricus. The encrusting epifauna on these substrates consist of several organisms, including oysters, serpulid worms, corals and foraminifera. In contrast, the carbonate hardground was only bioeroded by Gastrochaenolite, Trypanites and Entobia. Epibionts on this hardground include “Liostrea Douvillé, 1904-type” oysters, Nanogyra nana Sowerby, 1822 and serpulids. In general, bioerosion and encrustation are less diversified in hardground than in organic substrates, indicating a long time of exposition of organic substrates with slow to moderate rate of deposition in a restricted marine environment. Both organic and inorganic commuinities are correlated with those of other equatorial, subtropical and temperate equivalents.

The occurrence of Burretiodendron from the Oligocene of South China and its geographic analysis

The fossil records of Burretiodendron Rehder are reviewed based on diagnostic winged fruits from the Oligocene Ningming Formation, Guangxi, South China. Today, this genus is endemic to Southeast Asia with six extant species that are well distributed in limestone mountain forests under a monsoonal climate. The fossil records of this genus were represented only in Yunnan of southwestern China. The fossil fruits are assigned to a new species, Burretiodendron guangxiensis J.L. Dong et B.N. Sun sp. nov., are smaller than those of living species. Burretiodendron is a good indicator of paleoclimate and karstification due to its restricted distribution which is determined by specific temperature, precipitation and the topographic condition. We investigated the climate requirements of Burretiodendron. It is possible to accurately infer that the Ningming paleoflora represented a warm and humid climate with seasonal precipitation during the Oligocene. Edaphic preferences of the nearest living relative identified for the fossil species may point to the existence of a karstic system in the Ningming Region during the Oligocene.

Evaluation of karst features using principal component analysis (PCA): a case from Zarneh and Kergan, Western Iran

Zarneh and Kergan are two limestone mountains of the Zagros mountain range located in Western Iran. High-volume lime and relatively heavy rainfall have provided a favorable condition for the development of karst features in the highlands of the Zagros mountains. The present study was carried out to detect karst features in the High Zagros Belt using satellite images. In this case, some aspects such as climate, structural criteria, and sub-criteria are affecting the formation of karst sinkholes and are identified in this study. The results indicate that karst features of sinkholes have originated from joints and faults which are caused by tectonic motions over time. In terms of spatial dispersion, the sinkholes are found at altitudes higher than 1900 m in Kargan and 2000 m in Zarneh. This proved the importance of altitudinal gradient, the role of moisture, and pleasant climatic conditions on the development of karst features in the study area.

Phyllanthus kaweesakii (Phyllanthaceae), a new species from Thailand

Phyllanthus kaweesakii Pornp., Chantar. & J.Parn. sp. nov. is newly described from the limestone mountain ridges in the northeast of Thailand. Comparison of morphology, anatomy, pollen morphology, and DNA sequences of this species with the most similar existing species P. mirabilis Müll.Arg. was undertaken. The results indicated that the two taxa are different in morphology, especially habit, stem base, and inflorescence, but that their pollen morphology and anatomy are similar. The molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on sequences of the plastid matK and nuclear ribosomal ITS regions, supported separation of the two taxa. This new species is described and illustrated, and its conservation status is discussed.

Population Genetic Structure and Phylogeography of Camellia flavida (Theaceae) Based on Chloroplast and Nuclear DNA Sequences.

Camellia flavida is an endangered species of yellow camellia growing in limestone mountains in southwest China. The current classification of C. flavida into two varieties, var. flavida and var. patens, is controversial. We conducted a genetic analysis of C. flavida to determine its taxonomic structure. A total of 188 individual plants from 20 populations across the entire distribution range in southwest China were analyzed using two DNA fragments: a chloroplast DNA fragment from the small single copy region and a single-copy nuclear gene called phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL). Sequences from both chloroplast and nuclear DNA were highly diverse; with high levels of genetic differentiation and restricted gene flow. This result can be attributed to the high habitat heterogeneity in limestone karst, which isolates C. flavida populations from each other. Our nuclear DNA results demonstrate that there are three differentiated groups within C. flavida: var. flavida 1, var. flavida 2, and var. patens. These genetic groupings are consistent with the morphological characteristics of the plants. We suggest that the samples included in this study constitute three taxa and the var. flavida 2 group is the genuine C. flavida. The three groups should be recognized as three management units for conservation concerns.

Conservation genetics of an ex situ population of Primula reinii var. rhodotricha, an endangered primrose endemic to Japan on a limestone mountain

Primula reinii var. rhodotricha is a perennial herb endemic to the limestone slope of Mt. Buko, located approximately 50 km northwest of central Tokyo, Japan. In recent years, its natural population size has decreased markedly due to limestone mining, and this species has been assigned to the ‘Critically Endangered (CR)’ category on the latest Japanese Red List. Although a remnant population of this species has been protected by a mining company outside their historical distribution range on Mt. Buko, the ex situ conservation of this endangered plant has been difficult because of insufficient low seed production. The genetic status of ex situ P. reinii var. rhodotricha and related species were investigated to develop an effective conservation plan for this species. Microsatellite analysis indicated that the ex situ population harbors lower genetic diversity than sister taxa, providing molecular evidence for the recent critical status designation of the ex situ population, whereas the presence of rare alleles may imply further potential for seed reproduction by outcrossing. Therefore, an appropriate propagation strategy that considers genetic diversity is needed for restoration and recovery of this critically endangered ex situ primrose population.

Chemical Constituents of Chirita drakei

Chirita drakei Burtt (now accepted as Primzina drakei (B.L.Burtt) Mich.M61ler & A.Weber) is growing on limestone mountain slopes of Ha Long Bay islands in Vietnam. The chemical investigation of the aerial parts of C. drakei led to the isolation and structural elucidation of two new compounds named chiridrakoside A (1) and chiridrakoside B (2) besides twelve known compounds comprising five phenylethanoid glycosides (3-7), two lignans (8, 9), a phenyl propanoid (10), an anthraquinone (11), a furan derivative (12) and two triterpenes (13, 14). All described compounds, except 4, 5 and 11, were obtained for the first time from the genera Chirita or Primulina. The cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated against the four human cancer cell lines KB (mouth epidermal carcinoma), HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma), Lu (lung carcinoma) and MCF7 (breast carcinoma). Epoxyconiferyl alcohol (10) exhibited cytotoxic activity against the tested cell lines (IC₅₀ from 46 to 128 μM).

A new limestone-dwelling leaf-toed gecko (Gekkonidae: Dixonius) from Khao Sam Roi Yot massif, peninsular Thailand.

We describe Dixonius kaweesaki sp. nov. from Khao Daeng, a limestone mountain in Khao Sam Roi Yot massif, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, peninsular Thailand. It is diagnosed from all other species by a combination of maximal SVL of 41.6 mm; 12 or 13 longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles; 24 longitudinal rows of ventrals across the abdomen; a continuous series of 9-11 precloacal pores in males, no pores in females; and two bold dark stripes from the snout to the base of the tail separated by a contrasting light vertebral stripe. It is the eighth species in the genus Dixonius. Lastly, we discuss the type locality of Phyllodactylus paviei, currently regarded as a junior subjective synonym of Dixonius siamensis.

Paleoecology and paleoenvironment of the Middle–Upper Jurassic sedimentary succession, central Saudi Arabia

Four Middle–Upper Jurassic sections from central Saudi Arabia have been investigated to evaluate microfacies types and macro-invertebrate paleocommunities and to interpret their paleoecology and paleoenvironments. The studied Jurassic successions are part of the Middle–Upper Callovian Tuwaiq Mountain Limestone and the Middle–Upper Oxfordian Hanifa Formation. Three main facies were recorded, including mud-supported microfacies, grain-supported microfacies and boundstones. A data matrix comprising 48 macrobenthic species in 35 samples collected from four sections were grouped into fifteen assemblages and one poorly fossiliferous interval by means of a Q-mode cluster analysis. The recorded macrofaunal assemblages have been subdivided into low-stress and high-stress on the basis of hydrodynamic conditions, substrate type, nutrient supply and hypoxia. The low-stress assemblages occur in (a) high-energy paleoenvironments with firm substrates; (b) high-energy shoals with unstable substrates of low cohesion and in (c) low-energy open marine environments with soft-substrates. The moderate- to high-stress assemblages occur in (a) oligotrophic environments with reduced terrigenous input in shelf lagoonal or in restricted inner ramp settings; (b) low-energy, soft substrate environments with hypoxia below the sediment–water interface; and, in (c) high-energy shoals and shelf lagoonal environments. The temporal distribution patterns of epifaunal and infaunal bivalve taxa are controlled by variations in water energy, substrate characteristics and productivity level. The reported litho- and biofacies confirmed that the Callovian Tuwaiq Mountain Limestone and the Oxfordian Hanifa Formation were deposited across wide spectrum of depositional environments, ranging from restricted lagoon to moderately deeper open marine basin, and providing the perfect conditions for macrofossils.

Callovian–Oxfordian bivalves from central Saudi Arabia: Systematic paleontology and paleobiogeography

Two hundred and seventy-eight specimens of fossil bivalves were collected from the Tuwaiq Mountain Limestone (Callovian) and the Hanifa Formation (Oxfordian), Central Saudi Arabia. Of all the outcrops studied, the Khashm al Qaddiyah contains the richest assemblage of the bivalves (49%), as regards variety and frequency; followed by Dirab (27%), Jabal al Abakkayn (13%) and Maáshabah (11%). Twenty bivalve species have been identified and systematically described. They belong to fourteen genera, twelve families and nine orders. Among these species, six Callovian species; Grammatodon (Cosmetodon) elongatum (J. Sowerby, 1824), Limea (Pseudolimea) duplicata (Sowerby, 1827), Liostrea multiformis (Koch and Dunker, 1837), Actinostreon marshi (Sowerby, 1814), Eopecten velatus (Goldfuss, 1833) and Ceratomya striata (Sowerby, 1815) and four Callovian–Oxfordian taxa; Musculus (M.) somaliensis (Cox, 1935), Actinostreon erucum (Defrance, 1821), Pholadomya (Ph.) deltoidea Sowerby, 1827 and Ph. (Ph.) socialis Morris and Lycett, 1854 were reported for the first time from the Jurassic deposits of Saudi Arabia. Paleobiogeographically, the studied bivalve assemblage has a dominantly Tethyan character and shows close relationships with Europe, East Africa, India and Iran. In addition, there are considerable links with the Middle East, North Africa and China. No endemic species were recorded from the studied sections.

Study of Volcanic-Ash-Impregnated-Bacteria Filler to the Compressive Strength of Concrete

Technology of concrete has been advanced recently to improve the properties of concrete. Utilization of ash as the substitute of cement or filler of concrete also indicates good result in compressive strength concrete in certain amount. Harnessing the bacteria for self-healing concrete has also been successfully performed in order to maintain the destruction of the concrete by itself. Past research indicated that bacteria can be beneficiary to improve the compressive strength, absorption, permeability, and so on. In this paper, Bacillus Altitudinis was extracted from the karst (source from the limestone mountain) and bred through liquid media to be impregnated inside the volcanic ash. The impregnated bacteria in volcanic ash were used as the filler to the concrete mixture with the proportion of filler varied from 1%, 1.5% and 2% to the weight of cement. Mechanical properties of the concrete specimen showed that the compressive strength reached its best when the filler proportion was 1.5%. The absorption referred analogously to the increment of compressive strength due to the success of filling the void inside the concrete. Based on compression test to all the concrete specimens, there was enhancement about 18% and the average absorption can be abated around 23%. Future research due to some drawbacks turning up is the need of developing another media for bacteria to live and making sure the exact amount of bacteria impregnated to the media so that the desired advance of concrete compressive strength can be acquired.

ASPEK-ASPEK ARKEOLOGIS PADA SITUS-SITUS BERCORAK MEGALITIK DI KAWASAN BANTARKALONG TASIKMALAYA The Archaeological Aspects In The Proximity Of The Megalithic Sites In The Bantarkalong Tasikmalaya

Abstract The Bantarkalong is located in the southern highlands of West Java. The topography of the area is limestone mountains, rivers, arable land, and it contains rocks that are useful resources for mankind. The condition of nature therefore appeals to the past human. This isevidenced by the examples of megalithic tradition sites and remains stone tools. Based on these things then this paper aims to uncover ebout the utilization of spaces related to the existence of human relationships with the natural environment. Next through the theory of adaptation and the paradigm of the scope of the site will be used to discuss this topic. Finally obtained a summary that theBantarkalong ever used of space activity takes place asit related to human adaptation. Keywords: occupation, tool, terraces

Two new species of Tetrastigma (Miq.) Planch. (Vitaceae) from Thailand

Two new species of Tetrastigma from Thailand, T. calcicola Kochaiph. & Trias-Blasi sp. nov. and T. jaichagunii C.L.Li ex Kochaiph. & Trias-Blasi sp. nov. are described and illustrated. Tetrastigma calcicola sp. nov. is a slender climber restricted to the open areas on limestone mountains at high elevation in the northern part of Thailand. The other species, T. jaichagunii sp. nov., is similar to T. harmandii Planch., but differs from it by having more densely verrucose young branches, broader leaflets, 4-lobed thick discs, bigger globose berries and oblongoid seeds. This species occurs along streams or in forest margins in evergreen forest and it is widely distributed in several parts of Thailand.

Evaluation Exhaustive De La Diversité Des Plantes Aromatiques Et Médicinales De La Péninsule Tingitane (Maroc)

Aromatic and Medicinal Plants (AMP) represent a large part of biodiversity. However, in the absence of a detailed record of this diversity, research and AMP development projects are generally limited to a small portion of ethnobotanical heritage. To guide prospection, exploitation and conservation studies of the existing potential, a comprehensive evaluation of the natural diversity of AMP is required. The western Rif region in northern Morocco, which area represents less than 1% of national territory, is home to about 50% of the Moroccan floristic richness (2053 species and infraspecific taxa). This heritage includes 630 taxa from which only 23 are currently exploited and merely 57% are recognized by ethno-botanists. Among these assets, a list is drawn up containing 106 taxa with a special conservation status (very rare or rare taxa, and / or endemic and / or threatened) and some of which are widely exploited. From a phytosociological point of view and based on an available database of 449 floristic samples, natural forest stands and matorrals contain about 27% of all MAP of the study area. These AMP organize almost half the floristic composition of sclerophyllous forests (oleaster, kermes oak and cork oak forest) and about a third of the richness of each of the other groups analyzed (thermophilic formations, pure fir, limestone mountains forest, calcifuges deciduous, maritime pine, matorrals). Mountain groups are the richest in exclusive, endemic, rare and endangered AMP.

Identification and characterization of near surface cavities in Tuwaiq Mountain Limestone, Riyadh, KSA, “detection and treatment”

This study evaluates the capability of surface electrical resistivity technique for identifying the weak zones or subsurface cavities in karst area with limestone rocks. Weak zones or cavities near surface can be potentially dangerous and several problems are associated with collapse of roads or buildings accompanied by subsidence phenomena. Karst environments are characterized by distinctive landforms, which are related to dissolution and dominant subsurface drainage. The interaction of limestone with water is able to create karst features such as cavity, pinnacle, boulder and sinkhole through the dissolution process. The existence of subsurface karst features are always a matter of concern to engineers before any development starts because these features could cause disaster in the future. The study was conducted at Tuwaiq Mountain Limestone, Riyadh region, KSA with the objective to detect and treat karst features at limestone rocks. The karst features such as fill cavity, boulder, pinnacle, discontinuity and overhang were detected in the survey lines. The 2-D ER results showed a good correlation with all the borehole records in determining the subsurface of limestone formation. The 2-D ER method is capable in mapping karst features and bedrock depth. The ability of the electrical technique to produce high resolution images of the subsurface, which are useful for subsidence assessment is illustrated.

Sequence stratigraphy of the late middle Jurassic open shelf platform of the Tuwaiq Mountain Limestone Formation, central Saudi Arabia

Middle Jurassic (Callovian) strata of Tuwaiq Mountain Limestone Formation, central Saudi Arabia are composed of thin- to thick-bedded, grainy and muddy limestones and dolostones with various skeletal and nonskeletal components. Facies analysis documents low- to high-energy environments, including lagoon, back reef, reef framework, fore-reef and intra-shelf basin lithofacies associations. Because of the narrow lateral distribution of facies and the presence of distinctive fossils, the depositional system likely represents an open marine shelf. Two third-order depositional sequences can be distinguished in the stratigraphic measured section. Transgressive sequences show deepening-upward trends, in which shallow water (lagoonal and back reef) facies are overlain by deeper-water (fore-reef and intra-shelf basin) facies. Regressive sequences show shallowing-upward trends in which deep-water facies are overlain by shallow-water facies. Most sequence boundaries in the study area are of the nonerosional (SB2) type. Correlation of depositional sequences in the studied section reveals that relatively shallow marine conditions predominated in the area.

Influence of meteorological factors on rockfall occurrence in a middle mountain limestone cliff

Abstract. The influence of meteorological conditions on rockfall occurrence has been often highlighted, but knowledge of it is still not sufficient due to the lack of exhaustive and precise rockfall databases. In this study, rockfalls have been detected in a limestone cliff by annual terrestrial laser scanning, and dated by photographic survey over a period of 2.5 years. A near-continuous survey (one photo every 10 min) with a wide-angle lens has made it possible to date 214 rockfalls larger than 0.1 m3, and a monthly survey with a telephoto lens has dated 854 rockfalls larger than 0.01 m3. Analysis of the two databases shows that the rockfall frequency can be multiplied by a factor as high as 7 during freeze–thaw episodes and 26 when the mean rainfall intensity (since the beginning of the rainfall episode) is higher than 5 mmh−1. Based on these results, a three-level scale has been proposed for predicting the temporal variations of rockfall frequency. The more precise database and freeze–thaw episode definition make it possible to distinguish different phases in freeze–thaw episodes: negative temperature cooling periods, negative temperature warming periods and thawing periods. It appears that rockfalls occur more frequently during warming and thawing periods than during cooling periods. It can be inferred that rockfalls are caused by thermal ice dilatation rather than by dilatation due to the phase transition. But they may occur only when the ice melts, because the cohesion of the ice–rock interface can be sufficient to hold the rock compartment which has been cut.

Cayratia cheniana (Vitaceae): An Endangered New Species Endemic to the Limestone Mountains of Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam

Abstract Considerable numbers of species have become extinct before being scientifically described, and the loss of natural habitats is known to be one of the major reasons for biodiversity declines. In this study, an endangered new species, Cayratia cheniana L. M. Lu & J. Wen, endemic to the limestone mountains of Ninh Thuan province of Vietnam is herein described based on both morphological and molecular evidence. With five chloroplast markers, Cayratia cheniana is placed as the first diverged lineage of Cayratia Juss. Morphologically, Cayratia cheniana shares synapomorphies with all other Cayratia s. s. in possessing a membrane enclosing ventral infolds in the seeds and presence of bracts on the lower part of the inflorescence axis. This species can be readily distinguished from other congeners by its tripalmate-trifoliate to bipinnate leaf architecture and stems with shredding bark.