Lower Horizons Research Articles

Fractionation distribution of metal Al, Fe, Mn, and microbial population in acidic soil horizon

Acidic mineral soil generally has mild acidic to high acidic reaction or pH ⩽ 5.5, with very low exchangeable bases that can exchanged and rich in oxide as well as Al and Fe hydroxides. Acidized soil can lead to increased toxicity from aluminum, iron, and manganese element to the plants and deficiency of phosphorous, alkaline cation (calcium, potassium, and magnesium), and molybdenum element as well as soil microbial population. This study aimed to observe the fractionation distribution of metal aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) and soil microbial population in acidic soil horizon. Al fraction parameters included exchangeable Al (Al-exc), non-crystalline Al (Al-o), inorganic non-crystalline Al (Al-po), Organically Bound Al (Al-p), Low- and Medium- Stability Complexes with Organic Matter (Al-Cu) and High-Stability Complexes with Organic Matter (Al-pCu), exchangeable fractionation of Fe and Mn (Fe/Mn-exc), Fe and Mn from Bound to Carbonates/Acid- extractable, Bound to Fe-Mn Oxides/Reducible, Bound to Organic Matter Fe Mn/Oxidizible, Fe- Mn Residual and soil microbial population (total microbes and Acidithiobacillus bacteria). The results, distribution of Al fraction on the upper horizon of Jasinga and Lebak were dominated by stabilized organic amorphous Al fraction with fluctuative decrease of organic matter (Al-pCu), while the lower horizon tended to be inorganic amorphous Al (Al-op). The fractionation distribution of Fe fractionation on Jasinga and Lebak was dominated by Oxidizible Fe fraction. Mn fraction distribution on Jasinga and Lebak were dominated by Mn-residual fraction in each acidic soil horizon. The total population of Microbes and Acidithiobacillus.sp in each soil horizon decreased along with the alteration of soil chemical properties in each soil depth horizon.

Features of the structural-aggregate composition of ordinary chernozems under the steppe and forest vegetation

The structural-aggregate composition is an important soil characteristic, which reflects the features of the genesis, condition and regimes of soils. The structural and aggregate composition of ordinary chernozems under zonal steppe vegetation and under artificial forest plantations from white acacia and common oak in the conditions of the Prisamaría was studied. As a result, it was found that in all the studied soils the greatest content falls on the fraction 2–1 mm in size. In ordinary chernozems in the upper horizons, under the stands of white acacia and common oak, an increase in the content of this agronomically valuable fraction is observed. Also in ordinary chernozem under forest stands, an increase in the value of the structural coefficient is observed compared with ordinary chernozem under steppe vegetation. In ordinary chernozem the most favorable effect of the growth of white acacia was found in horizon H, and the growth of ordinary oak in horizon H2, in which the highest values ​​of the structural coefficient were found. In the studied ordinary chernozems under the steppe and forest vegetation a predominance of the water-resistant fraction of size <0.25 mm is observed. The positive effect of white acacia and common oak plantations on the water resistance of aggregates of common chernozem in the upper horizons is manifested in a decrease in the content of the fraction of size <0.25 mm compared to ordinary chernozem. In ordinary chernozems under steppe vegetation the most favorable conditions for the formation of agronomically valuable fractions during dry sieving are characteristic of the lower horizons and for chernozems under forest stands in the upper horizons. In all the studied soils the highest content of agronomically valuable fractions during wet sieving was found in the upper horizons, but there are more of them in chernozems under forest stands. The highest content of agronomically valuable fractions in all studied soils is observed in the lower horizons and their highest content in the upper horizons is found in ordinary chernozems under the steppe vegetation. The highest values ​​of the water resistance criterion are characteristic of the lower horizons of the studied chernozems. The maximum values ​​of this criterion were found in ordinary chernozem under oak plantation, and the smallest – under acacia plantation. The growth of forest plantations on ordinary chernozems leads to an improvement in their structural-aggregate composition.

Electrophysical characteristics and dielectric constant of soils of northern natural forests of Ukrainian steppe zone

Currently in soil science the search for new methods and technologies for soil research is relevant, which in a short time allows to receive a large amount of information about its condition with the lowest financial cost. Methods for determining electrophysical parameters and dielectric constant of soils are conforming to these requirements. As a result of the investigations, it was found that the upper horizons of the soils of Glubokiy ravine, located in the Ukrainian steppe zone (Novomoskovsk district, Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine), differ to lower values of electrical resistance and dielectric constant compared to the lower horizons. The upper horizons are characterized by increased values of electrical conductivity, mineralization and salinity compared with the lower horizons. Sudden changes in the values of all investigated parameters at the boundary of the eluvial and illuvial horizons were found in Luvic phaeozem of northern exposition of ravine and in Luvic gleyic phaeozem of thalweg. In the Luvic phaeozem of the forest northern exposure of the ravine and in the Luvic gleyic phaeozem of the leveled area of the ravine, sharp changes were found in the values of all the investigated parameters at the boundary of the eluvial and illuvial horizons. In the eluvial horizons of Luvic phaeozem, which bordering on the illuvial horizons, a sharp increase in the dielectric constant is observed. The upper horizons of Calcic chernozem of the northern ravine exposition are characterized by increased values of electrical resistance, electrical conductivity and dielectric constant, as well as lower values of mineralization and salinity compared to the upper horizons of Calcic chernozem of the southern ravine exposition. The upper horizons of the Luvic phaeozem of the forest north exposition of the ravine are characterized by higher values of electrical resistance and dielectric constant compared to the upper horizons of the Luvic phaeozem of the forest south exposition of the ravine. In terms of electrical conductivity, mineralization and salinity, Luvic phaeozems practically don’t differ. The upper horizons of Luvic phaeozems are characterized by lower values of electrical resistance and dielectric constant, as well as higher values of electrical conductivity, mineralization and salinity compared to Calcic chernozems. The results obtained indicate that the highest content of organic matter and water-soluble compounds, as well as the best structurally-aggregate composition, and also the best structural-aggregate composition is characteristic of forest chernozem. This is due to the one that formed on the southern exposition of the ravine and which is characterized by the lowest values of dielectric constant and electrical resistance, as well as the highest values of electrical conductivity, mineralization and salinity.

Characterizing landfill leachate migration potential of a semi-arid duplex soil

Leachate migration from open landfills is an environmental concern of developing cities. This study investigated the base soil-profile pedo-physical and chemical properties of the South African Sepane soil form or referred to as Cutanic Luvisol at the Bloemfontein southern landfill under the Mangaung municipality in the Free State Province. Six soil-profiles pedo-physical, exchangeable-cations and heavy metals concentrations were characterized from in-situ, core and loose soil-samples. The DTPA Test from a 5g air-dried soil extracted heavy metals. The soil profile was characterized by a layered Orthic-A, pedocutanic B- and C-horizons with lower horizons containing mean-total clay of 72%, bulk-density (≥1.5 gcm−3) and saturated hydraulic-conductivity (Ks < 6mmhr-1). Mean soil pH increased with depth from 6.4 to 6.8 along-side exchangeable-cations ranging from 19 to 2573 mgkg-1 in the order Ca > Mg > K > Na > S > P and Ca > Mg > Na > K > S > P for the respective A- and B-horizons. The Mg/K and (Ca + Mg)/K exceeded norm ratios. Soil-profile horizons had respective 44%, 34% and 22% heavy-metal distribution with mean content range of 0.001–37.3 mgkg-1 in the order Mn > Fe > Cr > Zn > Cu > As > Pb > Ni > Cd and Fe > Mn > Cr > Cu > As > Pb > Zn > Ni > Cd for the surface and subsurface horizons, respectively. Heavy-metal mean concentrations were below the norm except for Cr that was higher than 150% from upper horizons and posed serious risk to the near-surface environment. Soil profiles heavy-metal content and pollution-index was unpolluted (0.3–0.4), decreased with depth and reflected no subsurface pollution concerns. This study findings highlighted low internal-migration potential of clay soils and the need for understanding the sources and mode of migration of Cr at the landfill alongside continued monitoring.

Physical-chemical and water-physical properties of agricultural soils on inter-mountain hollows of Mountain Altai

The purpose of the research is the study the basic physical,chemical and water-physical properties of soils of high and medium mountain basins of the Altai mountains under different types of agricultural use (arable land, hayfields, pasture). The main features of chestnut and light chestnut soils of high-mountain basins, dark chestnut soils and common chernozem of mid-mountain basins are established. These are a light granulometric composition with a high content of coarse soil, a sharp decrease of humus content and cation exchange capacity down the profile, slightly alkaline reaction of medium, and perfect structural state, except for the lower horizons of light chestnut soil. By density of the humus horizon, the soils of hayland and pasture belong to the soils rich in organic matter. Considerable density is noted also in the chernozem ordinary under an arable land where for many decades usual dump plowing is applied, minimum - in the dark-chestnut soil under an arable land where in recent years processing is carried out by a diskator which basic purpose - preparation of the soil for crops without preliminary plowing. The density of arable horizon on arable land correspond to typical values for a cultivated or a new-ploughed arable land. With the depth of the soil profile, this ratio increases, but it is lower than typical values for the subsurface horizons. The density of the solid phase varies slightly. In the upper organogenic horizons of the hayland and pasture, it is low due to the occurrence of organic matter. In the lower horizons, it is slightly higher and corresponds to the density of the solid phase for mineral soils. The porosity of the studied soils is in inverse proportion to density. The porosity of the upper horizons is perfect, and the horizons correspond to the cultural-arable layer. The porosity of the lower horizons is satisfactory. The hygroscopic moisture content of the soils under study varies in the wide range (0,7-9,9%). The maximum hygroscopicity in the sandy loam horizons is low (2-4%) and it is higher in loamy horizons (4-7%). The permanent wilting point ranges from 2,7 to 11,7%, and total water capacity - from 25,9 to 50,4%. Comparison of physical-chemical and water-physical properties of the studied soils of intermountain basins of the Altai Mountains with those of the same type of soils of the Altai territory and adjacent regions of Western Siberia indicates their proximity and even some advantage.

ЗАКОНОМІРНОСТІ ПОШИРЕННЯ ТА ЗАГАЛЬНІ МОРФОЛОГІЧНІ ОСОБЛИВОСТІ СОЛОНЦІВ МЕЖИРІЧЧЯ ДНІПРО-МОЛОЧНА

The traditional approach to the separation of the dry steppe’s solonetz in the most common schemes of classification of Ukraine’s soils is dominated by three types: salt-chestnut-meadow, meadow-chestnut and chestnut. However, the specificity of formation and the possible morphological differences of solonetz of lowlands (pody) and similar reductions, which are quite common within the boundaries of the country between the rivers of Dnipro-Molochna haven’t been taken into account in these schemes. The investigated chestnut-meadow solonetz belong to hydromorphous soils. They have been formed on the territory of the country between the rivers within the flat low-lying coastal shores and various relief reductions in the off-shore zone, with a significant degree of salinity of the soil profile. Meadow-chestnut solonetz are semi-hydromorphous soils and, in the region of the study, occupy more sublime areas, in particular the lower parts of the slopes of various forms of relief. The conditions for the formation of meadow-chestnut solonetz cause a greater leaching of their soil profile from easily soluble salts, carbonates and gypsum, which are accumulated mainly in the underneath-salolonetz horizons. Chestnut solonetz of the country between the rivers of Dnipro-Molochna belong to automorphic soils and have been formed within the elevations and in the upper parts of the slopes. The evolution of chestnut solonetz of the country between the rivers occurs mainly through their leaching of easily soluble salts, carbonates and gypsum, which in significant amounts have been accumulated mainly in the soil rock formation and in the horizons of the transition to it. Relatively large rounded closed downlands (pody) are the characteristics for the Black Sea lowlands. Solonetz is an important element of the soil cover of the lowlands (pody) of the country between the rivers of Dnipro-Molochna. The studied lowland’s (pody) solonetz should be divided into slightly salted and salty soils (solonchak) species. Salt species (solonchack) have been formed within the bases and lower parts of the slopes of the lowlands (pody) depression, under conditions of close occurrence of mineralized groundwater. They are distinguished by the high degree of salinity of the whole soil profile, the significant content of carbonates, the glueyness of the lower horizons, the absence or weak manifestation of signs of soliferous salinity of the eluvial horizon. Instead, soliferous species of solonetz are formed on the slopes of the lowlands (pody) with a deep degree of occurrence of groundwater and are characterized by a small amount of water-soluble salts, the number of which gradually increases with depth, a small content of carbonates in the soil profile, partially soluble with the upper-solonetz horizon. In addition to the lowlands (pody), the surface of the coastal zone of the country between the rivers is complicated by shallow and small oblate rounded closed declines, the formation of which is associated with processes of subsidence of rocks, the influence of sea, wind and temporary watercourses. Within such reductions, which were studied in detail on the territory of the Jagorlytskyi Peninsula, solonetz soils were formed mostly on the slopes, whereas the bottom soils were represented mainly by salt marshes (solonchack). The specific morphological feature of such solonetz is the surface eluvial horizon completely or partially eroded by sea waters, and a rather powerful upper-solonetz horizon of slightly sandy or sandy composition, formed by deposits of mainly lichen-marine origin. Based on the results of our own field studies, we have proved that the specific conditions of soil formation and migration of water soluble salts within the limits of lowlands (pody) and similar reductions of the dry steppe of the country between the rivers of Dnipro-Molochna lead to the formation of solonetz soils that differ significantly from those traditionally allocated in the generally accepted classifications of the soils of the region.

Естественное напряженно-деформированное состояние нижних горизонтов шахты Юго-Западная Дарасунского рудного поля

Естественное напряженно-деформированное состояние нижних горизонтов шахты Юго-Западная Дарасунского рудного поля

Burbot (Lota lota L., 1758) Larval Distribution in the Streamflow during Long Downstream Migration

The article presents long-term (from 1996 to 2018) data on the distribution of burbot larvae at the endogenous-feeding stage during downstream migration in a stream of spawning tributaries of the Ob River: the Severnaya Sosva River (16 years of observations), the Sob River, and the Voikar River (one year of observations). The assumption that the predominance of larvae in the flow horizons depends on the flow velocity has not been confirmed; the distribution depends on the developmental stage. Based on the Spearman correlation and the Mann-Whitney criterion, the developmental stage of downstream migrating larvae at the control point, mediated by the distance of downstream migration, is shown to depend on the maximum level of floodplain flooding per year of prespawn migration of the spawners. Before the start of the physiological functioning of the swimming bladder, juveniles are more common in the lower horizons of the stream; after the start, they are more common in the upper ones. Immediately after hatching, due to the presence of a rheoreaction and negative geotaxis, the larvae use their muscles to enter the zone of active turbulence, which is the main factor contributing to their maintenance in the water column in the first three days of life.

ГЕОХІМІЧНІ ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ПРИРОДНИХ ВОД ДП «САНАТОРНО-КУРОРТНИЙ ЛІКУВАЛЬНИЙ ЦЕНТР «ШКЛО» (ЛЬВІВСЬКА ОБЛАСТЬ)

The geochemical features of natural waters of the SE “Sanatorium-resort medical center “Shklo” are established by researches of their ecological-geochemical composition and anthropogenic influence. The mineral water “Naftusya-Shklo” from the pump room in the territory of the sanatorium is selected and analyzed, which is recognized as an analogous to water “Naftusya” by the biological action. The composition of water is hydrocarbonate sodium, having mine-ralization of 0.76 g/dm3, the total hardness of 0.55 mg-eq/dm3, sulfate content of 0.64 g/dm3, and Eh – −79 mV. The sample of water from baths, which is fed from a depth of 129.0 m, is investigated. Therapeutic hydrogen sulfide water is classified as sodium salt-calcium sulfate with mineralization of 2.97 g/dm3 and high sulfate content (1.76 g/dm3). The balneological active component of the therapeutic water is hydrogen sulfide, the content of which is set at 101.75 mg/dm3. The common feature of these waters is the negative values of the oxidation-reduction potential, which is due to the presence of relatively high content of H2S and HS−. In addition to the mineral, a sample of water from the water pipe (drinking water from the Opillia suite of the Lower Neogene) was studied. According to the salt composition, it refers to sulfate-hydrocarbonate sodium-calcium with mineralization of 0.53 g/dm3. The content of the determined macro- and microcomponents do not exceed the maximum permissible concentrations for drinking water, which indicates the absence of influence of the lower horizons. The water sample was also selected from the largest lake of the park, the sanatorium “Shklo”, which is not related to reservoirs with a special regime of protection, therefore access to it is free. The salinity of water refers to chloride-sulfate-hydro carbonate sodium-calcium with mineralization of 0.35 g/dm3. Two samples of water from the Shklo River after its leak from Yavoriv lake showed that these waters are weakly mineralized, weakly alkaline, calcium hydro carbonate sulfate or sulfate calcium. Quantitatively, sulfate ions are 2–3 times more than hydrocarbons. The content of sulfates, Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium is also high, indicating their contamination. Further down the salt content decreases as a result of mixing with the water of droplets. Several sources of supply of sulfate-ion can be named: karst waters formed on gypsum anhydrite; reservoir waters of the Upper Badenian limestones, hydrogen sulfur of the formation waters of the Badenian horizon; hydrogensulfur, formed as a result of reduction of sulfate at the bottom of Yavoriv lake. Ecological and geochemical parameters of water of surface water reservoirs and watercourses generally also correspond to state standards for their use as recreational.

Comparative geochemical characteristics and genesis of large polystage plutons in the core and periphery of the different age areas of the Mongol-Okhotsk fold belt

The Early Mesozoic Baga-Khentey pluton is the fragment of the Dauria-Khentey batholith, which could have formed due by the mantle plume action on lower horizons of the continental crust within the zone of collisional compression by closing of the Mongol-Okhotsk ocean. The batholith and their peripheral zones possibly formed from the mantle and crustal sources of magma. The Ikh-Narotin-Khid Massif is located on the border of the rifting zones on periphery of the Late Mesozoic area. The petrographic and geochemical affinity of granitoids of the Ikh-Narotin-Khid massif and composition of gneisses from the country rocks might indicate that this was the substratum in formation of palingenic granites of the calc-alkali series. The distinctions in rock composition of the large plutons consist in minor differentiation of the Baga-Khentey Massif rocks probably related to the anatexis conditions and origin of melts in the collisional compression setting. The granites of the Ikh-Narotin-Khid Massif formed in the extension setting favorable for deep differentiation of magmatic melts.

Presencia inusual de Callipodium rubens (Anthozoa: Cctocorallia) en raíces sumergidas de Rhizophora mangle en una laguna costera de Veracruz, México

Considerando que en las costas mexicanas del golfo de México los reportes de octocorales se han hecho exclusivamente en ecosistemas marinos, la presente investigación aporta por primera vez la presencia inusual de Callipodium rubens en un sistema lagunar de Veracruz. En la laguna de Tampamachoco durante los años 2015, 2016 y 2018 se registraron nueve, dos y 13 ejemplares (respectivamente) fijados en raíces sumergidas de Rhizophora mangle. Callipodium rubens fue registrado ocupando los horizontes inferiores (cercanos al fondo) de las raíces de mangle, espacios que suelen ser ocupados por otros epibiontes sésiles como bivalvos y balanos. Dado que los registros se han realizado en diferentes localidades y años en la laguna de Tampamachoco, es necesario un estudio detallado para explicar el papel ecológico que desempeña C. rubens como parte de la comunidad epibionte en raíces del mangle rojo.

Temperature Sensitivity of Soil Respiration in Palsa Peatlands of the North of Western Siberia

Palsa peatland soils are known as significant terrestrial storage of the Earth’s soil carbon. The response of these soils to changing climate may result in a strong feedback to global carbon balance. In laboratory, we investigated the effect of rising temperatures on the upper (T1) and lower (T2) horizons of Turbic Histic Cryosols using sequential (S) and equal-time (ET) methods. The S method was applied to estimate the response of organic carbon mineralization rate (R) to sequential temperature increase from 5 to 30°C; the ET method was used to study the response of the basal (microbial) respiration rate to equal-time incubation at 5, 15, and 25°C. The Q10 coefficient was calculated. In the T1 horizon, both methods (S and ET) demonstrated a positive response of respiration to the rise in temperature. The respiration intensity increased by 91 and 84%, respectively. In the T2 horizon, it increased by 93 and 91%, respectively. However, despite the overall positive response of soil respiration to the rise in temperature, the Q10 values demonstrated differences in the temperature sensitivity of soil respiration. These values were maximal in the cold (5–15°C) range for both horizons. For most of temperature ranges, Q10 was higher for T2 than for T1. For the T1 horizon and S method, Q10 slightly varied (2.7–3.0), whereas in the case of the ET method, it decreased by 3.3 times from the cold (4.9) to the warm 15–25°C (1.5) temperature range. For the T2 horizon, the S method also did not cause significant shifts in Q10 (3.0–3.5); the ET method caused a decrease in Q10 by 1.5 times from the cold (4.3) to the warm (2.8) temperature range. To sum up, the ET method leads to a wider variation of Q10 values in comparison with the S method thus indicating its better applicability for temperature sensitivity studies with palsa peatland soils under laboratory conditions.

Comparative Geochemical Characteristics and Genesis of Large Polyphase Plutons in the Cores and on the Periphery of the Mongol–Okhotsk Fold Belt Magmatic Areas of Different Ages

The early Mesozoic Baga-Khentei pluton is a part of the Daurian–Khentei batholite that was formed under the impact of the Mongolian plume on the lower horizons of the continental crust in the collision compression zone that appeared during closing of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean. Mantle and crustal melt sources were involved in the formation of the batholith and its margins. The Ikh-Narotin-Khid massif tends to the boundary of the rift region on the periphery of the Late Mesozoic area. The petro-geochemical similarity of its rocks to the composition of host gneisses suggests that the latter belong to the most likely substrate in the formation of palingenic granitoids of the calc-alkaline series. The differences in the rock compositions of large plutons are shown in minor differentiation of the Baga-Khentei massif, which is likely to be determined by the anatexis conditions and the subsequent formation of melts in the collision compression setting, while the granites of the Ikh-Narotin-Khid massif were formed under extension, which favored deep differentiation of magmatic melts.

The evolution of the ore-forming system in the low sulfide horizon of the Noril'sk 1 intrusion, Russia

AbstractWe present here new data on the low-sulfide mineralisation in the upper endocontact of the Noril'sk 1 intrusion. Twenty four mineral species of platinum-group elements and their solid solutions, as well as numerous unnamed phases, including an Sb analogue of vincentite, As and Sn analogues of mertieite-I and a Sn analogue of mertieite-II have been found. It is shown that the features of the mineral association: (1) the atypical trend of TiO2and Fe2+in chromian spinel; (2) the composition of the Pt–Fe alloys with a Fe/Fe + Pt range of 0.26–0.37 (logfO2≈ – (9–10); and (3) crystallisation of high-temperature sperrylite from silicate melt (at &gt;800°C and logfS2&lt; –10.5), which is possible underfO2of FMQ to FMQ-2 in mafic magma, are due to the reducing conditions of their formation and evolution. Droplet-like inclusions of silicate-oxide minerals in сhromian spinels and sulfides in platinum-group minerals are interpreted to be trapped droplets of co-existing sulfide melt. The captured sulfide melt has evolved in the direction of increasing the fugacity of sulfur: troilite + pentlandite (Fe&gt;Ni) – in sperrylite (paragenesis I) to monoclinic pyrrhotite + pentlandite (Ni≈Fe) + chalcopyrite – in Pt–Fe alloys (paragenesis II). Paragenesis from the sulfide aggregates in the silicate matrix are more fractionated: pyrrhotite + pyrrhotite (Ni&gt;Fe) + chalcopyrite (III) and pyrite + pentlandite (Ni&gt;&gt;Fe) + millerite (IV). Pd arsenides and antimonides crystallised later than sperrylite and isoferroplatinum, as a result of the evolution of a sulfide melt with an increased activity of the element ligands (Te, Sn, Sb and As).

Improved Real-World Glycemic Control With Continuous Glucose Monitoring System Predictive Alerts.

Most standalone real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) systems provide predictive low and high sensor glucose (SG) threshold alerts. The durations and risk of low and high SG excursions following Guardian™ Connect CGM system predictive threshold alerts were evaluated. Continuous glucose monitoring system data uploaded between January 2, 2017 and May 22, 2018 by 3133 individuals using multiple daily injections (MDIs) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy were deidentified and retrospectively analyzed. Glucose excursions were defined as SG values that went beyond a preset low or high SG threshold for ≥15 minutes. For a control group, thresholds were based on the median of the low SG threshold limit (70 mg/dL) and the high SG threshold limit (210 mg/dL) preset by all system users. During periods when alerts were not enabled, timestamps were identified when a predictive alert would have been triggered. The time before low horizon was 17.5 minutes and the time before high horizon was 15 minutes, of all users who enabled alerts. Excursions occurring after a low SG or high SG predictive alert were segmented into prevented, ≤20, 20-60, and >60 minutes. Excursions were prevented after 59% and 39% of low and high SG predictive alerts, respectively. The risk of a low or high excursion occurring was 1.9 (P < 0.001, 95% CI, 1.88-1.93) and 3.3 (P < 0.001, 95% CI, 3.20-3.30) times greater, respectively, when alerts were not enabled. The predictive alerts of the RT-CGM system under study can help individuals living with diabetes prevent some real-world low and high SG excursions. This can be especially important for those unable to reach or maintain glycemic control with basic RT-CGM or CSII therapy.

Palaeoenvironmental changes during the Middle and Early Upper-Paleolithic in the UpperTysa Depression, Ukraine (the Sokyrnytsya and Ruban’ sites)

The aim of the study is the reconstruction of palaeoenvironments of the Middle and Early Upper Palaeolithic in the Upper-Tysa Depression, related to short-period Upper Pleistocene changes. Stratigraphical, palaeopedological, pollen and archaeological methodologies have been applied in the study of several excavations at the Sokyrnytsya 1 and Ruban’ sites. Intense translocation processes (during formation of Luvisols and Albic Luvisols) during Late Pleistocene warm phases and Holocene, frequently transformed the material of underlying cold-phase non-soil sediments. The last are revealed in the lower horizons of palaeosols by their pollen assemblages, indicative of a periglacial climate, and by the levels with cryoturbations. The pollen succession of the last interglacial is found in the well-developed Kaydaky Luvisol. The presence of beech growing during the second half of the interglacial is a special feature of Transcarpathia. Above, two interstadials and two stadials are revealed in the early glacial. At Sokyrnytsya 1, Middle Palaeolithic first appeared at the very end of the last interglacial (when boreal forests dominated), and it is traced through sediments of the early glacial interstadials. The small collections of artefacts and the absence of specialized features on them do not allow them to be assigned to a specified technological-typological complex. During the interstadials of the early glacial (‘pl1’ and ‘pl3’), Luvisols and Cambisols developed beneath woodland, dominated by pine, but with admixture of deciduous trees, under a south-boreal climate. The cultural level at Ruban’, located in the transitional horizon from the late Pryluky soil to the Uday loess unit, is related to the Quina-type industry. Its analogues are quite common in Western Europe, but up to now have not been known to the east of the Carpathians. At that time, broad-leaved trees disappeared; the climate became cooler and drier. The presence of dry seasons is indicated by a level with abundant Fe-Mn concretions. At Sokyrnytsya 1, the Early Upper Palaeolithic non-Aurignacian cultural level is found in the Vytachiv unit (Middle Pleniglacial, around 38 - 39 ka BP). It is characterized by a technological-typological complex which has its analogue only in Eastern Europe (Kostenki XIV). In Vytachiv times, woodland, dominated by small-leaved trees,alternated with open landscapes of forbs and sedges. The climate was transitional from south-boreal to boreal. The Upper Palaeolithic level, which also is not related to a distinctive culture, is located above the level of the Bug (Late Pleniglacial), cryoturbations which deeply dissect the Vytachiv unit. The presence of both West European and East European archaeological industries and the exceptional palaeoenvironmental features of the studied area demonstrate its importance in the European context.

Identifikasi Sifat, Ciri, dan Jenis Tanah Utama di Pulau Lombok

TA descriptive research aimed to identify the characteristics and name of main soils in Lombok Island was carried out through field observation for soil profiles and landform and laboratory analyses for soil physical and chemical properties. The type or name of soil was defined by using The National (Indonesian) Soil Classification System (2014), Soil Taxonomy (SSS-USDA, 2014), and World Soil Reference (FAO, 2014). There were 4 main types of soil in Lombok Island, which were Litosol, Aluvial, Kambisol, and Vertisol; and a fairly developed soil in limited spots was Mediteran. Based on the soil taxonomy system, those soils were respectively equivalent to Orthents, Fluvents, Undepts, Underts, and Udalfs; whereas based on the soil system of FAO, were Leptisols, Fluvisols, Cambisols, Vertisols, and Luvisols. The main characteristics of Litosol/Orthents/Leptosols Lombok were shallow solum (&lt; 25 cm on the rocks or lithic contacts), coarse textured (sandy), nutritionally deficient, very low CEC (&lt; 5 cmolc.kg-) and C-organic content (&lt; 1 %). Aluvial or Fluvents, were mainly utilized as paddy soil, consisting of several layers which it clay and C-organic content were changed irregularly with depth, CEC of top soil (Ap) was medium (5–10 cmolc.kg-), and it was relatively fertile. Kambisols or Undepts was fairly deep (consisting of 40 – 60 cm of A and B horizons,), loamy textured, fairly fertile, CEC was medium, and C-organic content was low – medium (1–2 %). Vertisol or Uderts was characterized by a significant swell-shrinking properties, clay textured, extremely hard to be cultivated, high CEC, Ca, and Mg, and relatively fertile soil. Mediteran or Udalf was a further developed soil (solum &gt; 100 cm), clay translocation has been occurred from upper (E) to lower horizons (Bt), CEC was fair, and it was relatively fertile soil. In conclusion, the pedologic development of soils in Lombok Island was relatively slow due mainly to the low–moderate rainfall, and the soil types were dominated by Litosols, Aluvials, Kambisols, and Vertisols, and Mediteran in small area. In order to provide a complete reference for the characteristics of main soils in Lombok Island, it necessaries to define mineralogy composition through X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) of the clay fractions of the soils

Regional 1D hydrocarbon maturation modelling of the Cenomanian–Turonian Lokpanta Shale, southern Benue Trough, Nigeria: Implications for the origin of Niger Delta deep sea oils

Basin modelling, constrained by geochemical data from eight wells, was carried out, across the late Cretaceous and Early Palaeogene sediment packages of south-eastern Nigeria sedimentary basins. The study was aimed at establishing the sediment burial history, thermal maturation of the source rock and timing of hydrocarbon generation. The Late Cenomanian to Early Turonian Lokpanta Shale, which is the basal unit of the Eze-Aku Formation in the Eze-Aku Group, consists of alternating dark grey to black shales, marl and siltstones. The upper sections are mainly alternating sandstones, shales and limestones. This unit is the key petroleum source rock for the basin. Numerical 1D basin model of the study area revealed that the Cenomanian to Turonian times was the main phase of rifting in the Benue Trough evidenced by rapid subsidence. Subsidence rates varied widely in all the wells studied, ranging from 29–61 m/Mya (million years ago) and averaging 44 m/Mya. Subsidence rates also varied widely through geological time from the Cretaceous to the Palaeogene. The Cenomanian–Turonian and the Maastrichtian ages recorded the highest subsidence rates (169.75 and 168.28 m/Mya, respectively). These phases of rapid subsidence correspond to the main phase of rifting (Cenomanian–Turonian) and periods of increased sediment supply (Campanian and Maastrichtian), due to rapid erosion and unroofing of the structurally inverted Benue Trough, post-Santonian. Vitrinite reflectance values (1.87–4.78% Ro) indicated that the Lokpanta source rock (Late Cenomanian–Early Turonian) is mature to overmature. The vitrinite maturation profiles and the geochemical data suggested the generation of hydrocarbon before the Santonian compressional uplift of the Abakaliki–Benue Trough with its resultant sediment folding, which displaced the depo-centre from the Abakaliki Basin to the Anambra and Afikpo platforms. The subsequent erosion and non-deposition in the Abakaliki Basin raised the Lokpanta Shale above the oil generative window. The renewed sedimentation in the Campanian resulted in sagging due to sediment load creating the Anambra Basin. The lack of an effective trapping mechanism in the pre-Santonian may imply that hydrocarbon generated before the uplift migrated away, probably to upper and/or lower horizons (observed as oil shows in the region); some of which may be contributing to the Niger Delta crude. This is evidenced by the correlation of the Niger Delta deep sea samples to the Cretaceous (Lokpanta Shale) source rock and occurrence of biomarkers of Cretaceous origin (ab-hopanes and oleananes in the Opuama Channel complex, northern depobelt, Niger Delta).

Characterization of Some Vertisols of Different Agro-ecological Regions of India

Vertisols have the capacity to shrink and swell, inducing cracks and distinctive soil structure throughout the soil profile. In India they occur in various agro-ecological regions such as humid tropical (HT), sub-humid moist (SHM), sub-humid dry (SHD), semi-arid moist (SAM), semi-arid dry (SAD) and arid dry (AD) climatic environments and thus indicate an array of soils in a climosequence. In this study benchmark Vertisols, series Panjari is from sub-humid (dry), Kheriis from sub-humid (moist) region, Teligi and Akola series are from semi-arid (dry) and Nimone is from arid agro-ecological region. All the Vertisols in general are characterized by dark colour, angular to sub-angular blocky structure and clay in texture and calcareous. These soils have high bulk density and high water retention capacity. These soils have deep, wide-opened desiccation cracks at the surface which extend deep into the profiles and the depth of cracks increases with aridity. Soils of all climates are dominated by Ca2+ ion in their exchange complex throughout the depth. However, in the sub-humid climate Mg2+ ions tends to dominate in the lower horizon. Whereas the semi-arid dry (Akola) soils have high Na+ ions in their exchange complex. The soils are slightly alkaline to strongly alkaline in nature and poor in organic matter. The CEC varied from 59.3 to 68.2cmol (p+) kg-1 in soil of Panjari series which is highest followed by Teligi series profile. The calcium carbonate (CaCO3) shows gradual increase with depth in all the soil profiles, though it is preferentially accumulated in the sub-surface horizons of lower rainfall region soils.In climosequence the soils of the sub-humid region are generally Typic Haplusterts, soils of semi-arid region are Typic/Sodic/Calcic Haplusterts and soils of arid region are Sodic/ Calcic/ Aridic Haplusterts. The present study demonstrates how the soil properties of Vertisols in a different climate may help in inferring the change in climate in a geologic period.

An investigation into the 87Sr/86Sr radiogenic isotope geochemistry of the manganese ore of the Kalahari Manganese Field with a view on hydrothermal fluid flow and related rare earth element enrichments

Abstract The Paleoproterozoic Kalahari Manganese Field is the largest known land-based manganese (Mn) deposit on Earth and comprises five erosional relics of the iron- and manganese-rich Hotazel Formation. A total of 19 manganese ore samples from the lower manganese ore horizon of the Hotazel Formation were selected for analysis based on their relative metasomatic alteration states. These samples range from primary diagenetic, classic supergene enriched, hydrothermally enriched (Wessels-type ore) and thrusted manganese ore. When normalised to Post-Archaean Australian shale composites, rare earth elemental analyses on the selected samples indicate significant relative enrichments within the thrusted manganese ore, an ore type that hasn’t been studied from a geochemical point of view, so far. A comparison between these respective enrichments and 87Sr/86Sr ratios indicates a distinct link between REE enrichments and associated alteration events, and a progressive increase in 87Sr/86Sr isotope values. An isotopic relationship between fluid infiltration events and REE redistribution within the Hotazel Formation has been established, highlighting unique isotope signatures necessary in better defining and characterising metasomatism within the Paleoproterozoic Kalahari Manganese Field.