Middle Caspian Research Articles

Studies of biomarkers in the organic matter of the seafloor sediments in the northern and middle Caspian Sea

The present day approach to the investigation and typification of organic matter (OM) in rocks and fossil fuel deposits is based largely on the determination of individual compounds. This approach is the result of significant progress in the studies of the structure and stereochemistry of individual compounds of oil, in which more than 1000 various hydrocarbons (HC) are currently known. It is important to note that this new level of studies was reached through chromatomassspectrometry, which allowed for the opportunity for much finer analysis with a high precision of separation of individual hydrocarbons. Many of these compounds may be considered as chemical fossils that preserved obvious structural relations with initial bioorganic molecules. During diagenesis, initial organic matter is transformed into oil HC, the evidence of which is left in the general composition of the HC systems in the relative concentrations of certain compounds, as well as in their structures. Our studies were focused on seafloor sediment (SFS) sampled from a water area of the northern Caspian Sea, as well as from northern and western parts of the Middle Caspian. We were looking for possible hydrocarbon exhalations of deposits in subsurface conditions relying on the behavior of molecule biomarkers in the northern Caspian sediments. The background distribution of HC and OM in recent sediments was compared with anomalous distributions of HS and OM that had possibly migrated. The geochemical, genetic, and catagenetic features of recent sediments were studied to identify possible sources of migrated organic matter (supposed oil pools). Our interpretation is based on distinguishing between syngenetic OM (immature OM of recent sediments) and migrated OM. Firstly, investigated OM of SFS should manifest features of recent sediments. One of such features, found in the distribution of individual HC, may be the sharp domination of odd alkanes C 25, 27, 29, 31 [1]. Another feature is the domination of biological markers, that is, OM with traces of an insignificant restructuring of biogenic structures that occurred at the beginning of diagenesis. Migrated or redeposited OM may be recognized by high parameters of maturity in HC distribution not particular to recent sediments and by the presence of compounds developed during the catalytic thermal maturation of organic matter that occurred during fossilization when sediment was being transformed into rock. We investigated 40 seafloor sediment samples gathered by the Caspian Fisheries Research Institute (KaspNIRKh) from the water areas of the northern and middle Caspian Sea (its northern and western framing). The samples were analyzed by the method of chromatography using a magnetic chromatomass-spectrometer of high resolution, Thermo Finnigan MAT 900 XP. Chromatomass-spectrometry data is interpreted based on the identification of individual organic compounds.

New data on seismostratigraphy and sedimentation on the western slope of the middle Caspian

The sedimentary sequence of the Caspian Sea is generally well studied by geological and geophysical methods [1], particularly multichannel seismic profiling, which was mainly aimed at study of the deep structure of the sedimentary cover with perspectives for the discovery of hydrocarbon traps (see, e.g., [2]). However, data available for the upper part of the Pliocene‐ Quaternary sedimentary sequence are insufficiently detailed, because the majority of regional continuous seismic profiling (CSP) works were carried out in the 1970s‐1980s using low-resolution equipment [3]. New detailed data on the structure of these sediments in the Middle Caspian area near the Dagestan coast from the upper part of the western slope to the adjacent deep part of the Derbent basin were obtained by a team of scientists from the Institute of Oceanology and Moscow State University during Cruise 19 of the R/V Rift in autumn 2004‐winter 2005 (Fig. 1). The expedition was conducted in the framework of the Federal Targeted Program “The World Ocean” (Subprogram 8 “Complex Study of Processes, Characteristics, and Resources of the Caspian Sea”) simultaneously with engineeringgeological prospecting of the Yalama‐Samur structure for the Lukoil Company. A Geont-shelf high-resolution single-channel seismoacoustic profiler equipped with a spark transmitter (sparker with capacity of 600 J), which provided vertical resolution up to 2 m at a depth of 300‐400 mbsf, was used to study the fine structure of the upper sedimentary sequence. Geological works in the cruise included sampling of sediments with gravity piston corers and study of their physicochemical properties at the Yalama‐Samur test site (Figs. 1, 2). The study area is located in the steepest area of the western slope of the Derbent basin characterized by the highest dip angles and maximal relief differentiation in the entire Middle Caspian [4]. The CSP data show that the slope is composed of two distinct sedimentary complexes with different seismic record patterns. They are separated by a near-horizontal intense reflector (R-2), which extends in the eastern part at a depth of approximately 400 m and gently rises toward the coast (Fig. 2). Comparison with previous materials, including drilling

On the paper “New data on seismicity of the Middle Caspian Basin and their possible tectonic interpretation” by S. A. Kovachev, V. G. Kaz’min, I. P. Kuzin, and L. I. Lobkovsky, Geotektonika, No. 5, 50–60 (2006) [Geotectonics, No. 5, 367–376 (2006)

On the paper “New data on seismicity of the Middle Caspian Basin and their possible tectonic interpretation” by S. A. Kovachev, V. G. Kaz’min, I. P. Kuzin, and L. I. Lobkovsky, Geotektonika, No. 5, 50–60 (2006) [Geotectonics, No. 5, 367–376 (2006)

New data on seismicity of the middle Caspian Basin and their possible tectonic interpretation

Short-term (three months) bottom seismic observations in the area of the Yalam-Samur structure in the Middle Caspian Basin revealed a deep-seated compact zone of mantle-earthquake sources that dips beneath the southeastern Caucasus. To a first approximation, this zone may be interpreted as a seismofocal layer that characterizes thrusting of the Turan Plate under the southeastern Caucasus. However, the obtained spatial distribution of sources of microearthquakes and weak earthquakes is insufficiently reliable owing to the low aperture of the observation network of bottom seismographs. More reliable data on the position and parameters of the seismofocal layer could be obtained by the observation network with a wider spread of bottom seismographs (up to 50–100 km). If this result is confirmed, the current concept of interaction between the Alpine structures of the southeastern Caucasus, Turan, and South Caspian plates should probably be revised. The geotectonics of the Caucasus is preliminarily analyzed in the light of the newly revealed relationships.

The problem of invaders in the Caspian Sea in the context of the findings of new zoo- and phytoplankton species from the Black Sea

In April 2004, an expedition to the Caspian Sea discovered the species in the Middle Caspian not previously described in this sea. These species preliminary identified as Oithona similis Claus 1963, Sagitta setosa Muller 1847, and Calanus euxinus (Hulsemann) are the main representatives of edible plankton of the Black Sea; most likely they were introduced into the Caspian Sea with ballast waters of ships passing through the Volga-Don Canal. At present, it is difficult to say if these species will be established in the Caspian Sea; if so, they will clearly become a valuable food resource for planktophagous fish in the Caspian Sea. In addition, we discovered two diatom species typical for the Black Sea phytoplankton, Pseudo-nitzschia seriata (Cleve) H. Peragallo and M. Peragallo and Cerataulina pelagica (Cleve) Hendey which invaded the Caspian Sea in recent years. Pseudo-nitzschia seriata synthesizes a toxin (domoic acid) and can become harmful for the basin in the case of mass bloom. We discuss the problem of spontaneous invasion of alien species from the Black Sea and their effect on the Caspian ecosystem in the context of these findings.

Application of SeaWiFS data for studying variability of bio-optical characteristics in the Barents, Black and Caspian Seas

Abstract We report the results of our study of spatial and temporal variability of the bio-optical characteristics in the Barents, Black and Caspian seas derived from SeaWiFS data in 1998–2001. The modified bio-optical algorithms were used to derive chlorophyll concentration, particle backscattering, and yellow substance absorption coefficients. The mean monthly distributions of the above characteristics were constructed, and variations of their monthly means in the different regions were analyzed. No significant correlation was found between the variations of chlorophyll concentration in open parts of the basins and the coastal regions with river run-off, suggesting no direct effect of the processes in the coastal zone on bio-productivity in the open parts. Of particular interest is the sharp increase of chlorophyll concentration and particle backscattering found in the Middle and Southern Caspian in July–August 2001, perhaps the result of invasion of the ctenophore, Mnemiopsis leidyi. That event as well as the suspected coccolithophorid bloom in the Middle Barents in July–August needs field evidence.

Oil and Gas Market Developments in Turkey

Turkey’s strategic location makes it a natural “energy bridge” between major oil and gas producing areas in the Middle East and Caspian Sea regions on one hand and consumer markets in Europe on the other. Oil consumption has increased in recent years in Turkey, and this trend is expected to continue, with growth of 2–3% annually in coming years. The annual oil consumption of the country is around 31.3 million tons, while 83% of total consumption is supplied from imports and only 17% is supplied from indigenous production. Oil provides around 43% of Turkey’s total energy requirements, but its share is declining (as the share of natural gas rises). On the other hand, due to diversification efforts of energy sources, use of natural gas was newly introduced into the Turkish economy in 1987 and has been growing rapidly. Turkey’s natural gas reserves seem limited and current gas production in the country meets 2.8% of domestic consumption requirements. The annual natural gas consumption of Turkey is around 14.7 billion m3 and is assumed to increase by 12% per annum. Turkish natural gas use is projected to increase dramatically in coming years, with the prime consumers expected to be industry and power plants. Turkey has chosen natural gas as the preferred fuel for the massive amount of new power plant capacity to be added in coming years.

Analysis of Palynological Complexes of Deep-Sea Sediments in the Middle and Southern Caspian

Palynological complexes of deep-sea sediments, which formed under changing climatic and hydrological conditions of the Late Quaternary sea basins and adjacent land, are studied. It is shown that alternating phases of climate aridization and humidification have caused the appearance of peculiar associations of spores, pollen, and microfossils, as well as characteristic lithological indications in bottom sediments.

Accommodation of late Cenozoic oblique shortening in the Alborz range, northern Iran

The Alborz range, northern Iran, deforms by strain partitioning of oblique shortening onto range-parallel left-lateral strike-slip and thrust faults. Deformation is due to the north–south Arabia–Eurasia convergence, and westward motion of the adjacent South Caspian relative to Iran. Roughly north–south shortening occurs on thrusts that dip inwards from the range margins. Precambrian basement is not exposed because of detachment along upper Proterozoic evaporites and the thickness of overlying strata (∼10 km). Other detachments occur within Phanerozoic sediments. Active left-lateral strike-slip faults trend ENE in the east of the range, WNW in the west. The eastern Mosha Fault has a left-lateral offset of ∼30–35 km. Shortening across the range is ∼30 km (25–30%) at the longitude of Tehran. This is hard to reconcile with the crustal thickness of ∼35 km, which is similar to adjacent basins. Percentage shortening across the Alborz is similar to the adjacent Kopet Dagh, but because the latter is twice as wide, finite shortening is roughly half. The difference may be accommodated by subduction of the adjacent South Caspian Basin northwards under the middle Caspian. South Caspian sediments began folding in the Pliocene; the present kinematics of the Alborz may have begun at this time, including a reversal from range-parallel right-lateral to left-lateral strike-slip faulting, but the regional stratigraphy indicates uplift as early as the mid Tertiary.

Synchronous Changes in the Diatom Complexes and Hydrological Conditions in the Middle and Southern Caspian Paleobasins

The content of the diatom complexes of dominating ecological groups in the columns of bottom sediments in the middle and southern Caspian was found to correlate well with the changes in the ion–salt composition of aqueous extracts from these sediments. It was established that the joint interpretation of the two indices increases the reliability of detecting time variations in the hydrological regimes of these basins.

Apsheron Threshold and Its Role in the Processes of Sedimentation and Formation of Hydrological Regimes in the Southern and Middle Caspian Basins

It is shown that, in the Late Cenozoic, the Apsheron threshold was a natural boundary between the sea and lake–sea basins in the southern and middle Caspian regions. It is established that the lithological–petrographic composition and structure of the bottom sediments in the adjacent southern and middle Caspian basins were formed independently, or the interaction between them was very limited.

Turkey's Natural Gas Necessity and Consumption

Turkey's strategic location makes it a natural "energy bridge" between major oil producing areas in the Middle East and Caspian Sea regions on the one hand and consumer markets in Europe on the other. Natural gas is the fastest growing primary energy source in the world. Worldwide gas use more than doubles in the reference case projection, reaching 4.92 trillion cubic meters in 2020 from 2.32 trillion cubic meters in 1996. Current gas production in Turkey meets 2.8% of domestic consumption requirements. Turkish natural gas is projected to increase dramatically in coming years, with the prime consumers expected to be industry and power plants. Turkey has chosen natural gas as the preferred fuel for the massive amount of new power plant capacity to be added in coming years.

TURKMENISTAN'S MINERAL CONCESSIONS LAW

Mineral Resources EngineeringVol. 08, No. 01, pp. 115-119 (1999) No AccessTURKMENISTAN'S MINERAL CONCESSIONS LAWSCOTT HORTON and VAN Z. KRIKORIANSCOTT HORTONWebb & Tyler, 1133 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, USAAttorney-at-Law, Partner, Patterson, Balknap Search for more papers by this author and VAN Z. KRIKORIAN Search for more papers by this author https://doi.org/10.1142/S095060989900013XCited by:0 PreviousNext AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsRecommend to Library ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Recommended Vol. 08, No. 01 Metrics History PDF download

Features of landscape structure of the coastal dunes of the East Caspian Sea

A band of coastal dunes on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea is found in the Middle Caspian, where plateaux of the Turan platform (Mangyshlak and Kendirli-Koyasan) come up to the shore, and in the South Caspian, bordering with the West-Turkmenian lowland, situated in the inter-mountain depression of alpine folding. Coastal dunes of the Middle and South Caspian were created like barrier islands, which attached to the shore during sea-level fall and separated lagoons from the sea. Later, these lagoons were divided into small salt lakes which dried out and changed into solonchaks. In spite of the general method of development of coastal dunes, there are some differences in the landscape structure of the dunes of the plateau and those of the lowland. For example, on the shore of the plateau the main shore developing fluctuations are waves, whereas on the shore of the lowland, wind-induced surges and, to a lesser extent waves, are the driving force. The elevation of the coastal dunes is higher and their surface is wider on the lowland shore. The surface of dry solonchaks is also higher here. On the shore of the plateau rapid sea-level rise causes destruction of old patches and the creation of new ones. On the shore of the lowland this leads to transformation of old patches, located in the zone of sea/land interaction.

A geological interpretation of the gravitational and magnetic fields of the northern and middle Caspian, based on estimates of their ratios

A geological interpretation of the gravitational and magnetic fields is a method based on Poisson's relation between the gravitational and magnetic potentials. Within the northern and middle Caspian there are parts of the crust with different types of spatial relation between the density and magnetic-action boundaries, corresponding to different structural-tectonic elements of platforms of different ages. The authors locate the southern boundary of the East European Platform; they distinguish the Scythian and Turanian plates: in the Paleozoic base of the Scythian plate they distinguish a graben of the axial zone and a limb of the Donets- Caspian fold system; they determine the position of the upper Paleozoic downwarps filled with volcanic-clastic strata at the edges of the Rostov -Kochubeyev zone of the pre-Permian basement and on the slopes of the middle Caspian massif. —Authors.

MAIN TECTONIC FEATURES OF THE CASPIAN SEA, FROM MARINE GEOPHYSICAL DATA

The Caspian Sea is located within the Precambrian Russian and epi-Hercynian Scythian platform and Alpine geosynclinal province. Marine geophysical methods (seismic gravity, magnetic, and electrical) have added many details about its structure and salt tectonics. The ancient age of the Caspian central massif is supported by relationships between the Karabogaz arch and Turkey meganticline. Basically the south Caspian represents a remnant of the ancient Thetis trough; the middle and north Caspian are epiplatforms: The western part is associated with a post-Alpine platform and its foredeeps, with the middle Caspian only recently involved in its subsidence. A series of maps are given, showing the results of various marine geophysical studies. C. E. Sears