Showing papers in "International Journal of Geosciences in 2012"

Indian National Strong Motion Instrumentation Network and Site Characterization of Its Stations

Abstract: Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IITR) is operating a nationwide network of instruments for recording strong ground motion. Total 300 instruments are installed in seismic zone III, IV and V along Himalayan belt. Primary goal of this project is to acquire strong ground-motion (SGM) data for various studies in the field of earthquake engineering and seismology in general and in particular to understand propagation and site response characteristics of the sediments that underlie and are thought to produce large site amplification and seismic hazard. These data will complement laboratory data to characterize the properties of the soft soils underlying residential area so that engineers and architects can design appropriate earthquake-resistant structures for the region. The successful working of this network has laid the foundation of Earthquake Early Warning System (EEW) in India. A great number of strong motion records have been obtained and utilized to study local site and geological effects. The paper introduces outline of the IITR strong motion network and some of its recent studies.

Correlation of Seismic P-Wave Velocities with Engineering Parameters (N Value and Rock Quality) for Tropical Environmental Study

Abstract: The physical parameters of the subsurface from the environmental site investigation are important for geoscientists and engineers to understand and very low cost-effective method, especially when combined with geophysical (seismic) and geotechnical (borehole) surveys. These parameters can be estimated from other obtained parameters. In this study, P-wave velocities of materials (soils and rocks) are studied both in the laboratory and field measurement. The obtained P-wave velocities are then compared with the engineering parameters such N values, rock quality, friction angle, relative density, velocity index, density and penetration strength from boreholes. The empirical correlations were also found in this study for selected parameters. The estimation of engineering parameters from P-wave seismic velocity values is applicable for tropical environmental study. It is found that, the ratio (VFIELD/VLAB) when squared, was numerically close to the value of percentage RQD. We found that the empirical correlation for tropical environmental study is VP = 23.605(N) - 160.43 and the regression found is 0.9315 (93.15%). Meanwhile, the empirical correlation between P-wave velocities and RQD values is found as VP = 21.951(RQD) + 0.1368 and the regression found is 0.8377 (83.77%). The correlation between apparent P-wave velocities with penetration strength for both study sites are found as and the regression coefficient is found as 0.9756. Thus, this study helps for the estimation and prediction the properties of the subsurface material (soils and rocks) especially in reducing the cost of investigation and increase the understanding of the Earth’s subsurface characterizations physical parameters.

Application of Electrical Resistivity and Chargeability Data on a GIS Platform in Delineating Auriferous Structures in a Deeply Weathered Lateritic Terrain, Eastern Cameroon

Abstract: Exploration for primary gold in tropical settings is often problematic because of deep weathering and the development of a thick soil cover. In this paper we present the results of both chargeability and resistivity surveys carried out over the Belikombone hill gold prospect (14?00' - 14?25'E, 5?25' - 6?00'N) in the Betare Oya area (eastern Cameroon), where previous soil sampling had identified gold anomalies. The geophysical data were obtained using Syscal Junior 48 resistivity meter and the Schlumberger configuration array for both the vertical electrical soundings (VES) and horizontal profiling. These data were further built into a GIS framework and the continuity of favourable gold-bearing structures at depth modeled using WINSEV, RED2INV and SURFER extensions softwares. IP (Induced Polarization)-chargeability and resistivity data combined, have identified irregular anomalous zones trending NE-SW. This trend is consistent with the attitude of most auriferous quartz veins exposed in artisanal pits and parallel to the regional shear zone system and foliations. The high resistivity anomalies correspond to quartz veins while the relatively high IP anomalies correspond to low sulphide ± gold concentrations in the quartz veins. Modeling IP-chargeability and resistivity data prepared as contours and 3D maps, culminated to the development of an inferred, irregular and discontinuous mineralized body at depths of up to 95 m. The size and shape of this mineralized body can only later be tested by drilling to ascertain the resource.

Improving the Prediction Accuracy of Soil Mapping through Geostatistics

Abstract: This research aimed to implement and compare the accuracy of different interpolation methods using cross validation errors for interpolating the spatial pattern of soil properties. This paper investigates whether the use of kriging, instead of traditional interpolation methods, improves the accuracy of prediction of soil properties. To this end, various interpolation (kriging) techniques that rely on the spatial correlation between observations to predict attribute values at ensampled locations are studied. Geostatistics provides descriptive tools such as semivariograms to characterize the spatial pattern of continuous and categorical soil attributes. The maps obtained from Ordinary Kriging, Inverse Distance Weighting and splines show clearly that the map from Universal Kriging (UK) is better than the other three interpolation methods. Therefore, UK can be considered as an accurate method for interpolating soil (EC, pH, CaCO3) properties.

Geochemistry and Geochronology of Peraluminous High-K Granitic Leucosomes of Yaoundé Series (Cameroon): Evidence for a Unique Pan-African Magmatism and Melting Event in North Equatorial Fold Belt

Abstract: Geochemical and geochronological studies have been carry out on the leucosomes of Yaounde series with the aims to identify the magma sources and to indicate their production periods and emplacement within the formations of the Pan-African North-Equatorial Fold Belt (PANEFB) in Cameroon. The Yaounde series belongs to the Southern domain of the PANEFB and it is composed of migmatites in which two types of granitic leucosomes (in situ leucosomes and injected leucosomes) have been distinguished. These rocks display characteristic of calc-alkaline (in situ leucosomes) and high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic series (injected leucosomes). All the rocks are peraluminous with in situ leucosomes conform to S-type and injected leucosomes conform to I- and S-type granitoids. Major and trace elements composition reveal that in situ leucosomes derived from the partial melting of the host metapelite whereas injected leucosomes derived from the melting of metagreywacke. These sources are similar to those of granitoids from central and northern domains of the PANEFB. Th-U-Pb dating by electron microprobe (EMP) and LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating on zircon have been used to constraints the melting event and emplacement of leucosomes in Yaounde series. Th-U-Pb monazite dating, undertaken in two samples of leucosomes, gives two groups of monazite ages. The older group gives an age of 658 Ma whereas the age of younger group is 592 Ma. U-Pb dating of zircons from the leucosomes reveals a Pan-African age ranging from 626 to 654 Ma whereas zircons from metapelitic host rock reveal the overprinting of an early Pan-African event 911 - 1127 Ma on Palaeoproterozoic (2127 Ma) inheritance. These data clearly indicate that the host rocks of leucosomes of Yaounde series have been firstly metamorphosed during Tonien-Stenien period (911 - 1127 Ma) and reveal the existence of extended unique melting event (592 and 658 Ma) in the Yaounde series which is contemporaneous with the magmatism responsible for the emplacement of granitoids in the other domains of the PANEFB.

Early Proterozoic U-Pb Zircon Ages from Basement Gneiss at the Solovetsky Archipelago, White Sea, Russia

Abstract: The central region of the Neoarchaean Belomorian Mobile Belt (BMB) is, except for the Solovetsky Archipelago, largely covered by the White Sea. A newly discovered granitic gneiss outcrop on Solovetsky Island, Russia, enables a first age determination of the archipelago and evaluation of the hitherto poorly constrained central BMB. Zircons separated from the orthogneiss were analysed with SIMS-SHRIMP and LA-ICP-MS techniques. Both techniques yield a concordant U-Pb age of ca. 2.430 Ga, coinciding with ages of granitic intrusions in the BMB ca. 50 km west of the Solovetsky Islands.

Geotechnical Properties of Problematic Soils Emphasis on Collapsible Cases

Abstract: Soils are unconsolidated materials that are result of weathering and erosion process of rocks. When water content of some soils change, it makes problems to civil activities. These problems include swelling, dispersing and collapse. The change of water content of expansive soils causes to changes their volume. The volume change can damage structures that have built on the soils. In dispersive soils, particles move through soils with water flow. It may be conduits form in the soils. Collapsible soils are settled when saturated under loading. The rapid collapse of soils damages the structures which have built on soil. Problematic soils are formed in especial geological conditions. For example, collapsible soils are often founded in semi-arid area. Field observation and laboratory test can be useful to identify problematic soils. Some properties of soils such as dry density and liquid limit are helpful to estimate collapsibility potential of soils. In this regard, it was done a series laboratory tests to evaluate the collapsibility rate.

Identifying Pathfinder Elements for Gold in Multi-Element Soil Geochemical Data from the Wa-Lawra Belt, Northwest Ghana: A Multivariate Statistical Approach

Abstract: A multivariate statistical analysis was performed on multi-element soil geochemical data from the Koda Hill-Bulenga gold prospects in the Wa-Lawra gold belt, northwest Ghana. The objectives of the study were to define gold relationships with other trace elements to determine possible pathfinder elements for gold from the soil geochemical data. The study focused on seven elements, namely, Au, Fe, Pb, Mn, Ag, As and Cu. Factor analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were performed on the analyzed samples. Factor analysis explained 79.093% of the total variance of the data through three factors. This had the gold factor being factor 3, having associations of copper, iron, lead and manganese and accounting for 20.903% of the total variance. From hierarchical clustering, gold was also observed to be clustering with lead, copper, arsenic and silver. There was further indication that, gold concentrations were lower than that of its associations. It can be inferred from the results that, the occurrence of gold and its associated elements can be linked to both primary dispersion from underlying rocks and secondary processes such as lateritization. This data shows that Fe and Mn strongly associated with gold, and alongside Pb, Ag, As and Cu, these elements can be used as pathfinders for gold in the area, with ferruginous zones as targets.

Na-Metasomatism and Uranium Mineralization during a Two-Stage Albitization at Kitongo, Northern Cameroon: Structural and Geochemical Evidence

Abstract: Mapping and documentation of lithological varieties and their corresponding geochemistry at the Kitongo uranium mineralization were concerned. The Kitongo U occurrence is hosted by granitic rocks that include interleaved sequences of metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks of the collectively termed Poli Group. U-mineralization and Na-metasomatism are related and structurally controlled. The most promising uraniferous bodies are intimately related to intersections between the ductile ENE-trending faults and the brittle conjugate R' faults postdating the shearing event. The con- centration of uranium at fault intersections rather than along individual faults suggests that these zones that are dilatational in nature were also highly permeable and therefore the hydrothermal fluids ponded there could readily precipitate U therein. A two-stage albitization has altered the foliated granitic host rock and the second albitization that has over-printed the first one is more effective at fault intersections. Whole rock geochemistry was performed by using ICP-MS and ICP-AES respectively for major oxides, trace and REE. The U-bearing rock suite exhibits restricted range in SiO2 concentration (62.89% - 70.91%) and Al2O3 (13.16% - 18.59%) and it is poor in MgO (0.02% - 1.03%), CaO (0.24% - 1.88%) and K2O (0.08% - 5.32%). The mineralized rocks are however comparatively richer in Na2O (4.33% - 10.92%) compared to their barren counterparts. The host granite and associated granodioritic rocks in the area are weakly metaluminous, peralkaline, and are calc-alkaline. They are moderately to strongly fractionated and have tholeiitic and shoshonitic affinities with moderate to high HFSE (high field strength elements) and LILE (large ion lithophile elements) enrichment. The Rb/Sr, Rb/Ba and Sr/Ba ratios are 0.31, 0.14 and 1.48, respectively. U content in the mineralized granite is up to 651 ppm while the non-mineralized rock has only 2.4 ppm U. The REE patterns of the granite show LREE enrichment and strong Eu negative anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.03 to 0.48). The main mineralization stage characterized by local U, Na, Pb, Zn, Ga, Hf, Sr, Fe, Al, P and Zr enrichments is related to the second albitization event and could probably be associated in time with the calcite-uranium stage. The identification of fault segments favorable for uranium mineralization in northern Cameroon (Poli area) is important for understanding the genesis of hydrothermal ore deposits within continental strike-slip faults and therefore has great implications for exploration strategies.

Determining Angstrom Constants for Estimating Solar Radiation in Malawi

Abstract: This paper discusses a procedure that was adopted for the development of a linear regression model for estimating solar radiation in Malawi. By making use of sunshine-hours data recorded at six selected meteorological stations in the country, namely: Salima, Makoka, Karonga, Bolero, Chileka and Mzimba over the period 1991-1995, a set of Angstrom constants were obtained and averaged in order to develop the linear regression model. This model has potential for generating ground observation data of solar radiation at any given location in the country using sunshine hours as the only required input. The Gunn-Bellan Spherical Pyranometer and the Campbell Stokes Sunshine Recorder were respectively used in the measurement of incident radiation (Ib) in J·cm–2/day (converted to MJ·m–2·day–1) and sunshine hours. An Angstrom model of monthly average Clearness Index with normalized sunshine duration was then developed for each of the six meteorological stations. The resulting linear regression model was applied in estimating monthly average daily solar radiation. Regression analysis between computed and measured radiation data was applied to assess the reliability of the generated Angstrom constants. The results generally show a high degree of agreement between the two variables, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.63 to 0.90. Angstrom constants obtained at the six meteorological stations were thereafter averaged in order to develop a linear regression model for estimating solar radiation in Malawi. Solar radiation values obtained using this model were noted to be in good agreement with those developed for each of the six meteorological stations.

SAND: An Additive for Stabilzation of Swelling Clay Soils

Abstract: An experimental program carried out in this study seeks to understand the physical mechanisms of stabilization of an expansive soil by adding an inert material (sand) at various forms; mixing and intercalation layers of sand. The first aim of the study is to analyze the effect of stabilization on the variation of soil consistency. The results show a marked improvement in soil consistency. Then a study of the effect of the additives on the variation of the swelling in order to solve the lifting structures caused by this phenomenon is carried out. It can be seen that the addition of sand is capable of reducing the swelling action. We complete the study using an ultrasonic device, measuring the propagation velocities of ultrasonic pulse through the tested clay samples. This shows a change occurring in the porosity of the clay when sand is added to it. As a result some interesting conclusions concerning the expansive soil-material amendment are drawn.

Reformulation of the Vening-Meinesz Moritz Inverse Problem of Isostasy for Isostatic Gravity Disturbances

Abstract: The isostatic gravity anomalies have been traditionally used to solve the inverse problems of isostasy. Since gravity measurements are nowadays carried out together with GPS positioning, the utilization of gravity disturbances in various regional gravimetric applications becomes possible. In global studies, the gravity disturbances can be computed using global geopotential models which are currently available to a relatively high accuracy and resolution. In this study we facilitate the definition of the isostatic gravity disturbances in the Vening-Meinesz Moritz inverse problem of isostasy for finding the Moho depths. We further utilize uniform mathematical formalism in the gravimetric forward modelling based on methods for a spherical harmonic analysis and synthesis of gravity field. We then apply both mathematical procedures to determine globally the Moho depths using the isostatic gravity disturbances. The results of gravimetric inversion are finally compared with the global crustal seismic model CRUST2.0; the RMS fit of the gravimetric Moho model with CRUST2.0 is 5.3 km. This is considerably better than the RMS fit of 7.0 km obtained after using the isostatic gravity anomalies.

Terrestrial Ecosystem Carbon Fluxes Predicted from MODIS Satellite Data and Large-Scale Disturbance Modeling

Abstract: The CASA (Carnegie-Ames-Stanford) ecosystem model based on satellite greenness observations has been used to estimate monthly carbon fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems from 2000 to 2009. The CASA model was driven by NASA Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) vegetation cover properties and large-scale (1-km resolution) disturbance events detected in biweekly time series data. This modeling framework has been implemented to estimate historical as well as current monthly patterns in plant carbon fixation, living biomass increments, and long-term decay of woody (slash) pools before, during, and after land cover disturbance events. Results showed that CASA model predictions closely followed the seasonal timing of Ameriflux tower measurements. At a global level, predicting net ecosystem production (NEP) flux for atmospheric CO2 from 2000 through 2005 showed a roughly balanced terrestrial biosphere carbon cycle. Beginning in 2006, global NEP fluxes became increasingly imbalanced, starting from -0.9 Pg C yr-1 to the largest negative (total net terrestrial source) flux of -2.2 Pg C yr-1 in 2009. In addition, the global sum of CO2 emissions from forest disturbance and biomass burning for 2009 was predicted at 0.51 Pg C yr-1. These results demonstrate the potential to monitor and validate terrestrial carbon fluxes using NASA satellite data as inputs to ecosystem models.

Software to Estimate Earthquake Spectral and Source Parameters

Abstract: A software (EQK_SRC_PARA) has been developed to estimate spectral parameters of earthquake source spectrum, namely: low frequency displacement spectral level (Ω0), corner frequency above which spectrum decays with a rate of 2 (fc), the cut-off frequency above which the spectrum again decays (fmax) and the rate of decay above fmax (N). A Brune’s source model [1,2] that yield a fall-off of 2 beyond corner frequency is considered with high cut-off frequency factor presented by Boore [3] that fits well for frequencies greater than fmax. The software EQK_SRC_PARA is written in MATLAB and uses input data in Sesame ASCII Format (SAF) format. The obtained spectral parameters have been used to estimate source parameters (e.g., seismic moment, source dimension and stress drop etc.) and to develop scaling laws for the study region. The cut-off frequency “fmax” can also be studied and interpreted to confirm about its origin.

Attenuation of P, S and Coda Waves in the NW-Himalayas, India

Abstract: The frequency-dependent characteristics of P- and S-wave attenuation in the upper crust of NW Himalayas have been estimated using local earthquakes for a frequency range of 1.5 to 18 Hz. A total of 43 local events of magnitude 2.1 - 4.8, mostly from the vicinity of Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) and Main Central Thrust (MCT) have been used in the analysis. The extended coda normalization methods were applied to estimate the quality factors for P- waves (QP) and S-waves (QS) and the single back-scattering model has been used earlier (Kumar et al. [1]) to determine the quality factor for coda waves (QC). The observed quality factors QP and QS is strongly frequency dependent and the estimated average frequency dependent relation is given by QP = (97 ± 3)f (1.06 ± 0.06) and QS = (127 ± 6)f (0.96±0.06) respectively for P- and S-waves. A comparison of QS estimated in this study and QC previously reported shows that QC > QS for entire frequency range. This indicates the enrichment of coda waves and the importance of scattering attenuation to the attenuation of S-waves in the study region infested with faults and fractures. The ratio QS/QP is found to be greater than unity for the entire frequency range indicating that the body waves from source to station paths crossed a crustal volume with dry and rigid rocks. The frequency dependent relations developed in this study can be very useful to ground motion modeling which in turn is required in the seismic hazard assessment of the region.

Ambient Vibration Recording for Single-Station, Array and Building Studies Made Simple: CityShark II

Abstract: This article describes an improved data acquisition system from a previous system dedicated to one-sensor site studies, aimed at recording ambient vibrations (microtremors). A multi-channel and/or remote triggering system is proposed. The system was conceived by IRD-Leas, France, and used at ISTerre, France, for research activities. The size, weight of this high quality system and its autonomy (no need to be connected to a laptop) make it a real portable device. The system acquires data with 24-bit delta-sigma ADCs in the 10 - 1000 sps range at 10 - 20 bit resolution on up to 18 channels in the multi-channel version. The input stage dynamics is available at ±2.5 V or ±5 V. The dynamic range varies, for example, from 108 dB at 100 sps to 90 dB at 250 sps. Gain is selectable from 1 (0 dB) to 8192 (78 dB) by powers of two (6 dB). Its very low level of internal noise allows recording of very low tension signals without missing code. Continuous recording and GPS may also be implemented in the system. While primarily dedicated to ambient vibration recordings, this system can be connected to any type of device delivering an output tension in the ±5 V range.

Land Cover Classification of Hail—Saudi Arabia Using Remote Sensing

Abstract: A set of five satellite images from the Landsat satellite, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) sensors has been operated to analyze land cover and topography of the Hail region, Saudi Arabia. Image processing techniques included unsupervised classification for clustering four land cover units in the MODIS image, namely: plains, sand dunes, mountains, and cultivated lands. The SRTM image was classified to produce a thematic topographic map with 100 m elevation interval. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was applied in the Landsat images as a proxy to the change of agricultural land in Hail between 1972 and 2000. Results showed that Hail region occurs at a high plateau. Minimum elevation occurs at its northeastern corner and peaks occur at the southwestern side. The surface area of Hail is estimated at 115,690 km2. The majority of Hail area is represented by plains and sand dunes. Cultivated lands increased from 9500 ha in 1972 to 139,000 ha in 2010.

Groundwater Flow Patterns and Hydrochemical Facies Distribution Using Geographical Information System (GIS) in Damaturu, Northeast Nigeria

Abstract: The present study attempts to define the relationship between groundwater flow systems and the distribution of chemical facies with the aid of Geographical Information System (GIS). The study also identifies the different geochemical processes responsible for the chemical evolution of groundwater chemistry. Analytical results of 23 groundwater samples reveal mean values of cations as Na+ (84.2 mg/l), K+ (4.2 mg/l), Ca2+ (27 mg/l), Mg2+ (11.5 mg/l) and Fe2+ (0.6 mg/l). The anion mean values are HCO3– (4.5 mg/l), SO42– (3.7 mg/l), Cl– (22.5 mg/l) and NO3– (2.2 mg/l). Based on mean values, the cations are in order of abundance as Na+ > Ca2+> Mg2+ > K+ > Fe2+ while the anions reveal order of abundance as Cl– > HCO3– > SO42– > NO3– . The geographical information system (GIS) using Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) delineate two groundwater zones into: Ca-Mg-SO4-Cl and Na-SO4-Cl water types. The Ca-Mg-SO4-Cl constitutes about 35% of the chemical facies and its evolutionary trend is due to simple hydrochemical mixing between Ca-Mg-HCO3 and Na-SO4-Cl facies and reverse cation exchange. The Na-SO4-Cl facies constitutes about 65% of the chemical facies and represents fossil groundwater. The Ca-Mg-SO4-Cl facies is dominant in the recharge areas while Na-SO4-Cl facies prevails in discharge areas. Rock-water interaction diagrams indicate precipitation induced chemical weathering along with dissolution of rock-forming minerals. The scattered plots among ions revealed geochemical processes as carbonate weathering, silicate weathering, cation exchange and sulphate reduction. HCA identified effects of rock-water interaction and anthropogenic effects as responsible for the modification of groundwater chemistry in the area.

Structural Architecture for Development of Marginal Extensional Sub-Basins in the Red Sea Active Rift Zone

Abstract: This paper presents a robust kinematic model that describes northern Red Sea and Gulf of Suez rifting and the development of marginal extensional half-graben sub-basins (ESB). A combination of Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) and structural data was used to provide model constraints on the development of rift segments and ESB in the active rift zones. Structural analysis shows rotation and change in strike of rift-bounding faults. The model describes the northern Red Sea region as a poly-phase rift system initiated by late Oligocene (30 - 24 Ma) orthogonal rifting and the development of marginal ESB (now inland ESB), followed by oblique rifting and flank uplift during the early Miocene (24 - 18 Ma). The oblique rifting fragmented the rift depression into segments separated by oblique-slip accommodation within reactivated Pan-African (ca. 600 Ma) fracture zones, resulting in the development of antithetic faults and an en-echelon distribution of inland ESB. The current phase of rifting was instigated by the development of the Dead Sea Transform in response to increased northeasterly extension during the middle Miocene (ca. 18 Ma). The model explains the widening of the Red Sea rift during the last phase more than the Gulf of Suez rift by developing more antithetic faults and formation of offshore ESB, and deepening the rift depression.

A Comparative Study of Cloud Liquid Water Content from Radiosonde Data at a Tropical Location

Abstract: In this paper, some features of cloud liquid water content with respect to rain and water vapor are presented. Cloud liquid water density profile is obtained from radiosonde observation with Salonen's model and Karsten's model at Kolkata, a tropical location in the Indian region. Cloud liquid water contents (LWC) are obtained from these profiles which show a prominent seasonal variation. The monsoon months exhibit much higher values of LWC than in other months. However Salonen's model yields higher LWC values than that obtained with Karsten's model. The variation of daily total rainfall with LWC shows a positive relationship indicating the role of LWC in controlling the rainfall. Also the variation pattern of LWC with integrated water vapor (IWV) content of the atmosphere indicates that a threshold value of water vapor is required for cloud to form and once cloud is formed LWC increases with IWV.

U-Pb Geochronology of the Jebba Granitic Gneiss and Its Implications for the Paleoproterozoic Evolution of Jebba Area, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract: Jebba area southwestern Nigeria forms part of the Nigerian basement complex which lies in the Neoproterozoic PanAfrican mobile belt. It is underlain by several lithological units among which is a polydeformed granitic gneiss. This rock has been dated by LA-ICP-MS yielding a concordant U-Pb zircon age of 2207 ± 20 Ma indicating the crystallization age of the granite protolith. This early Rhyacian age and its affinity with within-plate granites indicates emplacement during crustal extension and rifting presceding the main phase of the Eburnean orogeny. The strong, early, shear fabric, S1, in the rock is interpreted to be also of Paleoproterozoic age i.e. imprinted during the Eburnean orogeny. The Jebba granitic gneiss is thus correlatable with the widely abundant Paleoproterozoic granitic magmatism now represented by many orthogneisses and documented in other parts of southwestern Nigeria, the West African craton, the Borborema Province, the Gurupi Belt, Sao Luis craton and Sao Francisco craton in Brazil.

GIS-Based Model to Assess Erosion Sensitivity in Northern Morocco. Laou Watershed Case Study

Abstract: This application on the Laou watershed represents the first part of study results that concerns the development of a model for mapping soil susceptibility at a regional scale in northern Morocco using spatial databases and geographic information systems (GIS). The model uses qualitative decision rules and hierarchical organization of data represented by different thematic maps. Those laters are derived from input erosion parameters which are coded according to their sensitivity to water erosion. Superposing effect of several layers: geology, geomorphology, land use and topography, allows we the obtaining of a qualitative map showing the potential sensitivity to erosion per unit area. The obtained map shows that severe erosion affects the Southern and North-western sectors of the basin, even if they present the least erodible lands of all the basin and have, as well, a relatively dense plant cover. It may be concluded that both high gradient and damaged terrain state represent the main factors of water erosion in the Laou watershed.

Hydrogeochemical Variations of Groundwater of the Northern Jabal Hafit in Eastern Part of Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Abstract: This study is aimed to assess and evaluate the suitability of groundwater of the area located to the south-east of Al-Ain area in the UAE using hydrogeochemcical approach. The chemical analyses of groundwater samples collected from the study area showed that the groundwater salinity is high which resulted from heavy groundwater pumping. High chloride concentrations in groundwater of Mubazarah and Neima might be attributed to the entrapped saline water within the limestone sequence of Jabal Hafit, or it can be the agricultural activities as it clear from the positive relationship between Cl- and Br-. High sulphate concentrations in groundwater might be related to the presence of gypsum and anhydrite within the limestone sequence of Jabal Hafit. The anionic and cationic compositions of groundwater indicate that the chloride and sodium ions are the dominant and presence of bicarbonate and sulphate may reflect the mixing of such water by the recent freshwater through the existing structural lineaments within the study area. The hydrochemical parameters indicate a relative increase in the concentration of calcium, magnesium and sulphate ions and this could reflect the influence of carbonates and evaporite sediments.

Structural Evolution of a Precambrian Segment: Example of the Paleoproterozoic Formations of the Mako Belt (Eastern Senegal, West Africa)

Abstract: The western part of the Kedougou Kenieba Inlier is located in the West African Craton It consists of paleoproterozoic NE-trending elongate belts (subprovinces) of metavolcanic and granitic rocks that alternate with metasedimentary belts Major linear fault such as the MTZ which also approximate a north-easterly trend form the eastern boundaries The field observations and geophysics analyses were completed by a microscopic study Based on these data we define across this region four lithostructural domains from east to west The western domain is structurally complex The rocks of this domain have been subjected to a complex history of polyphase deformation and metamorphism The structural analyse allow us to distinguished three deformation events The deformation results in the formation of D1 thrust tectonic and D2 and D3 transcurrent tectonic The structural evolution of the Mako Belt is characterized by deformation dominated by the intrusion of large TTG batholiths (D1) followed by basins formation and transpression accommodating oblique convergence and collision (D2 and D3) The change from thrusting (D1 deformation to transcurrent motion (D2 and D3) is recorded in the marginal basin of the central domain and in Tinkoto pull apart basin The timing of these basins indicates a diachronous evolution Deformation styles within the basin are compatible with a dextral transpression which terminated at ca 2090 Ma Small extensional basins formed over the rocks of the Mako Belt are filled with continental detrital sedimentary rocks that show weak foliation and active felsic volcanism We suggest that the sinistral transpressive tectonic associated with oblique subduction may have generated the pull-apart basin and subaqueous volcanism In part these features are now related to terrain accretion, thrusting and strike slip movement during oblique convergence The inversion of the large scale structural evolution from thrusting to strike slip is common to modern orogenies

Optimal Scale Selection for DEM Based Slope Segmentation in the Loess Plateau

Abstract: Optimal scale selection is the key step of the slope segmentation. Taking three geomorphological units in different parts of the loess as test areas and 5 m-resolution DEMs as original test date, this paper employed the changed ROC-LV (Lucian, 2010) in judging the optimal scales in the slope segmentation process. The experiment results showed that this method is effective in determining the optimal scale in the slope segmentation. The results also showed that the slope segmentation of the different geomorphological units require different optimal scales because the landform complexity is varied. The three test areas require the same scale which could distinguish the small gully because all the test areas have many gullies of the same size, however, when come to distinguish the basins, since the complexity of the three areas is different, the test areas require different scales.

A Semi Automated Method for Laminated Sediments Analysis

Abstract: We developed a software performing laminae counting, thickness measurements, spectral and wavelet analysis of laminated sediments embedded signal. We validated the software on varved sediments. Varved laminae are automatically counted using an image analysis classification method based on K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) algorithm. In a next step, the signal corresponding to varved black laminae thickness variation is retrieved. The obtained signal is a good proxy to study the paleoclimatic constraints controlling sedimentation. Finally, the use of spectral and wavelet analysis methods on the variation of black laminae thickness revealed the existence of frequencies and periods which can be linked to known paleoclimatic events.

Geoelectric Investigation for Groundwater Exploration in Yaoundé Area, Cameroon

Abstract: Yaounde zone is originally characterized by the small number of aquifers and bad renewal capacity. Within the frame-work of the emergency program which aims at supplying the city with drinking water, seventeen Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) were carried out using Schlumberger configuration in parts of Yaounde (latitude 3o- 5oN and longi- tude 11o-13oE) to determine the nature and thickness of aquifer zone and necessary geoelectrical parameters. Four to five geoelectric layers were delineated from the survey area. The first layer is the topsoil and has resistivity values ranging from 13 - 216 Ω·m and thickness is between 0.1 - 6 m. The second layer made up of clay sand and laterite has resistivity values ranging between 23 and 923 Ω·m and thickness ranged from 1 and 40 m. The third and fourth geoelectric layers consisting of clay and gneiss/migmatite with thickness varying from 1.7 - 63.3 m correspond to an aquifer horizon. Resistivity values of the aquifer ranges from 4 to 9215 Ω·m. The study indicates that average depth of the aquifer is 20 m and average thickness of the aquifer is 55 m. Soundings curves suggest several four layered geoelectrical sections KH, KQ, HK type and some five layered sections of the HKH, KHK types. KH type is dominant and can be used as reference for future studies. The resistivity survey reveals that the parameters obtained through interpretation of VES curves corroborate the litho logs of boreholes from the area.

Numerical and geophysical tools applied for the prediction of mine induced seismicity in French coalmines

Abstract: The determination of the influence of mining works and the induced seismicity is essentially obtained, separately from in-situ observations and seismic analysis, field measurements (particularly surface survey) as well as from numerical investigations. The paper presents a methodology applied for the analysis of induced seismicity due to underground coalmines based on combining numerical modelling and seismic analysis. The methodology is based on the comparing between the observations, the seismic activity and the numerical modelling for establishing a close correlation between the location of seismic activity and the induced stresses. The paper presents two case studies using seismic and geotechnical investigations, the first one concerns a fatal accident affected Lorraine coalmine (East France). The second case concerns the application of the methodology on Provence coalmines (South France). The application of the methodology shows such a coupling can be an efficient way for detecting areas subjected to rockburst hazard. This is also a powerful tool for assisting the planning of underground workings in complex geological and mining conditions. The coupling of geotechnical investigations (numerical modelling, in-situ stress measurements) and seismic analysis are strongly recommended.

Ediacaran Discs from the Jodhpur Sandstone, Marwar Supergroup, India: A Biological Diversification or Taphonomic Interplay?

Abstract: The noncarbonaceous Ediacaran discs of variable morphologies from the Jodhpur Sandstone Formation of the Marwar Supergroup, western Rajasthan, suggest different biologic affinities of plant and animal kingdom These discs are commonly preserved on the bedding surfaces of siliciclastic sandstone and shale in strong positive relief and appear to possess a flexible to rigid body Discs assignable to Aspidella, Cyclomedusa, Nimbia and Heimalora; all possibly inclining towards cnidarian affinity are being reported from the sandstone beds in Sursagar area Variable morphologies among discs preserved in siliciclastic shale beds from the Artiya Kalan area support scyphozoan affinity (earlier named Marsonia from the same locality) and cnidarian affinity for small discs comparable with Funisia (considered being the first animals having sexual reproduction) Disc’s morphologies also suggest ephyra stage of Aurilia (a cnidarian form) or budding stages of some fungi, like Germinosphaera (multicellular benthic fungal fossils) and noncarbonaceous discs with well preserved wrinkles and folds like in Chuaria Discs from the Jodhpur Sandstone, may at times display taphonomic interplay, but consistency and repetition in morphology support variable biological affinities representing diverse assemblage and advance ecosystem prevailing during Ediacaran period A degree of genetic variability can be expected within any taxa, and this may be compounded by preservation factors affecting the Jodhpur Ediacaran discs Sudden increase in size or gigantism is a common feature of Ediacaran life, which is evident in case of Jodhpur discs also On the basis of fossil assemblage, the Jodhpur Group (the Marwar Supergroup) is regionally correlated with the Bhander Group of the Vindhyan Supergroup and Krol Group of Lesser Himalaya Globally, the assemblage is comparable with the Long Mynd Group, Shropshire, UK, Fermuse Formation Newfoundland, South Australia, Russia and Norway

The Temporal Variability of the Freshwater Discharge and Water Levels at the Patos Lagoon, Brazil

Abstract: The direct influence of freshwater discharge along the coastal regions is observed in several processes following a wide spectrum on spatial and temporal variability. The knowledge of relative importance of this physical forcing is fundamental by the correct management of the coastal sites and the understanding of consequences associated with processes of climatic order is one point deserves some investigation. The major part of the studies in the Patos Lagoon, located in the southernmost part of Brazil, is limited to investigate the effects in synoptic time scales. In this way, the objective of this study is to investigate the long term variability pattern of the Patos Lagoon discharge and water levels indentifying long term trends through wavelet analysis. The results indicated that El Ni?o (La Ni?a) events promote the intensification (decrease) of the freshwater intensity in the principal river tributaries of the Patos Lagoon following scales from 16 to 120 months (from 1.3 to 10 years). The most energetic cycle is centered in periods of 64 months (5.3 years). The longer events reflect the long term response of the non linear dynamics in Equatorial Pacific changing the precipitation pattern, principally during winter and at the end of spring and early autumn. The non-linear long term trend indicates a pattern with values of discharge normally above (below) the mean after (before) 1970’s. An increasing trend starting after 1970 possibly indicates a longer term cycle influencing the interannual variability of the Patos Lagoon discharge. The seasonality is maintained in climatic monthly means obtained after and before 1970’s, but, with mean increase around 364 m3·s?1 in freshwater discharge with reduced amplitude of the seasonal cycle.