Open Geosciences 

About: Open Geosciences is an academic journal published by De Gruyter Open. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Geology & Environmental science. It has an ISSN identifier of 2391-5447. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 760 publications have been published receiving 5205 citations. The journal is also known as: Central European Journal of Geosciences.

Groundwater potential zonation for basaltic watersheds using satellite remote sensing data and GIS techniques

Abstract: This paper summarizes the findings of groundwater potential zonation mapping at the Bharangi River basin, Thane district, Maharastra, India, using Satty’s Analytical Hierarchal Process model with the aid of GIS tools and remote sensing data. To meet the objectives, remotely sensed data were used in extracting lineaments, faults and drainage pattern which influence the groundwater sources to the aquifer. The digitally processed satellite images were subsequently combined in a GIS with ancillary data such as topographical (slope, drainage), geological (litho types and lineaments), hydrogeomorphology and constructed into a spatial database using GIS and image processing tools. In this study, six thematic layers were used for groundwater potential analysis. Each thematic layer’s weight was determined, and groundwater potential indices were calculated using groundwater conditions. The present study has demonstrated the capabilities of remote sensing and GIS techniques in the demarcation of different groundwater potential zones for hard rock basaltic basin.

Pedo-geochemical baseline content levels and soil quality reference values of trace elements in soils from the Mediterranean (Castilla La Mancha, Spain)

Abstract: To evaluate trace element soil contamination, geochemical baseline contents and reference values need to be established. Pedo-geochemical baseline levels of trace elements in 72 soil samples of 24 soil profiles from the Mediterranean, Castilla La Mancha, are assessed and soil quality reference values are calculated. Reference value contents (in mg kg−1) were: Sc 50.8; V 123.2; Cr 113.4; Co 20.8; Ni 42.6; Cu 27.0; Zn 86.5; Ga 26.7; Ge 1.3; As 16.7; Se 1.4; Br 20.1; Rb 234.7; Sr 1868.4; Y 38.3; Zr 413.1; Nb 18.7; Mo 2.0; Ag 7.8; Cd 4.4; Sn 8.7; Sb 5.7; I 25.4; Cs 14.2; Ba 1049.3; La 348.4; Ce 97.9; Nd 40.1; Sm 10.7; Yb 4.2; Hf 10.0; Ta 4.0; W 5.5; Tl 2.3; Pb 44.2; Bi 2.2; Th 21.6; U 10.3. The contents obtained for some elements are below or close to the detection limit: Co, Ge, Se, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Yb, Hf, Ta, W, Tl and Bi. The element content ranges (the maximum value minus the minimum value) are: Sc 55.0, V 196.0, Cr 346.0, Co 64.4, Ni 188.7, Cu 49.5, Zn 102.3, Ga 28.7, Ge 1.5, As 26.4, Se 0.9, Br 33.0 Rb 432.7, Sr 3372.6, Y 39.8, Zr 523.2, Nb 59.7, Mo 3.9, Ag 10.1, Cd 1.8, Sn 75.2, Sb 9.9, I 68.0, Cs 17.6, Ba 1394.9, La 51.3, Ce 93.5, Nd 52.5, Sm 11.2, Yb 4.2, Hf 11.3, Ta 6.3, W 5.2, Tl 2.1, Pb 96.4, Bi 3.0, Th 24.4, U 16.4 (in mg kg−1). The spatial distribution of the elements was affected mainly by the nature of the bedrock and by pedological processes. The upper limit of expected background variation for each trace element in the soil is documented, as is its range as a criterion for evaluating which sites may require decontamination.

Canyons and gorges as potential geotourism destinations in Serbia: comparative analysis from two perspectives – general geotourists’ and pure geotourists’

Abstract: Abstract Serbia represents one of those countries whichhave not yet differentiated themselves on the worldtourism map. However, it has an immense but still unrevealedpotential for geotourism development. In this paperwe analyzed several remarkable canyons and gorgesof great scientific importance and geotourism potential.These sites include the Djerdap Gorge and Lazar RiverCanyon, located in Eastern Serbia and the Ovcar-KablarGorge and Uvac Canyon located in Western Serbia. One ofthe main goals of this paper was to analyze and comparethe current state and tourism potential of these geosites byusing the M-GAM model for geosite assessment. However,the principal aim of the paper is to analyze how importantis each subindicator in the assessment process for differentmarket segments. In this paper, we also analyzed howgiving different importance to subindicators can influencethe position of the geosites in the matrix indicating differentassessment done by two chosen market segments.The research showed that general geotourists appreciateconsiderably different values when assessing a geosite incomparison to pure geotourists. The paper can be used asframework for developing the tourism management strategyof geosites taking into consideration the needs andpreferences of the target market segments.

Determination of aquifer parameters using geoelectrical sounding and pumping test data in Khanewal District, Pakistan

Abstract: Abstract In order to determine the groundwater resources and potentials of the Khanewal District of Pakistan, a geophysical method in combination with pumping test data were used. An analytical relationship between the aquifer parameters interpreted from surface geoelectrical method and pumping test was established in order to estimate aquifer parameters from surface measurements where no pumping tests exist. For the said purpose, 48 geoelectric investigations were carried out using Schlumberger vertical electrical sounding (VES). Seven of the soundings were conducted where pumping tests had been carried out at borehole sites. The vertical electrical sounding stations were interpreted, and resistivities and thickness parameters were calculated. The values of transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity were calculated using the Dar Zarrouk parameter. Transmissivity values obtained from pumping test data and the VES method range between 954 – 4263 m2/day and 200 – 5600 m2/day respectively. Hydraulic conductivity values determined from pumping test data and geoelectrical technique range between 15.9 – 60.9 m/day and 29.76 - 72.3 m/day respectively. The low values of transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity indicate clay or shale while high values are due to the presence of sand or gravel. A comparison of the transmissivity values obtained from pumping test data and surface geoelectrical method shows a positive correlation (R2 =0.90). Similarly, the regression between hydraulic conductivity determined from the pumping test data and the geoelectrical method is also positively correlated (R2 =0.96). The results provide a quick and useful estimation of aquifer properties and potentials.

Speleotourism in Slovenia: balancing between mass tourism and geoheritage protection

Abstract: Abstract Slovenia is considered as the cradle of karst geotourism as cave tourism started there as early as the Middle Ages. To date more than 12,000 caves were discovered from which 22 have the status of tourist caves. From these, 10 were assessed using the M-GAM model (Modified Geosite Assessment Model) to gain information for better future management strategies. The results show that visitors of Slovenian tourist caves mostly appreciate their natural values, as they prefer caves without major tourism infrastructure and they pay attention to their protection status. The model also confirmed that the two most important tourist caves (Postojna Cave and Škocjan Caves) have the leading geotourism role and that the management of tourist caves via a regional park as is the case of Škocjan Caves is an example of good practice.