Evaluation of burial history, thermal maturity and source-rock assessment of the Upper Paleozoic succession of the eastern Taurus region, southern Turkey

The regional burial history pattern, thermal maturity variations and source rock assessment of the sedimentary succession in the eastern Taurus region, in the southern part of Turkey, have been studied on surface samples collected from the six different sections which represent the entire region. Organic petrography (Thermal Alteration Index) and geochemical data (TOC content, T_max and HI values) were obtained from transmitted-light microscopy and Rock-Eval pyrolysis.The Lower Paleozoic (Cambrian, Ordovician and Silurian) strata were not investigated and modeled in terms of the maturity and hydrocarbon source rock potential, because of their poor organic matter content and their over maturity resulting from great burial depth (more than 7630 m). Other Paleozoic strata, except the Lower Devonian Ayitepesi Formation, generally have the values of more than 0.5% TOC. Organic matter of the Middle Devonian Safaktepesi sediments are composed of highly terrestrial organic material (type III kerogen), while samples from other three formations (Gumusali, Ziyarettepe and Yigilitepe Formations), while samples from other organic matter (type II and type III kerogen). The average TAI values are as high as 3.4 (equivalent to 1.42 of R₀%) for Ayitepesi and as low as 2.75 (equivalent to 0.77 of R₀%) for Yigilitepe Formations. Time-temperature index values (TTI) indicate that Ziyarettepe and Yigilitepe sediments are marginally mature to mature, while the Devonian strata are overmature. There are minor discrepancies between ΣTTI values and geochemical data in terms of the organic maturity for Devonian strata. In contrast, the e is a consistency between those values for the Ziyarettepe and the Yigilitepe Formations. The onset of oil generation time in the region was initiated from as early as the Norian (216 Ma) to as late as the Lutetian (45 Ma).Regional variations in the level of thermal and source-rock maturities of the Upper Paleozoic sediments in the eastern Taurus region largely depend on burial depth.     

Analysis of the light curves of SX Aurigae,by automated fourier techniques

The aim of the present paper has beento analyse the light changes of the close eclipsing system SX Aurigae in the frequency-domain. This analysis is based on Kopal's new theory recently developed for the study of light variations, between minima as well as within eclipses, of close eclipsing binaries whose components are distorted by axial rotation and mutual tidal action.A method for the separation of the photometric proximityand eclipse effects directly from the observed data is also presented. In this method no rectification is needed. The automated method has been tested on the light curves of SX Aurigae. Finally, a comparative discussion is given of Kopal and Kitamura methods of thelight curves analysis.     

Landfill Leachate Treatment: A Case Study for Istanbul City

One of the most important problems arising from landfilling solid wastes is the leachate which contains high amount of pollution. Discharge of leachate without treatment causes negative effects on environmental and public health. In this study, parameters of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), ammonia nitrogen (NH₄‐N), and total phosphorus (TP) were examined in the samples taken from the influent and effluent of leachate treatment plant, where Odayeri landfill leachate is treated. Obtained results showed that the treatment plant, which consisted of preanoxic biological treatment system, ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF) units were operating with high efficiency. Among the examined parameters during study, COD, TN, NH₄‐N, and TP were found to be treated at the rate of 99, 94.5, 99, and 93.8%, respectively. Landfilling is increasing rapidly in the world and this consequently brings the need of leachate treatment facilities. Therefore, this study is considered to be a guide for construction and operation stages of proposed new treatment plants.     

Recurring emergence of the mud islands on shelf of the Arabian Sea along the Makran coast of Pakistan – Historical perspective using remote sensing techniques

Recurring emergences of mud islands on shelf of the Arabian Sea, along the Makran coast of Pakistan are now known to be submarine mud volcanoes. They are expressions of enhanced extrusions of fluidized mud and gases coupled with compressional tectonics in convergent margin settings. Since 1945 the Malan island has emerged four times, and some other mud islands have also been emerging repeatedly, at their own positions.The first known emergence, during November 1945, was concurrent with an earthquake of magnitude 8.0 (M8.0), the 2^nd and 3^rd emergences, in March 1999 and November 2010 respectively, were not related apparently with earthquakes. The 4^th emergence concurred with the Awaran earthquake (M7.7) of 24th September 2013. Landsat images of March 1999 and November 2010 emergences indicate appearance of round-shaped island of 4.4 and 5.2 hectare area, followed by erosion and disappearance. The island was composed of mud breccias and circular vents spewing mud slurry and methane gas.The emergence of Malan island, in March 1999 and November 2010 was compared with earthquake data before and after the emergences. The earthquakes data, two years before March 1999 and November 2010 emergences and two years afterwards, shows correlation with both small and large earthquakes, prior to the emergence, in the radius of over 400 km. It is proposed that mud islands develop in response to the episodes of enhanced mud extrusion, which inturn are related with the enhanced compressional and/or seismic events. These events are followed by periods of relative quiescence characterized by normal activity of mud extrusion and marine erosion.     

Water absorption process effect on strength of Ayazini tuff,such as the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), flexural strength and freeze and thaw effect

Tuffs have been used as a construction material possibly since ancient times. In Afyonkarahisar, Turkey, there are numerous buildings constructed by tuff. Tuff has been a local construction material, during the Roman, Seljuk and Ottoman periods. Even though tuffs have relatively low durability and low strength values compared to marble, etc., they have survived with no major deterioration failures on many historical buildings. It has also been preferred because of its high porous texture, lightweight and easy shaping and process properties in the building sector. Naturally, it would be easily affected by water and humidity because of its porous structure. However, having this kind of structure leads to poor durability properties due to keeping water in it. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of the tuff quarried from the region and possible water effect, which may lead to degradation of its strength and durability of the material, thereby shortening the life span of the building structure used. Samples, which were tested after exposing to water and the freeze and thaw effects, were measured at a certain time. In this study, uniaxial compressive strength and flexural strength tests were conducted on test samples. The test results indicate that water may deteriorate the tuff’s strength properties and durability of the materials in due time.