Development of an efficient surrogate model based on aquifer dimensions to prevent seawater intrusion in anisotropic coastal aquifers,case study: the Qom aquifer in Iran

Coastal aquifers are usually exposed to saltwater intrusion. Therefore, groundwater extracted from these aquifers should be regulated considering their dimensions and effective parameters. In this paper, optimum discharge from a large number of exploitation wells is evaluated according to variations of width, length, and anisotropy coefficient in the Qom aquifer near the salt lake in central Iran. First, the wells are divided into clusters to decrease the number of decision variables. Then, the location and discharge from each cluster is obtained using SEAWAT and charged system search (CSS) simulation–optimization model with the assumption of three-dimensional variable density flow. The maximum discharge considering various anisotropy rates is computed based on different values of lengths and widths of the aquifer. Finally, an M5-tree model is trained using the obtained samples to derive a linear relationship between input and output data. Based on the results, for various ranges of width and length of an aquifer with impermeable boundaries, different linear equations for optimum discharge are obtained. Also, it was found that for an aquifer with a small width, the critical discharge is a function of the length while the effect of the boundaries is negligible. Sensitivity analysis of the anisotropy coefficient reveals that with increasing the anisotropy rate, thickness and slope of the transition zone decrease and as the maximum discharge increases consequently. However, the sensitivity of the discharge to anisotropy rate is not remarkable. A comparison between the results of this study with those of the analytical method based on sharp interface assumption is carried out. For the critical condition, the best agreement between analytical equation (\(\overline {L} =0.87\overline {W} +0.62\)) and proposed method (\(\overline {L} =0.83\overline {W} - 1.41\)) is achieved for the anisotropic aquifer when the 50% isochlor is assumed as the measure of salt water intrusion.     

Hydrothermal alteration and evolution of Zr-Th-U-REE mineralization in the microgranite of Wadi Ras Abda,North Eastern Desert,Egypt

Ras Abda plutonic suite, North Eastern Desert of Egypt, consists predominantly of Neoproterozoic calc-alkaline older granites. Minor exposures of pink microgranite are occurring along Wadi Ras Abda within the older granites. Previous studies on this area demonstrated that the microgranite is altered in some parts and contains anomalous concentrations of rare metal elements (Zr, Th, and U). These altered and mineralized zones are re-assessed using field observations, chemical analysis, and by the application of various transmitted light and electron microscopic techniques. The rare metals exist as mineral segregation grew freely into open cavities of the microgranite and concordant with the NNE strike-slip fault movement. The mineralized zones contain an assemblage of secondary magnetite, zircon, uranothorite, columbite-(Mn), fergusonite-(Y), and allanite-(Ce). The extreme abundance of zircon in the mineralized zone, along with other evidence, indicates a hydrothermal origin of this zircon together with associated rare metals. The geochemical investigation and mass balance calculations revealed extreme enrichment of Zr, Th, U, Y, Nb, Ta, and REE. Post-magmatic hydrothermal alterations resulted in such pronounced chemical and mineralogical heterogeneity. The hydrothermal fluids are thought to be oxidizing, alkaline and of medium temperature (>?250 °C). The average contents of the elements Zr (1606 ppm), Th (1639 ppm), U (306 ppm), Nb (955 ppm), and REE (1710 ppm) in the mineralized microgranite reach sub-economic levels and could be a potential source of these elements.     

2D seismic reflection contribution to structural and geometric study of Cenozoic aquifer systems in the Sisseb El-Alem basin,central-eastern Tunisia

The Sisseb-ElAlem basin in central-eastern Tunisia contains several aquifers intensely used in agriculture. Highly exploited shallow aquifers are vulnerable to pollution and drought and reveal high salinity. Consequently, the new hydrogeological surveys were oriented to deep aquifers. The present work corresponds to study of 2D seismic sections, calibrated by water and petroleum wells, and geological outcrops. It highlights geometry and faulting of buried and preserved structures in depth and leads to identify the spatial distribution of Cenozoic potential reservoir layers in the different paleogeographic domains. The Sisseb-ElAlem basin is affected mainly by near E- and N-trending faults. Iso-depth and iso-thickness mapping were used to follow lateral and vertical variations of sedimentary series related to tectonics. The study area consists of Sisseb, Sbikha and El Ktifa uplifts, and El Alem, and Bled Saadia subsiding synclines. The Oligocene-Miocene reservoir series are exploited locally at the high borders. They reveal thickening and deepening southward in the El Alem-Bled Saadia domain, where they can be exploited at about 400 to 2000 m depths.This study should contribute to the orientation of water research to deeper aquifers, and therefore, ensure sufficient drinking and irrigation water supply mainly in areas called for sustainable development.     

Investigation of monotonic and cyclic behavior of sand using a bounding surface plasticity model

Developing the pore water pressures in loose to medium sands below the water table may lead to liquefaction during earthquakes. The simulation of liquefaction (cyclic mobility and flow liquefaction) in sandy soils is one of the major challenges in constitutive modeling of soils. This paper presents the simulation of sand behavior using a critical state bounding surface plasticity model (Dafalias and Manzari’s model, 2004) during monotonic and cyclic loading. The drained, undrained, and cyclic triaxial tests were simulated using Dafalias and Manzari’s model. The simulation results showed that the model predicts behavior of sand, reasonably well. Also, for CSR?<?0.2, number of cycles for liquefaction is significantly increased. The residual strength of Babolsar sand is produced when it is deformed to an axial strain of 20 to 25%.     

Characterization of aerosol type based on aerosol optical properties over Baghdad,Iraq

Aerosol optical depth (AOD), Angstrom exponent (AE), and ozone monitoring instrument aerosols index (OMI-AI) data, derived from MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and OMI sensor on board NASA’s Aqua satellite and NASA-Aura satellite platforms, have been analyzed and classified over Baghdad, Iraq, for an 8-year period (2008–2015). In order to give an obvious understanding of temporal inconsistency in the characteristics and classification of aerosols during each season separately, PREDE POM-02 sky radiometer measurements of AOD, carried out during a 2-year period (2014–2015), were compared with MODIS–Aqua AODs. On seasonal bases, MODIS–Aqua AODs corroborate well with ground-based measurements, with correlation coefficients ranging between 0.74 and 0.8 and RMSE ranging from 0.097 to 0.062 during spring and autumn seasons respectively. The overall satellite- and ground-based measurement comparisons showed a good agreement with correlation coefficients of 0.78 and RMSE of 0.066. These results suggest that MODIS–Aqua gives a good estimate of AOD. Analysis of MODIS–Aqua data for the 8-year period showed that the overall mean AOD, AE, and OMI-AI over Baghdad were 0.44?±?0.16, 0.77?±?0.29, and 1.34?±?0.33 respectively. AOD records presented a unique peak which was extended from mid-spring (April) to mid-summer (July) while the AE annual variability indicated a more complicated behavior with minimum values during the period from late spring (May) to early autumn (September). The maximum AOD and OMI-AI values occurred during summer while their minimum values occurred during winter. The AE showed an opposite behavior to that of AOD such that the highest AE values occurred during autumn and winter and the lowest values happened during spring and summer. This behavior may be attributed to the domination of coarse aerosol particles during autumn and winter seasons and fine aerosol particles during spring and summer seasons. A Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model was utilized to determine the source of air mass transport and to recognize the variability of aerosol origin regions. Finally, AOD, AE, and OMI-AI values have been employed to identify several aerosol types and to present seasonal heterogeneity in their contribution based on their origins.     

Synthesis of biochar from sugarcane filter-cake and its impacts on physiological performance of lettuce (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lettuce sativa</Emphasis>) grown on cadmium contaminated soil

Soil contamination with cadmium has become major concern all over the world because of its adverse impacts on ecosystem health and agricultural land. Soil amendment with biochar may have varied effects on physical and chemical properties of soil. The objective of the study was to explore the impact of sugarcane filter-cake biochar on physiological performance and growth of lettuce in an aged soil. Four different doses (0, 1.5%, 3%, and 5%) of biochar were used in the soil and conditioned for 1 month. After this, lettuce seedlings were grown in the soil. The results showed that the biochar treatment improved the fresh and dry biomass of leaves and roots as well as plant height while diminished the bioavailability of cadmium from the soil. As compared to control, biochar significantly enhanced the chlorophyll content in lettuce leaves. Due to the biochar amendment, the oxidative stress decreased in lettuce shoots over the control. As compared to control, concentration of cadmium in lettuce significantly decreased after the application of biochar. It was concluded that biochar could mitigate the toxicity of cadmium in lettuce by altering the biochemical and physiological processes in cadmium contaminated soil.     

Structural properties of Urfa stone doped with erbium oxide

In this study, we investigated the structural properties of Urfa stone (US) doped with erbium oxide (Er₂O₃). Solid US was powdered by using an agate mortar, and its elemental composition was determined using inductive coupling plasma (ICP) methods. Varying amounts of Er₂O₃ (5, 10, 20, 30, and 40%) were added as a dopant to the US powder using mechanical alloying methods. The resultant samples were sintered at 1000 °C for 1 h. The structural properties of the Er₂O₃-doped US samples were subsequently investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), and photoluminescence methods. Results from the XRD analysis of the Er₂O₃-doped US powder indicated two crystalline phases: (1) calcium oxide (CaO) or lime and (2) Er₂O₃. After the samples were sintered at 1000 °C, CaO, Er₂O₃, calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), and mixed crystalline phases were observed. Results from the FTIR analysis of the Er₂O₃-doped US samples indicated absorption bands at 711.91, 872.08, and 1396.87 cm^?1 in the spectra. Finally, photoluminescence analysis results indicated a shift in the emission and excitation bands to longer and shorter wavelengths, respectively, in the solid state (non-aqueous media) US-Er complex.     

Chemical composition of rock-forming minerals and crystallization physicochemical conditions of the Middle Eocene I-type Haji Abad pluton,SW Buin-Zahra,Iran

The Haji Abad intrusion is a well-exposed Middle Eocene I-type granodioritc pluton in the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic assemblage (UDMA). The major constituents of the investigated rocks are K-feldspar, quartz, plagioclase, pyroxene, and minor Fe–Ti oxide and hornblende. The plagioclase compositions fall in the labradorite, andesine, and oligoclase fields. The amphiboles range in composition from magnesio-hornblende to tremolite–hornblende of the calcic-amphibole group. Most pyroxenes principally plot in the field of diopside. The calculated average pressure of emplacement is 1.9 kbar for the granodioritic rocks, crystallizing at depths of about 6.7 km. The highest pressure estimated from clinopyroxene geobarometry (5 kbar) reflects initial pyroxene crystallization pressure, indicating initial crystallization depth (17.5 km) in the Haji Abad granodiorite. The estimated temperatures using two-feldspar thermometry give an average 724 °C. The calculated average temperature for clinopyroxene crystallization is 1090 °C. The pyroxene temperatures are higher than the estimated temperature by feldspar thermometry, indicating that the pyroxene and feldspar temperatures represent the first and late stages of magmatic crystallization of Haji Abad granodiorite, respectively. Most pyroxenes plot above the line of Fe³⁺?=?0, indicating they crystallized under relatively high oxygen fugacity or oxidized conditions. Furthermore, the results show that the Middle Eocene granitoids crystallized from magmas with H₂O content about 3.2 wt%. The relatively high water content is consistent with the generation environment of HAG rocks in an active continental margin and has allowed the magma to reach shallower crustal levels. The MMEs with ellipsoidal and spherical shapes show igneous microgranular textures and chilled margins, probably indicating the presence of magma mixing. Besides, core to rim compositional oscillations (An and FeO) for the plagioclase crystals serve as robust evidence to support magma mixing. The studied amphiboles and pyroxenes are grouped in the subalkaline fields that are consistent with crystallization from I-type calc-alkaine magma in the subduction environment related to active continental margin. Mineral chemistry data indicate that Haji Abad granodiorites were generated in an orogenic belt related to the volcanic arc setting consistent with the subduction of Neo-Tethyan oceanic crust beneath the central Iranian microcontinent.     

The measurement of soil gases and shallow temperature for determination of active faults in a geothermal area: a case study from Ömer–Gecek,Afyonkarahisar (West Anatolia)

Afyonkarahisar is a very important geothermal province of western Anatolia and has low and medium enthalpy geothermal areas. This study has been carried out for the preparation of distribution maps of soil gases (radon and carbon dioxide) and shallow soil temperature and the exploration of permeable tectonic regions associated with geothermal systems and reveal the origins of radon and carbon dioxide gases. The western district of the study area is characterized by the high radon concentration (168.30 kBq/m³), carbon dioxide ratio (0.30%), and soil temperature (21.0 °C) values. Fethibey and Demirçevre faults, which allow the circulation of geothermal fluids, have been detected in the distribution maps of radon, carbon dioxide, and shallow depth temperature and the directions of the curves in these maps correspond to the strikes of Demirçevre faults. The effect of the fault plays an important role in the change of carbon dioxide concentration along the W-E directional geological section prepared to determine the change of soil gas and shallow depth temperature values depending on lithological differences, fault existence, and geothermal reservoir depth. On the other hand, it was determined that Rn²²² concentration and soil temperature changed as a function of geothermal reservoir depth or lithological difference. Tuffs in Köprülü volcano-sedimentary units are the main source of radon due to their higher uranium contents. Besides, the carbon dioxide in Ömer–Gecek soils has geothermal origin because of the highest carbon dioxide content (99.3%) in non-condense gas. The similarities in patterns of soil temperature, radon, and carbon dioxide indicate that the variation in soil temperatures is related to radon and carbon dioxide emissions. It is concluded that soil gas and temperature measurements can be used to determine the active faults in the initial stage of geothermal exploration successfully.     

Uncertainties in Grout Penetrability Measurements; Evaluation and Comparison of Filter pump,Penetrability Meter and Short Slot

To measure grout penetrability in fractured hard rock, various measuring instruments have been developed over the years. Penetrability meter and Filter pump have been designed to use in both the lab and the field. Short slot has been applicable mainly in the lab due to its complexity. The fact, that these instruments have been built based on different assumptions, limitations, and test conditions, makes their results occasionally in contradict. Deficiency in design of the instruments as well as the methods of evaluating grout penetrability is additionally a basis for uncertainty in results. This study is an experimental effort to determine and thoroughly perceive the nature of the most governing uncertainties in grout penetrability measurements. The test apparatus, procedure, and method used to evaluate the grout penetrability in both Penetrability meter and Filter pump were thus modified. The aim was to control the corresponding uncertainties and make their limitations and test conditions as similar as possible with the ones in Short slot. The results suggested that to obtain a more realistic evaluation of the grout penetrability, measurement should be accomplished at both the high and the low pressures with sufficient grout volume using Short slot. Moreover, application of both Filter pump and Penetrability meter is no longer recommended due to the revealed uncertainties.