Classifying zones of suitability for manual drilling using textural and hydraulic parameters of shallow aquifers: a case study in northwestern Senegal

A method is proposed that uses analysis of borehole stratigraphic logs for the characterization of shallow aquifers and for the assessment of areas suitable for manual drilling. The model is based on available borehole-log parameters: depth to hard rock, depth to water, thickness of laterite and hydraulic transmissivity of the shallow aquifer. The model is applied to a study area in northwestern Senegal. A dataset of boreholes logs has been processed using a software package (TANGAFRIC) developed during the research. After a manual procedure to assign a standard category describing the lithological characteristics, the next step is the automated extraction of different textural parameters and the estimation of hydraulic conductivity using reference values available in the literature. The hydraulic conductivity values estimated from stratigraphic data have been partially validated, by comparing them with measured values from a series of pumping tests carried out in large-diameter wells. The results show that this method is able to produce a reliable interpretation of the shallow hydrogeological context using information generally available in the region. The research contributes to improving the identification of areas where conditions are suitable for manual drilling. This is achieved by applying the described method, based on a structured and semi-quantitative approach, to classify the zones of suitability for given manual drilling techniques using data available in most African countries. Ultimately, this work will support proposed international programs aimed at promoting low-cost water supply in Africa and enhancing access to safe drinking water for the population.     

Pre‐Cenomanian vs. Cenozoic folding in the High Atlas revealed by palaeomagnetic data

Palaeomagnetic data, and specifically remagnetizations, are used to constrain the geometric reconstruction at 100 Ma of three anticlines cored by gabbroic intrusions and Triassic shales in the Central High Atlas, Morocco. Previous palaeomagnetic results have revealed that the Mesozoic sediments of this region acquired a pervasive remagnetization at the end of the Early Cretaceous. The restoration of palaeomagnetic vectors to the remagnetization stage (100 Ma) allows us to determine the dip of the beds during this period and, thereby, to reconstruct structures during that time and determine the relative contributions of Mesozoic magmatic/diapiric uplift vs. Cenozoic compression to the present‐day dip. Our results indicate that three major anticlines in the Central High Atlas (Tasraft, Tassent and Tissila) were initiated to different degrees before the Late Cretaceous and were reactivated during Cenozoic compression to acquire their present‐day geometry. We also discuss the origin of these structures.     

Distribution of fluoride in surface water and a health risk assessment in the upper reaches of the Yongding River

The excessive exposure to high concentrations of fluoride in drinking water can lead to a serious disease called fluorosis. The upstream region of the Yongding River is an ecological protection area for Beijing. Some studies have reported that there is a high concentration of fluoride in the groundwater in this area. However, there are few data on the distribution of fluoride in surface water and health risk assessments in this area. In this study, the fluoride concentrations were determined by using the spectrophotometric method using data from 2013 to 2017 from 9 surface water quality monitoring stations in the upper reaches of the Yongding River. The health risks of fluoride were assessed using the approach developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency(US EPA). The results indicated that the fluoride content in the drinking water ranged from 0.30 to 1.50 mg L~(-1), with an average of 0.86 mg L~(-1). In total, 22.7% of the analyzed samples exceeded the Chinese limit of 1.0 mg L~(-1) for fluoride, and 5.5% of samples had less than the permissible limit of 0.5 mg L~(-1). Higher fluoride concentrations and fluorosis hotspots were found to be predominately located downstream of the Yanghe River close to the Guanting Reservoir, where 71.4% of samples exceeded the limit of 1.0 mg/L~(-1). The spatial distribution of high fluoride concentrations was found to be primarily determined by industry. The hazard quotient(HQ) index for children, teenagers and adults indicated that 19.6%, 15.6%, and 5.1% of the samples in the upper reaches of the Yongding River, respectively, posed health hazards to the associated groups. Furthermore, the HQ index more than 1 for children, teenagers and adults had values of 64.3%, 56.1%, and 19.4%, respectively, in samples from the downstream region of the Yanghe River. Therefore, there are potential risks of dental and skeletal fluorosis in the upper river reaches of the Yongding River. It is imperative to take measures to reduce the fluoride pollution in surface water and control fluorosis. Action should be taken to improve the disposal of industrial waste.     

Triassic stretching directions in Iberia and North Africa inferred from magnetic fabrics

During the Triassic, Iberia and western North Africa displayed a unique situation in relation with the Central and North Atlantic opening and westward expansion of the Tethys. Unravelling the stretching direction in Triassic deposits of the studied area can help in our understanding of this scenario. The tectonic setting is characterized by localized basins with strong thickness variations greatly influenced by previous post‐Variscan mechanical discontinuities. In this work, we revise and compile magnetic fabric data from eight Triassic depocentres in terms of defining the stretching direction (i.e. magnetic lineation), resulting from extensional deformation of this period. Data show the importance of the opening of the Atlantic rift as the leading process during the Triassic. Dextral transtension can explain the deflection of the extensional direction observed in most studied depocentres that is caused by the activity of previous major oblique faults.