Energetic and spatial characterization of seismicity in the Algeria–Morocco region

We estimate the energetic and spatial characteristics of seismicity in the Algeria–Morocco region using a variety of seismic and statistical parameters, as a first step in a detailed investigation of regional seismic hazard. We divide the region into five seismotectonic regions, comprising the most important tectonic domains in the studied area: the Moroccan Meseta, the Rif, the Tell, the High Plateau, and the Atlas. Characteristic seismic hazard parameters, including the Gutenberg–Richter b-value, mean seismic activity rate, and maximum possible earthquake magnitude, were computed using an extension of the Aki–Utsu procedure for incomplete earthquake catalogs for each domain, based on recent earthquake catalogs compiled for northern Morocco and northern Algeria. Gutenberg–Richter b-values for each zone were initially estimated using the approach of Weichert (Bull Seismol Soc Am 70:1337–1346, 1980): the estimated b-values are 1.04 ± 0.04, 0.93 ± 0.10, 0.72 ± 0.03, 0.87 ± 0.02, and 0.77 ± 0.02 for the Atlas, Meseta, High Plateau, Rif, and Tell seismogenic zones, respectively. The fractal dimension D ₂ was also estimated for each zone. From the ratio D ₂/b, it appears that the Tell and Rif zones, with ratios of 2.09 and 2.12, respectively, have the highest potential earthquake hazard in the region. The Gutenberg–Richter relationship analysis allows us to derive that in the Tell and Rif, the number of earthquake with magnitude above Mw 4.0, since 1925 normalized to decade and to square cell with 100-km sides is equal to 2.6 and 1.91, respectively. This study provides the first detailed information about the potential seismicity of these large domains, including maximum regional magnitudes, characteristics of spatial clustering, and distribution of seismic energy release.     

Energetic and spatial characterization of seismicity in the Algeria–Morocco region

We estimate the energetic and spatial characteristics of seismicity in the Algeria–Morocco region using a variety of seismic and statistical parameters, as a first step in a detailed investigation of regional seismic hazard. We divide the region into five seismotectonic regions, comprising the most important tectonic domains in the studied area: the Moroccan Meseta, the Rif, the Tell, the High Plateau, and the Atlas. Characteristic seismic hazard parameters, including the Gutenberg–Richter b-value, mean seismic activity rate, and maximum possible earthquake magnitude, were computed using an extension of the Aki–Utsu procedure for incomplete earthquake catalogs for each domain, based on recent earthquake catalogs compiled for northern Morocco and northern Algeria. Gutenberg–Richter b-values for each zone were initially estimated using the approach of Weichert (Bull Seismol Soc Am 70:1337–1346, 1980): the estimated b-values are 1.04 ± 0.04, 0.93 ± 0.10, 0.72 ± 0.03, 0.87 ± 0.02, and 0.77 ± 0.02 for the Atlas, Meseta, High Plateau, Rif, and Tell seismogenic zones, respectively. The fractal dimension D ₂ was also estimated for each zone. From the ratio D ₂/b, it appears that the Tell and Rif zones, with ratios of 2.09 and 2.12, respectively, have the highest potential earthquake hazard in the region. The Gutenberg–Richter relationship analysis allows us to derive that in the Tell and Rif, the number of earthquake with magnitude above Mw 4.0, since 1925 normalized to decade and to square cell with 100-km sides is equal to 2.6 and 1.91, respectively. This study provides the first detailed information about the potential seismicity of these large domains, including maximum regional magnitudes, characteristics of spatial clustering, and distribution of seismic energy release.

     

Sedimentogenesis and resource potential of Middle–Upper Bathonian reservoirs in the Middle Ob’ region

This study provides a comprehensive sedimentologic analysis of the J₂ prospective horizon (Middle–Late Bathonian) in the central West Siberian Basin. Based on the extensive dataset, it was established that structural complexity of this horizon is largely caused by a variety of depositional environments. Sedimentary facies of this horizon pass upward from widespread continental at the base, through deltaic or coastal-continental, to marginal-marine at the top. Change in the paleohypsometry of the study area reflects the distribution of depositional environments, in terms of the proportions of continental, transitional, and marine deposits. The study also shows that facies variability and change in depositional settings can have a significant control on reservoir quality, as well as its vertical and lateral distribution. Using a combination of detailed GDE reconstructions, structure contour mapping on the top and base of the J₂ horizon, analyses of well test data, probability of reservoir presence, distribution of average porosity and permeability within different subenvironments, a composite map showing variations in the reservoir effectiveness in the J₂ horizon was generated.     

An assessment of the carrying capacity of groundwater resources in North China Plain region–Analysis of potential for development

Over-exploitation of groundwater in North China Plain (NCP) has resulted in a series of eco-environment problems. Sustainable use of groundwater resources in NCP, in particular management of groundwater resource carrying capacity (GRCC), faces an unprecedented challenge. Here we define GRCC, and a new assessment method is tentatively proposed and applied to evaluate GRCC based on the whole NCP, city administrative units and county administrative units. Our study divided the NCP into three zones, i.e. non-overexploited non-overloaded zone (NNZ), overexploited but non-overloaded zone (ONZ), and overexploited overloaded zone (OOZ). Results confirmed 27.6% of counties belonged to NNZ. However, 58.9% of counties and NCP as a whole belonged to ONZ, and 13.5% of counties belonged to OOZ. Spatially, NNZs were mainly distributed in Beijing, parts of eastern coastal cities and Henan Province. OOZs were mostly distributed in middle-eastern part of Cangzhou, parts of Dezhou, Tianjin and Binzhou, and the remaining areas belonged to ONZs. We suggest two approaches for enhancing GRCC, i) increasing the amount of available groundwater and ii) improving the water use efficiency. An increase of 11.0 billion cubic meters to the available groundwater levels combined with water use efficiency improvements up to 479 CNY per cubic meter of the world mean, the gross domestic product (GDP) sustained by groundwater in the NCP could reach 11.1 trillion CNY and maintain a 20 years of GDP development assuming the current rate of growth.     

Re-evaluating the US Geological Survey’s pumping tests (1967) in the Punjab region of Pakistan for use in groundwater studies

In 1967, the US Geological Survey (USGS) published the results of 141 pumping tests carried out throughout the Pakistani Punjab to establish representative hydraulic parameters of its large aquifer. Many authors have since concluded that the USGS had over-estimated the horizontal hydraulic conductivity (k _r) by 25–100 %, leaving vertical anisotropy and aquifer depth unresolved. No test wells have ever been drilled below 450 m to reach the base of the aquifer, although petroleum explorations mention depths between 1,500 and 4,500 m. After comparison and re-evaluation of all related papers, this study concludes that the USGS interpretation was correct, that its hydraulic values still stand without change, and that the USGS’s applied distance drawdown interpretation is valid to prevent influence of partial penetration on the results. This study also uniquely resolved vertical anisotropy and aquifer thickness by using early- and late-time drawdowns separately and proper scaling of the coordinates, which has often been omitted. With appropriate scaling, all interpretations match the data. The representative hydraulic aquifer values are: k _r?=?65 m/d, vertical anisotropy k _r/k _z?=?25 and aquifer depth 500–1,500 m. The conclusion is that these values can be used, at least as first estimates, for groundwater studies in the Pakistani Punjab.     

Problems of soil and groundwater pollution in the disposal of “marble” slurries in NW Sicily

This work deals with disposal of slurries generated during the cutting and polishing processes of slabs of decorative sedimentary carbonate rocks in the north western Sicily. At present, they are used as fillers of dismantled quarries near the sawmills and, as a final step of reclamation, are covered with earth layers. In spite of such inexpensive solution, there is lack of knowledge about the composition of the waste. In order to assess if there is any threat for the environment and to suggest indications for alternative solutions, such as recycling or inactivation processes, the slurries were analysed by XR diffraction, simultaneous thermal analysis, ICP/MS, ionic chromatography, FTIR, UV-Vis, COD and TOC measurements, grain size analysis. Results indicate that the slurries can threaten the groundwater, because of the high chemical oxygen demand; furthermore they can modify the mechanism of groundwater recharge, because of their grain size distribution. Some laboratory tests show that, even in very aggressive conditions, the solid pollutants persist in the waste and slowly release into water the products of their degradation. The slurry therefore should be subjected to inactivation treatment before disposal or, alternatively, recycled as secondary raw material for a suitable process.     

Hydrochemical model and probable pollution in the water of Euphrates River (Qaem–Falluja)

The study of hydrochemical models and probable pollution in Euphrates River from Qaem–Al-Falluja was performed through regime observation in ten water points. The hydrochemical properties of Euphrates River waters are determined by using the analysis results of 21 physico-chemical variables during the water year (2008). The interpretation of the hydrochemical phenomena is achieved in accordance with the statistical results of Polynomial Regression Statistic, calculating the coefficient of variation among the physico-chemical components of the water terminating by 14 models. The results of monitoring during the water year 2008 indicate a pollution case by SO₄ and Cd in Ramadi and downstream stations; TDS, Mg, Na, Cl, Mn, and CO₂ in Ramadi station; TDS, Ca, Na, Cl, and Fe in Baghdadi station; and Ca and H _T in Qaem station and Mg in Obaydi station. The research suggests the best locations for hydrochemical monitoring as continuous hydrologic stations used for the long-term monitoring. These stations are in Qaem city as inlet location and Al-Baghdadi and Ramadi cities terminating in Falluja city as outlet location. Furthermore, daily record system is recommended for the other stations in each city to complete the regime observation of Euphrates water type. From the configuration approach of hydrochemical models with the pollution phenomena, there are potential point sources of pollution such as municipal effluent pipes and reused water from mining process for building materials in the first sector of river, which extends between Qaem and Haditha dam. Also groundwater seepages and springs discharge of mineralized water mixed with sewage water from cities act as potential point sources of pollution on the river water in the second sector extended between Haditha and Ramadi scheme. The third sector of the river is affected by all reasons in the first and second sectors as well as the effectiveness of agricultural activities throughout drainage canals and irrigation projects extended between Ramadi and Falluja cities.     

Use of Landsat 7 ETM+ for lithological and structural mapping of Wadi Afara Heouine area (Tahifet–Central Hoggar, Algeria)

Wadi Afara Héouine area (Tahifet, Central Hoggar) is marked by the existence of very diversified lithologies affected by big submeridian accidents, of which Wadi Afara Héouine, who represents a "linear discontinuity" on near 80 km forming a morphological limit which separates, a strongly gneissic domain (Oua Hellèdjène) of a domain with metasedimentary dominant (Aghefsa). Lithologies not described in the former works were defined by the application of specific treatments (color composite, band ratios, and selective PCA). They also allow us to suggest some modifications to the geologic map of Tahifet. Directional filters associated to the previous treatments helped us in the elaboration of lineament map which accentuates the various accidents affecting the region. It seems clearly that treatments applied to the images ETM contribute in an undeniable way to the geologic study of this region especially since a big part of this region is inaccessible     

Assignment of groundwater level at the wastewater collecting pipe for a landfill groundwater simulation: utilization of the two-dimensional saturated–unsaturated groundwater numerical model

In order to understand the effects of a landfill operation on groundwater flow behavior, a 2D horizontal groundwater simulation model was carried out. The model saved the memory of computer and time consumption, comparing it with the 3D groundwater flow model. However, the greatest difficulty is the assignment of the collecting pipe boundary at the study site. Therefore, a 2D vertical model was applied to calculate the change of the groundwater table above the collecting pipe. This paper focuses on examining the validation of the assignment of the collecting pipe boundary by applying the results of the 2D vertical model. The 2D horizontal model was coupled with the recharge model to solve the partial differential equation of groundwater flow. The finite difference method and iterative successive over relaxation were applied. The drainage volume of leachate collection was summed up in the whole landfill site and compared with the average volume of treated wastewater. The study demonstrated that the results of the 2D vertical model validated and can be applied to the 2D horizontal groundwater flow simulation.     

Isotopic studies of Pb–Zn–(Ag) and barite Alpine vein deposits in the Iberian Range (NE Spain)

The Iberian Range contains abundant Pb–Zn–(Ag)– and Ba-dominated low temperature veins, mostly formed during the Mesozoic. The hydrothermal activity was related to the extensional regime occurring throughout the Variscan basement of Europe, North Africa and the Appalachians. A stable and radiogenic isotopic study of these veins has identified the reservoir/s of mineralizing components involved in the ore-forming processes. Sulphur isotope ratios indicate that the source of mineralizing components for the base metals veins was a mixture of the Palaeozoic country rocks and Variscan ore deposits. In contrast, either Mesozoic seawater or evaporites supplied most of the sulphur for Ba veins, although a minor contribution of isotopically heavy sulphur derived from the basement is envisaged. The lead isotopic data of galenas define a linear trend in the thorogenic diagram, interpreted in terms of mixing of lead from different reservoirs. The main source is related to local sedimentary country rocks, but a minor contribution from igneous rocks cannot be ruled out. Sr isotope ratios of barites also suggest that most of the components were leached from the basement sequence. When the veins are hosted by carbonate rocks, however, a local source of metals is also available.     

PaPRIKa: a method for estimating karst resource and source vulnerability��application to the Ouysse karst system (southwest France)

The intrinsic vulnerability mapping method, PaPRIKa, is proposed as a common basis for karst groundwater protection in France. PaPRIKa is a specialized method for studying karst aquifers, derived from updating the RISKE and EPIK methods. Both the structure and functioning of karst aquifers are considered in order to develop a resource and source-vulnerability mapping method. PaPRIKa means Protection of aquifers from the assessment of four criteria: P for protection (considering the most protective aspects among parameters related to soil cover, unsaturated zone and epikarst behavior), R for rock type, I for infiltration and Ka for karstification degree. The Ouysse karst system, located in the Causses area in southwest France, is one of the nine pilot sites where this method was tested and standardized. The specificities of the Ouysse system such as the size of the catchment area, the spatial variability of the karst network development, the thick infiltration zone and the system??s dual character (both karst and non-karst areas), have provided a valuable field of application. The vulnerability of the resource was assessed for the entire catchment area, while source-orientated cartography was attempted for the catchment areas of the three different capture works used for drinking water.     

Farmers’ adaptive practices for drought risk reduction in the northwest region of Bangladesh

Being an agrarian region, the northwest part of Bangladesh frequently experiences recurrent droughts over the last decade. To cope with this insidious disaster, the farmers in this region practice various adaptation measures through their own efforts with institutional support. But these efforts and support are not sufficient for farmers to survive droughts. In this light, this study assesses the adaptive capacity of farmers along with institutions to develop suitable drought adaptation policy in the context of this region. The drought adaptive practices developed in this study are mainly adopted from the unique approach called socioeconomic, institutional and physical. Results reveal that establishment of mango orchard, vegetable gardening and community health care service would be helpful in enhancing drought resilience at community level. Moreover, an important policy message from this study suggests that validation of these practices through government offices, research institutes and other relevant organizations can help to develop an appropriate drought adaptation policy for this region. Similarly, by performing these practices from national to local level, farmers as well as communities in this region will be able to effectively sustain their livelihoods against droughts.     

Hydrochemical evolution of groundwater in a riparian zone affected by acid mine drainage (AMD), South China: the role of river–groundwater interactions and groundwater residence time

Investigations were undertaken in the riparian zone near Shangba village, an AMD area, in southern China to determine the effects that river–groundwater interactions and groundwater residence time have had on environmental quality and geochemical evolution of groundwater. Based on the Darcy’s law and ionic mass balances as well as the method of isotopic tracer, the results showed that there were active interactions between AMD-contaminated river water and groundwater in the riparian zone in the study area. River water was found to be the main source of groundwater recharge in the northwestern part of the study area, whereas groundwater was found to be discharging into the river in the southeastern part of the study area throughout the year. End-member mixing analysis quantified that the contributions of river water to groundwater decreased gradually from 35.9% to negligible levels along the flow path. The calculated mixing concentrations of major ions indicated that water–rock reactions were the most important influence on groundwater quality. The wide range of Ca²⁺?+?Mg²⁺ and HCO₃^? ratios and the change of groundwater type from Ca²⁺–SO₄^2? type to a chemical composition dominated by Ca²⁺–HCO₃^? type indicated a change of the major water–rock reaction process from the influence of H₂SO₄ (AMD) to that of CO₂ (soil respiration) along a groundwater flow path. Furthermore, the kinetics interpretation of SO₄^2? and HCO₃^? concentrations suggested that the overlapping time of their kinetics triggered the hydrochemical evolution and the change of major weathering agent. This process might take approximately 8 years and this kinetic time will be continued when a steady source of contamination enter the aquifer.     

Dynamics of greenhouse gases in the river–groundwater interface in a gaining river stretch (Triffoy catchment,Belgium)

This study investigates the occurrence of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and the role of groundwater as an indirect pathway of GHG emissions into surface waters in a gaining stretch of the Triffoy River agricultural catchment (Belgium). To this end, nitrous oxide (N₂O), methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations, the stable isotopes of nitrate, and major ions were monitored in river and groundwater over 8 months. Results indicated that groundwater was strongly oversaturated in N₂O and CO₂ with respect to atmospheric equilibrium (50.1 vs. 0.55 μg L^?1 for N₂O and 14,569 vs. 400 ppm for CO₂), but only marginally for CH₄ (0.45 vs. 0.056 μg L^?1), suggesting that groundwater can be a source of these GHGs to the atmosphere. Nitrification seemed to be the main process for the accumulation of N₂O in groundwater. Oxic conditions prevailing in the aquifer were not prone for the accumulation of CH₄. In fact, the emissions of CH₄ from the river were one to two orders of magnitude higher than the inputs from groundwater, meaning that CH₄ emissions from the river were due to CH₄ in-situ production in riverbed or riparian zone sediments. For CO₂ and N₂O, average emissions from groundwater were 1.5?×?10⁵ kg CO₂ ha^?1 year^?1 and 207 kg N₂O ha^?1 year^?1, respectively. Groundwater is probably an important source of N₂O and CO₂ in gaining streams but when the measures are scaled at catchment scale, these fluxes are probably relatively modest. Nevertheless, their quantification would better constrain nitrogen and carbon budgets in natural systems.     

Gas accumulations in Oligocene–Miocene reservoirs in the Alpine Foreland Basin (Austria): evidence for gas mixing and gas degradation

International Journal of Earth Sciences - Two petroleum systems are present in the eastern (Austrian) sector of the Alpine Foreland Basin. Whereas oil and thermogenic gas in Mesozoic and Eocene...