The geochemical evolution of the Catalan potash subbasin, South Pyrenean foreland basin (Spain)

Over the last decade, our studies in ancient evaporitic basins have been based on a detailed study of a single borehole record. The detailed findings in medium- to large-sized evaporitic basins were shadowed with a relevant question: can interpretations from a representative evaporitic record in a single borehole be extended to the whole evaporitic basin? This paper addresses that question; the results obtained are compared with results from another distant point within the basin. The general methodology not only proves its reliability in interpreting the evolution of evaporitic basins from a single borehole but reveals its capability to obtain detailed palaeoenvironmental interpretations.

The chemical evolution of an Upper Eocene evaporitic sequence from the South Pyrenean foreland basin (Spain) has been investigated along the Súria-19 borehole record. Detailed petrographic and mineralogical study, X-ray microanalysis of frozen primary inclusions trapped in halite (Cryo-SEM-EDS), systematic isotopic analysis (δ³⁴S and δ¹⁸O in sulphates) and computer-based evaporation models have been integrated in a multi-proxy methodology. This study revealed that a variable amount of Ca excess is required throughout different parts of the marine Lower Halite Unit (LHU) for sylvite, instead of K–Mg sulphates, to form. This Ca excess is in turn different from that required for the western sector of the same evaporitic basin (Navarrese subbasin). Quick and variable changes in Ca-rich brines or equivalent dolomitization required are explained as internal processes within the basin rather than secular variations in seawater chemistry.

The general hydrological evolution of the Catalan subbasin is explained as a restricted subbasin with a first marine stage in which continental input (up to 50% of total input) had an important control on the geochemistry of the subbasin. A second stage was determined during potash precipitation, in which the subbasin was cut from any seawater input to end up in its last stage as a purely continental evaporitic basin. Coupling evaporation models and analytical results we have obtained the proportions of recycling and their sources, estimated to change from a 100% (total mass of sulphate) Eocene source to 20% Eocene and 80% Triassic (Keuper) towards the latest stage of potash precipitation. The results obtained have been compared with results from the Navarrese subbasin allowing an integrated interpretation of the hydrological evolution of the whole Upper Eocene South Pyrenean basin. Local geochemical variations within the Upper Eocene south Pyrenean basin are explained by the differences in paleogeographical setting of the Navarrese and Catalan subbasins.     

Neotectonic evolution of the Central Betic Cordilleras (Southern Spain)

Paleostress orientations were calculated from fault-slip data of 36 sites located along a traverse through the Central Betic Cordilleras (southern Spain). Heterogeneous fault sets, which are frequent in the area, have been divided into homogeneous subsets by cross-cutting relationships observed in the field and by a paleostress stratigraphy approach applied on each individual fault population. The state of stress was sorted according to main tectonic events and a new chronology is presented of the Miocene to Recent deformation in the central part of the Betic Cordilleras. The deviatoric stress tensors fall into four distinct groups that are regionally consistent and correlate with three Late Oligocene–Aquitanian to Recent major tectonic events in the Betic Cordilleras. The new chronology of the neotectonic evolution includes, from oldest to youngest, the following main tectonic phases:

(1) Late Oligocene–Aquitanian to Early Tortonian: σ₁ subhorizontal N–S, partly E–W directed, σ₃ subvertical; compressional structures (thrusting of nappes, large-scale folding) and strike-slip faulting in the Alborán Domain and the External Zone of the Betic Cordilleras;

(2) Early Tortonian to Pliocene–Pleistocene: σ₁ subvertical, σ₃ subhorizontal NW–SE, partly N–S directed or E–W-directed (radial extension); large-scale normal faulting in the Central Betic Cordilleras and in the oldest Neogene formations of the Granada Basin related to the gravitational collapse of the Betic Cordilleras and the exhumation of the intensely metamorphosed rock series of the Internal Zones, at the same time formation of the Alborán Basin and intramontane basins such as the Granada Basin;

(3) Pleistocene to Recent: (3a) σ₁ subvertical, σ₃ subhorizontal NE–SW with prominent normal faulting, but coevally; (3b) σ₁ subhorizontal NW directed, σ₃ NE–SW subhorizontal with strike-slip faulting. Extensional structures and strike-slip faulting are related to the ongoing convergence of the Eurasian and African Plates and coeval uplift of the Betic Cordilleras. Reactivation of pre-existing fractures and faults was frequently observed. Phase 3 is interpreted as periodic strike-slip and normal faulting events due to a permutation of the principal stress axes, mainly σ₁ and σ₂.

Analysis of drivers governing temporal salinity and temperature variations in groundwater discharge from Altug Submarine Karst Cave (Kas-Turkey)

Salinity and temperature variations in groundwater discharge from the Altug submarine karst cave have been observed at 28 m below sea level for every 10 min between November 2004 and August 2005 to determine the drivers that govern the salinization. Comparisons between temporal trends of salinity and temperature with those of precipitation, air pressure, sea level and wind velocity revealed an apparent dominance of precipitation regime on the salinity and temperature variations. Spectral analyses applied to observations showed that the air pressure and sea level oscillations are affected by sun and moon tides which do not have an appreciable impact on the salinity and temperature variations. Annual rate of salinization in Altug cave seems inversely related to the inland groundwater head so that the maximum and minimum fresh water contributions occur at mid-spring and late-summer, respectively.     

The evolution of the Cappadocia Geothermal Province,Anatolia (Turkey): geochemical and geochronological evidence

Cappadocia Geothermal Province (CGP), central Turkey, consists of nine individual geothermal regions controlled by active regional fault systems. This paper examines the age dating of alteration minerals and the geochemistry (trace elements and isotopes) of the alteration minerals and geothermal waters, to assess the evolution of CGP in relation to regional tectonics. Ar–Ar age data of jarosite and alunite show that the host rocks were exposed to oxidizing conditions near the Earth’s surface at about 5.30 Ma. Based on the δ¹⁸O–δD relationhip, water samples had a high altitude meteoric origin. The δ³⁴S values of jarosite and alunite indicate that water samples from the southern part of the study area reached the surface after circulation through volcanic rocks, while northern samples had traveled to the surface after interacting with evaporates at greater depths. REY (rare earth elements and yttrium) diagrams of alteration minerals (especially illite, jarosite and alunite) from rock samples, taken from the same locations as the water samples, display a similar REY pattern to water samples. This suggests that thermal fluids, which reached the surface along a fault zone and caused the mineral alteration in the past, had similar chemical composition to the current geothermal water. The geothermal conceptual model, which defines a volcanically heated reservoir and cap rocks, suggests there are no structural drawbacks to the use of the CGP geothermal system as a resource. However, fluid is insufficient to drive the geothermal system as a result of scanty supply of meteoric water due to evaporation significantly exceeding rainfall.     

Drought as an agri-environmental determinant of irrigation land: the case of Bardenas (Spain)

Irrigated agriculture is causing certain deterioration of the quality of rivers and aquifers. The objective of this study is to analyse the agri-environmental repercussions caused by climatic changes in a typical irrigated land in the Ebro valley (Spain). The irrigation efficiency and agri-environmental impact in a basin of irrigated land (95 ha) were compared for two hydrological years with different pluviometry [October 2000/September 2001 (526 mm/year) vs. October 2004/September 2005 (211 mm/year)]. For this end, water balances were carried out in every plot and the quantity and quality (salinity and nitrates) of the water circulating through the drainage of the basin were gauged. The results indicate that in 2004/2005 farmers adjusted the irrigation doses better on each irrigation occasion, thus diminishing the fraction of drainage of the same (50% vs. 31%) and increasing the consumptive water use efficiency (56% vs. 79%). Nevertheless, the drought of 2004/2005 determined inappropriate irrigation management as the crops suffered a greater hydric deficit (3% vs. 23%). In 2004/2005, drainage waters presented higher electric conductivity (0.92 dS/m vs. 0.94 dS/m) and smaller nitrate concentration (96 mg/l vs. 74 mg/l). Last year, 55, 54 and 65% less of water, salts and N–NO₃⁻, respectively, were exported in the drainage. The lesser environmental impact in the year 2004/2005 was influenced by more appropriate use of water and agrichemical resources. Nevertheless, it is necessary to continue optimizing agricultural practices, mainly irrigation and fertilization, in order to minimize nitrate pollution and to confront years of drought.     

Miocene tectono-sedimentary evolution of the eastern external Betic Cordillera (Spain)

An interdisciplinary study of Miocene successions in the eastern External Betic Zone (South Iberian Margin) was carried out. Evidences of syn-sedimentary tectonic activity were recognized. The results enabled a better reconstruction of the stratigraphic architecture (with an improved chronostratigraphic resolution) in the framework of the Miocene foredeep evolution of the eastern EBZ. Two main depositional sequences were dated as uppermost Burdigalian-upper Serravallian p.p. and middle-upper Tortonian. p.p., respectively. The vertical and lateral diversification of lithofacies associations and thicknesses resulted from the syn-depositional tectonic complexity of the area. A great variety of sedimentary depositional realms is due to different subsidence rates, and the growing of anticlines and synclines during the Langhian p.p.-Serravallian. After a regression with an early Tortonian erosional gap, platform to hemipelagic realms developed during the middle Tortonian. The end of the sedimentation coincided with the emplacement of an important olisthostrome-like mass consisting of Triassic material related to either the development of thrust systems or diapirs emerged in the middle-late Tortonian, during the nappe emplacement. Correlations with other external sectors of the Betic Chain, and the external domains of the Rif, Tell, and northern Apennine Chains highlighted a similar Miocene foredeep evolution during the building of these orogens.     

Microtectonic and geochemical characterization of thrusting in a foreland basin: Example of the South-Pyrenean orogenic wedge (Spain)

In orogenic systems, thrust faults play a major role in stacking different tectonic units and may act as conduits for the expulsion of large amounts of fluid of different origins (metamorphic, diagenetic, meteoric). This study focuses on the Monte Perdido thrust unit emplaced in the Paleogene Jaca thrust-sheet-top basin, in the SW-central Pyrenees. We aim to decipher the mechanisms and P-T conditions of deformation in fault zones and characterize the related fluid involvement, through combined microstructural, geochemical and microthermometry analyses. Two thrust faults cutting platform limestones, marls and siliciclastic turbidites of the lower part of the basin-fill (Paleocene–lower Eocene) have been studied. The fault zones are characterized by metre-thick shear zones with highly deformed, foliated clay-rich sediments. Foliation is underlined by preferentially oriented phyllosilicates. Several generations of shear and extension calcite, quartz and chlorite-bearing veins attest to fluid-rock interactions during a multi-stage deformation. Microstructural observations and stable isotope analyses on calcite from veins and host sediments suggest that deformation was aseismic and dominated by diffusive mass transfer from pressure solution sites along cleavage and stylolites to the precipitation sites in veins, with mineralizing fluids in equilibrium with the host sediments. Our results suggest an essentially closed hydrologic system, and imply the absence of significant fluid flow along the studied fault zones. Microthermometric study on fluid inclusions present in calcite and quartz veins, and calcite-quartz oxygen isotopic fractionation determined for the first generation shear veins, allow a geothermal gradient of 34 °C/km to be estimated. Analytical results demonstrate an evolution of the fault zones in three stages. The first stage was related to the emplacement of the Monte Perdido thrust unit during the middle Eocene at a temperature of ～208 °C and a burial depth of ～5.7 km. The second stage corresponds to a fault reactivation at a temperature of ～240 °C and a burial depth of ～6.5 km. The latter deformation may have been related to folding of the Monte Perdido thrust unit during the emplacement of the underlying Gavarnie thrust unit during the late Eocene–early Oligocene, with deeper burial resulting from aggradation of the thrust-sheet-top basin-fill. The last event corresponds to the formation of a dilatant vein system likely related to the exhumation of the massif.     

Origin and geochemical evolution from ferrallitized clays to karst bauxite: An example from the Lower Cretaceous of NE Spain

Four outcrops of Lower Cretaceous (Barremian) karst bauxites located in Teruel (NE Spain) were analysed. The deposits show a heterogeneous-chaotic lithostructure consisting of pisolitic bauxite blocks embedded in lateritic red clays filling karst cavities. The research has focused on the geochemical study of major, minor, and trace elements (including some critical to industry) of both the bauxites and clays. The objective was to investigate the bauxite precursor material and to characterize the system’s geochemical evolution. Geochemical analyses were carried out by inductively-coupled plasma optical emission and mass spectroscopy. An absolute weathering index has been calculated to estimate element mobility, assuming Ti as an immobile element and the Upper Continental Crust (UCC) as parent material. Further, selected samples were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The data indicate that both the bauxites and red clays originated by intense chemical weathering from more mafic argillaceous sediments than the UCC. Ongoing weathering caused the bauxitization of the upper parts of the original profile, preventing the lower parts from being bauxitized, thus producing the ferrallitized clays underlying the pisolitic bauxites. Subsequent karst reactivation gave rise to the current lithostructure. Ferrallitization is related to Fe, Sc, and V enrichment. On the other hand, although bauxites are relatively enriched in some elements compared to clays, the more intense chemical weathering associated with bauxitization led to chemical homogenization and widespread element depletion. During the bauxitization, Al, Ti, Zr, Cr, and probably Hf and the critical element Nb behaved as more immobile elements in the system. Bauxitization also enhanced homogenization and depletion of the REE, which is more pronounced for the LREE. HREE trends seem to be partly related to the concentration of Ti oxides in the bauxites, whereas P-bearing phases, more frequent in the clays, control the LREE. Subsequent to bauxitization, partial kaolinization of the bauxite took place related to the circulation of acid solutions that also caused the karst reactivation. These late processes caused some Al depletion in the bauxites and enhanced Fe loss together with V and, to a lesser extent, Ge.     

Tectono-stratigraphic evolution of an inverted extensional basin: the Cameros Basin (north of Spain)

The Cameros Basin is a part of the Mesozoic Iberian Rift. It is an extensional basin formed during the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous, in the Mesozoic Iberian Rift context, and it was inverted in the Cenozoic as a result of the Alpine contraction. This work aims to reconstruct the tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the basin during the Mesozoic, using new and revised field, geophysical and subsurface data. The construction of a basin-wide balanced section with partial restorations herein offers new insights into the geometry of the syn-rift deposits. Field data, seismic lines and oil well data were used to identify the main structures of the basin and the basin-forming mechanisms. Mapping and cross-sectional data indicate the marked thickness variation of the depositional sequences across the basin, suggesting that the extension of the depositional area varied during the syn-rift stage and that the depocentres migrated towards the north. From field observation and seismic line interpretation, an onlap of the depositional sequences to the north, over the marine Jurassic substratum, can be deduced. In the last few decades, the structure and geometry of the basin have been strongly debated. The structure and geometry of the basin infill reconstructed herein strongly support the interpretation of the Cameros Basin as an extensional-ramp synclinal basin formed on a blind south-dipping extensional ramp. The gradual hanging-wall displacement to the south shifted the depocentres to the north over time, thus increasing the basin in size northwards, with onlap geometry on the pre-rift substratum. The basin was inverted by means of a main thrust located in a detachment located in the Upper Triassic beds (Keuper), which branched in depth with the Mesozoic extensional fault flat. The reconstruction of the tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the Cameros Basin proposed herein represents a synthesis and an integration of previous studies of the structure and geometry of the basin. This study can be used as the basis for future basin-scale research and for modelling the ancient petroleum system of the basin.     

Historical reconstruction and evolution of the large landslide of Inza (Navarra,Spain)

Natural Hazards - In the winter of 1714–1715, a large rotational landslide originated on the northern slope of the Sierra de Aralar (Navarra, Spain), generating an earthflow that slowly...     

A geochemical traverse across the Eastern Carpathians (Romania): constraints on the origin and evolution of the mineral water and gas discharges

The inner sector of the Eastern Carpathians displays a large number of Na–HCO₃, CO₂-rich, meteoric-originated cold springs (soda springs) and bore wells, as well as dry mofettes. They border the southern part of the Pliocene–Quaternary Calimani–Gurghiu–Harghita (CGH) calc-alkaline volcanic chain. Both volcanic rocks and CO₂-rich emissions are situated between the eastern part of the Transylvanian Basin and the main east Carpathian Range, where active compression tectonics caused diapiric intrusions of Miocene halite deposits and associated saline, CO₂-rich waters along active faults. The regional patterns of the distribution of CO₂ in spring waters (as calculated pCO₂) and the distribution pattern of the ³He/⁴He ratio in the free gas phases (up to 4.5 R_m/R_a) show their maximum values in coincidence with both the maximum heat-flow measurements and the more recent volcanic edifices. Moving towards the eastern external foredeep areas, where oil fields and associated brines are present, natural gas emissions become CH₄-dominated. Such a change in the composition of gas emissions at surface is also recorded by the ³He/⁴He ratios that, in this area, assume ‘typical’ crustal values (R_m/R_a=0.02).In spite of the fact that thermal springs are rare in the Harghita volcanic area and that equilibrium temperature estimates based on geothermometric techniques on gas and liquid phases at surface do not suggest the presence of shallow active hydrothermal systems, a large circulation of fluids (gases) is likely triggered by the presence of mantle magmas stored inside the crust. If total ³He comes from the mantle or from the degassing of magmas stored in the crust, CO₂ might be associated to both volcanic degassing and thermometamorphism of recently subducted limestones.     

Nutrient chemistry and salinity mapping of the Delhi aquifer,India: source identification perspective

Present study is an effort to distinguish between the contributions of natural weathering and anthropogenic inputs towards high salinity and nutrient concentrations in the groundwater of National Capital Territory (NCT) Delhi, India. Apart from the source identification, the aquifer of entire territory has been characterized and mapped on the basis of salinity in space and water suitability with its depth. Major element chemistry, conventional graphical plots and specific ionic ratio of Na⁺/Cl⁻, SO₄ ²⁻/Cl⁻, Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ and Ca²⁺/(HCO₃ ⁻ + SO₄ ²⁻) are conjointly used to distinguish different salinization sources. Results suggest that leaching from the various unlined landfill sites and drains is the prime cause of NO₃ ⁻ contamination while study area is highly affected with inland salinity which is geogenic in origin. The seasonal water level fluctuation and rising water level increases nutrients concentration in groundwater. Mixing with old saline sub-surface groundwater and dissolution of surface salts in the salt affected soil areas were identified as the principle processes controlling groundwater salinity through comparison of ionic ratio. Only minor increase of salinity is the result of evaporation effect and pollution inflows. The entire territory has characterized into four groups as fresh, freshening, near freshening and saline with respect to salinity in groundwater. The salinity mapping suggests that in general, for drinking needs, groundwater in the fresh, freshening and near freshening zone is suitable up to a depth of 45, 20 and 12 m, respectively, while the saline zones are unsuitable for any domestic use. In the consideration of increasing demand of drinking water in the area; present study is vital and recommends further isotopic investigations and highlights the need of immediate management action for landfill sites and unlined drains.     

The palaeoenvironmental and palaeohydrological evolution of Padul Peat Bog (Granada, Spain) over one million years, from elemental, isotopic and molecular organic geochemical proxies

The elemental (concentration of organic carbon, atomic H/C and C/N ratios), isotopic (δ¹³C values of organic matter) and molecular (predominant n-alkane chain length and carbon preference index (CPI)) organic components were measured for 600 samples taken from a 107-m long core from the Padul Basin (Andalusia, Spain). The record runs from the Lower Pleistocene (ca. 1 Ma B.P.) to the mid-Holocene (ca. 4.5 ka B.P.) with, in general, little diagenesis (removal of components). Two markedly different hydrogeological scenarios were interpreted: (1) From ca. 1 Ma to ca. 400 ka B.P. run-off recharge was significant and water depths were greater (lacustrine scenario). From ca. 400 to 4.5 ka B.P., the Padul Basin became a peat bog s.s. with the major water input coming from groundwater inflow. From ca. 400 to ca. 180 ka B.P. alternating episodes with either predominant grasses, trees or aquatic macrophytes which were linked to wet/dry phases, took place. An important deglaciation episode has been interpreted to occur between ca. 180 and 170 ka B.P. The global climatic changes occurring from ca. 170 to 25 ka B.P. were not recorded in the proxies, though they do show important variations linked to the Last Glacial Maximum and the beginning of the Holocene (ca. 25–10 ka B.P.): (2) Cold phases coexisting with dry periods produced the recession of forests and the development of grasses. After these periods, as both temperature and precipitation increased, forests expanded and the water level, linked to thaw, rose, especially at ca. 20 ka B.P. Few changes occurred during the Holocene, although there were short alternations between wet and dry episodes. Overall, the techniques applied proved to be excellent palaeoenvironmental proxies for studying the basin’s palaeoclimatological and palaeohydrological evolution.     

Rheological control on the tectonic evolution of a continental suture zone: the Variscan example from NW Iberia (Spain)

The Variscan continental suture zone exposed in NW Iberia is examined to uncover the long-lived rheological control exerted by the strata deposited over the external parts of Gondwana on its geodynamic evolution. The suture occurs within a set of allochthonous terranes whose limits were taken as domain boundaries to interpret the Variscan stacking of Paleozoic continental domains and retrodeform the resulting nappe pile. The suture zone formed due to closure of ocean basins located between Gondwana and Laurussia during the Late Paleozoic and consists of relics of oceanic and transitional crust. The suture zone exhibits a tabular to lens shape due to repeated tectonic events dominated by non-coaxial deformation (thrusts and low-angle normal faults). Thrusting and normal faulting also involved the margins of the continents bounding the suture. The structure of the continental blocks, however, is dominated by folds, particularly large nappe folds with pronounced superimposed flattening. The upper part of the basal allochthonous units comprises a rheologically incompetent domain below the suture zone. This domain is typified by the carbonaceous-rich strata, which are probably Ordovician–Silurian sediments based on U–Pb detrital zircon populations. The rheology of this layer determined the location of the first accretionary thrust that initiated the Late Devonian subduction of the Gondwana margin below the suture zone. By favoring fault development, the upper sequence of the basal allochthonous units as a whole influenced the exhumation of deep-seated continental crust, the transference of the suture zone over Gondwana, and the re-equilibration of the resulting overthickened crust.     

Fluid evolution during metamorphism of the Otago Schist, New Zealand: (II) Influence of detrital apatite on fluid salinity

Apatite occurs in the zeolite to greenschist facies metamorphic rocks of the Otago Schist, South Island, New Zealand, as both a groundmass constituent and as a hydrothermal phase hosted in metamorphic quartz veins. Groundmass apatite from low-grade rocks, ranging from the zeolite facies to the pumpellyite–actinolite zone, has chloride contents ranging from 0–1.4 wt%, and fluoride contents ranging from 2.2–4.2 wt%, whilst groundmass apatite from the greenschist facies (chlorite to biotite zone) is virtually pure fluorapatite. Vein apatite from all grades is also fluorapatite with little or no chloride. This difference in composition is interpreted as resulting from the preservation of the primary magmatic compositions of detrital Cl-apatite grains, out of equilibrium with the metamorphic fluid, at low grades, whilst higher-grade groundmass apatite and neoformed apatite in quartz veins have compositions in equilibrium with an aqueous metamorphic fluid. The presence of detrital Cl-bearing apatite during the early stages of metamorphism may constitute a significant reservoir of Cl, given the low porosities of compacted sediments undergoing prograde metamorphism. Calculations indicate that the release of Cl from detrital apatite in the Otago Schist, as a result of re-equilibration of apatite with the pore fluid, may have had a significant effect on the salinity of the metamorphic fluid.     

Comparison of arsenic geochemical evolution in the Datong Basin (Shanxi) and Hetao Basin (Inner Mongolia), China

Insightful knowledge of geochemical processes controlling As mobility is fundamental to understanding the occurrence of elevated As in groundwater. A comparative study of As geochemistry was conducted in the Datong Basin (Shanxi) and Hetao Basin (Inner Mongolia), two strongly As-enriched areas in China. The results show that As concentrations ranged from <1–1160 μg L⁻¹ (n = 37) in the Datong Basin and <1–804 μg L⁻¹ (n = 62) in the Hetao Basin. The groundwater is of the Na-HCO₃ type in the Datong Basin and Na-Cl-HCO₃ type in the Hetao Basin. Silicate mineral weathering and cation exchange processes dominated the groundwater geochemistry in the two study areas. Principal component analysis of 99 groundwater samples using 12 geochemical parameters indicated positive correlations between concentrations of As and Fe/Mn in the Datong Basin, but no correlation of As and Fe/Mn in the Hetao Basin. Phosphate correlated well with As in the Datong Basin and Hetao Basin, suggesting phosphate competition might be another process affecting As concentrations in groundwater. High concentrations of As, Fe, and Mn occurred in the pe range −2 to −4. The results of this study further understanding of the similarities and differences of As occurrence and mobility at various locations in China.     

Chemical and physical parameters as trace markers of anthropogenic-induced salinity in the Agua Amarga coastal aquifer (southern Spain)

Agua Amarga coastal aquifer in southern Spain has been the subject of chemical and physical measurements since May 2008 in order to monitor the potential effects of water withdrawal for the Alicante desalination plants on the salt marsh linked to the aquifer. Electrical conductivity contour maps and depth profiles, piezometric-head contour maps, hydrochemical analyses, isotopic characterizations and temperature depth profiles show not only the saltwater intrusion caused by water abstraction, but also the presence of a pronounced convective density-driven flow below the salt marsh; this flow was a consequence of saltwork activity in the early 1900s which generated saline groundwater contamination. The influence of a seawater recharge programme, carried out over the salt marsh in 2009–2010, on the diminishing groundwater salinity and the recovery of groundwater levels is also studied. Based on collected field data, the project provides a deeper understanding of how these successive anthropogenic interventions have modified flow and mixing processes in Agua Amarga aquifer.     

Neogene exhumation and relief evolution in the eastern Betics (SE Spain): Insights from the Sierra de Gador

The Betics are a key area to study an orogenic landscape disrupted by late‐orogenic extension. New low‐temperature thermochronology (LTT) data (AHe and AFT) coupled with geomorphic constraints in the Sierra de Gador (Alpujarride complex) are used to reconstruct the cooling history and evolution of relief during the Neogene. We document three stages: (1) a fast cooling event between 23 and 16 Ma associated with the well‐known extensive tectonic exhumation of the Alpujarride unit, (2) a period of slow cooling between 16 and 7.2 Ma related to a planation event and (3) a post‐7.2 Ma surface uplift associated with the inversion of the Alboran domain undetected by LTT. The planation event followed by this late uplift can explain the occurrence of inherited low‐relief surfaces overlain by Tortonian–Messinian platform deposits at the top of the range. Finally, we propose that the Sierra de Gador is a more transient landscape than the nearby Sierra Nevada.     

The geodynamic evolution of the Internal Zone of the Betic Cordilleras (south-east Spain): a model based on structural analysis and geothermobarometry

ABSTRACT The Internal Zone of the Betic Cordilleras consists of several superimposed major thrust sheets with different P-T-t evolutions. On the basis of an integrated field, microscopic and laboratory study, the tectono-metamorphic history of the Mulhacen Complex and Almanzora Unit has been reconstructed in detail. The Mulhacen Complex has been affected by at least five phases of penetrative deformation, which have been labelled D_x-1, D_x, D_x+1, D_x+2 and D_x+3. D_x-1, and D_x are related to continent-continent collision, which is indicated by high pressure-low temperature (HP/LT) and subsequent intermediate P/T metamorphic conditions. D_x+1 is related to crustal thinning and heterogeneous extension. During this event the Almanzora Unit was juxtaposed against the Mulhacen Complex. This phase was succeeded by the establishment of low pressure-high temperature (LP/HT) conditions and at least two phases of folding and overthrusting. The Almanzora Unit shows a comparable tectono-metamorphic evolution post D_x+1. However, the P/T conditions prior to D_x+1 indicate a higher crustal position with respect to the Mulhacen Complex during the collisional event.     

The Horst of Sabzevar and regional water resources from the Bronze Age to the present day (Northeastern Iran)

Numerous researchers previously explored the question of the origin of qanat system on the Iranian plateau. In 2008, the Iranian-French excavation work carried out on the site of tepe Damghani raised the issue of the evolution of water resources in the area since the Bronze Age. A regional geomorphological survey showed that the Plio-Quaternary horst of Sabzevar played a significant role in providing water in the whole area from the Bronze Age up to now and that the qanat system had developed at the Achaemenid period. Indeed, at the back of the horst, a graben housing an important water table in its Quaternary alluvium has been found. Hydrological and geomorphological study shows that the overflowing of the water table provided a perennial flow. The archaeological data allow confirming the assumptions formulated starting from this study. The development of the qanât system then allowed irrigation of the whole hillfoot of the Sabzevar horst but in return provoked a lowering of the water table level, that massive pumping worsened; this level is currently to approximately 150 m of average depth.