Chemical evolution of groundwater in the River Danube deposits in the southern part of the Pannonian Basin (Hungary)

Processes controlling the groundwater chemical composition were studied in the River Danube deposits, in the southeastern part of Hungary. PHREEQM, a combined geochemical and one-dimensional transport model and PHREEQE, NETPATH and WATEQF geochemical computer codes were used to simulate these processes. The main processes controlling water chemistry are equilibrium with calcite, undersaturation in dolomite and albite weathering in the recharge area, ion exchange along the flow path, and ion exchange and mixing with old water at the end of the flow path. Ion exchange seems to be the most important process controlling groundwater chemistry along the flowpath in the fluvial sediments studied. Isotopic data support the geochemical model. The groundwater ages, adjusted for the modeled C mass transfer range from 3300 to 20 200 a B.P. Cation exchange suggests that displacement of a former aqueous solution by the present groundwater occurred. This displacement is attributed to tectonic and paleoclimatic events at the end of the Pleistocene.     

Arsenic,iron and organic matter in sediments and groundwater in the Pannonian Basin,Hungary

In the central part of the Pannonian Basin, factors controlling the distribution of As in sediments and groundwater of the upper 500 m were studied. In core samples, the amounts of As, Fe and Mn extractable with hydroxylamine hydrochloride (NH₂OH · HCl) in 25% acetic acid, the proportion of the <0.063 mm size fraction, and the sediment organic C (C_org) contents were measured. In the groundwaters concentrations of As, humic substances, and selected major chemical components were determined. In most core samples extractable Fe, as FeOOH, and C_org are correlated, but some samples have excess Fe, or organic matter. In cases where either excess Fe or excess organic matter is found, the amount of As is also elevated. The spatial distribution of As in the groundwater and the lack of a consistent correlation of As with a single component indicate that there is no single factor controlling the concentration of dissolved As over the entire study area. The only consistent feature is enrichment of As relative to Fe in the groundwater, compared to the sediments. This suggests that the dissolution of Fe minerals, which primarily adsorb As, is not congruent. In reducing conditions Fe(III) oxyhydroxides together with adsorbed As dissolve, and siderite with little or no As precipitates. When sub-regions are separated and studied individually, it can be shown that hydrogeological features of the sediments, the proportions of Fe minerals and sedimentary organic matter, and the concentration of dissolved humic materials, all influence the accumulation and mobilization of As. The significance of the different mobilizing processes, however, and the mean concentration of As, is different in the recharge, through-flow and discharge areas.     

Distribution of relict permafrost features in the Pannonian Basin,Hungary

Wedge structures and involutions suggest that Late Pleistocene frozen ground, either permafrost or deep seasonal frost, extended at least as far south as latitude 47°N in central Europe (the Pannonian Basin). Optically stimulated luminescence dating of the sand infill from a number of wedges indicates that emplacement of the sand infill occurred during the Late Pleistocene (22.2–15.7 ka). This suggests that during this time the mean annual air temperature was depressed by at least ～15°C relative to the present. Either continuous or discontinuous permafrost was probably present in the north and NW of the Pannonian Basin. The subsequent thaw of frozen ground is indicated by the widespread occurrence of deformed sediments. The presence of soil (ground) wedges suggests conditions of deep seasonal frost probably existed during the period when climate ameliorated following the Last Permafrost Maximum (LPM).     

Sulphur and carbon isotopic composition of power supply coals in the Pannonian Basin, Hungary

The present work is an attempt to establish the stable isotope database for Mesozoic to Tertiary coals from the Pannonian Basin, Hungary. Maceral composition, proximate analysis, sulphur form, sulphur isotopes (organic and pyritic), and carbon isotopes were determined. This database supports the assessment of the environmental risks associated with energy generation, the characterization of the formation and the distribution of sulphur in the coals used.The maceral composition, the sulphur composition, the C, S isotopic signatures, and some of the geological evidences published earlier show that the majority of these coals were deposited in freshwater and brackish water environments, despite the relatively high average sulphur content. However, the Upper Cretaceous, Eocene, and Lower Miocene formations also contain coal seams of marine origin, as indicated by their maceral composition and sulphur and carbon chemistry.The majority of the sulphur in these coals occurs in the organic form. All studied sulphur phases are relatively rich in ³⁴S isotopes (δ³⁴S_organic = + 12.74‰, δ³⁴S_pyrite = + 10.06‰, on average). This indicates that marine bacterial sulphate reduction played a minor role in their formation, in the sense that isotopic fractionation was limited. It seems that the interstitial spaces of the peat closed rapidly during early diagenesis due to a regime of high depositional rate, leading to a relative enrichment of the heavy sulphur isotopes.     

Geochemistry and geodynamics of a Late Cretaceous bimodal volcanic association from the southern part of the Pannonian Basin in Slavonija (Northern Croatia)

Summary ?In this paper we present petrological and geochemical information on a bimodal basalt-rhyolite suite associated with A-type granites of Late Cretaceous age from the South Pannonian Basin in Slavonija (Croatia). Basalts and alkali-feldspar rhyolites, associated in some places with ignimbrites, occur in volcanic bodies that are interlayered with pyroclastic and fossiliferous Upper Cretaceus sedimentary rocks. The petrology and geochemistry of the basalts and alkali-feldspar rhyolites are constrained by microprobe analyses, major and trace element analyses including REE, and radiogenic and stable isotope data. Basalts that are mostly transformed into metabasalts (mainly spilites), are alkalic to subalkalic and their geochemical signatures, particularly trace element and REE patterns, are similar to recent back-arc basalts. Alkali-feldspar rhyolites have similar geochemical features to the associated cogenetic A-type granites, as shown by their large variation of Na₂O and K₂O (total 8–9%), very low MgO and CaO, and very high Zr contents ranging between 710 and 149 ppm. Geochemical data indicate an amphibole lherzolite source within a metasomatized upper mantle wedge, with the influence of upper mantle diapir with MORB signatures and continental crust contamination. Sr incorporated in the primary basalt melt had an initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of 0.7039 indicating an upper mantle origin, whereas the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio for the alkali-feldspar rhyolites and associated A-type granites is 0.7073 indicating an apparent continental crust origin. However, some other geochemical data favour the idea that they might have mainly originated by fractionation of primary mafic melt coupled with contamination of continental crust. Only one rhyolite sample appears to be the product of melting of continental crust. Geological and geodynamic data indicate that the basalt-rhyolite association was probably related to Alpine subduction processes in the Dinaridic Tethys which can be correlated with recent back-arc basins. The difference in geological and isotope ages between the bimodal basalt-rhyolite volcanism with A-type granite plutonism (72 Ma) and the final synkinematic S-type granite plutonism (48 Ma) can be taken as a lifetime of the presumed BARB system of the Dinaridic Tethys. Remnants of this presumed subduction zone can be traced for 300 km along the surrounding northernmost Dinarides.

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Zusammenfassung ?Zur Geochemie und Geodynamik einer sp?tkretazischen bimodalen Vulkanit-Assoziation aus dem südlichen Pannonischen Becken, Slavoníen (Nordkroatien) In dieser Arbeit pr?sentieren wir petrologische und geochemische Daten einer bimodalen Basalt – Rhyolithsuite aus dem südlichen Pannonischen Becken in Slavonien (Kroatien), die mit A-Typ Graniten kretazischen Alters assoziiert ist. Die Basalte und Alkalifeldspat-Rhyolithe – sie sind stellenweise mit Ignimbriten vergesellschaftet – treten in vulkanischen K?rpern auf, die mit pyroklastischen und fossilführenden Sedimentgesteinen der Oberen Kreide wechsellagern. Die Petrologie und Geochemie der Basalte und Alkalifeldspat-Rhyolithe wird durch Mikrosondenuntersuchungen, Haupt- und Spurenelementgeochemie, inklusive der SEE, sowie durch radiogene und stabile Isotope eingegrenzt. Die Basalte, die gro?teils in Metabasalte (haupts?chlich Spilite) umgewandelt wurden, sind alkalisch bis subalkalisch und ihre geochemischen Charakteristika, haupts?chlich die Spurenelement- und die SEE- Patterns, sind ?hnlich rezenten Back-Arc Basalten. Die Alkalifeldspat-Rhyolithe zeigen geochemische Auml;hnlichkeiten mit den assoziierten cogenetischen A-Typ Graniten, was sich in der gro?en Variation der Na₂O und K₂O-Gehalte (in Summe 8–9%), in niedrigen MgO- und CaO- und in sehr hohen Zr- Gehalten, die zwischen 149 und 710 ppm liegen, widerspiegelt. Die geochemischen Daten zeigen eine Amphibolit-Lherzolithquelle innerhalb eines metasomatisierten Mantelkeils mit Einflüssen eines Diapirs des oberen Mantels mit MORB-Signatur und kontinentaler Krustenkontamination an. Sr der prim?ren Basalte hatte ein ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr Initial von 0.7039, was eine Herkunft aus dem oberen Mantel anzeigt. Das ⁸⁷/⁸⁶Sr Verh?ltnis der Alkalifeldspat-Rhyolithe und der assoziierten A-Typ Granite von 0.7073 weist auf eine krustale Herkunft hin. Andere geochemische Daten allerdings favorisieren die Idee, da? diese durch Fraktionierung prim?rer mafischer Schmelzen, gekoppelt mit Kontamination durch kontinentale Kruste, entstanden. Nur eine Rhyolithprobe scheint ein tats?chliches Aufschmelzungsprodukt der kontinentalen Kruste zu sein. Die geologischen und geodynamischen Daten belegen, dass die Basalt–Rhyolithabfolge wahrscheinlich mit der alpidischen Subduktion in der Thetys der Dinariden, die mit rezenten Back-Arc Becken korreliert werden kann, in Beziehung zu setzen ist. Die Unterschiede zwischen den geologischen und Isotopenaltern des bimodalen Vulkanismus, mit A-Typ Granit-Plutonismus (72 Ma) und finalem synkinematischen S-Typ Granit-Plutonismus (48 Ma), repr?sentiert sehr wahrscheinlich die Dauer des vermuteten BARB Systems in der Thetys der Dinariden. Relikte der vermuteten Subduktionszone lassen sich über 300 km entlang der umgebenden n?rdlichsten Dinariden verfolgen.

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Received March 7, 1997;/revised version accepted May 18, 1999     

Geochemistry and mineralogy of arsenic in (natural) anaerobic groundwaters

Here new data from field bioremediation experiments and geochemical modeling are reported to illustrate the principal geochemical behavior of As in anaerobic groundwaters. In the field bioremediation experiments, groundwater in Holocene alluvial aquifers in Bangladesh was amended with labile water-soluble organic C (molasses) and MgSO₄ to stimulate metabolism of indigenous SO₄-reducing bacteria (SRB). In the USA, the groundwater was contaminated by Zn, Cd and SO₄, and contained <10 μg/L As under oxidized conditions, and a mixture of sucrose and methanol were injected to stimulate SRB metabolism. In Bangladesh, groundwater was under moderately reducing conditions and contained ∼10 mg/L Fe and ∼100 μg/L As. In the USA experiment, groundwater rapidly became anaerobic, and dissolved Fe and As increased dramatically (As > 1000 μg/L) under geochemical conditions consistent with bacterial Fe-reducing conditions. With time, groundwater became more reducing and biogenic SO₄ reduction began, and Cd and Zn were virtually completely removed due to precipitation of sphalerite (ZnS) and other metal sulfide mineral(s). Following precipitation of chalcophile elements Zn and Cd, the concentrations of Fe and As both began to decrease in groundwater, presumably due to formation of As-bearing FeS/FeS₂. By the end of the six-month experiment, dissolved As had returned to below background levels. In the initial Bangladesh experiment, As decreased to virtually zero once biogenic SO₄ reduction commenced but increased to pre-experiment level once SO₄ reduction ended. In the ongoing experiment, both SO₄ and Fe(II) were amended to groundwater to evaluate if FeS/FeS₂ formation causes longer-lived As removal. Because As-bearing pyrite is the common product of SRB metabolism in Holocene alluvial aquifers in both the USA and Southeast Asia, it was endeavored to derive thermodynamic data for arsenian pyrite to better predict geochemical processes in naturally reducing groundwaters. Including the new data for arsenian pyrite into Geochemist’s Workbench, its stability field completely dominates in reducing Eh–pH space and “displaces” other As-sulfides (orpiment, realgar) that have been implied to be important in previous modeling exercises and reported in rare field conditions.     

Petrology and geochemistry of spinel peridotite xenoliths from the western Pannonian Basin (Hungary): evidence for an association between enrichment and texture in the upper mantle

Twenty spinel peridotite xenoliths from Pliocene alkali basaltic tuffs and lavas of the western Pannonian Basin (Hungary) have been analysed for bulk rock major and trace elements, electron probe mineral compositions, and REE and Sr, Nd isotopes on separated and leached clinopyroxenes. The xenoliths are texturally diverse, including protogranular, porphyroclastic, equigranular and poikilitic textures which can generally be correlated with geochemical features. Protogranular xenoliths are relatively undepleted in Ca, Al, Ti and Na, whereas poikilitic xenoliths are more refractory. LREE-depleted patterns. and MORB-like _Nd and _Sr values are associated with protogranular peridotites. In contrast, xenoliths with complex textures are generally LREE-enriched. Much of the isotopic variation in the suite (_Sr=–20.4 to +10.4, +_Nd=+1.8 to +13.7) can be related to interaction between protogranular mantle and melts resembling the host alkali basalts, but a third (high _Sr) component may be due to Miocene subduction beneath the region.     

Exploitation of groundwater resources and protection of wetland in the Yuqia Basin

In Yuqia Basin, the climate is arid and the ecologic environment is fragile, and shortage of water resources has seriously restricted the sustainable development of local economy. In order to meet the needs of industrial and domestic water in the Yuqia Basin, numerical simulation was used to evaluate the groundwater resources and potential for exploitation. The results showed that the mathematical model and calculation parameters used were mainly in accordance with practical situation. The calculated value of the underground water level is consistent with measured value during the period of identification and validation. The total recharge of groundwater resources was 22.02×10~4 m~3/d, and the total drainage was 21.95×10~4 m~3/d at present. The Yuqia River leakage is the main supply source of groundwater. There is no significant effect on area of wetland when water source place exploited by 2.5×10~4 m~3/d at alluvial-diluvial fan of Yuqia River. After long-term exploitation, the spring flow reduces from 1.42×10~4 m~3/d to 1.01×10~4 m~3/d and wetland area reduces by 32.7% of original area. The calculation of water balance shows that it is safe to the Yuqia Basin, Da Qiadam Lake, the Mahai Basin at downstream of Yuqia River and wetland under the condition of water source place exploited by 2.5×10~4 m~3/d.     

大同盆地地下水中砷的富集规律及成因探讨

大同盆地地下水中砷主要富集在黄水河与桑干河的河间洼地及洪积-冲湖积平原的交接洼地,盆地中心的山阴一带是砷的主要富集区.垂向上,富集在20～200m承压孔隙水中.其中,20～40m及100～150m是主要富集段.盆地周边广布的太古界变质岩及中生界煤系地层是砷的原生物源,盆地内富含有机质的湖相沉积物为次生富砷介质,水化学还原环境是砷由沉积物向地下水中溶解的主要因素.断裂凹陷、低洼地形及细粒的含水介质是形成砷富集的有利条件.     

Permian volcanic rocks from the Apuseni Mountains (Romania): Geochemistry and tectonic constraints

An Early Permian volcanic assemblage is well exposed in the central-western part of the Apuseni Mountains (Romania). The rocks are represented by rhyolites, basalts and subordinate andesites suggesting a bimodal volcanic activity that is intimately associated with a post-orogenic (Variscan) syn-sedimentary intra-basinal continental molasse sequences. The mafic and mafic-intermediate rocks belong to sub-alkaline tholeiitic series were separated in three groups (I–III) showing a high Th and Pb abundances, depletion in Nb, Ta and Sr, and slightly enriched in LREE patterns (La_N/Yb_N = 1.4–4.4). Isotopically, the rocks of Group I have the initial ratios ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(i) = 0.709351–0.707112, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_(i) = 0.512490–0.512588 and high positive ?_Nd270 values from 3.9 to 5.80; the rocks of Group II present for the initial ratios values ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(i) = 0.709434–0.710092, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_(i) = 0.512231–0.512210 and for ?_Nd270 the negative values from −1.17 to −1.56; the rocks of Group III display for the initial ratios the values ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(i) = 0.710751–0.709448, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_(i) = 0.512347–0.512411 and for ?_Nd270 the positive values from 1.64 to 2.35. The rocks resembling continental tholeiites, suggest a mantle origin and were further affected by fractionation and crustal contamination. In addition, the REE geochemistry (1 > Sm_N/Yb_N < 2.5; 0.9 > La_N/Sm_N < 2.5) suggests that these rocks were generated by high percentage partial melting of a metasomatized mantle in the garnet peridotite facies. The felsic rocks are enriched in Cs, Rb Th and U and depleted in Nb, Ta, Sr, Eu, and Ti. The REE fractionation patterns show a strong negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 0.23–0.40). The felsic rocks show the initial ratios the values: ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(i) = 0.704096–0.707805, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_(i) = 0.512012–0.512021 and for ?_Nd270 the negative values from −5.27 to −5.44. They suggest to be generated within the lower crust during the emplacement of mantle-derived magmas that provided necessary heat to crustal partial melting.     

Geochemistry and tectonic development of Cenozoic magmatism in the Carpathian–Pannonian region

This review considers the magmatic processes in the Carpathian–Pannonian Region (CPR) from Early Miocene to Recent times, as well as the contemporaneous magmatism at its southern boundary in the Dinaride and Balkans regions. This geodynamic system was controlled by the Cretaceous to Neogene subduction and collision of Africa with Eurasia, especially by Adria that generated the Alps to the north, the Dinaride–Hellenide belt to the east and caused extrusion, collision and inversion tectonics in the CPR. This long-lived subduction system supplied the mantle lithosphere with various subduction components. The CPR contains magmatic rocks of highly diverse compositions (calc-alkaline, K-alkalic, ultrapotassic and Na-alkalic), all generated in response to complex post-collisional tectonic processes. These processes formed extensional basins in response to an interplay of compression and extension within two microplates: ALCAPA and Tisza–Dacia. Competition between the different tectonic processes at both local and regional scales caused variations in the associated magmatism, mainly as a result of extension and differences in the rheological properties and composition of the lithosphere. Extension led to disintegration of the microplates that finally developed into two basin systems: the Pannonian and Transylvanian basins. The southern border of the CPR is edged by the Adria microplate via Sava and Vardar zones that acted as regional transcurrent tectonic areas during Miocene–Recent times.Major, trace element and isotopic data of post-Early Miocene magmatic rocks from the CPR suggest that subduction components were preserved in the lithospheric mantle after the Cretaceous–Miocene subduction and were reactivated especially by extensional tectonic processes that allowed uprise of the asthenosphere. Changes in the composition of the mantle through time support geodynamic scenarios of post-collision and extension processes linked to the evolution of the main blocks and their boundary relations. Weak lithospheric blocks (i.e. ALCAPA and western Tisza) generated the Pannonian basin and the adjacent Styrian, Transdanubian and Z?rand basins which show high rates of vertical movement accompanied by a range of magmatic compositions. Strong lithospheric blocks (i.e. Dacia) were only marginally deformed, where strike–slip faulting was associated with magmatism and extension. At the boundary of Adria and Tisza–Dacia strike–slip tectonics and core complex extension were associated with small volume Miocene magmatism in narrow extensional sedimentary basins or granitoids in core-complex detachment systems along older suture zones (Sava and Vardar) accommodating the extension in the Pannonian basin and afterward Pliocene–Quaternary inversion. Magmas of various compositions appear to have acted as lubricants in a range of tectonic processes.     

Seismic stratigraphy based chronostratigraphy (SSBC) of the Serbian Banat region of the Pannonian Basin

Seismic stratigraphy based chronostratigraphic (SSBC) analysis of the Serbian Banat region allows the delineation of the spatial and stratigraphic relationships of the generally regressive and shallowing upward Neogene depositional fill of a tectonically unstable central portion of the Pannonian Basin. When geometrically restored in time and space, the sediment dispersal directions, sediment source directions, types of sedimentation breaks and the tectonic events influencing basin evolution can be delineated. For such an analysis the time-transgressive lithostratigraphic units used in the neighbouring Hungarian part of the Pannonian Basin are conveniently introduced based upon their characteristic seismic facies and constrained borehole log records as mappable seismic stratigraphic sequence units, termed “seismic operational sequences”. The respective Neogene stage and operational sequence equivalents (Hungarian lithostratigraphic units or formations) are the Middle Miocene (Badenian, Sarmatian), Upper Miocene-Lower Pliocene (Pannonian-Endrod and Szolnok Formations; Pontian- Algyo and Ujfalu Formations and Lower Pliocene- Zagyva Formation) and Upper Pliocene-Quaternary (Nagyalfold Formation). SSBC analysis greatly assists in the geological constraint or “geovalidation” of interpreted seismic stratigraphic relationships and provides potentially critical insight into stratigraphic and structural problems of non-unique interpretations. In the specific case, using such an approach on previously unpublished regional seismic lines, SSBC analysis reveals that the Banat region has undergone structural inversion. This may be related to changes in local stress directions along strike slip faults, which initiated in earliest Late Miocene (Endrod Formation), culminating in the reverse tilting and incipient shortening of the western graben. Therefore during the time interval that the Badenian through Endrod sediments were deposited in the graben, autocyclic progradation initiated from the Kikinda Szeged High in the East followed by Szolnok, Algyo, Ujfalu and younger units prograding from the West as the central high uplifted relative to the graben. Such tectonic inversion has substantial hydrocarbon potential implications for exploration in the region.     

Quantification of Quaternary vertical movements in the central Pannonian Basin: A review of chronologic data along the Danube River, Hungary

This study aims at a new quantification of neotectonic deformation of the central part of the Pannonian Basin. We use terrace levels and associated travertine as well as speleothem data along the Danube River to quantify its incision rate and thus, estimate the amount and rate of uplift at the axis of the Hungarian Mountain Range (HMR).

Several terrace levels and other geomorphic features along the Danube river are indicative for Quaternary uplift of the axial part of the emerging Hungarian Mountain Range. While the correlative terraces are at considerable height at the axis of the HMR, the terraces are gradually dipping below the basin fill of the adjacent lowlands. The correlation of the terrace segments is difficult because of their poor preservation, small size and variable height. The geomorphologic horizons indicate gradual incision of the river throughout the Quaternary during simultaneous deformation. However, no reliable chronological data have been available so far to quantify landscape-forming processes such as uplift, incision or erosion rates.

A reconsideration of existing published data for three consecutive segments of the Danube valley yields incision rates between 0.14 and 0.41 mm/year for the last 360 ky, with the highest value for the area of the Danube Bend. Accordingly, the middle to late Quaternary uplift rate of the axial zone of the HMR exceeded significantly that of the marginal areas. These rates represent an approximation as some quantitative data are still controversial. Our results suggest that formation of the Danube terraces is result of river incision triggered by the uplift of the HMR and modified by periodic climate changes.     

北京市平谷盆地地下水三维数值模拟及管理应用

为缓解北京城区的用水紧张问题,平谷区建立了王都庄和中桥两个应急水源地。持续过量的开采导致盆地内水位急剧下降。为研究大规模开采对平谷盆地地下水系统的影响,并分析不同地区的开采潜力,本文建立了合理刻画三维地下水流动特征的数值模型,对五种不同的开采方案进行模拟。模拟结果表明,丰水条件下地下水位回升明显,王都庄水源地补给条件优越,尤其是盆地上游地区,具有更大的开采潜力;而盆地中下部应适当限制开采,避免水位下降过快。高仿真的数值模型可作为强有力的管理辅助工具,为地下水资源分析及合理利用提供科学的技术支持。     

Middle to late Miocene sequence stratigraphy of the Transylvanian Basin (Romania)

The history of Middle to Late Miocene evolution of the Transylvanian Basin was determined by the bordering Carpathian orogen evolution, the tectonic events being well recorded by the sedimentary history. The basin evolved in a back-arc setting, under a regional, compressional stress field. The major tectonic events produced during the Late Sarmatian and Post-Pannonian were related to the reactivation of the pre-Badenian fault systems. The Transylvanian Basin got uplifted after the Late Pannonian (? during the Pliocene), and at least 500 m of sedimentary cover was eroded.

Based on seismic and well-log interpretation, core and outcrop sedimentology, and microfauna, eight sequences were defined. The early Middle Miocene sequences are roughly synchronous to five 3rd order global sea-level cycles. Most of the recognized sequence boundaries are enhanced by regional tectonic events. The sedimentary evolution was also strongly influenced by salt-tectonics, active starting with the Late Sarmatian.

Two sequences were identified in the Lower Badenian deposits. The third sequence (late Early Badenian to early Mid Badenian) preserves information about deeper shelf settings. The lowstand of the following sequence was responsible for the deposition of the salt formation (late Mid Badenian), an important lithostratigraphic marker in the sedimentary record of the basin. In general, the Upper Badenian deposits (parts of the 4th and 5th sequences) belong to deep marine submarine fan systems. The Sarmatian (partially 5th, 6th and partially 7th sequences) was characterized by diverse salinity conditions, stretching from brackish to hypersaline, and by high tectonic instability, which induced several significant relative sea-level falls. During that time, deltaic (north) and fandeltaic (east) systems fed submarine fans, stacked between salt-related submarine heights (“channeled” deep-marine depocenters). Most of the Pannonian deposits (partially 7th and 8th sequences) belong to submarine fan systems, but shallower facies were also found in the western and eastern part of the basin.     

Geological and geochemical examination of arsenic contamination in groundwater in the Holocene Terai Basin, Nepal

Geological and geochemical study has been carried out to investigate arsenic contamination in groundwater in Nawalparasi, the western Terai district of Nepal. The work carried out includes analyses of core sediments, provenance study by rare earth elements analyses, ¹⁴C dating, and water analyses. Results showed that distribution of the major and trace elements are not homogeneous in different grain size sediments. Geochemical characteristics and sediment assemblages of the arsenic contaminated (Nawalparasi) and uncontaminated (Bhairahawa) area have been compared. Geochemical compositions of sediments from both the areas are similar; however, water chemistry and sedimentary facies vary significantly. Extraction test of sediment samples showed significant leaching of arsenic and iron. Chemical reduction and contribution from organic matter could be a plausible explanation for the arsenic release in groundwater from the Terai sediments.     

Integration of surface and groundwater resources for the development of Hamad Basin project

Hamad Basin (166,000 km²) is an extensive basin, inhabited by 219,000 souls. It is located in the arid region within the border of four Arab States: Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Average annual precipitation depth is 78 mm, falling mostly during winter.Integrated studies of the natural resources, (water, soil, range, and animal) were carried out with other complementary studies to formulate a socioeconomic development plan for the promissing areas within the basin.Modern technologies were applied such as remote sensing, isotope analysis, processing, and documenting of basic hydrogeological data within the data bank system using computer facilities.Results revealed that the output of the natural dry plant production amounts to 2.0 × 10⁶ tons. Animal wealth comprise 2 × 10⁶ head mainly of sheep. Average annual surface runoff is 146 × 10⁶ m³, which could be appropriately exploited in water spreading schemes to improve range. Water lost presently through evaporation from vast flat depression (Khabra) could be conserved through deepening the Khabras, and recharging shallow perched aquifer by surface runoff, which could be mined later.Results of regional geology, partial geophysical studies, and hydrogeological, hydrochemical interpretations have concuded the existance of two main aquifer systems, the first lies within the tertiary and quaternary formations, while the second extends to the mesozoic, and paleozoic. Their yield varies quantitively and qualitively, up to 100 × 10⁶ m³ could be safely drawn annually.One compound pilot project was selected within the sector of each of the four Arab States to test the feasibility of the proposed development program for the promissing areas of the basin.