Composite landslides induced by heavy rainfalls in suburban areas: City of Patras and surrounding area, western Greece

Representative landslide phenomena in western Greece induced by heavy rainfalls, in terms of the geological composition and structure of the affected materials, are thoroughly studied and analyzed. The studied cases involved composite landslides on weathered mantle of flysch and Neogene marls that constitute the most critical landslide prone geological formations in Greece. Their shear strength characteristics were determined from back analyses while low-cost remedial measures, focused on surface and groundwater control, were designed. The effective contribution of the finally constructed works on ground stabilization was systematically monitored by surface and subsurface measurements of ground displacements during a time period after their construction.     

Geology and Origin of Supergene Ore at the Lavrion Pb-Ag-Zn Deposit, Attica, Greece

The Lavrion carbonate-hosted Pb-Ag-Zn deposit in southeast Attica, Greece, consisted of significant non-sulfide ore bodies. The polymetallic sulfide mineralization was subjected to supergene oxidation, giving rise to gossan. The principal non-sulfide minerals of past economic importance were smithsonite, goethite and hematite. The supergene mineral assemblages occupy secondary open spaces and occur as replacement pods within marble. Calamine and iron ore mainly filled open fractures. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy of samples of oxidized ore indicate complex gossan mineralogy depending on the hypogene mineralogy, the degree of oxidation and leaching of elements, and the local hydrologic conditions. Bulk chemical analysis of the samples indicated high ore-grade variability of the supergene mineralization. On multivariate cluster analysis of geochemical data the elements were classified into groups providing evidence for their differential mobilization during dissolution, transport and re-precipitation. The mode of occurrence, textures, mineralogy and geochemistry of the non-sulfide mineralization confirm that it is undoubtedly of supergene origin: the product of influx into open fractures in the country rock of highly acidic, metal-rich water resulting from the oxidation of pyrite-rich sulfide protore. Dissolution of carbonates led to opening of the fractures. Mineral deposition in the supergene ore took place under near-neutral to mildly acidic conditions. The supergene dissolution and re-precipitation of Fe and Zn in the host marble increased metal grades and separated iron and zinc from lead, thereby producing economically attractive deposits; it further contributed to minimization of pollution impact on both soil and ground water.     

Environmental isotopes in determining groundwater flow systems, northern part of Epirus, Greece

On the basis of the isotopic composition of water in the northern part of Epirus, Greece, from springs at different altitudes with well-defined recharge areas, the altitude effect on the δ¹⁸O value of groundwater is –0.142±0.003ö (100?m)^–1 and is uniform over the entire study area. Using the δ¹⁸O composition of surface water and groundwaters, the contribution of Ioannina Lake and the channel draining the lake water to the Kalamas River to the recharge of springs and boreholes was confirmed and quantitatively defined. In contrast, the Voidomatis and Vikos Rivers are not sources for recharge of the big springs along their banks. However, water from the Aoos River does replenish the aquifer in the unconsolidated deposits underlying the plain of Konitsa. In addition, limestones of Senonian–Late Eocene ages, dolomites, and limestones of the "Vigles" facies are hydraulically interconnected, and the limestones of the "Pantokrator" facies are hydraulically isolated from the other carbonate formations.     

Diagnosis of groundwater quality and assessment of contamination sources in the Megara basin (Attica,Greece)

In this study, hydrochemical analysis, statistical analysis and GIS database have been successfully used to explain the main factors and mechanisms controlling the distribution of major and trace elements in groundwater. The groundwater of Megara basin is subject to intense exploitation to accommodate all the water demands of this agricultural area. Water quality data obtained from 58 sampling sites of the Megara basin, aims to describe groundwater quality in relation to geology and anthropogenic activities. Factor analysis revealed that four factors accounted for 79.96% of the total data variability. The contribution of each factor at sampling sites was calculated. Evaluation of water samples by comparing quality standards and levels recorded in the literature for both drinking and irrigation uses is discussed.     

Real-time assessment framework of spatial liquefaction hazard in port areas considering site-specific seismic response

This paper proposes a systematic framework for real-time assessment of spatial liquefaction hazard of port areas considering local seismic response characteristics based on a geographic information system (GIS) platform. The framework is integrated and embedded with sequential, interrelated subprocedures and a database for liquefaction-induced damage evaluation that standardizes and both individually and collectively quantifies analytical results. To integrate the current in situ condition of a selected port area, the framework functions as a spatial database system for geotechnical and structural data and as a recipient of automatic transmission of seismic monitoring data. The geotechnical profile correlated with liquefaction potential is compiled into a geotechnical spatial grid built by geostatistical methods. Linked with the geotechnical spatial grid, the processing of site-specific responses is automatically interpreted from previously derived correlations between rock acceleration and maximum acceleration of each soil layer. As a result, the liquefaction severity is determined based on a combined geotechnical spatial grid with seismic load correlation in real-time according to a simplified procedure, allowing calculation of the liquefaction potential index (LPI). To demonstrate practical applications of the framework in estimating the liquefaction hazard in real-time, liquefaction-hazard maps were visualized for two earthquake scenarios, verifying the applicability of the proposed framework.     

Hydrogen sulphide as a natural air contaminant in volcanic/geothermal areas: the case of Sousaki,Corinthia (Greece)

Volcanic and geothermal areas are one of the major natural sources of H₂S to the atmosphere. Its environmental impact is often the main cause of the opposition to the development of geothermal energy exploitation programs. In this paper, we analyze the air concentrations and dispersion pattern of naturally emitted H₂S at the geothermal area of Sousaki (Corinthia, Greece). Measurements, made with a network of passive samplers, evidence a rapid decrease of concentration values away from the emission points. The fact that the decrease is more pronounced in the summer with respect to the winter indicates that it is not only due to a dilution effect, but also to redox reactions favored by higher temperatures and intense sunlight typical of the summer period.     

Soil contamination by toxic metals in the cultivated region of Agia, Thessaly, Greece. Identification of sources of contamination

A soil geochemical survey was undertaken in the cultivated region of Agia in Thessaly area, Central Greece. The objectives of the study were to assess the levels of soil contamination in respect to average concentrations of toxic metals in the region, to determine the associations between the different toxic elements and their spatial distribution and to identify possible sources of contamination that can explain the spatial patterns of soil pollution in the area. One hundred seventy three soil samples were collected and analysed by ICP-AES after digestion with a mixture of HClO₄–HNO₃–H₂O. The study focused on eleven elements (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, Mn, As, V, Cr, Fe and Mg) and all of them except Pb have mean concentrations above the average global soil composition. The elements Ni, Cr, Mn and V show concentrations that according to G.L.C guidelines the Agia soils are classified as slightly contaminated to contaminated. Factor analysis explained 84.02% of the total variance of the data through four factors. Combined with spatial interpretation of its output, the method successfully grouped the elements according to their sources and provided evidence about their natural or anthropogenic origin.     

Seismic risk assessment of buildings in urban areas: a case study for Denizli,Turkey

This study aims to carry out a seismic risk assessment for a typical mid-size city based on building inventory from a field study. Contributions were made to existing loss estimation methods for buildings. In particular, a procedure was introduced to estimate the seismic quality of buildings using a scoring scheme for the effective parameters in seismic behavior. Denizli, a typical mid-size city in Turkey, was used as a case study. The building inventory was conducted by trained observers in a selected region of Denizli that had the potential to be damaged from expected future earthquakes according to geological and geotechnical studies. Parameters that are known to have some effect on the seismic performance of the buildings during past earthquakes were collected during the inventory studies. The inventory includes data of about 3,466 buildings on 4,226 parcels. The evaluation of inventory data provided information about the distribution of building stock according to structural system, construction year, and vertical and plan irregularities. The inventory data and the proposed procedure were used to assess the building damage, and to determine casualty and shelter needs during the M6.3 and 7.0 scenario earthquakes, representing the most probable and maximum earthquakes in Denizli, respectively. The damage assessment and loss studies showed that significant casualties and economic losses can be expected in future earthquakes. Seismic risk assessment of reinforced concrete buildings also revealed the priorities among building groups. The vulnerability in decreasing order is: (1) buildings with 6 or more stories, (2) pre-1975 constructed buildings, and (3) buildings with 3–5 stories. The future studies for evaluating and reducing seismic risk for buildings should follow this priority order. All data of inventory, damage, and loss estimates were assembled in a Geographical Information System (GIS) database.     

干旱,半干旱地区水文地质研究现状

世界上近一半的国家都不同程度地受到干旱问题的影响,因而干旱、半干旱区的水文地质研究多年来一直是世界水文地质学界的研究热点。本文根据几年来所阅读的关于该方面的近百篇国内外文献资料,对干旱和半干旱地区地下水开发利用概况、地下水形成机理研究进展、干旱区大型盆地地下水运移所采用的两种模型、环境同位素技术在干旱区地下水研究中的应用、地下水流系统研究进展、地下水数值模拟及管理模型现状、干旱区包水带水文地质研究     

Geostatistical analysis of arsenic concentration in the groundwater of Malda district of West Bengal, India

The problem of arsenic (As) poisoning in the upper deltaic plain of the Ganga-Bhagirathi river system in the Bengal Basin of West Bengal, India is an alarming issue. Four blocks (Kaliachak-1, 2, 3 and English Bazar) of Malda district, West Bengal were critically studied. Geomorphologically, the area exhibits three terraces: the present Youngest terrace (T₀-terrace), the Older Shaugaon Surface (T₁-terrace) and the Oldest Baikunthapur Surface (T₂-terrace). On the basis of numerous measurements, including As-content, pH, DO, specific conductivity and salinity, it was observed that maximum As-content beyond the permissible limit (0.05 mg/L, Indian standard) occurs within a depth range of 10–30 m with a non-linear distribution pattern. Variance test also found that a block effect was highly significant in an As-distribution pattern. Mean arsenic level of Kaliachak block-1 is 0.2253 mg/L, followed by Kaliachak-2 with arsenic level 0.1923, Kaliachak-3 with arsenic level 0.1755 and English Bazar with arsenic level 0.1324. The arsenious belt lies mainly within the Older terrace (T₁). The very recent flood plain deposits of silvery white, fine sands lying very close to the Ganga River margin do not contain significant amounts of As. Elevated As-concentration in the ground water was observed in alluvial sands, grayish white to brownish in color and occurring away from the Ganga margin. The Oldest terrace (T2) further away from the Ganga margin (e.g. English Bazar) and Barind surface contains less arsenic. Barind surface acts as a hard capping with ferruginous sands and lateritic concretions-chocolate, mottled and purple brown in color-occurring northeast of the studied area. Arsenic content of ground water in the same locality within a radius of ∼ 20 m varies within wide limits. Thus, it poses problem to delineate its distribution pattern. Such a patchy occurrence possibly could not be explained satisfactorily solely by geomorphology. Chemical analysis of aquifer clay samples of the cores shows a maximum Ascontent of up to 3 mg/kg, whereas the bulk samples (sandclay mixture) of the cores contain a maximum of 17 mg/kg As-value. Therefore, it is not always true that clay contains elevated As-value.     

Multicriterial analysis in the investigation of favorable areas for edifications with shallow and deep foundations in the Municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes is located on the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The city developed on a floodplain and as a consequence of this occupation it has experienced problems with the water table level, drainage system, soil carrying capacity and aquifers' contamination. The purpose of this paper was to accomplish a geological and environmental study, producing interpretive and derived geotechnical maps to analyze the degree of aptitudes or restrictions of the physical environment for urban expansion. In order to do this, the methodology of multicriterial analysis was used, combined with pedological indicators resulting in the elaboration of the Favorability Maps for Buildings (Shallow and Deep Foundations). The remote sensing tools, GIS and GPS, sped up the elaboration of the Information Plans. The maps generated in this work allow us to indicate problems in the physical environment serving as a guide to urbanization. It was verified that the city expands into unsuitable areas and it is recommended as areas for expansion those considered favorable in the outcomes of this research.     

Factors controlling the heterogeneous distribution of Cr(VI) in soil, plants and groundwater: Evidence from the Assopos basin, Greece

The effective influence of industry or ultramafic rocks by natural processes to soil, plants and groundwater contamination by chromium, which is often a subject of debate, was investigated for the case of the Assopos basin, Greece. The Neogene Assopos basin, is mainly composed by Tertiary and Quaternary sediments of more than 400 m thick and is characterized by brittle type deformation (fault zones, faults). Chromium in soil, ranging from 67 to 204 ppm, is mostly hosted in chromite, Fe-chromite, Cr-bearing goethite and silicates.Special attention was given to the plants, which are a major source of organic matter that serves as the driving force for Cr(VI) reduction. The increase of the Fe, Mn and Ni contents, with the increasing Cr content in the plant-roots, in particular at the external parts of roots and those of bulb-type plants, suggest reduction and immobilization of Cr(VI) and that redox reactions play a significant role to the translocation processes from root to shoot.Groundwater samples from the Assopos aquifer showed a wide spatial variability, ranging from <2 to 180 ppb Cr_total content [almost same to the Cr(VI)-values] despite their spatial association. The presence of Cr(VI)-contaminated groundwater at depths >200 m is attributed to a direct injection of Cr(VI)-rich industrial wastes at depth rather than that Cr(VI) is derived from the Assopos river or by the interaction between water and Cr-bearing rocks. The heterogeneous distribution of Cr in groundwater may be related with the intense neotectonic deformation, as is exemplified by several sharp tectonic contacts between sediment types, while the Cr content in soil is mostly depend on the transported chromite grains.     

Hydrochemistry of urban groundwater in Seoul, South Korea: effects of land-use and pollutant recharge

The ionic and isotopic compositions (δD, δ¹⁸O, and ³H) of urban groundwaters have been monitored in Seoul to examine the water quality in relation to land-use. High tritium contents (6.1–12.0 TU) and the absence of spatial/seasonal change of O–H isotope data indicate that groundwaters are well mixed within aquifers with recently recharged waters of high contamination susceptibility. Statistical analyses show a spatial variation of major ions in relation to land-use type. The major ion concentrations tend to increase with anthropogenic contamination, due to the local pollutants recharge. The TDS concentration appears to be a useful contamination indicator, as it generally increases by the order of forested green zone (average 151 mg/l), agricultural area, residential area, traffic area, and industrialized area (average 585 mg/l). With the increased anthropogenic contamination, the groundwater chemistry changes from a Ca–HCO₃ type toward a Ca–Cl(+NO₃) type. The source and behavior of major ions are discussed and the hydrochemical backgrounds are proposed as the basis of a groundwater management plan.     

Soil baseline geochemistry and plant response in areas of complex geology. Application to NW Euboea,Greece

A soil and vegetation survey was undertaken in NW Euboea Island, Greece. The objectives of the study were to establish the geochemical baseline of soil and identify the impact of local geology on threshold values of potentially harmful elements. The studied area is characterized by complex geology comprising metamorphic and ultramafic rocks as well as active hot springs. A total of 117 soil samples were collected from 89 sites at depths of 0–25 cm and 25–50 cm. Eighteen vegetation samples were also collected representing prevalent indigenous perennial species in the region. Soil samples from the present study were enriched in As, Ca, Cu, Mg, Ni with concentrations reaching 233 mg/kg, 38%, 336 mg/kg, 10.8%, 1560 mg/kg respectively. Factor analysis revealed three main factors controlling the chemical composition of soil reflecting the influence of ultramafic rocks (Cr, Ca, Mg, Ni), hot spring deposits (Ca, S, Sr, As) and paedogenesis processes (Fe, Co, V, Mn, Al). The first two of these factors showed significant spatial correlation with the geological features within the study area. Subsequently, baseline concentrations based on statistical and spatial data were estimated within sub-areas reflecting the influence of local geology in soil composition. Concentrations of potentially harmful elements in the plant tissues of indigenous perennial vegetation species showed a wide range of variation from below the detection limit up to 1700 mg/kg for Ni in the hyperaccumulator Alyssum chalcidicum demonstrating that plant species have adapted to the stressful conditions caused by high elemental concentrations in soil. The results of this study can be utilized in future studies at areas of similar geology by providing an objective basis for setting realistic threshold values for pollution assessment and remediation.     

Effects of land use on the spatial distribution of trace metals and volatile organic compounds in urban groundwater, Seoul, Korea

To investigate the urban groundwater contamination by eight trace metals and 69 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in relation to land use in Seoul, a total of 57 groundwater samples collected from wells were examined using a non-parametric statistical analysis. Land use was classified into five categories: less-developed, residential, agricultural, traffic, and industrial. A comparison of analyzed data with US EPA and Korean standards for drinking water showed that some metals and VOCs exceeded the standards in a few localities, such as Fe (N=5), Mn (N=6), Cu (N=1), TCE (N=6), PCE (N=8), 1,2-DCA (N=1), and 1,2-dichloropropane (N=1). Among the 69 investigated VOCs, 19 compounds such as some gasoline-related compounds (e.g., toluene) and chlorinated compounds (e.g., chloroform, PCE, TCE) were detected in groundwater. Non-parametric statistical analysis showed that the concentrations of most trace metals (Fe, Mn, As, Cr, Pb, Cd) and some VOCs (especially, TCE, PCE, chloroform; toluene, carbon tetrachloride, bromodichloromethane, CFC113) are significantly higher in the industrial, residential, and traffic areas (P<0.05), indicating that anthropogenic contamination of urban groundwater by those chemicals is growing. Those chemicals can be used as effective indicators of anthropogenic contamination of groundwater in urban areas and therefore a special attention is warranted for a safe water supply in those areas. The results of this study suggest that urban groundwater quality in urban areas is closely related with land use.     

Environmental isotopic and hydrochemical study of groundwater in the Ejina Basin,northwest China

The study investigates the groundwater evolution and its residence time in the Ejina Basin, northwest China according to isotope and hydrochemical analyses results. The groundwater chemistry is mainly controlled by the dissolution of halite, Glauber’s salt, gypsum, dolomite and calcite, also influenced by other processes such as evaporation, ion exchange, and deposition. Based on tritium content in atmospheric precipitation and by adopting a model with exponential time distribution function, the mean residence time of the unconfined aquifer groundwater with fairly high tritium activities (21–49 TU) is evaluated. The results show that these groundwaters have low residence time (5–120 years) and are renewable. In contrast, the deep confined groundwaters are tritium-free and radiocarbon values range from 18.3 to 26.7 pmc. According to the most commonly used ¹⁴C correction models, the radiocarbon groundwater ages were calculated which yield ages of approximately 4,087–9,364 years BP. Isotopic signatures indicate formation of deep confined groundwaters in a colder and wetter climate during the late Pleistocene and Holocene. It is suggested that long-term, rational water usage guide should be set up for the Heihe River Basin as a whole to permit a considerable discharge to the Ejina Basin.     

江苏淮扬地区浅层地下水环境质量评价与分析

对淮扬地区浅层地下水环境质量进行了单组分评价和综合评价,分析了各项超标组分的形成机理。评价与分析结果显示:淮扬地区局部浅层地下水水质达不到饮用水标准。生态地质环境背景和人类活动导致该地区浅层地下水中多项指标超标。     

Characteristics of groundwater and urban emergency water sources optimazation in Luoyang,China

The construction of emergency water sources is the material basis for ensuring urban water safety, and it is also an inherent requirement for maintaining social stability and development. The hydrogeological characteristics of groundwater in Luoyang City from the aspects of the division of groundwater aquifer groups, water yield property and groundwater dynamics were described in this paper. Two emergency water sources were selected on basis of comprehensively considering groundwater resources and ecological environmental effects, groundwater quality and exploitation technology, etc. Then it further analysed the aquifer types, water yield properties and groundwater recharge, runoff and discharge conditions of the two emergency water sources, and evaluate the groundwater resources quantity of the water sources. The results are that the shallow underground aquifer in Luoyang City is thick, coarse, and stable in lithology and thickness. The two water sources enjoy good exploitation potential and can be used as backup water sources to supply water in the event of a water source crisis.     

Environmental problems associated with the development and operation of a lined and unlined landfill site: a case study demonstrating two landfill sites in Patra,Greece

The present work demonstrates the environmental problems associated with the development and operation of a lined and unlined landfill site, both used for municipal solid waste landfilling, that are situated next to the city of Patra, Greece. Findings from a detailed site investigation as well calculations on hydrologic evaluation of landfill’s performance and measurements on leachate composition proved that the lined landfill site is more secure and environmental friendly compared with the unlined landfill site. Even though, until today, there is no evidence from near boreholes for severe contamination problems generated by any of the two landfills, in the forthcoming future several environmental problems are expected to occur from the unlined site. In addition the prevailing hydrogeotechnical conditions indicated that the unlined site is a potential source of contamination; hence extra remedial measures should be received by the local authorities to prevent severe contamination in soil and groundwater.