Morphological and molecular evidence supports the first occurrence of two fishes,Siganus sutor(Valenciennes, 1835)and Seriolina nigrofasciata(Rüppell, 1829)(Actinopterygii:Perciformes), from marine waters of Odisha coast,Bay of Bengal,India

Marine ecosystems provide a wide variety of diverse habitats that frequently promote migration and ecological adaptation. The extent to which the geographic distribution of marine organism has reshaped by human activities remains underappreciated. The limitations intrinsic to morphology-based identification systems have engendered an urgent need for reliable genetic methods that enable the unequivocal recognition of fish species,particularly those that are prone to overexploitation and/or market substitution. In the present study, however, an attempt has been taken to identify two locally adapted fish species, Siganus sutor(Valenciennes, 1835) and Seriolina nigrofasciata(Rüppell, 1829) of order Perciformes, which happens to be the first record in Odisha coast,Bay of Bengal. The diagnostic characteristics of Siganus sutor are: dorsal fin XIII-10, anal fin VII-9, pectoral fin 15,pelvic fin II-3, while that of Seriolina nigrofasciata dorsal fin VI-I-35, anal fin I-17, pectoral fin 16, pelvic fin 5. All COI barcodes generated in this study were matched with reference sequences of expected species, according to morphological identification. Bayesian and likelihood phylogenetic trees were drawn based on DNA barcodes and all the specimens clustered in agreement with their taxonomic classification at the species level. The phylogeographic studies based on haplotype network and migration rates suggest that both the species were not panmitic and the high-frequency population distribution indicates successful migration. The result of this study provides an important validation of the use of DNA barcode sequences for monitoring species diversity and changes within a complex marine ecosystem.     

Diet of the South African fur seal (1974–1985) and an assessment of competition with fisheries in southern Africa

Almost 1 000 South African fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus were collected at sea (inshore and offshore) for examination of stomach contents and other biological parameters. The main prey of seals above the age of one year was teleost fish, of which at least 28 species were identified. Overall, 74,6 per cent of the diet was teleost fish, 16,7 per cent cephalopods, 4,8 per cent crustaceans such as shrimps, prawns, amphipods and isopods and 3,2 percent rock lobster. Within this overall dietary pattern there were marked regional differences. The importance of individual fish species in the diet was investigated from the numbers and the sizes of otoliths occurring in the stomachs, from which the identity and size classes of the prey species could be calculated. Again there were regional differences in the importance of different prey species. On the west coast of South Africa the most important species were anchovy and Cape hakes (each 23% of total diet), whereas on the south coast the important species were anchovy (17%), horse mackerel (14%), pilchard (12%) and Cape hake (14%). Off South West Africa the two dominant species were pelagic goby (52%) and horse mackerel (23%), anchovy and Cape hake constituting only 4 and 5 per cent respectively of total diet. The total annual consumption of anchovy and Cape hake by seals in South African waters was calculated at 125 000 and 120 000 tons respectively.     

The contribution of marine geology to the knowledge of marine coastal environment off the Campania region (southern Italy): the geological map n. 502 “Agropoli” (southern Campania)

The marine geological map n. 502 “Agropoli”, located offshore the Cilento Promontory, southern Italy, is here described and the regional geology interpreted, particularly referring to water depths between the 30 and 200 m isobaths. The geologic map has been constructed in the frame of a research program financed by the National Geological Survey of Italy (CARG Project), finalized to the construction of up-to-date cartography of the Campania region. Geological and geophysical data on the continental shelf and slope offshore of the Southern Campania region have been collected in the study area, bounded northwards by the Salerno Gulf and southwards by the Policastro Gulf. A high resolution multibeam bathymetry allowed for the construction of a marine digital elevation map; sidescan sonar profiles also have been collected and interpreted. The latter, merged to the bathymetry, have represented the base for the marine geologic cartography. The integrated geologic interpretation of seismic, bathymetric and sidescan sonar data has been calibrated by sea-bottom samples. The morpho-structures and the seismic sequences overlying the outcrops of acoustic basement reported in the cartographic representation have been studied in detail using single-channel seismics. The interpretation of seismic profiles has been a support for the reconstruction of the stratigraphic and structural setting of the Quaternary continental shelf successions and the outcrops of rocky acoustic basement in correspondence to the Licosa Cape morpho-structural high. These areas result from the seaward prolongation of the stratigraphic and structural units, widely cropping out in the surrounding emerged sector of the Cilento Promontory. The cartographic approach is based on the recognition of laterally coeval depositional systems, interpreted in the frame of the system tracts of the Late Quaternary depositional sequence. We present evidence of now subaqueous terraces inferred to be palaeoshorelines representing past sea-level positions and tentatively correlated these to oxygen isotopic stratigraphy.     

Relationship between somatic growth and otolith growth: a case study of the ornate jobfish Pristipomoides argyrogrammicus from the coast of Réunion (SW Indian Ocean)

The ornate jobfish Pristipomoides argyrogrammicus Valenciennes 1832 occurs in the Indo-West Pacific Ocean, where it is harvested by small-scale coastal fisheries. Management of this species is hindered by lack of adequate biological data. We sampled a total of 113 individuals from the landings of local artisanal fishers on the island of Réunion (southwestern Indian Ocean), from March 2014 to March 2015. The relationships between two types of body length (total and standard length, cm) and total weight (g) were shown to be significant (p < 0.05). The length–weight relationship was described by a power function, with the scaling factor estimated to be 0.008 and the exponent 3.146. Age was determined using whole otoliths. The von Bertalanffy growth equation was estimated to be TL_t = 30.68(1 – e^?0.52(t)). Otolith morphometry variables (length, width and area) were significantly correlated with age estimates (p < 0.05). No significant difference in age estimates was observed between left and right otoliths used as predictors. Readings from observed age and the estimates from modelled age indicated relatively good agreement, suggesting the potential to use whole otoliths for age estimation.     

New and little‐known species of Heterorhabdidae (Copepoda: Calanoida) from the southwest pacific

Three new species of calanoid copepods are described: two in Heterorhabdus and one in Disseta. The males of H. pustulifer and H. caribbeanensis are described and the identities of H. proximus, H. norvegicus and H. austrinus are clarified. H. spinifer is recorded for the second time. A key to the subgenus Heterorhabdus is provided.     

Sharks caught in the protective gill nets off KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa. 8. The Great hammerhead shark Sphyrna mokarran (Rüppell)

Between 1978 and 1993, 209 great hammerhead sharks Sphyrna mokarran were caught in the shark nets which protect the swimming beaches of KwaZulu-Natal. This species constituted 0,97% of the total shark catch, with a mean annual catch of 13. Catch rates showed a significant decline during the period under review, from 0,66 to 0,09 sharks·km-net^?1·year^?1. Most sharks were caught in the north of the netted region between January and May. Catches at Mzamba, the southern extremity of the netted region, represent the southernmost records of this species on the east African coast. The males ranged in size from 106 cm precaudal length (18 kg) to 264 cm (220 kg) and females from 140 cm (35 kg) to 326 cm (400 kg). Males matured at about 217 cm and females at 237 cm. Very few sharks were found in mating condition. Elasmobranchs were found in 82% of non-empty stomachs. There was a high incidence of stingrays (Dasyatidae), guitarfish (Rhinobatidae) and other bottom-dwelling fish in the diet.     

Facies and seismic analysis of the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian Finnmark carbonate platform (southern Norwegian Barents Sea): An assessment of the carbonate factories and depositional geometries

The late Palaeozoic buried Finnmark platform, in the Norwegian Barents Sea, is a depositional system which developed under major modifications of palaeoclimatic and palaeoceanographic conditions, given by the northward drifting of the Arctic depositional domain beyond the tropical belt, the activity of the Gondwanan icecaps, and the gradual closure of the Eastern European seaway. In this study, detailed core/microfacies analysis from the explorations wells 7128/4-1 and 7128/6-1, combined with new 2D seismic sections and available dataset from previous studies in the eastern Finnmark area, have allowed a re-evaluation of the depositional scenarios associated with the Ørn and Isbjørn/Polarrev Formations. The late Asselian–early Sakmarian depositional record of the Ørn Formation, followed by the middle Sakmarian transition to the Isbjørn/Polarrev Formations, shows depth-related variations in sedimentation modes and a change of the platform morphology.In particular, a shift from Chloroforam to Bryonoderm sedimentation mode took place through a stratified water column during the deposition of the Ørn Formation, over what we suggest was a distally steepened ramp. In the late Sakmarian, the deposition of the Isbjørn/Polarrev Formations, characterised by a full Bryonoderm sedimentation mode, took place through a cooler non stratified water column, leading to the gradual instauration of a homoclinal ramp profile.Among the other results, our integrated study suggests the development of subtidal heterozoan mounds associated with the Ørn Formation, predating the formation of the larger, stacked and well-known heterozoan distal complexes of the Polarrev Formation. Given the good potential of the Ørn Formation within the Finnmark depositional domain, our results may help to improve the assessment of future evaluations of reservoir properties in the area, which are closely associated with the depositional style and their post-depositional modifications.     

Distribution,abundance and population structure of Hexaplex trunculus and Bolinus brandaris (Gastropoda: Muricidae) in offshore areas of the Gulf of Gabès,southern Tunisia

The banded murex Hexaplex trunculus and purple dye murex Bolinus brandaris are frequently caught as bycatch by bottom trawlers operating in the Gulf of Gabès, southern Tunisia. Although these muricid gastropods might importantly constitute an additional source of income for fishermen as well as help to diversify local shellfish production, information on their catches is relatively scarce. Hence, the present study aimed to assess the status of local populations of H. trunculus and B. brandaris, including data on their spatial and depth distributions, abundance, biomass, population structure and mortality. Fishing surveys using bottom trawls were performed between May 2006 and June 2007 in offshore areas of the Gulf of Gabès. In total, 198 fishing hauls were analysed, corresponding to a total fishing duration of 333.3 hours and a total prospecting area of 1 534 ha at depths of 20–86 m. Altogether, 3 026 H. trunculus and 3 599 B. brandaris of a broad size range (22.9?91.1 and 22.4?97.0 mm shell length, respectively) were sampled during the study period. GIS-produced maps were employed to determine the species’ spatial and bathymetric distributions by extrapolating their estimated fishing yield (bycatch per unit effort), abundance, biomass and mortality in relation to the total area surveyed in the gulf. The results provide valuable baseline information that may be applied to management proposals for regulating this untargeted resource, ultimately assisting sustainable exploitation and long-term preservation of this alternative fishing resource in the offshore areas of the Gulf of Gabès.     

Food web structure of the epibenthic and infaunal invertebrates on the Catalan slope (NW Mediterranean): Evidence from ��C and ��N analysis

The food-web structure of the epibenthic and infaunal invertebrates on the continental slope of the Catalan Sea (Balearic basin, NW Mediterranean) was investigated using carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes on a total of 34 species, and HPLC pigment analyses for three key species. Samples were collected close to Barcelona (NE Iberian Peninsula), between 650 and 800 m depth and between February 2007 and February 2008. Mean ??¹³C values ranged from −21.0‰ (small Calocaris macandreae and Amphipholis squamata) to −14.5‰ (Sipunculus norvegicus). Values of ??¹⁵N ranged from 4.0‰ (A. squamata) to 12.1‰ (Molpadia musculus). The stable isotope ratios of benthic fauna displayed a continuum of values (e.g. ??¹⁵N range of 8‰), confirming a wide spectrum of feeding strategies (from active suspension feeders to predators) and complex food webs. According to the available information on diets of benthic fauna, the lowest values were found for surface deposit feeders (small C. macandrae and the two ophiuroids A. squamata and Amphiura chiajei) and active suspension feeders (Abra longicallus and Scalpellum scalpellum) feeding on different sizes of particulate organic matter (POM), among which small particles may exhibit lower ??¹⁵N. High annual mean ??¹⁵N values were found among sub-surface deposit feeders, exploiting refractory or frequently recycled organic matter that is enriched in ??¹⁵N. Carnivorous polychaetes (Nephtys spp., Oenonidae and Polynoidae) and large decapods (Geryon longipes and Paromola cuvieri) also displayed high ??¹⁵N values. ??¹³C ranges were particularly wide among surface deposit feeders (ranging from −21.0‰ to −16.4‰), suggesting exploitation of POM of both terrigenous and oceanic origins. Correlation between ??¹³C and ??¹⁵N was generally weak, indicating multiple carbon sources, likely due to the consumption of different kinds of sinking particles (e.g. marine snow, phytodetritus, etc.), sedimented and frequently recycled POM, together with macrophyte remains. The stronger ??¹³C-??¹⁵N correlations found in February and April suggest that during the period of water column homogeneization (winter-spring), the benthic community was sustained by phytodetritus inputs originating from the peak of surface primary production in February. Conversely, weaker ??¹³C-??¹⁵N correlations were observed during the period of water column stratification (beginning in June-July), suggesting that the benthic community in this period was sustained, with a delay of ca. 2/3 months, by multiple carbon sources including continental inputs from river discharge (with the maxima in April-May). Thus both advective and vertical fluxes seem to be food sources for benthos on the Catalonian slope. Pigments in the guts of key species were generally degraded, and only the active suspension feeder A. longicallus ingested fresh chlorophyll during periods of high primary production at the surface (February and April 2007).     

The genus Neomonoceratina(Crustacea: Ostracoda) from the Cainozoic of the West Pacific margins

Fourteen species of Neomonoceratina from the West Pacific margins are considered in the present paper, of which two species and one subspecies are described as new. Lectotypes have been designated for three of Brady's 1868 species (N. bataviana, N. iniqua and N. rhomboidea) and also for two of Kingma's 1948 species (N. macropora and N. microreticulata).The taxonomic confusion within the genus, particularly with respect to N. crispata, N. delicata, N. dongtaiensis, N. iniqua and N. microreticulata, is clarified and the zoogeographical implication of the distribution of the genus is discussed.     

Role of the climatological and current variability on shelf-slope exchanges of particulate matter: Evidence from the Rhône continental margin (NW Mediterranean)

Climatological, current and particulate flux data were gathered in the Grand-Rhône canyon on the Gulf of Lions continental margin for one year (Jan. 1988–Jan 1989). Time series were analyzed to determine the influence of physical exchange processes on particulate matter at the shelf-edge, with a special emphasis on the Northern Current variability.The synoptic variability of the Northern Current was linked to meanders of 2–5 day period. Its meso-scale activity presented a seasonal signal with maximum values in early spring. Peaks of particulate fluxes in the upper traps were little affected by large river and atmospheric inputs, but rather by enhanced shelf-slope exchanges at the shelf edge due to intense cross-slope fluctuations of the Northern Current. These fluctuations caused cross-isobath flows near the bottom, which appeared to be a potential mechanism in transporting particles off the shelf. At 900 m depth, high-flux events measured by sediment traps were primarily linked to periods of higher cross-slope current oscillations. This correlation suggests that vertical motions caused by these oscillations contribute to the suspended particulate matter transport through the process of bringing higher suspended material concentrations from above to greater depths. Vertical velocity estimates were derived through temperature fluctuations combined with vertical temperature gradient and from the kinematic boundary condition. A simple diffusion model indicates that the vertical turbulent mixing of suspended particulate matter, induced by the cross-slope current oscillations, yields downward fluxes of particles comparable to those collected by sediment traps.     

Taxonomic study on the family Mitridae (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Neogastropoda) from the China''s seas. Subfamilies: Imbricariinae and Cylindromitrinae

Ninteen species of subfamilies Imbricariinae and Cylindromitrinae, family Mitridae, are recorded from the China＇s seas. Of which, one genus and six species are recorded for the first time from China＇s seas, i.e., genus Ziba Adams H and Adams A, Cancilla （Cancilla） carnicolor, Ziba duplilirata, Z. insculpta, Neocancilla circula, Scabricola （Scabricola） desetangsii, Scabricola （Swainsonia） ocellata ocellata.     

Post-glacial persistence of turbiditic activity within the Rhône deep-sea turbidite system (Gulf of Lions,Western Mediterranean): Linking the outer shelf and the basin sedimentary records

Emplacement of post-glacial turbidites is commonly controlled by rapid changes in sea level or by seismicity. On the continental rise of the Gulf of Lions (Western Mediterranean), an aseismic area, we identified turbiditic beds deposited during the rising stage and highstand of sea level. Swath bathymetry, sediment cores, in situ Cone Penetrating Tests (CPTU), heavy mineral associations and radiocarbon dating determined the source, composition, distribution and age of the turbiditic beds. Turbidites are composed of homogeneous to positively graded silts to medium sand with quartz (up to 90%), shell debris and shelfal benthic faunas. Their distribution on the sea floor is very patchy and controlled by abundant inherited erosional bedforms. Their source is found in relict regressive sands at the outershelf. Their deposition occurred just after the onset of the post-glacial sea level rise and the concomitant sediment starvation of the Rhône deep sea turbiditic system until recently. Whilst canyons are fed with sand by strong seasonal hydro-sedimentary dynamics on the outershelf, the emplacement of post-glacial turbidites is not controlled by sea level changes but probably by the periodic flushing of the canyons. Our study revealed that this low energy aseismic margin undergoes significant transport of sand, down to the base of slope, during the sea-level rise and the Holocene highstand.     

A survey on Anthomedusae(Hydrozoa: Hydroidomedusae) from the Taiwan Strait with description of new species and new combinations

New data on Anthomedusae are included. Seven new species and 2 new combinations are described. An additional Teissiera polypofera Xu, Huang and Chen, 1991 is redescribed and its position of taxonomy is discussed. Other lists of species on Anthomedusae are summarized.     

CO2 outgassing off central Chile (31–30°S) and northern Chile (24–23°S) during austral summer 1997: the effect of wind intensity on the upwelling and ventilation of CO2-rich waters

The distribution of pH and alkalinity has been used to calculate the distribution of total inorganic carbon (TC) and fugacity of carbon dioxide (fCO₂) in the upper 200 m of the water column in coastal upwelling areas off northern Chile (23–24°S, near Antofagasta) and central Chile (30–31°S, near Coquimbo) during austral summer 1997. In these upwelling areas, colder surface waters were oxygen poor and strongly CO₂ supersaturated (100% near Antofagasta and 200% near Coquimbo), although below the pycnocline the CO₂ supersaturation invariably exceeded 200% in both areas. The larger surface CO₂ supersaturation and outgassing at 30°S were associated with stronger winds that promoted the upwelling of denser water (richer in CO₂) as well as a higher air–sea CO₂ transfer velocity. The consistent decrease in intensity of the southerly winds (as derived from NSCAT scatterometer data) from 30–31°S to 23–24°S suggests a corresponding decline in the intensity of the CO₂ outgassing due to upwelling. Additionally, we suggest here that the intensity of the local upwelling forcing (i.e. alongshore–equatorward winds) plays a role in determining the water mass composition and phytoplankton biomass of the coastal waters. Thus, while deep upwelling of salty and cold water resulted in high fCO₂ (up to 1000 μatm) and very low phytoplankton biomass (chlorophyll a concentration lower than 0.5 mg m⁻³), the shallow upwelling of less salty (e.g. salinity <34.5) and less CO₂-supersaturated water resulted in a higher phytoplankton biomass, which further reduced surface water fCO₂ by photosynthesis.     

Evolution of lacustrine systems along the Miocene Mur-Mürz fault system (Eastern Alps,Austria) and implications on source rocks in pull-apart basins

Tectonically controlled lakes developed during Miocene lateral extrusion of the Eastern Alps. Mineralogy, and the inorganic and organic geochemistry of rocks from three boreholes were investigated to reconstruct the evolution of Lake Ingering and Lake Groisenbach and to study the distribution of source rocks in pull-apart basins. Gas-prone coal and oil-prone sapropelic shale accumulated during the initial, shallow stages of Lake Ingering. Thereafter, the lake deepened rapidly. 125-m-thick prodelta shale containing a type II kerogen was deposited in the brackish, several hundred meter deep, hydrologically closed lake. Afterwards, decreasing subsidence allowed the filling of the lake by prograding deltas. During the advance of the deltaic systems, the lake became shallower, hydrologically open, and the brackish influence terminated. Source rock quality decreased significantly during the filling stage of the lake, a consequence of dilution of autochthonous organic matter and of enhanced input of land plants. Despite its considerable dimensions, formation and filling of Lake Ingering lasted only two million years. Lake Groisenbach was considerably smaller and more susceptible to high-frequency changes in lake chemistry. Although the water body was temporarily oligosaline, brackish conditions did not occur. High sulphur contents were due to anoxic events and the inflow of Ca-rich waters. Abundant dissolved silica favoured diatoms blooms.     

Metabolic activity of pelagic copepods from 5,000 to 7,000 m depth of the western subarctic Pacific,as inferred from electron transfer system (ETS) activity

This study demonstrates reduced electron transfer system (ETS) activity of mixed copepods collected from 5,000 to 7,000 m depths [3.21 ± 1.25 μl O₂ (mg protein)⁻¹ h⁻¹ at 10°C] as compared with mixed copepods from 0 to 200 m depths [5.93 ± 1.66 μl O₂ (mg protein)⁻¹ h⁻¹ at 10°C] of the western subarctic Pacific. At the in situ temperature of 1.5°C, the 5,000–7,000 m ETS data, in terms of wet mass (WM)-specific respiration rates (R), is equivalent to [0.052 ± 0.021 μl O₂ (mg WM)⁻¹ h⁻¹] which is similar to or greater than those reported for selected copepods or mixed mesozooplankton from <5,000 m depth by previous workers.     

Spawning and length‐weight of Barracouta (Teleostei: Gempylidae) from eastern cook strait

A sample of 244 barracouta, Thyrsites atun (Euphrasen), caught in eastern Cook Strait, New Zealand, between March 1966 and April 1967, was examined to determine the spawning season and length‐weight relationship.

Female barracouta ripened from April onwards, a month earlier than males. Females tended to attain maturity more rapidly than most males. October and November were the peak spawning months, although some barracouta (mainly females) were mature until January. The smallest spawning barracouta was 55 cm L.C.F. Disappearance of barracouta preceding the spawning months suggested a spawning migration.

A mathematical analysis of the length‐weight data was used to predict one value from the other, and to obtain an index of the relationship (i.e., a condition factor). There was no significant difference between the slope of the regression line n for males and females, the equations being W = 0.03867. L^2.5209 and W = 0.07391 .L^2.3687 respectively. The equation for the regression line for all barracouta, W = 0.05893 . L^2.4222, had an exponent value n lower than expected for a length‐weight relationship of unmutilated fish. The condition factor of barraoouta, measured at monthly intervals, gave a good indication of the spawning cycle.     

Hydrocarbon potential and palynological study of the Latest Ordovician – Earliest Silurian source rock (Sarchahan Formation) in the Zagros Mountains,southern Iran

Source rock studies are one of the key issues of petroleum exploration activities. In the supercontinent of Gondwana, ice ages related to the Upper Ordovician (Hirnantian) and rising sea levels caused by glacial melting at the end of the Ordovician and Early Silurian (Llandoverian) created excellent source rocks along the margin of Gondwana. Investigations conducted in the Arabian Peninsula have been indicated indicating that the lower Qalibah Formation (the so-called Qusaiba Member or Hot Shale) is a good source rock for the Paleozoic petroleum system in this area. Likewise, the Sarchahan Formation was recently introduced as a source rock in the Zagros Basin of Iran, which is probably equivalent to the Qalibah Formation in the Arabian Peninsula. In this study, samples were prepared from surface and subsurface Paleozoic rock units in Iran's Zagros Basin. The emphasis of the paper was on the Sarchahan Formation in Kuh-e Faraghan, ranging in age from the Late Ordovician (Hirnantian) to Lower Silurian (Llandoverian) to determine whether the high richness of organic matter in the Sarchahan Formation is related to the Late Ordovician or Lower Silurian. The basal part of the Sarchahan Formation belongs to the Late Ordovician (Hirnantian) because of the presence of the persculptus graptolite biozone, while the remainder belongs to the Lower Silurian. The Ordovician and early Llandoverian parts of the Sarchahan Formation contain type II and III kerogen with TOC ranging from 2.94 to 7.19, but the rest of the Sarchahan Formation (late Llandoverian) has TOC ranging from 0.1 to 0.58. Therefore, the Hot Shale in Iran falls within the Hirnantian and early Llandoverian (Rhuddanian), and not the latest Llandoverian (Aeronian and Telychian). Utilizing organic petrography, kerogen type was found II/III. The carbon stable isotope studies revealed that the source rock of hydrocarbons in Dalan and Kangan reservoirs has been the Sarchahan Formation. Based on analytical data, the kerogenous shales in the lower part of the Sarchahan Formation are at end of gas window, and the gamma ray amount is approximately 180 API. This research indicates the differences between the source rocks in the southern and northern Persian Gulf and suggesting, the Hot Shale should be considered in different views and used in modeling studies of sedimentary basins for future exploration targets.