Paleoclimate changes in the late precambrian: Evidence from the upper precambrian section of the South Urals

The climatic impact on the formation of fine-grained rocks from the Riphean stratotype and Vendian Asha Group on the western slope of the South Urals during the time interval lasting approximately 1200 Ma is considered. It is shown that these rocks are largely represented by “tectonosilicate-dominated” shales. This feature combined with changes in the average K₂O/Al₂O₃ values disavows the hypothesis in (Kennedy et al., 2006), according to which the growth of free oxygen concentration in the Late Riphean and Vendian atmosphere was determined by gradual intensification of the organic carbon extraction from the biosphere by clays. The average values of the hydrolyzate module, chemical index of alteration (CIA), and several lithogeochemical parameters calculated for the Riphean and Vendian clayey rocks provide grounds for the conclusion that intensity of weathering in paleodrainage areas during the accumulation of the Upper Precambrian sedimentary successions was low. The curve reflecting changes of the average CIA values in the Upper Precambrian fine-grained siliciclastic rocks of the South Urals is similar to some extent with the “standard” CIA_correct. curve (GonzalezAlvarez and Kerrich, 2012). It is assumed that changes in microand macrobiotic communities during the Late Precambrian were controlled to a variable extent by climate fluctuations as well. At the same time, these fluctuations most likely left the chemical composition of water in the ocean virtually unchanged, which is evident from analysis of the redox conditions in the ocean and the distribution of primary producers with the average CIA_correct. and CIA values.     

Ninetyeast ridge: Magmatism and geodynamics

The study of magmatism and tectonic structure of the East Indian or Ninetyeast Ridge (NER) reveals the geochemical similarity of mantle sources for the NER and Kerguelen Plateau melts. Magmas related to the Kerguelen plume were derived from an enriched mantle source, whereas the NER tholeiitic basalts originated from a source contaminated by a depleted material. While, depleted basalt varieties were not found within the NER basalts. It was shown that magmatic rocks forming the NER were generated by high degrees (30%) of partial melting within the ancient Wharton spreading ridge due to the activity of the Kerguelen plume, which was located at this time in the vicinity of the ridge. The most significant impact of the plume on the NER structures was recorded at 70–50 Ma ago.     

The phosphate-containing interlayers of the Bazhenov Formation as potential reservoirs

The possible reservoir type of the Bazhenov Formation relative to the intervals enriched in phosphates (apatite varieties) is described in this work. The phosphate rocks are characterized by a highly developed pore space; their porosity can reach up to 14%. Along with this, these rocks have explicit geochemical characteristics of oil-reservoir rocks in comparison with other rock samples in the well. As an example, the productivity index and oil-saturation index for phosphates are twice as high as the background values. The composition of such rocks can slightly vary: fluorine can be observed in phosphate minerals, while the rock is always enriched in organic matter (>8 wt %).     

The evolution of slump-induced destruction of Kukuy Griva slope (Lake Baikal) revealed on the base of the data of seismic and acoustic surveys

As a result of careful interpretation of the data of recent seismo-acoustic surveys, two major seismic complexes were identified in the structure of the upper sedimentary section of the north-western slope of Kukuy Griva (ridge). They are composed of several inner seismo-facies, which are very characteristic and separated with well-expressed regional reflector. Seismic and acoustic data revealed evidences of numerous landslide processes which were different in age and peculiarities of manifestation. For the first time, detailed schemes of seismo-facies distribution are compiled for major seismic complexes at the area. The boundary between seismic complexes is dated as 150 thousands years. It is shown that sliding was more intensive during Late Pleistocene and Holocene, reflecting activation of tectonic movements in this part of Baikal rift system.     

The influence of geodynamic factors on the lithification of sedimentary deposits in the stratisphere

The peculiarities of the processes of postsedimentary lithification and their dynamics in various geostructural areas (cratons, young platforms, and orogens) are considered. The direct and indirect impacts of geodynamic factors on these processes are substantiated.     

The ancient water system at the Upper city of Hasankeyf,Turkey

In this paper, the water distribution system at the Upper city of a well-preserved medieval town of Hasankeyf near the Tigris is questioned and its relation to the urban settlement pattern is assessed. The discussions are based on the cistern-intensive and available canal data collected within the residential borders of the Upper city in 2005. Being the third level features of the water system, the cisterns the majority of which are now attributable to the “conical, small and individual” typology, have shown that they were actively operated through the open rock-cut canals which were fed by the backbone of the distribution network—namely the siphon system, until recent times. Although a considerable number of converted cisterns hallmark shifts in the function of the water system and the changing conjectures over time, the blue prints of such a big “hydro-design” reveal the competence of semi-arid occupational environments in Upper Mesopotamia in showing how to cope with the topographical constraints and climatic disadvantages and turn these into an opportunity through the efficient use of terrain along with a carefully designed settlement area. That the Upper city now offers numerous water features makes this piece of land quite a representative of the regional works and shows the apex of the perception of ancient technology achieved with the siphon that could have been launched in the Roman era, and the state of art of planning ancient natural and man-made habitats.     

Impact of royalties from forest resources on community development in Boki Local Government in Cross River State,Nigeria

The purpose of the study was to examine the extent to which royalties generated from forest resources contributed to community development in Boki Local Government area of Cross River State, Nigeria. The study used questionnaire survey of house-hold heads and Interview with focus groups to obtain data for this study. A total of 224 household heads representing 20 % of the available house-hold heads in the area was used for the study. The data collected were presented using tables and charts while an inferential statistics (Pearson’s Product Moment correlation) was employed to test the hypothesis of the study. The result of the analysis revealed that there exist a positive correlation coefficient of 0.911 which indicates a strong and positive relationship between royalties collected from forest resources and the number of developmental projects in the study area. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that more efforts be directed towards the monitoring and regulation of forest resource exploration activities in the area to ensure that royalties collected are directed towards the establishment of more developmental projects in the area so as to impact more positively on the living standard of the people.