A model for estimating the value of sampling programs and the optimal number of samples for contaminated soil

A model is presented for estimating the value of information of sampling programs for contaminated soil. The purpose is to calculate the optimal number of samples when the objective is to estimate the mean concentration. A Bayesian risk–cost–benefit decision analysis framework is applied and the approach is design-based. The model explicitly includes sample uncertainty at a complexity level that can be applied to practical contaminated land problems with limited amount of data. Prior information about the contamination level is modelled by probability density functions. The value of information is expressed in monetary terms. The most cost-effective sampling program is the one with the highest expected net value. The model was applied to a contaminated scrap yard in Göteborg, Sweden, contaminated by metals. The optimal number of samples was determined to be in the range of 16–18 for a remediation unit of 100 m². Sensitivity analysis indicates that the perspective of the decision-maker is important, and that the cost of failure and the future land use are the most important factors to consider. The model can also be applied for other sampling problems, for example, sampling and testing of wastes to meet landfill waste acceptance procedures.     

Geochemical evaluation of Niger Delta sedimentary organic rocks: a new insight

A geochemical evaluation of Niger Delta organic matter was carried out using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) sample preparation procedure. Comparison of geochemical significance of gas chromatographic data of rock extracts of SFE with those of Soxhlet extraction method from previous studies was made in order to establish the usefulness of SFE in geochemical exploration. The assessment of geochemical character of the rock samples from the comparison and interpretation of other geochemical parameters were used to give more insights into understanding the source rocks characteristics of onshore and shelf portions of the Niger Delta Basin. The results of the gas chromatographic (GC) analysis of the rock extracts across the lithostratigraphic units show that Pr/Ph, Pr/nC₁₇, Pr/nC₁₈, CPI and odd/even preference ranged from 0.07 to 12.39, 0.04 to 6.66, 0.05 to 13.80, 0.12 to 8.4 and 0.06 to 8.12, respectively. The Rock-Eval pyrolysis data and geochemical ratios and parameters calculated from the GC data showed that most of the samples are mature and have strong terrestrial provenance while a few samples have strong marine provenance. The few marine source rocks are located in the deeper depth horizon. Pr/Ph and standard geochemical plots indicate that most of samples were derived from organic matter deposited in less reducing conditions, i.e. more of oxidizing conditions while a few samples have predominantly influence of reducing conditions. The results of trace metal analysis of older samples from Agbada Formation also indicate marine and mixed organic matter input deposited in less reducing conditions. The results obtained in this study are comparable with those obtained from previous studies when Soxhlet extraction method was used and also indicated the presence of more than one petroleum systems in the Niger Delta.     

A Top Pilot Tunnel Preconditioning Method for the Prevention of Extremely Intense Rockbursts in Deep Tunnels Excavated by TBMs

The headrace tunnels at the Jinping II Hydropower Station cross the Jinping Mountain with a maximum overburden depth of 2,525 m, where 80% of the strata along the tunnels consist of marble. A number of extremely intense rockbursts occurred during the excavation of the auxiliary tunnels and the drainage tunnel. In particular, a tunnel boring machine (TBM) was destroyed by an extremely intense rockburst in a 7.2-m-diameter drainage tunnel. Two of the four subsequent 12.4-m-diameter headrace tunnels will be excavated with larger size TBMs, where a high risk of extremely intense rockbursts exists. Herein, a top pilot tunnel preconditioning method is proposed to minimize this risk, in which a drilling and blasting method is first recommended for the top pilot tunnel excavation and support, and then the TBM excavation of the main tunnel is conducted. In order to evaluate the mechanical effectiveness of this method, numerical simulation analyses using the failure approaching index, energy release rate, and excess shear stress indices are carried out. Its construction feasibility is discussed as well. Moreover, a microseismic monitoring technique is used in the experimental tunnel section for the real-time monitoring of the microseismic activities of the rock mass in TBM excavation and for assessing the effect of the top pilot tunnel excavation in reducing the risk of rockbursts. This method is applied to two tunnel sections prone to extremely intense rockbursts and leads to a reduction in the risk of rockbursts in TBM excavation.     

New data on the Lower Mesozoic basal series of the Traras mounts (Tlemcen,northwestern Algeria)

The lower Mesozoic of the Traras mount starts with the so-called Red Series, which lays uncomformably on the folded and granitized Paleozoic basement. This series is overlain by Middle Liassic limestones. On the basis of its lower and upper limits and the lack of dating evidence, former authors attribute a Permian to lower Liassic (Sinemurian) age for this series. Palynological results allow to range it in the upper Triassic probably Norian-Rhetian. The Red Series is studied from five sections that depict important thickness and facies variations from southwest to the northeast, inferring the irregularities of the Hercynian erosional surface. In the Central Traras, this series shows over 130-m-thick micaceous sandy conglomeratic units, deposited within alluvial fans, where the bedrock source corresponds to granite of Nedroma or its equivalent. In the southern and eastern Traras, where the series’ thickness respectively does not exceed 30 m and averages 40–80 m, besides alluvial deposits issued from hercynian basement erosion, it exhibits volcanic evidences interbedded by lacustrine deposits. Vertical and spatial distribution depicts synsedimentary infilling of narrow elongated rift basins, typically half-grabens, bounded on one side by a normal fault or a series of normal faults trending NNE-SSW to NW-SE, inherited from the hercynian event. The study of tectonostratigraphic units permitted to put forward geodynamics of the infilling basins.     

Fluid-assisted zircon and monazite growth within a shear zone: a case study from Finnmark,Arctic Norway

The U–Pb ages, REE content, and oxygen isotopic composition of zircon rims developed within a major shear zone in the Kalak Nappe Complex (KNC), Arctic Norway have been determined along with the age of monazite crystals. Different generations of granitic veins have been distinguished based on both field criteria and monazite ages of 446 ± 3 and 424 ± 3 Ma. Within each of these veins, inherited zircon cores are mantled by homogeneous low CL-response zircon rims which yield a range of concordant U–Pb dates of ca. 470–360 Ma. Significant numbers of zircon rims coincide with the timing of monazite crystallization. The zircon rims have moderate light REE enrichment compared to cores, distinctive (Sm/La) _n values of less than 12, and La between 0.3 and 10 ppm. This indicates free elemental exchange between newly formed zircon rims and the surrounding matrix. The rims have calculated accumulated alpha-radiation dosages corresponding with a crystalline structure and δ¹⁸O values of 1‰. This implies rim crystallization directly from a zirconium-saturated hydrothermal fluid which was modified by some silicate melt. Growth of the zircon rims was prolonged and locally variable due to preferential fluid flow. A third type of zircon can be recognized, forming both rims and cores, with high alpha-radiation doses, and significant enrichment in La, Pr, and Eu. These are interpreted as low-temperature hydrothermally altered metamict zircons. The high volatile input and partial melting in the shear zone favoured prolonged zircon rim growth due to its ability to easily nucleate on inherited seeds. On the other hand, monazite, susceptible to dissolution and re-growth, crystallized in brief episodes, as has been predicted from theoretical phase diagrams. From a regional perspective, these results elucidate cryptic Ar–Ar cooling ages, providing the first record of a Late Ordovician heating and cooling phase within the KNC prior to the climactic Scandian collision.     

Floods in megacity environments: vulnerability and coping strategies of slum dwellers in Dhaka/Bangladesh

In many megacities of the global south, the combination of rapid population growth and high pressure on space for housing, results in urban growth taking place in areas particularly prone to natural hazards. Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is no exception to this rule. Many marginal settlements or slums are located on low-lying land at high risk of flooding. This paper analyzes the vulnerability of slum dwellers in Dhaka and highlights the major factors behind their sensitivity to floods and their ability to adapt to the related changes. The empirical findings presented are based on a questionnaire survey covering 625 households in five slum areas of Dhaka. Our data suggests that social capital plays an important role with regard to the ability of slum dwellers to find ways to live with the floods. Regardless of how strongly people are affected, mutual help and support are dominant features in times of crises. While poorly educated and resourced slum dwellers are highly vulnerable to external shocks, they still show a surprising capacity to cope with natural calamities.     

The response of the total electron content to the interplanetary magnetic sector boundary crossing

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