Sequence stratigraphic evolution of the syn-rift Early Cretaceous sediments,West Beni Suef Basin,the Western Desert of Egypt with remarks on its hydrocarbon accumulations

The Beni Suef Basin is a petroliferous rift basin straddling the River Nile containing a thick Mesozoic–Paleogene succession. The Kharita Formation is formed in the syn-rift phase of the basin formation and is subdivided into the Lower and Upper Kharita members. These two members are regarded as two third-order depositional sequences (DSQ-1 and DSQ-2). The lowstand systems tract (LST-1) of the DSQ-1 is represented by thick amalgamated sandstone bodies deposited by active braided channels. Mid-Albian tectonic subsidence led to a short-lived marine invasion which produced coastal marine and inner-shelf facies belts during an ensuing transgressive systems tract (TST-1). At the end of the mid-Albian, a phase of tectonic uplift gradually rose the continent creating a fall in relative sea level, resulting in deposition of shallow marine and estuarine facies belts during a highstand systems tract (HST-1). During the Late Albian, a new phase of land-rejuvenation commenced, with a prolonged phase of fluvial depositional. Fluvial deposits consisted of belts of amalgamated, vertically aggraded sandstones interpreted as braided and moderately sinuous channels, in the lower part of the Upper Kharita Member lowstand stage (LST-2). The continuous basin filling, coupled with significant lowering in the surrounding highlands changed the drainage regime into a wide belt of meandering river depositing the transgressive stage (TST-2). The history of the Kharita Formation finalized with a Cenomanian marine transgressive phase. Economically, the TST-1 and HST-1 play a significant role as source rocks for hydrocarbon accumulations, whereas LST-2 act as good reservoir rocks in the Early Cretaceous in the Basin.     

Improving the structural stability during earthquakes using in-filled trench with <Emphasis Type="Italic">EPS</Emphasis> geofoam—numerical study

It is difficult to protect structures and foundation from collapse after an earthquake hit; however studies have been undertaken in order to limit future earthquake hazards. Therefore, the main notion of the present paper is to study an alternative technique to control the foundation structure deformation under seismic loading using in-filled trench with expanded polystyrene (EPS) geofoam. A series of plane strain two-dimension module for a 10-story building and subjected to different earthquakes are run using Plaxis 2D. The numerical analysis is primary concerned with studying the effect of using wave barrier of EPS geofoam adjacent to structure on improving the structure stability as a passive screening technique. The wave barrier geometry, sand density and earthquake acceleration are investigated. The results showed the effectiveness of such trench in controlling the lateral deformation and decreasing the angular distortion, β, of a structure. To get the positive effect of such barrier, it should be installed in dense sand with optimum geometry of b?=?0.25d and d?=?0.5B. The installation of wave barrier—with sufficient depth and width adjacent to structure—can significantly reduce the amplitude reduction ratio to as much as 10%. It is also found that the angular distortion, β, of the foundation is changed from 0.04 to 0.0018 due to barrier effect. The adopted technique can modify the building damage from severe to moderate and slight damage with lesser deformation.     

The Neoproterozoic volcanic complex of the Boumalne inlier (Saghro massif,Eastern Anti-Atlas; Morocco): petrological and geochemical characteristics

Neoproterozoic volcanic series are exposed in the northern edge of the Saghro massif (Eastern Anti-Atlas, Morocco). Four volcanic rock types (basalt, andesite, dacite, and rhyolite) were distinguished in the Boumalne inlier within the so-called Saghro volcanic sequences based on petrographic and geochemical observations. Boumalne volcanic rocks contain high Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, Ba, Sr, Zr, Rb, and Nb contents, including calc-alkaline affinity in composition. Boumalne volcanic rocks are similar to other lower-Neoproterozoic volcanic rocks such Agouiniy formation in Sirwa inlier and in other parts of Bou-Azzer inlier. Indeed, they indicate an active subduction signature. The geochemical data show a LREE enrichment compared to HREE. The fractional crystallization has played a major role during the evolution of the magma. The less-siliceous dacitic rocks could have been formed after a low degree of partial melting of mafic parental magma source, whereas the rich-siliceous rhyolite may have been derived from dacitic magma source by a higher degree of fractional crystallization.     

Spatial distribution of stream sediment pollution by toxic trace elements at Tourtit and Ichoumellal abandoned mining areas (central Morocco)

This study presents a diagnostic of the current state of 114 stream sediment samples by their elemental concentrations (Sb, Cd, Pb, As, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, and Hg), collected from Ighardayane upstream on an area of 15 km² located at the SE part of central Morocco where Tourtit and Ichoumellal, two abandoned mining sites of Stibnite, are located. Several approaches were used to model the analysis (i) enrichment factor (EF), (ii) sediment pollution index (IPS), (iii) probable effect concentration-quotients (PEC-Qs), and (iv) potential ecological risk index (PERI). Results show highly contaminated areas around the old mining sites by Sb As, Pb, and Cd. Cadmium and lead show 86.9 and 12.29% (respectively) of trace element pollution according to sediment pollution index. Twenty-eight percent of the sampled area is potentially highly toxic because of the presence of Hg, Pb, and Cd. The very similar distribution of pollution and toxicity of most analyzed trace elements may originate from the same source, which corresponds to mining wastes where we recorded the highest pollution and toxicity degrees. This environmental issue represents the combination of Tourtit and Ichoumellal anthropic sources responsible of Sb, As, Pb, and Cd release and a probable natural source of Hg “that needs a further study,” which contribute in the degradation of an aquatic ecosystem of the same area. Therefore, both ecotoxicological analysis and stream sediment quality management should be carried out to control this aquatic ecosystem toxication.     

Hydrographic network as a marker of Quaternary tectonics: the example of El Mencha River from the Kaous region,Jijel, Algeria

A river can be an excellent marker of Quaternary tectonics. This method is applied to the El Mencha River case study (Jijel), which is an active region of Northern Algeria. In the Kaous locality (wilaya of Jijel), El Mencha River shows, at some points of its course, a difference in the banks’ altitude and a sinuosity that contrasts with the gentle slope. The right bank is in a high position with respect to the left bank. Bank uplift is emphasized notably by the staging of the stepped alluvial terraces. The oldest of these terraces is found about 6 m from the current level of the riverbed. On the left bank, the floodplain is very flared, with traces of abandoned or immature channels. Prospecting by electrical imaging has highlighted (i) superficial resistant unstratified and lenticular fluvial layers above conductive stratified deposits; (ii) an abnormal contact between the resistant and the conductive layers interpreted as a NE-SW fault zone, and (iii) the evidence of filled paleovalley which manifests as a V-shaped incision in stratified deposits. Channel pattern adjustment involving a lateral migration of the riverbed and the uplifted alluvial terraces are a consequence of the fault activity during the Quaternary period.     

Geochemistry of the Miocene Zoumi flysch thrust-top basin (External Rif,Morocco): new constraints on source area weathering,recycling processes,and paleoclimate conditions

This study focuses on the Lower-Middle Miocene syn-orogenic flysch deposits of the Zoumi basin to infer source area paleoclimatic conditions, the intensity of source rocks paleoweathering, and mechanical sorting and recycling effects. The mudrocks are enriched in Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, CaO, and TiO₂ relative to PAAS and depleted in the other mobile major elements. There are high positive correlations between SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and TiO₂ and negative correlations between SiO₂ and CaO. Geochemically, the mudstones are mainly classified as shales, Fe-shales, and wackes. Various discriminant diagrams were used to reveal the inferred tectonics, source paleoweathering intensity, and paleoclimatic conditions. Chemical index of alteration (CIA) and chemical index of weathering (CIW) values for Lower-Middle Miocene vary from 50 to 80% indicating low to moderate degree of source area weathering compatible with non-steady-state weathering under wet and humid paleoclimatic conditions. Locally (Zoumi mid-section) CIA values are higher (>?80) reflecting intense source area weathering, which may be attributed to high tectonic impulses and more humid conditions during deposition. The combination of ICV-CIA, Al₂O₃-Zr-TiO₂, and Th/Sc-Zr/Sc values suggests the bulk rock is chemically immature and has experienced modest physical sorting and recycling reflecting little transportation until the final deposition.     

High-resolution monitoring of water temperature and oxygen concentration in Lake Murten (Switzerland)

Lake Murten is located in the Lake District in western Switzerland and so far, it has been poorly investigated. The Environmental Service of Fribourg (SEn) has monitored this lake once a month for several years by water profiles (water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity) at its deepest part. The SEn identified the stratification of water masses as one of the main causes for oxygen consumption in the hypolimnion. In the present study, a Lander System was deployed in Lake Murten from April to September 2015 at 20 m depth at the northwestern part of the lake to monitor water temperature and dissolved oxygen at higher resolution (30 s interval). These records were compared with time series of atmospheric parameters like atmospheric temperature, wind speed and precipitation. A clear correlation of lake temperatures with wind speed was observed during the Spring and Autumn. The water mass stratification evolved through the season and reached its peak during Summer, preventing surface turbulences to reach the deeper part (20 m) of the water column and to partially oxygenate the metalimnion.     

Influence of Diverse Urban Pressures on Water Characteristics in a Small Eastern Mediterranean Watershed

This work focuses on the characterization of a typical coastal karst watershed by addressing its physico-chemical parameters. The concentrations of the main ions clearly indicate the dominance of Ca²⁺ and HCO₃^? with a carbonate weathering rate equivalent to 230t/Km²/year; that is a typical weathering of karst watersheds. The spatio-temporal variability of dissolved organic matter (DOM) is also assessed in the watershed. Many samples were collected under different hydrological conditions from three representative sites. The evolution of OM composition along an urbanization gradient from upstream to downstream Kadisha watershed reveals the very strong impact of urban discharges on the receiving waters. Substantial differences in DOC results are highlighted in relation to the urban or natural origin of the DOM. Upstream OM flux is quantified and compared to downstream OM flux showing that, during the low flow period, the downstream flux is 29 times higher than the upstream. Also, a large fraction of non-humic substances, including hydrophilic organic matter HPI, is detected in the downstream section impacted by urban discharges. The higher values of SUVA noticed for DOM at upstream compared to downstream, reflects the low aromaticity and non-humic character of DOM in downstream. These outcomes show the impact of the Tripoli urban discharges on the quality and quantity of OM in the receiving waters downstream of the Kadisha catchment. This is typical at low water period when the dilution factor of urban discharges in the receiving waters is the least.

     

Purang Ultramafic Complex and Their Geological Origin, Southwest Tibet

<正>Neoproterozoic ophiolitic Serpentinites are common in the Arabian–Nubian Shield(ANS)of the Eastern Desert(ED)of Egypt,which were formed in arc stage in different tectonic setting.Thus they might subject to exchange with the crustal material derived from recycling subducting oceanic lithosphere.This caused metasomatism enriching