Temporal changes of warm-season pan evaporation in a semi-arid basin in Western Turkey

Warm-season (from May to September) pan evaporation series recorded at nine sites in semi-arid Büyük Menderes Basin in Western Turkey were analyzed for evidence of long-term changes using non-parametric Mann–Kendall test. Only two sites showed significant linear trends, one in decreasing direction and the other in increasing direction. Area-averaged normalized anomalies of pan evaporation stayed unchanged over the period 1975–2006. Based on correlation and multiple regression analysis with visual inspection of the time series plots, sunshine duration which is used as a proxy for global radiation was found to be the major factor explaining the change and variability of pan evaporation in warm-season in semi-arid Büyük Menderes Basin. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed no significant effect of rainfall on pan evaporation, which means that the effect of complementary relationship is rather weak and even non-existent.     

Quaternary bimodal volcanism in the Niğde Volcanic Complex (Cappadocia,central Anatolia,Turkey): age,petrogenesis and geodynamic implications

The late Neogene to Quaternary Cappadocian Volcanic Province (CVP) in central Anatolia is one of the most impressive volcanic fields of Turkey because of its extent and spectacular erosionally sculptured landscape. The late Neogene evolution of the CVP started with the eruption of extensive andesitic-dacitic lavas and ignimbrites with minor basaltic lavas. This stage was followed by Quaternary bimodal volcanism. Here, we present geochemical, isotopic (Sr–Nd–Pb and δ¹⁸O isotopes) and geochronological (U–Pb zircon and Ar–Ar amphibole and whole-rock ages) data for bimodal volcanic rocks of the Ni?de Volcanic Complex (NVC) in the western part of the CVP to determine mantle melting dynamics and magmatic processes within the overlying continental crust during the Quaternary. Geochronological data suggest that the bimodal volcanic activity in the study area occurred between ca. 1.1 and ca. 0.2 Ma (Pleistocene) and comprises (1) mafic lavas consisting of basalts, trachybasalts, basaltic andesites and scoria lapilli fallout deposits with mainly basaltic composition, (2) felsic lavas consisting of mostly rhyolites and pumice lapilli fall-out and surge deposits with dacitic to rhyolitic composition. The most mafic sample is basalt from a monogenetic cone, which is characterized by ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7038, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.5128, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.80, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.60 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.68, suggesting a moderately depleted signature of the mantle source. Felsic volcanic rocks define a narrow range of ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd isotope ratios (0.5126–0.5128) and are homogeneous in Pb isotope composition (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.84–18.87, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.64–15.67 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.93–38.99). ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isotopic compositions of mafic (0.7038–0.7053) and felsic (0.7040–0.7052) samples are similar, reflecting a common mantle source. The felsic rocks have relatively low zircon δ¹⁸O values (5.6 ± 0.6 ‰) overlapping mantle values (5.3 ± 0.3 %), consistent with an origin by fractional crystallization from a mafic melt with very minor continental crustal contamination. The geochronological and geochemical data suggest that mafic and felsic volcanic rocks of the NVC are genetically closely related to each other. Mafic rocks show a positive trend between ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and Th, suggesting simultaneous assimilation and fractional crystallization, whereas the felsic rocks are characterized by a flat or slightly negative variation. High ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr gneisses are a potential crustal contaminant of the mafic magmas, but the comparatively low and invariant ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr in the felsic volcanics suggests that these evolved dominantly by fractional crystallization. Mantle-derived basaltic melts, which experienced low degree of crustal assimilation, are proposed to be the parent melt of the felsic volcanics. Geochronological and geochemical results combined with regional geological and geophysical data suggest that bimodal volcanism of the NVC and the CVP, in general, developed in a post-collisional extensional tectonic regime that is caused by ascending asthenosphere, which played a key role during magma genesis.     

Groundwater quality assessment in urban environment

The assessment of environmental effects generated by urban areas (with various activities as agriculture, industry, human activities) on groundwater quality became essential for the use and conservation of the water resources. The main objective was to apply a water quality index to the groundwater sources using the specific methodology, establishing the suitability for drinking for groundwater. Water resources were monitored in October 2011, the samples were collected from 22 points for groundwater, and more parameters were analyzed: pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, oxygen regime, hardness, alkalinity, nutrients regime (nitrates, ammonium, phosphates) which were considered important and utilized for water quality index computation that reveal poor quality for groundwater. The oxidability should be included in computation formula and the final results used for water management, taking into consideration the limits of the current model. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to indicate the influence of urban area on the quality of groundwater resources. Results of the analysis highlight an influence of geology and a contamination of agricultural origin.     

Investigation of the failure mechanism and stabilization of a landslide in weathered tuffite,Giresun, northeastern Turkey

This study investigates the causes and failure mechanism of the Aksu landslide that occurred during the construction of the Giresun–Espiye road between KM: 1 + 030–1 + 170 in northern Turkey and recommends proper stabilization techniques. For the purpose of investigating the causes and mechanism of this slope failure, engineering geological mapping, geotechnical investigation and rock mass characterization were performed. From top to bottom, weathered tuffite, tuffite, flysch, and dacitic tuffite were the major units in the study area. The disturbance of the slope by the excavations performed at the toe of the slope (i.e., due to the foundation excavation for the Tünel restaurant building and for the road cut) led to a “translational slide”. The “translational slide” occurred in completely weathered tuffite due to the disturbance of the stability of the slope by the excavations performed at the toe of the slope, particularly for the foundation excavation of the Tünel restaurant building and for the road cut along the Giresun–Espiye road. The rise in the groundwater level was also another important factor that has contributed to the occurrence of the landslide. After establishing the geometry of the landslide in detail, the shear strength parameters of the failure surface were determined by the back analysis method. Sensitivity analyses were performed and landslide failure mechanisms were modeled to quantify the contributing factors that have caused the formation of the Aksu landslide. The influence of an earthquake was investigated through pseudostatic slope stability analysis. Toe buttressing, ground water drainage, and surface water drainage alternatives were considered for stabilizing the slope.     

Groundwater quality assessment and its suitability in Çeltikçi plain (Burdur/Turkey)

The Çeltikçi (Burdur) plain is located in the southwest of Turkey and is a semi-closed basin. Groundwater is densely used as drinking, irrigation and domestic water in the plain. Hydrogeochemical processes controlling groundwater chemistry and geochemical assessment of groundwater were investigated in the Çeltikçi (Burdur/Turkey) plain. In this study, groundwater samples for two seasons were analyzed and major ion chemistry of groundwater was researched to understand the groundwater geochemistry. Two major hydrochemical facies (Ca–HCO₃ and Ca–Mg–HCO₃) were determined in the area. Various graphical plots and multivariate statistical analysis were used for identifying the occurrence of different geochemical processes. In the study area, weathering is one of the key geochemical processes which controlled the solute concentration in groundwater. Chemical indexes such as sodium adsorption ratio, %Na, residual sodium carbonate, magnesium hazard and permeability index were calculated and results show that groundwater is suitable for irrigation purpose except for permeability index values. Concentrations of Mn, NO₃ and total hardness exceed the prescribed limits of WHO and are the major limiting parameters of groundwater use for potable and domestic purposes.     

Assessment of trace metal contents in water and bottom sediments from Eğirdir Lake,Turkey

The concentration of metals (Pb, As, Co, Cu, Ni, Zn, Fe and Mn) was investigated in water and sediment samples of E?irdir Lake. The Lake is the second largest fresh water lake of Turkey and it is used as drinking water in the region. The anthropogenic pollutants are primary sources of trace metals which are negatively affected lake water quality. These negative effects were observed in both lake water and bottom sediments. According to obtained data, Pb, Cu, Ni, Fe and Zn have significant enrichment in sediments samples. In addition, the hydrodynamic model of the lake was determined as effectively for Pb, Co, Cu, Ni, Zn, Fe and Mn accumulations. Also, the effect of anthropogenic pollutants was found to be more dominant than geogenic effect in metal accumulation of the lake bottom sediments. Therefore, anthropogenic pollutants within the lake basin should be consistently controlled for the sustainable usage of the lake.     

The spatial and temporal distributions of spheroidal carbonaceous particles from sediment core samples from industrial cities in Japan and China

Spheroidal carbonaceous particles (SCPs) are produced by the high-temperature combustion of fossil fuels and emitted in to the atmosphere. The distribution and concentration of SCPs in sediments have been used as a proxy for the distribution of pollutants emitted to the atmosphere. However, the effect on the distribution of SCPs due to industrial activity at nearby industrial cities is yet to be quantified. To clarify the origin of SCPs of ~20 μm in size that are preserved in sediments, we evaluated the abundance, surface morphology, and chemical composition of SCPs in sediment core samples recovered from industrial cities in Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagasaki) and China (Beijing), with the cities being located at least ~500 km away from each other. Vertical profiles of SCP concentration in sediment cores from the Japanese cities and Beijing are different, reflecting the contrasting industrial histories of the two countries. The SCPs from different cities show contrasting morphological and chemical characteristics, suggesting that ~20 μm SCPs in sediments from the industrial cities could represent the local combustion history in detail, as the influx of local SCPs is dominant at such sites.     

Variation in time-to-compliance for pump-and-treat remediation of mass transfer-limited aquifers with hydraulic conductivity heterogeneity

In this study, the impact of correlation length (λ) of hydraulic conductivity (K) heterogeneity on pump-and-treat (P&T) remediation period (time-to-compliance) for a mass transfer-limited aquifer is evaluated. Additionally, impacts of variance (σ ²), different distributions of high and low K zones and different initial contaminant masses are explored. Two different P&T policies including different number of wells pumping at different rates are employed for the investigation. Simulation–optimization approach in which a genetic algorithm (GA) is linked with a groundwater flow and contaminant transport model is used. Results show that K heterogeneity, in terms of λ _ln K , s_ln K² \sigma_{\ln \,K}^{2} and respective locations of low and high K zones, significantly impacts the time-to-compliance. Contaminant presence at low K zones can increase the time required to clean up the aquifer. Lower variation is observed in time-to-compliance for the remediation design utilizing higher number of wells pumping at slower rates compared to the design with a single well pumping at a higher rate. Higher number of wells increases the robustness of P&T remediation system when aquifer is heterogeneous in K.     

A theoretical approach to estimate the annual lightning hazards on human beings

This study provides a detailed account of the stepwise development of an empirical equation to estimate the number of lightning casualties in a given region. The factors considered in the development of the formula are; lightning density, population density and urbanization of a given region. The unknown constants of the equation have been evaluated by applying state-wise lightning death records and information on lightning density distribution in USA. The death figure per year due to lightning calculated for Sri Lanka using the empirical equation developed is in good agreement with the same figure reported for the country by actual data collected. The paper also discusses the limitations of the empirical equations that have been developed to calculate lightning density once the isokeraunic level is provided as the input parameter.