Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
Erik Mikhailovich Galimov
Russian Academу of Sciences, Russia
Keynote: The origin of hydrocarbon accumulation in Precambrian of the Eastern Siberia
Time : 10:00-10:30
Biography:
Galimov Erik Mikhailovich is presently the Director of the Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry of Russian Academу of Sciences, Russia. He is graduated from Gubkin University in Moscow in 1959. He was also the Honored Professor at the Moscow State University, Russia. He was also the President of International Association Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry during 2000-2004 and the Vice-President of IAGC during 1996-2000.
Abstract:
Petroleum in Precambrian deposits, including giant oil and gas fields are discovered in many parts of the world. In East Siberia, the major petroleum occurrences are related to Lena-Tunguska petroleum province, where the total reserves of gas are estimated to be about 6-7 trillion m3, and that of oil are about 1 billion tons. The most prominent feature of the Precambrian oil is its unusual carbon isotope composition, which varies in the range of the δ13C-values between -32 and -37‰, while the majority of world's oils occurring in Fanerozoic deposits are characterized by the δ13C-values from -27 to -29‰. Chemical composition of the Siberian Proterozoic oils is also distinctive. The peculiar hydrocarbon chemistry and unusual carbon isotope composition are characteristic of many Precambrian oils in the world. We show that geochemical specificity of the Precambrian oil is related to their origin predominantly from bacterial material, and bacterial kingdom proliferates in periods of intensive volcanism that may explain correlation of oil occurrences in Precambrian with times of active volcanism. We observed two types of Precambrian gases in East Siberia. The first type is gas generated from kerogen at the late stage of its catagenesis. The East Siberian gases with δ13C-values from -28 to -32‰ may have such origin. The other type of gas, which δ13C-values from -35 to -43‰ originates from destruction of high molecular hydrocarbons at the end of the “oil window’ stage, when formation of gas-condensate begins. We believe that petroleum in Precambrian is most likely to be secondary product of destruction of the initial oil deposits.
Keynote Forum
Asma Al-Farraj AlKetbi
Emirates Geographical Society, UAE
Keynote: Quaternary geology of United Arab Emirates
Time : 10:05-10:35
Biography:
Asma Al-Farraj AlKetbi completed her PhD from University of Liverpool-UK. She is not only a Scientist from the UAE but also a writer and researcher. Throughout her career, she has been distinguished for her professional work. Her professional work has been supplemented by her commitment to community service, and a dedication to the development of UAE culture and literature. At present, she is the CEO of 2 non-governmental organizations; SPHER International Ltd., for human and environment rights, and Emirates Geographical Society. Previously, she was an Associate Professor in Geomorphology in UAE University, Plus Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of the UAE in Washington, DC.
Abstract:
With the small area size (83,600 km2) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it is blessed with a number of significant and rare geologic features and environments that are both well exposed and easily accessible, zones such as the Dibba zone (where 3 rock types outcrop adjacent to each other). This presentation will go through overall geological history of the UAE. Then, it will appraise in more detail the Quaternary geology, from the oldest Quaternary sediments (The Hurmuz salts) to the youngest (the modern coastal sabkhas). North UAE is an area of young tectonic activity, and continuous uplift and dissection, creating a desert mountain environment. They are formed of rocks of late Palaeozoic to late Mesozoic age, deposited on the margin of the Tethys Ocean. The main rocks groups are; the Ruus Al-Jibal group, the Elphinstone group and the Musandam group. During the late Cretaceous these groups have been overthrust as a unit onto the rocks of the Hawasina series of approximately the same age (Glennie et al., 1974). Over the past 1.8 million years, the Quaternary history of the UAE–as with many other parts of the world has been greatly influenced by Quaternary climatic sequence, affecting both erosion rates and sea-level change. Sea-level change primarily reflects global climatic changes, but is locally modified by tectonics. In the UAE, these factors plus salt tectonics are well exposed in the present landscape. Much of the evidence for the Early Quaternary is missing. It has been either eroded away or covered by sea or by sand. The most well established Early Quaternary feature is the marine terrace at the mountain front in Northern UAE. This is followed by tufa from the relict spring water along the fault line through Wadi Idan. At Wadi Taweeyen and Kudaa, they are relict fragments of old relatively high wadi terraces. The late Quaternary features are more obvious; wadi terraces and alluvial fans as well as the complex sand dunes and sabkhas of the modern desert areas.
Keynote Forum
Can Rao
Zhejiang University, China
Keynote: Mengxianminite, Ca2Sn2Mg3Al8[(BO3)(BeO4)O6]2, a new borate mineral from Xianghualing skarn, Hunan Province, China
Time : 10:30-11:00
Biography:
Can Rao has completed his PhD from Nanjing University and Post-doctoral studies from Nanjing University. He is one of Associate Professors of Zhejiang University. He has found 3 new minerals (strontiohurlbutite, minjiangite and mengxianminite), which have been approved by IMA, and published 16 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
Mengxianminite, Ca2Sn2Mg3Al8[(BO3)(BeO4)O6]2, is a new borate mineral from Xianghualing skarn, Hunan Province, southern China. It occurs in the Hsianghualite vein from this skarn, and is associated with fluorite, phlogopite, hsianghualite, magnetite, tourmaline, magnesiotaaffeite-2N2S and calcite. Mengxianminite forms subhedral to euhedral green crystals from 20 to 200 μm long, translucent to transparent, with a vitreous luster. The crystals show perfect cleavage on {100} and good cleavage on {010}, and do not fluoresce in long- or short-wave ultraviolet light. The estimated Mohs hardness is 8, and the tenacity is brittle with irregular fracture. The calculated density is 4.17 g/cm3. Optically, mengxianminite is biaxial (–), with α = 1.80(2), β = 1.83(2), γ = 1.84(2) (589 nm). Chemical analysis by electron microprobe (average of 6) gave Al2O3 40.00, SnO2 25.96, MgO 6.57, CaO 8.56, FeO 4.83, B2O3 6.52, BeO 4.68, ZnO 1.81, MnO 1.23, Na2O 1.13, TiO2 0.10, SiO2 0.04, sum 101.42 wt%. The empirical formula, calculated on the basis of 26O, 2Be and 2B atoms per formula unit, is (Ca1.63,Na0.39)Æ©2.02(Sn1.84,Zn0.24)Æ©2.08(Mg1.74,Fe0.72,Al0.38,Mn0.19,Ti0.01)Æ©3.04Al8 [(BO3)(BeO4)O6]2. The stronger eight lines of the powder XRD pattern [d in Å (I)(hkl)] are: 3.000(35)(16 20); 2.931(100)(17 11); 2.475(29)(022); 2.430(30)(13 31); 2.375(100)(14 02/640); 2.028(52)(21 31); 1.807(35)(913); 1.530(98)(14 60/15 33). Mengxianminite is orthorhombic, space group Fdd2; unit-cell parameters refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data are: a = 60.689 (3), b = 9.907 (1), c = 5.740 (1) Å, V = 3451.0 (3) Å3, Z = 8. The structure of mengxianminite is composed of alternating O-T1-O-T2-O’-T2 layers stacked along the a axis, equal to two alternating modules: A module (O-T1-O) consists of the spinel modular and another O layer (AlO6 octahedra layer); B modular (T2-O’-T2) shows the simplified formula CaSnAl(BeO4)(BO3), SnO6 octahedra are isolated in the T2 layers, connected via BeO4 and CaO11 groups; AlO6 edge-sharing octahedra in the O’ layer form chains running along the b axis; these chains are connected in the c direction by the BO3 triangular groups. Mengxianminite is of hydrothermal origin, crystallized during the late stage of the xianghualing skarn.
- Track 1: Environmental Geology Track 3: Geology and Mineral Resources Track 4: Exploration Geophysics Track 5: Engineering Geology Track 9: Geology and Civil Engineering
Session Introduction
Hasan Arman
United Arab Emirates University, UAE
Title: Slake durability test on lower oligocene limestones from Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates
Time : 11:25-11:50
Biography:
Hasan Arman is a Professor at United Arab Emirates University, College of Science, Geology Department since 2008. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Hacettepe University, Turkey in 1984 and PhD degree from University of Arizona, USA in 1992. He worked as a Postdoc at the University of Nevada, Reno, USA from 1992 to 1993. He was as a faculty member at Sakarya University, Civil Engineering Department, Turkey between 1993 and 2008. He has been teaching several different courses in undergraduate and graduate levels related to engineering, environment, geology and energy. His research interests include soil and rock mechanics, environmental geology, environmental degradation, water resources, global warming, climate change, renewable and sustainable energy sources.
Abstract:
Weathering, mechanical and chemical weathering has an important role in rock engineering applications since weathering can induce a rapid change of rock material from initial rock-like properties to soil-like properties. A term of durability, which controls the stability of surficial and underground cavities, is usually used to describe the resistance of a rock to weathering and the rate of occurrence of such changes. To assess the durability of rocks, the slake durability test were widely used for evaluation of physical changes and/or slaking behavior of rocks as result of wetting-drying processes. First time, large number of laboratory tests will be conducted to understand durability of the Lower Oligocene limestones, which have extensively fractured and cavernous features. Since Al Ain city is located on the foundational level of these limestones bedrock, it has been motivated to conduct detailed laboratory study to characterize the durability behavior of the bedrocks. The area of Jabel Hafit and surrounding hills will be selected as a targeted study area due to the easily accessible of rock outcrops. This study is a unique and will tackle problems related rock engineering such as underground openings and slope stability, which have been encountered in the study area during and after any engineering applications. Furthermore, the study may help better understanding of durability problems, mitigate any possible causality and reduce loss of property today and/or in the future, too.
Recep Çelik
Dicle University, Turkey
Title: GIS based assessment effect of irrigation on groundwater level changes in agricultural areas: A case study on the Bismil plain in the Upper Tigris Basin
Time : 11:50-12:15
Biography:
Recep Çelik is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering, Dicle University, Turkey. He has completed his University (Civil Engineering) and Master’s Programme (Geotechnical Engineering) in Ä°stanbul Technical University and PhD (Hydraulic Engineering) from Fırat University. He has been working in Dicle Engineering Faculty at Civil Engineering Department since 2013. He has published more than 10 papers and presented 7 papers in International Congresses and Symposia. He has studied groundwater, water resources and GIS modelling.
Abstract:
In the recent years, the use of groundwater in agricultural areas for irrigation is being increased rapidly. Unconscious usage of water for irrigation threatens groundwater reserves. There is no need of discussing the importance of the groundwater resources. Economic activities at Bismil, a district of the Diyarbakir province, depend mainly on agriculture and animal husbandry in the Upper Tigris Basin. Tigris River lies through the middle part of the Bismil plain. Bismil plain agricultural irrigation is obtained especially from groundwater by wells. And at coasts of Tigris River, irrigation is provided by pumping the water directly from the river during the irrigation session. However, the consumption more than feeding of the groundwater resources poses a serious threat for the groundwater resources. For this reason, the changes in the groundwater levels have been studied using the data relevant to the water wells during the last 15 years. Three hundred and sixteen wells drilled for watering purposes between the years, 1996-2011 have been examined. The drilling data was ranked with the aid of Microsoft Excel software, and the coordinates have been arranged accordingly. These data were run on the ARC Map software. The data that have been converted to shape (shp) format have been modelled through Spatial analyze.
Mohamed Abdel Kader Barakat
Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute, Egypt
Title: Geochemical characteristics and potentiality of oil shale in Wassief and Rabah mines, Safaga, Red Sea Region, Egypt
Time : 12:15-12:40
Biography:
Mohamed A K Barakat has completed his PhD from the College of Engineering and Applied sciences, University of Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA (in 1985). His Post-doctoral studies focused on the main sedimentlogical and geochemical characteristics of the oil fields in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt. In 1995, he is elected as an active member of the New York Academy of Sciences. He published more than 40 research papers and 16 unpublished scientific reports covering various fields of structural geology, groundwater, hydro- geochemistry and pollution studies. From 1997 to 2005, he acted as a Professor of Geology, Geochemistry, Hydrogeology and Head of the Drilling dept. of the Higher Institute for Water Affairs (Libya). From 2005 to present, he has been working as a Professor in Geology and Sedimentology in The Exploration Dept. EPRI. He participated as a Speaker in International Geological Conferences held in across the world. He is an active member in the following scientific societies: The Geological Society of Egypt, The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), The Sedimentological Society of Egypt, The New York Academy of Sciences and The International Union of Geological Sciences, Kyoto, Japan.
Abstract:
The increasing demand for energy and the progressive depletion of crude oil resources have renewed interest in oil shale as an alternative fuel resource especially in Egypt. This paper focuses on studying the potentiality of oil shale in Wassief and Mohamed Rabah mines, Safaga, Red Sea region, by using inorganic and organic techniques. With mineralogical analysis by (XRD of bulk samples) have shown the main component are calcite, kaolinite, quartz and pyrite. While the organic results of samples confirmed that high total organic carbon (TOC) content ranges from 4.34% to 24% in Wassief mine and form 2.17% to 22.69% in Mohamed Rabah mine which considered very good source rock. The examined samples show kerogen of types I and II that prone oil and oil-gas, indicating marine organic matter derived mainly from algae and phytoplankton organisms which proposing typical oil source rock. The average of the potential index (PI) value is 0.02 mg HC/g rock, which indicates the beginning of a considerable amount of oil generation. The Tmax values range from 409 to 423. Based on the Tmax data and PI values, the studied oil shale samples are immature to early mature for hydrocarbon generation. In general, the organic matter of all studied kerogen isolates is immature and lies within the diagenesis state of maturation regardless of the vitrinite reflectance value.
Sulaiman Alaabed
United Arab Emirates University, UAE
Title: Calcination of the UAE limestones: A laboratory experiment
Time : 12:40-13:05
Biography:
Sulaiman Alaabed is a 2000 Ohio State University PhD alumni. He taught multiple geological courses, supervised many student organizations or programs at the UAEU, and involved in several research projects funded internally and externally. He has about 27 conference presentations and 14 published papers. He participated in many conferences, forums, workshops and special programs at the UAE and abroad. He performed several educational workshops, peer-reviewed a number of journal papers and contributed in number of specialized & development committees. He holds three major management positions at the College of Science of UAEU: Assistant Dean for Student Affairs (2001- 2003), Internship Unit Director (2007-2013) and Assistant Dean for Professional Development (2013- now).
Abstract:
Calcination is a heat treatment process in industry to produce lime from pure limestones. This method was applied in a laboratory scale on representative samples from UAE limestones to examine their eligibility for lime production. Limestone rocks occur in several places in the UAE, but largely outcrop in AlAin and Ras Alkaimah zone. Wadi AlBih, Jabal Faya “Buhays”, and Jabel Hafit are the main areas where the limestone representative samples are collected. Mineralogical, chemical and morphological characteristics of the studied limestones were investigated through several analytical techniques such as XRD, XRF, cathodoluminescence and SEM. Calcination was performed by loading the limestone samples in porcelain crucibles and firing for 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 h at 800, 900, 1000 and 1100°C in a lab scale electrical muffle furnace. After each calcination run, the lime grains were immediately examined for their microfabric characteristics, free lime content and hydration rate. The investigated samples represent six different formations, in which the resulted lime is not the same in all. Ghalilah limestone includes an oxide impurity with the lowest hydration rates indicating an undesirable material for the lime production. Dammam and Asmari limestone preserves a flicker of the original limestone microfabric and may need more testing at higher firing conditions that may fit for a dead-burnt lime. Musandam, Shauiba and Muthaymimah limestone records a higher hydration rate probably attributed to smaller lime crystallites and the dominance of the post-calcination micro-cracks. Therefore, the limestone of the last three formations is more proper for a quicklime production. The above outcomes have proved the strong connection between mineralogical, chemical and morphological characteristics of the calcined limestone and the attribute of the produced lime.
Nabil Sayed Embabi
Ain Shams University, Egypt
Title: New findings in the geomorphology of Egyptian sand dunes
Time : 14:00-14:40
Biography:
Nabil Sayed Embabi obtained his PhD in 1967 from Bristol University, UK. His Post-doctoral studies were carried out in the Egyptian Deserts. He held the position of Head of the Department of Geography, Ain Shams University, for 8 years. He published more than 50 papers in English and Arabic, some of which feature in international reputed journals. He is also the author of a book titled, “The Geomorphology of Egypt, The Nile Valley & the Western Desert”. He was a member of several scientific expeditions in the Egyptian Deserts.
Abstract:
Many studies indicate that Egypt is the cradle of dune research in the world. Dune studies started in Egypt at the end of the 19th Century and continue until the present time. According to most of the research work to date, there are 6 sand seas and 7 dune fields in Egypt, and the most recurrent forms in these sand accumulations are the linear and crescent ones. In addition, there are numerous minor sand accumulations that can be seen in various localities in the country. Detailed examination using available tools, especially high resolution space images and aerial photographs enabled the discovery of some previously unknown aspects about the geomorphology of Egyptian sand dunes. This work, therefore, addresses three findings. The first finding is a new dune field in the southern part of the Eastern Desert, which extends from Wadi El-Allaqi southwards and crosses the Egyptian-Sudanese borders. The second finding is the discovery of Star Dunes in the northern section of the Great Sand Sea and the southern section of South Qattara Sand Sea. Finally, the third finding is the Giant Ripples in the Central Section of Ghard Abu Moharik. Curiously, the face of these Giant Ripples is inclined northwards unlike that of dune faces which look southwards, a fact which is confirmed by field check. Grain size analysis revealed that the sand of the Giant Ripples is bimodal and that the windward side is composed of very coarse sand (2-3 mm), and the lee side is composed of medium-fine sand (0.250-0.0125 mm).
Mustafa M Hariri
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Saudi Arabia
Title: Importance of methods’ selection in the geosciences studies and exploration
Time : 14:40-15:05
Biography:
Mustafa Hariri is Associated Professor at Geosciences Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals. He obtained his PhD from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, USA in 1995. His field of expertise is in structural geology and remote sensing application in geology. His research interest is in fractures and lineaments studies and their importance in hydrocarbon and mineral resources. He had also developed interest in e-learning and teaching geology using technology. He was Chairman of Earth Sciences department during 1997-2004 and he was also the Director of e-learning Center at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) during 2006-2014. Before joining KFUPM, he worked as geologist at DMMR (Deputy Ministry of Mineral Resources). He is a member in several scientific societies (GSA, AAPG, Economic Geology and DGS). He has also served as member in the boards of Research Institute of KFUPM and the Saudi Geosciences Survey (SGS).
Abstract:
Selection of methods of study in geosciences and natural resources exploration was always a concern for geosciences communities and industries. Financial cost and effectiveness of the methods are the most important issues. Additionally, integration between different methods and their application order are very essential to reach the best cost effectiveness and optimization. Methods such as remote sensing, mapping, various geophysical and geochemical surveys, and drilling are among the methods that were used for long time. Those methods were also integrated, recently, with more sophisticated and advanced techniques such as petro-physics, and wireline logs analysis in hydrocarbon industry, and organic bound and electro-geochemical behavior in minerals studies. To optimize the cost and efficiently utilize the resources, careful selection of applied method is essential. Moreover, the phase that selected method will be used needs to be clearly defined and justified. The careful selection of specific method should be based on the needs and targeted results. Recently available free and low cost methods and tools should also be considered as a substitute for the higher cost conventional ones. New tools such as Google Earth, DEM, LIDAR and GIS can be used very effectively in revealing information that used be obtained by more costly methods such as mapping and field surveys. This paper highlights the importance of selecting the different methods for geosciences studies and exploration. The paper emphasizes the fact that selecting the method and utilizing it in the exact phase will help in reaching the right decision and obtaining results with low cost. Moreover, the recent available free or low cost techniques should also be considered in the geosciences studies in place of traditional high cost methods.
Ahmed M Bishady
Menoufia University, Egypt
Title: Mineralogy of graphite from the graphite-bearing schist of Wadi Lawi, south eastern desert, Egypt
Time : 15:05-15:30
Biography:
Ahmed M Bishady is currently the Professor of Mineralogy and Petrology at the Department of Geology, Menoufia University, Egypt. He has completed his PhD from Ain Shams University, Egypt in 1975. He has about 40 scientific articles published in edited journals and international conferences in the fields of petrology, geochemistry and mineralogy. He is also the Reviewer for some Egyptian scientific bulletins and journals.
Abstract:
The graphitized schist of Wadi Lawi, south eastern desert, Egypt had been investigated to exhibit the mineralogy of the graphitic material and its structural state to reveal its conditions. The graphite is included in quartz- plagioclase-actinolite-graphite schist and actinolite-talc-chlorite-graphite schist. It occurs as bundles and laths, showing Rmax in oil from 10 to 14. Magnetite is the major associate with graphite or disposed in the groundmass. XRD, DTA patterns, TEM and TMD investigations of separated graphitic material, show that it ranges in its structure from semi-graphite (graphite-d1) to graphite (full-ordered graphite). δË¡³C (PDB) with an average of 23.06 ‰, in addition to IR investigations for these graphitic materials indicate their organogenic origin. The present author suggests the possibility that Wadi Lawi graphitic material is related to post depositional contaminations. XRD and DTA can also declare that the graphitic material was formed under conditions of green schist faces in a temperature range of 400 to 600áµ’ C under a pressure of 4 to 6 kb.
Sankaran Rajendran
Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
Title: Discrimination of Oman exotics using Landsat and ASTER satellite data
Time : 15:50-16:50
Biography:
Sankaran Rajendran received the PhD degree in Geology from the Bharathidasan University, India, in 1996. From 2002 to 2010, he was a Assistant Professor with the Department of Earth Sciences, Annamalai University, India. Currently, he is working in the Department of Earth Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman. His research interests involve mapping mineral and environmental resources of earth using remote sensing and GIS techniques.
Abstract:
Applications of remotely sensed satellite data are wide and unique in mapping of different lithology, economic mineral resources and ore deposits. The ‘Oman exotics’ are the industrial rocks which have economic importance in the Sultanate of Oman. The present study maps the exotics using Landsat ETM and ASTER satellite data and image processing method namely decorrelation stretching and shows the advantages of the sensors to the discrimination of the exotics. The results of study are verified in the field. The samples of exotics collected from the field are measured to study the spectral absorption to map the exotics.
Muhamed Fakhri Omer
Salahaddin University, Iraq
Title: Cathodoluminescence petrography for provenance studies of the sandstones of Ora Formation (Devonian-Carboniferous), Iraqi Kurdistan Region, Northern Iraq
Time : 16:50-17:15
Biography:
Muhamed Fakhri Omer is a Lecturer at Geology Department-Salahaddin University in Erbil-Iraq since 2002. He got M.Sc.in 2000 and Ph.D. in 2012 at Baghdad University on Paleozoic Formations which are exposed at mountains of Northern Iraq. He is expert in cathodoluminescence and scanning electron microscopy that was obtained through three months training course at Aarhus University in Denmark in 2011. He got Postdoctoral scholarships for one year at Warsaw University, Poland in 2014. He participated in many local and international conferences with oral presentations; the last one was the 2nd international conference on GEOShale held in Warsaw (Poland) in September 2014. He published many papers in the Journal of African Earth Science in 2014 and 2015. He has been serving as a reviewer in many international journals.
Abstract:
Advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscope hot- cathodoluminescence (SEM-CL) and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) as well as petrography are applied to investigate the paragenetic sequence and provenance of intertidal-tidal flat sandstones of the Ora formation which is exposed in northern Iraq. The formation consists mostly of supermature quartzarenites with subordinate immature subarkoses and sublitharenites. The mean framework composition of the thinly bedded sandstones of Ora Formation is Q95.7F2.8R1.4 where 90% of the quartz grains are monocrystalline and texturally supermature. Meanwhile the mean composition of the thickly bedded sandstones is Q85.4F9.7 R4.8 with 84% of the quartz grains are monocrystalline and texturally immature. The provenance of the Ora sandstones is dominantly craton interior and less recycled orogeny. The Ora formation has undergone intensive and complex episodes of eogenesis, mesogenesis, and telogenesis. Compaction and quartz cementation is more dominant than other diagenetic processes evident from tight grain supported fabric which predated authigenic illite formation; this is also evident from close packing of detrital framework that resulted in reduction of primary porosity. Albitization has postdated eogenesis of K-feldspar cements. Cathodoluminescence study indicated four main distinctive fabrics in quartz grains, (1) healed fractures, (2) mottled textures, (3) low-intensity dark CL streaks and patches, and (4) shocked quartz. The results indicate the dominance of brown to dark blue CL for quartz of low-temperature metamorphic origin; bright blue colors for the felsic plutonic and high-temperature metamorphic quartz; with considerable amounts of detritus that has originated from felsic and mafic volcanic rocks and are characterized by red, violet colors luminescence.
Biography:
Muna Ghaboush El Dawi is an Associate Professor at Al Neelain University, Sudan.
Abstract:
There are many kinds of intrusive igneous rocks distributed in Bayanhaote basin like granites, diabase, diorites and basalts. The igneous rocks distributed in Bayanhaote basin have high magnetism because the depths of the igneous are large in that area. The igneous bodies always diffuse along the faults and intrude into the sediments strata so their scale is not very large but they can produce different scale magnetic anomaly. Accordingly, the regional magnetic anomaly is caused by the undulation of metamorphic basement of Pre-Cambrian, and the local magnetic anomaly is caused by igneous bodies intrude into low magnetic sedimentary rocks. By using the method of second vertical derivatives, these intrusive bodies are located. It is proved that it is not easy to locate the igneous bodies by using the magnetic method alone. It must be confirmed by using several geophysical methods like magneto-telluric and gravity methods.
Maghawry Shehata Diab
Menoufiya University, Egypt
Title: Assessing the magnitude of the Arab water crisis and the response
Biography:
Maghawry Shehata Ibrahim Diab is currently the President, Menoufiya University, Egypt. He had done his B. Sc. in Chemistry/Geology and M.Sc. in Geology/Hydrogeology from Ain Shams University, Egypt. He completed his Ph. D. in Geology/Hydrogeology from Assiut University. His research interests include Hydrogeology, groundwater management, drainage basins hydrology, surface water hydrology, environmental hydrology, hydrogeochemistry.
Abstract:
The Arab region is experiencing one of the fastest growing water deficits in the world. The majority of the countries in the region have been consuming more water than their renewable supply for quite some time. However, this is no longer an option due to its high costs and negative environmental consequences that have been leading to a vicious cycle linking deteriorating status of water resources, in terms of quantity and quality to deteriorating livelihoods in the region. As a matter of fact, societies in the Arab region have been suffering for a long time from serious capacity gaps at various levels that hinder their ability to face social, economic and political challenges facing the management of their water resources. The general lack of familiarity with participatory and integrated management approaches; fragmented institutional structures with conflicting mandates; inadequate valuation and pricing; imbalanced sectoral water allocation; persistence in resorting to expensive supply augmentation projects and delegation of responsibility without the necessary devolution of power and financial resources in decentralization plans are some of the problems facing effective water governance in the Arab region. The Arab region represents 10% of the world's area; its population represents 5% of world population. However, it possesses only 0.5% of the world's renewable fresh water resources. This is due to the fact that the arid and semi-arid weather dominates 82.2% of the whole region. Rainfall precipitation is estimated to be 2,228 billion cubic meters (bern). The losses amount to 90.4% due to evaporation. The Arab region, which is home to 5 percent of the world's people contains less than 1 percent of the world's annual renewable freshwater. The water demand in the region is growing fast and the population has more than doubled in the past 30 years to about 280 million and could double again in the next 30 years. Thus, water demand for domestic and industrial uses has exploded in recent decades. At the same time, tube-well technology and the development of agriculture have increased water use in rural areas.
Mohamed EL-Bady
National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
Title: Potential ecological risk index of the Northern Egyptian Lagoons, South of Mediterranean Sea, Egypt
Biography:
Mohamed EL-Bady is a Researcher at National Research Center, Egypt. He has done his Ph.D Environmental Geology from Mansoura University, Egypt. His research interst includes Geomorphologic change detection by field and satellite images, Soil & Surface water properties, Coastal sand dunes and so on.
Abstract:
The Northern Egyptian Lagoons are (from east to west) Bardawil Lagoon, Manzala Lagoon, Burullus Lagoon, Edku Lagoons and Mariute Lagoon. These lagoons have received the bulk of drainage water from the lands of Delta and from the other coastal areas where, the heavy metals can be introduced to Lagoons environments through a variety of sources, including industries, wastewaters and domestic effluents. The potential ecological risk index (RI) calculation of the bottom sediments of the northern lagoons depends contamination factor (CF), potential ecological risk factor and proposed toxic response factor (Tr). The average degree of contamination and modified degree of contamination of the northern lagoons were in the following descending order Bardawil>Mariute>Manzal>Edku>Burullus, while, the potential ecological risk index in the following descending order Bardawil>Manzal>Mariute>Edku>Burullus.
Mahmoud Lotfy
Housing and Building National Research Centre, Egypt
Title: The effect of nanolime on Sheikh Fadl ornamental hardened limestone facies
Biography:
Mahmoud Lotfy Abd El-latif has completed his PhD from Menofyia University. He is the Director of Geological Investigation and Petrographic Laboratory. He has published 3 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
Hardened limestone (Marbled limestone) is one of the most common building materials generally, in the Eastern Mediterranean region particularly in Egypt. Sheikh Fadl quarries considered as a type locality for hardened limestone production. Five representative samples of this limestone were selected from one quarry at Sheikh Fadl, Red Sea to study their different characteristics. The aim of this paper is mainly to study the positive effect of Nanolime as consolidates on different physico-mechanical and durability of this hardened limestone. Finally, using nanolime as consolidating material leads to occurrence of observed enhancement in physico-mechanical average values of Sheikh Fadl and also their durability particularly against salt weathering.
Ibrahim Hassan Ibrahim
Nuclear Materials Authority, Egypt
Title: Origin and mode of occurrence of Abu Rusheid-Sikait Mylonite Rocks, South Eastern Desert, Egypt
Biography:
Ibrahim Hassan Ibrahim has completed his PhD from Ain Shams University. He is Professor in Geology, Unconformity Radioactive Deposits Department in Nuclear Materials Authority. He has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals and is sharing about 12 internal reports in NMA.
Abstract:
Abu Rusheid-Sikait area forms part of the Arabo-Nubian basement exposures that is situated at the northern peripheral contact between the Central and the South Eastern Desert. Abu Rusheid mylonites are a ductile deformed fault rocks originated from the parent granitic rocks that were formed as sheet like body injected along major antiform and affected later by ductile shearing. Four deformation phases are recognized in Abu Rusheid-Sikait area during the late Pan-African event. The first two compressional phases (D1 & D2) and the second two deformations are mainly extensional phases (D3 & D4). The D3 is mainly development of sub-horizontal mylonite rocks with a bout maximum thickness of 50 m along ductile shearing. Shear sense indicators give a consistent regional transport direction to the SSE. Abu Rusheid-Sikait mylonites have two stages of mineralization; the first one is mainly magmatic stage related to the parent granitic rocks during which monazite, thorite, uranothorite, allanite, columbite, xenotime, fluorite and zircon minerals were formed. The second stage is secondary minerals due to precipitation of uranium-bearing hematite, uranophane, torbernite, kasolite and epidote minerals in micro-fractures. In situ gamma-ray spectrometry measurements support these two stages of mineralization. The av. eTh/eU ratio varies from 3.2 to 13.3 in mylonites and pegmatitic pockets within mylonites indicate thorium is enriched rather than uranium supporting the magmatic origin (first stage), while the fractured mylonites are enriched in eU over than eTh (eTh/eU ratio from 0.1 to 1.1) indicates U-remobilization and give the second stage of mineralization.
Yongliao Zou
Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Title: Overview of CE-4 mission scientific objectives and possible instruments
Biography:
Yongliao Zou is a professor of National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS), deputy director of General Office of China Lunar and Deep Space Exploration of CAS. He has completed his Master Degree at the age of 23 years from Institute of Geochemistry of CAS in 1990, and published more than 70 papers in journals.
Abstract:
Chang’E-4 mission, being undertaken by phase two of China Lunar Exploration Program, represents China’s first attempt to exploration farside of lunar surface. CE-4 mission includes lander, rover and a telecommunication relay, presently scheduled to launch in 2018. The scientific objectives of CE-4 mission will be implemented to investigate the characteristics and formation mechanism of lunar surface floating dust, measure remanent magnetism of the lunar surface materials and figure out the interaction between the remanent magnetism and the solar wind, detect lunar surface temperature and radiation environment and study their characteristics, distribution and change, detect and study the lunar regional geological characteristics, make the first radio-astronomy measurements from the most radio-quiet region of near-earth space. The rover will operate for at least 3 months, the lander for half year to support the goals of CE-4 mission, and the relay for no less than 3 years of extended operation. The CE-4 instruments are: Cameras, dust-analyzer, magnetometer, temperature-instrument, wide band low frequency digital radio astronomical station for lunar farside surface LF-MF-HF astronomy, infrared imaging spectrometer, penetrating radar, and flash camera. This paper describes the CE-4 objectives and measurements that support exploration of the Moon and that address the scientific objectives outlined. We also describe data accessibility by the science and exploration community
Habes Ghrefat
King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
Title: Multivariate statistical analysis and assessment of metal contamination in the Gulf of Aqaba Soils, Northwestern Saudi Arabia
Biography:
Habes Ahmad Ghrefat is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Geology and Geophysics, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. He had done his Ph.D. Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso. His main area of research interest include Remote Sensing, Geostatistics and Geology.
Abstract:
A total of 23 soil samples were collected from the scattered agricultural farms along the Gulf of Aqaba coast. In addition, 25 granitic and marine sedimentary samples were collected from the study area. Following their treatments by total digestion technique, these samples were analyzed for different metals (such as Pb, Ni, Zn, Co, Cr, Mn, Fe, Hg, Mo, and Cd) using the inductively coupled plasma. Relationships among these metals for the study area were then examined by correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis. Results from correlation analyses reveal a variable degree of correlations among different metals in the study area. Principal component analysis identified two factors, which are responsible for ~60% of the total variance of the data set. These two factors allowed to group the selected metals according to their geochemical features. Hierarchical cluster analysis classified the studied metals into different groups based on the similarity of their characteristics. The level of metal contamination in the study area has been assessed using enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index, showing relatively high percentage of enriched metals in the study area. The studied rock samples show a significant variation in mean metal contents from one rock type to another, but their results are in good agreement with those obtained from soil samples. High concentration of Cd in the studied soil samples is mainly due to extensive use of fertilizers and pesticides in the agricultural farms or due to sewage.
Ikhlas Alhejoj
University of Jordan, Jordan
Title: Macrofauna as indictor of water quality in the lower Jordan River catchment-eastern side
Biography:
Ikhlas Alhejoj has received her PhD degree from Karlsruhe University (KIT), Germany. She is currently a Lecturer at Department of Geology, University of Jordan. Her research focuses on macro-organisms as bio-indicators of environmental conditions and water quality of Jordan. She is also interested in macro-fossils in the Pliocene-Pleistocene deposits of Jordan and deformed fossils and related structures as paleo-stress indicators in Jordan. She has published several scientific articles and books related to Jordanian fossils and biological environmental indicators field.
Abstract:
In this study, the qualities of surface water bodies feeding the lower Jordan River from its eastern side were studied and found reflected in the types of aquatic species of macrofauna surviving in them. Water, especially, in semi-arid countries such as Jordan with unpredictable seasonal rainfall are subjected to scarcity of water due to increasing demand as a result of population growth. This represents a great problem and challenge for scientists, planners and policy-makers. Surface water resources in Jordan have been during the last few decades negatively impacted by development through the addition of urban, industrial and sewage wastes to the environment. The prevailing conditions make it imperative to protect Jordan's surface water resources in order to keep these aquatic systems in healthy and productive conditions. This must also apply to other countries with similar environmental conditions. Different aquatic fauna were studied on their types, sizes and species and were identified and correlated with the chemical and physical properties of the water they are living in. It is concluded that aquatic macrofauna can easily be used as indicators of water quality and it is a fast and trustful way of indicating changes taking place in the water quality, especially water salinity, trace elements contents and pollution parameters.
Abdullah M Al-Amri
King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
Title: Geotectonics and structures of the Arabian Peninsula
Biography:
Abdullah M. S. Al-Amri is a Professor of Geophysics & Director of Seismic Center, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. He is awarded Ph.D. in Geophysics from University of Minnesota, USA. He holds B.Sc. in Geology from University of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and M.Sc. in Applied geophysics and Hydrogeology from University of South Florida, USA. His research interests reflect in his/her wide range of publications in various national and international journals.
Abstract:
Arabian Peninsula is an area, which is characterized by poor seismic activities. While for the Arabian Shield and Arabian Platform are aseismic, the area is ringed with regional seismic sources in the tectonically active areas of Iran and Turkey to the northeast, the Red Sea Rift bordering the Shield to the southwest, and the Dead Sea Transform fault zone to the north. Red Sea is considered one of the few places in the world undergoing active continental rifting and formation of new oceanic lithosphere. We determined the seismic velocity structure of the crust and upper mantle of the Arabian Shield and Red Sea using a variety of analysis techniques on broadband seismic waveform data recorded by KACST and SGS seismographic networks. Teleseismic P- and S-wave travel time tomography provided an image of upper mantle compressional and shear velocities related to thermal variations. Regional Pn tomography delineated compressional velocity structure of the shallow mantle. Modeling of teleseismic P-wave receiver functions estimated crustal and upper mantle discontinuity structure. Finally, measurements of teleseismic shear-wave splitting estimated upper mantle anisotropy. Generally speaking, new results for the lithosphere suggest that the mantle lithosphere is thin and the LVZ is significant near the Red Sea, where rifting is active. The mantle lid thickens away from the Red Sea in the Arabian interior. Furthermore our results indicate the presence of polarization anisotropy in the lithospheric upper mantle, in the vicinity, as well as farther away from the Red Sea. Our modeling suggests vSV>vSH in the southern part of the Red Sea, consistent with vertical flow, and vSH>vSV in the northern part of the Red Sea and the continental interior, as is commonly reported in the continents. We would suggest that low velocity beneath the Gulf of Aqabah and southern Arabian Shield and Red Sea at depths below 200 km are related to mantle upwelling and seafloor spreading. Low velocities beneath the northern Arabian Shield below 200 km may be related to volcanism. The low velocity feature near the eastern edge of the Arabian Shield and western edge of the Arabian Platform could be related to mantle flow effects near the interface of lithosphere of different thickness.
Markus Anda
Agency for Agricultural Research and Development, Indonesia
Title: Promising potential for using natural rocks and fresh volcanic materials to rejuvenate soil properties: Implementation of basic science to overcome problems of infertile soils
Biography:
Markus Anda has completed his PhD from University Putra Malaysia and Postdoctoral research from University of California Davis, USA. He is the Head of Soil Mineralogical Laboratory and a Senior Principal Researcher in soil mineralogy, soil classification and land evaluation for agricultural crops at the Indonesian Agency of Agricultural Research and Development. He has published more than 60 papers in refereed journals and has been serving as a reviewer of many international reputed journals.
Abstract:
Limited attempt has been made to implement voluminous basic science in geochemistry, mineralogy, petrology and volcanology to overcome very low nutrients of many soils worldwide. It is well known that the fresh rocks experience weathering processes to release their nutrient constituent into the soils but naturally need very long time (e.g. 1 cm soil need 100-150 years). The breakthrough technology is needed to change the natural rocks and volcanic ash as potential soil amelioration. Success to do this will result a great impact at a world level to increase soil fertility since many soils have low fertility associated with advanced weathering stages. The weathering processes could be mimicked and accelerated by making powder of rocks and ash volcanic materials to speed up dissolution of elemental compositions of minerals in rocks. The released elements as nutrients for crops may replenish the losses of nutrient from soils which have been uptaken by plants or leached out of the soils. The application of finely ground powder rocks in alleviating soil acidity, increasing various soil nutrients and increasing crop yields has been reported under tropical conditions, where intensive agricultural practice and high leaching of nutrients occurred owing to high rainfall. Success in rejuvenating poor infertile soil using finely ground rocks or freshly volcanic eruption as sources of various crop nutrients could increase soil productivity with the implication to increase food availability to feed many hungry people (serious world problems) especially in many less developed countries worldwide. Application of finely ground rocks or freshly volcanic eruption to generate fertile soils is firm scientific bases to increase agricultural productions and avoid or reduce chemical fertilizers that results negative impact in environmental quality.
Amin Beiranvand Pour
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia
Title: Gold mineral prospecting using phased array type L-band synthetic aperture radar (PALSAR) satellite remote sensing data
Biography:
Amin Beiranvand Pour has completed his PhD from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. He is Senior Lecturer in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. He has published more than 25 papers in Geology and Remote Sensing Journals.
Abstract:
The Bentong-Raub Suture Zone (BRSZ) of Peninsular Malaysia is one of the significant structural zones in Sundaland, Southeast Asia. It forms the boundary between the Gondwana-derived Sibumasu terrane in the west and Sukhothai arc in the east. The BRSZ is also genetically related to the sediment-hosted/orogenic gold deposits associated with the major lineaments and form-lines in the central gold belt Central Gold Belt of Peninsular Malaysia. In tropical environments, heavy tropical rainforest and intense weathering makes it impossible to map geological structures over long distances. Advances in remote sensing technology allow the application of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data in geological structural analysis for tropical environments. In this investigation, the Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) satellite remote sensing data were used to analyze major geological structures in Peninsular Malaysia and provide detailed characterization of lineaments and form-lines in the BRSZ, as well as its implication for sediment-hosted/orogenic gold exploration in tropical environments. The major geological structure directions of the BRSZ are N-S, NNE-SSW, NE-SW and NW-SE, which derived from directional filtering analysis to PALSAR data. The pervasive array of N-S faults in the study area and surrounding terrain is mainly linked to the N-S trending of the Suture Zone. N-S striking lineaments are often cut by younger NE-SW and NW-SE-trending lineaments. Gold mineralized trends lineaments are associated with the intersection of N-S, NE-SW, NNW-SSE and ESE-WNW faults and curvilinear features in shearing and alteration zones. Lineament analysis on PALSAR satellite remote sensing data is a useful tool for detecting the boundary between the Gondwana-derived terranes and major geological features associated with suture zone especially for large inaccessible regions in tropical environments.
Usama F. Zaineldeen
Al Azhar University, Palestine
Title: Structural style and fault kinematics of the lower eocene rus formation at Jabal Hafit area, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Biography:
Usama Zaineldeen is a Professor at Department of Geology, Al Azhar University, Palestine. He is awarded Ph.D. in Structural Geology and Remote Sensing from Ghent University, Belgium. He holds M.Sc. in Structural Geology from Ohio University, USA and B.Sc. in geology from University of Assiut, Egypt. His research interest include -Intraplate tectonic stress, Intracontinental deformation, Brittle and ductile deformation, Structural controls of sedimentary basins, Active tectonics, Earthquake activity and Remote Sensing
Abstract:
The current contribution presents aspects of the structural style and fault kinematics of the Rus Formation that expose at Jabal Hafit, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. Although the major structure of Jabal Hafit is an anticlinal fold, fractures (joints and faults) are the prominent structure of the study area. The fractures can be interpreted as the distributed effect of deep-seated basement fault reactivation or to be as reactivation of deep-seated basement faults. These fractures were created during two main tectonic stress regimes. The first is a WNW–ESE SHmax strike-slip stress regime, responsible for producing E–W to ESE–WNW joints and E–W dextral strike-slip and NNE–SSW reverse faults. This stress is interpreted to be post-Early Eocene in age and related to the second phase of thrusting in the Oman Mountains in the Miocene. The second stress regime is a NNE–SSW SHmax transtensional (strike-slip extensive) stress regime that was responsible for N–S to NNE–SSW striking joints and NE–SW sinistral strike-slip and N–S normal faults. This regime is interpreted to be post-Middle Eocene in age. This stress was the response to the collision of the Arabian–Eurasian Plates which began during the Late Eocene and continues to the present day.
Sanae Berred
Mohammed V University, Morocco
Title: The geological heritage of geopark Jbel Bani Tata-Draa (Morocco): Identification, valuation and vulnerability assessment with a conceptual approach to protection
Biography:
Sanae Berred currently pursuing her second year Doctoral studies at the University Mohammed V Agdal-Rabat, on “Development and protection of the natural potential based on interactive digital carthography service of Geopark Jbel Bani Tata-Draa (Anti-Atlas)â€. She took her Master's degree from the University Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah in Fez, entitled “Geosciences, mineral resources and geomaterialsâ€.
Abstract:
The Anti-Atlas of Morocco recorded the tectonomagmatic signatures induced respectively by Eburnean, Panafrican and Hercynian orogenies, forming him a NE-SW oriented chain, whose roots are attached to the West African Craton. It extends from the southern foot of the High Atlas to the North, highlighted by the major accident southeast Atlas, to the north-western parts of the Sahara desert in the south, limited by the belt of large Hamadas. It consists of grounds from age Paleoproterozoic to Quaternary. These lands have undergone succesive tectonic events, generating long mountain ranges exposed to long periods of erosion during the Secondary and Tertiary, which adds to hostile climate to make the geology of the Anti-Atlas in outcrop,easier to read and more fascinated to contemplate,compared to other geological domains of Morocco. The major tectonic events leave their traces on the surface expressions as outcrops, mainly scientific interest, which gives their qualities both educational and touristic to both scientists and general public, where does the initiation ofthe new projectof Geopark Jbel Bani Tata-Draa. This last aims to implement a policy or appropriate, for the management, recovery and preservation of geological heritage in geological, geomorphological and paleogeographicinterest, for the local and regional population on one handand to encourage future generations to get involved on the other hand more. As part of the natural heritage, geological heritage of southern Morocco can serve as a model and concept for rational exploitation visibility for socio-economic development within the territory of the Geopark Jbel Bani Tata-Draa.
Novita Wulandari Sinaga
Padjadjaran University, Indonesia
Title: Geological mapping at Pasawahan District, Ciamis Resident, West Java Province
Biography:
Novita Wulandari Sinaga is currently studying Bachelor’s degree in Geological Engineering at Padjadjaran University, Indonesia.
Abstract:
Geographically research area were in 10830’ 39.7584†EL - 10836’ 6.498†EL and 735’ 23.1576†SL - 729’ 59.3988†SL coordinate. Administratively research area was in Pasawahan District, Ciamis Resident, West Java Province. This research area was in part of Digital Earth Surface Maps (Bakosurtanal), which is Selasari Quadrangle Map (1308-223). Geomorphology unit has been divided into five (5) types, there are Structural Slightly Sloping Plain unit, Structural Sloping Hills unit, Karst Slightly Sloping Hills Unit, Structural Slightly Sloping Hills unit, and Volcanic Steep Hills unit. The Drainage patterns that has been developed in research area are dendritic, radial and subparalel. Geological units in the research area has been divided into four (4), there are from the older to the younger units: Volcanic Breccia units (Tmbv), Limestone units (Tmbg), Sandstone unit (Tmbp) and Sandstone with Carbonate substances (Tmbpk). Geological structure that developed in the research are are Fold, Joint and Fault. The folds that developed in the research area are CekdamKudungsero Syncline, Karanglegok Anticline, DesaBojong Syncline, Sukadana Anticline, Karangsari Syncline and Kaligamping Anticline. Faults with NE-SW direction is Kalimanggis Oblique slip Fault. Because the main direction of the fault is NE-SW, therefore we can conclude the age of the fault in Pliocene-Pleistocene. In early Miocene, Volcanic breccia unit are the oldest unit formed in the research area. Hereafter suppressed uncomformity by Middle Miocene Limestone unit. Next it has been deposited comformity by Sandstone with carbonated substances unit in Middle Miocene and followed by Sandstone unit deposition. Furthermore in Pliocene-Pleistocene Epoch, Anticline and Syncline formed in research area followed by Kalimanggis Fault to be formed. Geological resources in research area are Andesite and Alluvium Gravel for Building Material. The potential for disaster that may happen in research area are landslide and tsunami wave.
Chaïma Ahmedat
Mohammed V University, Morocco
Title: The impact of mining exploitation on the natural environment in Morocco
Biography:
Chaïma Ahmedat has completed her Bachelor’s in Applied Geology from Mohammed V University and Master’s degree studies from Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences. She is currently a PhD student at Mohammed V University, Faculty of Sciences in Applied Geology and Natural Resources Laboratory (LGAEN) directed by Professor Mohamed El Wartiti.
Abstract:
Morocco with its geological diversity and its long history of mining activities has the most important two pillars of mineral deposit variety and economic development. The mining activities are the main anthropic sources of heavy metal contamination especially in mining areas. The impact of pollutants dissemination in the environmental components, has a serious impact on the natural resources and ecosystem stability, in fact it threats the human health as well. The large number of metalliferrous sites existing in the country is controlled by several factors, including regional climate, mining methods and geological conditions, which in most of cases, increase the negative impact on the natural environment whether the given site is active or abandoned. The accumulation of mine tailings and waste rocks on soil may lead to acid mine drainage (AMD), due to metals release from the tailing by exposing to climatic agents, which convert the superficial water draining in the mining sites, and acid liquid by the oxidation of metal sulfides existing in mine wastes. The transportation of trace metals dissolved in water by (AMD) phenomenon, negatively affects the quality of soils which in turn affect the quality of underground water and local agriculture. Many of soil and water sampling are performed in several mining sites in Morocco, reveal a contamination by heavy metals specialty into Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd and/or Hg, according to the paragenesis of each metalliferous deposits, this contamination causes many of health problems in humans and animals, in addition to visual problems that can be summarized in the disfigurement of geological and/or ecological fascinating landscapes which degrades the quality and aesthetics of natural environment, thus threatening local, sometimes regional, touristic activity. The issue of mining impact on the environment must be the subject of more several studies, to highlight the problems of the transfer mechanism and the dissemination of harmful metals in natural resources especially drinkable water used by local populations living near or in mining areas.
Safiur Rahman
Atomic Energy Center, Bangladesh
Title: Characterization of groundwater quality using water evaluation indices, multivariate statistics and geostatistics in central Bangladesh
Biography:
Safiur Rahman is presently working as a principal scientific officer (PSO) in the field of environmental analytical chemistry at Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission. He received his MASc and PhD in Environmental Engineering at Dalhousie University, Canada. He has B.Sc., M.Sc. and M.Phil Degrees in Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Rajshahi University, Bangladesh, where he was the recipient of “Gold Medal†in recognition of his distinguished academic accomplishments. He has extensive research experience at Dalhousie University (2005-2014) and at St. Mary’s University (during 2004-2005). He has a good number of research papers, book chapters. His expertise is in the areas of drinking water quality improvement, and environmental restoration. Before coming to Canada, Mr. Rahman worked as a scientist for Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) from 2000 to 2005. During that period, Mr. Rahman carried out research works related to the distribution and environmental impacts of toxic trace elements in surface and ground water of Bangladesh. He has got experience of working with the scientists of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), International Atomic Energy (IAEA). He is a member of Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia (APENS), Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), American Water Work Association (AWWA), Canadian Water Network (CWN), Canadian Society of Civil Engineering (CSCE), Bangladesh Chemical Society (BCS), Bangladesh Atomic Energy Scientists Association (BAESA), and Asiatic Society of Bangladesh (ASB).
Abstract:
This study investigates the groundwater quality in the Faridpur district of central Bangladesh based on preselected 60 sampling points. Water evaluation indices and a number of statistical approaches such as multivariate statistics and geostatistics are applied to characterize water quality, which is a major factor for controlling the groundwater quality in term of drinking purposes. The study reveals that EC, TDS, Ca2+, total As and Fe values of groundwater samples exceeded Bangladesh and international standards. Ground water quality index (GWQI) exhibited that about 47% of the samples were belonging to good quality water for drinking purposes. The heavy metal pollution index (HPI), degree of contamination (Cd), heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) reveal that most of the samples belong to low level of pollution. However, Cd provide better alternative than other indices. Principle component analysis (PCA) suggests that groundwater quality is mainly related to geogenic (rock-water interaction) and anthropogenic source (agrogenic and domestic sewage) in the study area. Subsequently, the findings of cluster analysis (CA) and correlation matrix (CM) are also consistent with the PCA results. The spatial distributions of groundwater quality parameters are determined by geostatistical modeling. The exponential semivariagram model is validated as the best fitted models for most of the indices values. It is expected that outcomes of the study will provide insights for decision makers taking proper measures for groundwater quality management in central Bangladesh.
Akobundu Amadi
Federal University of Technology, Nigeria
Title: Groundwater contamination by fluoride in Hong area, North-eastern Nigeria
Biography:
Amadi A N completed his PhD from Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria. He is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Geology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria. He has published more than 90 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of Journal of Disaster Risk Management and Reviewer of the journal, Environmental Technology and Science and Journal of Information, Education, Science and Technology.
Abstract:
Groundwater contamination by fluoride in Hong area, North-eastern Nigeria was investigated in this study. Groundwater samples, soil samples and rock samples were collected in both dry and wet seasons and subjected to field and laboratory analysis to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of groundwater with emphasis on fluoride. Results of analysis were compared with World Health Organisation and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality. The hydrochemical facies analysis indicate the water type in the area as Ca-Mg-HCO3 type, fluoride concentration in groundwater in Hong area ranged from 0.08 mg/l to 2.58 mg/l as against the maximum permissible value of 1.5 mg/l for a safe drinking water. The analysis of the rock and soil samples revealed the presence of sodium-calcium-phosphate-fluoride, a fluoride bearing mineral called nacaphite (Na2CaPO4F) in granitic rocks from the area. This implies that the high fluoride concentration in groundwater system in the area is from geogenic source as a result rock/soil-water interaction, bedrock dissolution, chemical weathering, infiltration and leaching processes. Children and adults in the area are having dental fluorosis presently. Results of rock, soil and groundwater analysis shows high fluoride concentration above the tolerable limit of 1.5 mg/l. The results obtained from the study lead to the production of dental fluorosis prevalence map and health risk map for the area. The study further revealed that a total of 16,600 people in 8 villages out of 123,865 in 13 villages in the area have dental fluorosis while 112,165 people are potential dental fluorosis carriers. It was recommended that government should as a matter of urgency provide another source of drinking water for the household and community within the fluoride endemic zone.
Adimalla Narsimha
Osmania University, India
Title: Evaluation of groundwater quality and contamination of fluoride, Medak Region, Telangana, South India
Biography:
Adimalla Narsimha has completed his PhD (in the year of 2012) from Osmania University and worked as a Research Associate for period of one and half years (i.e., December 2012 to June 2014) and presently working as a Young Scientist in the Department of Applied Geochemistry since July 2014 DST-SERB sponsored project New Delhi. He is working on origin and sources of fluoride in drinking water and its health implications agriculture usage and GIS techniques in parts of Medak district. He has 19 papers to his credit in reputed journals.
Abstract:
Hydrogeochemical investigation of fluoride contaminated groundwater samples from Medak district in Telangana are undertaken to understand the quality and portability of groundwater from the study area, the level of fluoride contamination, the origin and geochemical mechanisms driving the fluoride enrichment. The groundwater is the main source of water for their living. The groundwater in villages and its surrounding are affected by fluoride contamination and consequently the majority of the people living in these villages has health hazards and is facing fluorosis. The purpose of this study is to identify geochemical processes and using characterization of the major physico-chemical parameters of groundwater from study area. For this purpose, 194 groundwater samples have collected and analyzed for different water quality parameters, such as pH, EC, TDS, TH, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, carbonate, bicarbonate, chloride, nitrate, sulfate and fluoride with the help of standard methods recommended by American Public Health Association. The results of the analyzed parameters formed the attribute database for geographical information system (GIS) analysis and final output maps. Fluoride ion concentrations ranged between 0.4 and 7.1 mg/L with mean values of 1.69 mg/L in the groundwater suggest that favourable conditions exist for the dissolution of fluoride bearing minerals present in the granite and gneissic rocks in the study area, whereas, distribution pattern showed high concentrations in the vicinity of Siddipet, Chinnakodur and Nangnoor. Due to the higher fluoride level in drinking water, several cases of dental and skeletal fluorosis have appeared at alarming rate in this region. The highly alkaline conditions indicated fluorite dissolution as major process responsible for high concentration of fluoride in eastern part of the Medak. Fluoride has a very weak correlation with pH which may be due to the increase of alkalinity resulting from the increase of bicarbonate ions. While the deficiency of calcium ion concentration in the groundwater from calcite precipitation favours fluorite dissolution leading to excess fluoride concentration. The comparison of TDS versus Na/(Na+Ca) and Cl/(Cl+HCO3) points to the dominance of rock weathering as the main process, which promotes the availability of fluoride in the groundwater. The presence of high fluoride in groundwater poses a serious health threat to the rural populace in the region.