Earth Sciences Commons^™

Distribution And Impacts Of Petroleum Hydrocarbons In Louisiana Tidal Marsh Sediments Following The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, Rachel S. Hatch

Theses and Dissertations--Earth and Environmental Sciences

Following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) spill, sediment cores were analyzed from marshes at various levels of oiling to determine how deeply oil penetrated sediment in these marsh environments, and if at these sites it had quantifiably affected benthic ecosystems. Minimum mixing depths were determined from penetration of the lithogenic radionuclide ²³⁴Th, which ranged from 0.25 to 4.5 cm. Sediment accumulation rates were determined using ²¹⁰Pb, with verification from ¹³⁷Cs in selected cores. Lead-210 profiles revealed long-term (decadal) mixing. Bay Jimmy, Louisiana was significantly affected by the DWH oil spill, as indicated by total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon …

Anchored Sheet Pile Wall Design In Expansive Soils, Ömer Bilgin, Eman Mansour

Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Faculty Publications

Expansive soils cause damage to civil engineering structures in various parts of the world, because they swell when absorb water and shrink when dry out. Due to swelling pressures, retaining walls can be subjected to additional lateral pressures causing increased wall deformations and bending moments. Anchor forces can also increase, if the walls are anchored. When expansive soils are present behind retaining walls, swell pressures should also be considered during design in addition to the traditional lateral earth pressures. This study proposes a method to predict potential swell pressures acting on retaining walls for use in design of these walls. …

Physical And Sequence Stratigraphy Of The Late Cretaceous Chispa Summit Formation, Jeff Davis County, Texas, Patrick Thomas Dietzel

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The Late Cretaceous Chispa Summit Formation of west Texas has historically been of interest to the petroleum industry; with new technologies, this old, uneconomical play could prove significant, if not for energy resources, for educational purposes, but little work has been conducted on the formation. The Eagle Ford Formation of southern Texas is time equivalent to the Chispa Summit Formation and is a highly prolific hydrocarbon resource.

Located in western Jeff Davis County, Texas, the Chispa Summit Formation consists of marine shales interbedded with limestone beds and sporadically located siliciclastic beds, measuring a total of 610 m at the type …

Magmatic Processes At The Volcanic Front Of Central Mexican Volcanic Belt: Sierra De Chichinautzin Volcanic Field (Mexico), Fernando Velasco-Tapia, Surendra Pal Verma

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

The Sierra de Chichinautzin (SCN) volcanic field is considered one of the key areas to understand the complex petrogenetic processes at the volcanic front of the Mexican Volcanic Belt (MVB). New as well as published major- and trace-element and Sr and Nd isotopic data are used to constrain the magma generation and evolution processes in the SCN. From inverse and direct modelling, combined ^{87}Sr/^{86}Sr and ^{143}Nd/^{144}Nd data, and use of multi-dimensional log-ratio discriminant function based diagrams and other geological and geophysical considerations, we infer that mafic magmas from the SCN were generated by partial melting of continental lithospheric mantle in …

Petromodeler (Petrological Modeler): A Microsoft® Excel© Spreadsheet Program For Modelling Melting, Mixing, Crystallization And Assimilation Processes In Magmatic Systems, Emrah Yalçin Ersoy

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

PETROMODELER (Petrologic Modeler) is a Microsoft® Excel© spreadsheet program which numerically and graphically models magmatic processes including melting, crystallization, assimilation and mixing by using trace elements and isotopic ratios. Melting models include (a) batch, (b) dynamic (continuous) and (c) fractional melting for (1) instantaneous and (2) cumulate melts, (3) residual solid and (4) total residue. These models can also be used to treat modal and non-modal melting. Crystallization processes modelled in the program include: (1) perfect equilibrium and (2) perfect fractional crystallization (PEC and PFC), (3) equilibrium crystallization-imperfect fractional crystallization (EC-IFC), (4) zoned crystallization-imperfect fractional crystallization (ZC-IFC), and (5) combined …

Genesis Of Sedimentary- And Vein-Type Magnesite Deposits At Kop Mountain, Ne Turkey, Selahatti̇n Kadi̇r, Hasan Kolayli, Muhsi̇n Eren

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

Sedimentary- and vein-type magnesites were deposited within and on ultramafic rocks of the Kop Mountain region in Bayburt province. In the field, magnesites are exposed along NE-SW trending normal faults and in fractures in the ultramafic rocks. Petrographic studies reveal that magnesite is predominantly micrite, but also occurs as microsparite formed by recrystallization of micrite. The ultramafic rocks hosting the magnesites consist of serpentinized olivine, hypersthene and diopside. Ni, Co and Ti contents of magnesites suggest precipitation from percolating water through the serpentinized ultramafic rocks. The sedimentary- and vein-type magnesites have different \delta^{18}O and \delta^{13}C values, characterizing formation under different …

Tectonosedimentary Development And Palaeoenvironmental Changes In The Acıgöl Shallow-Perennial Playa-Lake Basin, Sw Anatolia, Turkey, Cahi̇t Helvaci, Mehmet Ci̇hat Alçi̇çek, İbrahi̇m Gündoğan, Ünsal Gemi̇ci̇

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

The late Cenozoic extensional deformation formed several NE-trending fluvio-lacustrine basins in SW Anatolia, filled by alluvial, fluvial and lacustrine deposits. Among them, the Acıgöl basin , is notable for its tectono-sedimentary development of a prominent shallow-perennial playa-lake setting. The basin initially subsided to receive coarse-clastic alluvial deposits, merging into fluvial systems and central shallow lakes. Subsequent basin deepening with significant sediment supply from surrounding basement horsts caused gradual shrinkage of the relatively small shallow lakes, due to renewed progradation of alluvial fans and they eventually dried out completely. The sedimentation pattern and palaeoenvironmental changes record a constant tectonic, sedimentation, climatic …

Microfacies Correlation Analysis Of The Oligocene-Miocene Asmari Formation, In The Central Part Of The Rag-E-Safid Anticlinal Oil Field, Zagros Basin, South-West Iran, Mahnaz Amirshahkarami

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

The Oligocene-Miocene Asmari Formation was deposited in a carbonate ramp setting at the margin of the Zagros Basin in south-western Iran. The subsurface sedimentary successions of the Asmari Formation have been studied using cores from the Rag-e-Safid oil field, in order to determinate their microfacies and sedimentary palaeoenvironments. Based on texture analysis and faunal assemblages, 10 microfacies types have been recognised and interpreted. They indicate different depositional settings: open marine, oolitic and bioclastic shoal, lagoon, tidal flat and beach. The microfacies have been interpreted as indicative of the inner and middle ramp. In accordance with the temporal and spatial correlation …

Prediction Of Weathering Development In Metarhyolites Of The Ilgın (Konya) Area, Sw Turkey, Erkan Bozkurtoğlu, Şenel Özdamar, Hati̇ce Ünal Ercan

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

Fresh to weathered metarhyolites crop out in the Ilgın (Konya) area of the Afyon-Bolkardağ Zone. Determination of the development of weathering was studied by physical (i.e. specific gravity, dry unit weight, saturated unit weight, porosity, void ratio, and degree of saturation by weight) and mechanical (i.e. point load) properties and the \"point rock change value\" (RCV_p) and \"point rock change ratio\" (RCR_p) values of the metarhyolite rock samples. The samples were classified in 3 groups (i.e. A, B, and C) representing degree of weathering from weathered to fresh rocks based on their RCV_p and RCR_p values. The K_2O values are …

Coeval Shoshonitic-Ultrapotassic Dyke Emplacements Within The Kestanbol Pluton, Ezine – Biga Peninsula (Nw Anatolia), Cüneyt Akal

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

The Biga Peninsula, in the north-western part of Western Anatolia, is part of the Sakarya Zone of the Western Pontides and the tectonically overlying Ezine group. The basement rocks are intruded by the early Miocene Kestanbol Pluton and early to middle Miocene calc-alkaline to shoshonitic-ultrapotassic volcanic successions related to postcollisional continental extension. The Kestanbol Pluton mainly comprises monzonite and granodiorite and is cut by shoshonitic-ultrapotassic tephriphonolite dykes. ^{40}Ar-^{39}Ar ages of biotite (21.22 ± 0.09 Ma) and leucite (22.21 ± 0.07 Ma) crystals indicate that tephriphonolite dyke emplacement was coeval with the intrusion of the Kestanbol Pluton during the early Miocene …

Tragulidae (Artiodactyla, Ruminantia) From The Middle Miocene Chinji Formation Of Pakistan, Muhammad Akbar Khan, Muhammad Akhtar

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

The fossil record of the Siwalik tragulids remains poorly documented. The study of the tragulid material from the Chinji Formation allows the identification of 3 species: Dorcatherium minus, Dorcatherium majus and Dorcabune anthracotherioides. The tragulid assemblage is quite rich and Dorcatherium is the predominant taxon in the Chinji Formation of Pakistan. The fossils from the Chinji Formation of the Chakwal district, northern Pakistan, may document the first appearance of the 3 tragulid species in the Lower Siwaliks. The selenodonty and palaeoecology of the Siwalik tragulids are also discussed.

The Effects Of Linear Coarse-Grained Slope Channel Bodies On The Orientations Of Fold Developments: A Case Study From The Middle Eocene-Lower Oligocene Kırkgeçit Formation, Elazığ, Eastern Turkey, Hasan Çeli̇k

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

A significant magnitude of tectonic feature deflection away from the principal stress direction was investigated. This was caused by oblique spatial orientation of coarse-grained sediment bodies, principally large conglomerate and sand-filled deep-water slope channels, in an otherwise mud-rich sedimentary section. After detailed mapping and field work to find the cause of this localised fold axis deflection, superbly exposed conglomerate and sand filled deep-water slope channel bodies were found both in and/or next to the core of the folds with the same spatial orientation as the folds. It was concluded that the channel bodies are effectively dictating the orientations of the …

Late Holocene Climatic Oscillations Traced By Clay Mineral Assemblages And Other Palaeoceanographic Proxies In Ria De Vigo (Nw Spain), Virginia Martins, Fernando Rocha, Cristina Sequeira, Paula Martins, José Santos, Joao Alveirinho Dias, Olivier Weber, Jean-Marie Jouanneau, Belén Rubio, Daniel Rey, Ana Bernabeu, Eduardo Silva, Lázaro Laut, Rubens Figueira

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

This work aims to study recent climatic oscillations and their influence on sedimentation in the Ria de Vigo, a coastal embayment in Galicia, NW Spain. It is based on the study of clay mineral assemblages, in conjunction with other proxies (granulometric, geochemical, geochronological and microfaunal), in the core KSGX 24. A Benthic Foraminifera High Productivity (BFHP) proxy was used to determine changes in the flux of organic matter (OM) at the bottom of the study area. Total organic carbon (TOC) content is not a suitable proxy to estimate changes in the past supply of OM due to diagenetic processes. The …

Stress Features In Terra Rossa Soil Under Traditional Olive Cultivation: A Micromorphological And Mineralogical Characterization, Salvatore Madrau, Claudio Zucca, İhsan Akşi̇t, Valeria Fiori

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

This study analyzes the micromorphological and mineralogical properties of a Terra Rossa soil under a traditional Mediterranean olive grove. It highlights the microscopic and sub-microscopic features generated by the permanent crop cover. The study area, where the land use has remained unchanged for the last 150 years, is near Sassari (Sardinia, Italy) and is characterized by dominant Terra Rossa developed on Miocene marine limestone. Two soil profiles were opened and described in July 2009, 1 under the canopy of an olive tree and 1 between the trees. Chemical and physical analyses were carried out. Undisturbed aggregates were collected from all …

Multi-Proxy Evidences Of Mid-Pleistocene Dry Climates Observed On Calcretes In Central Turkey, Ceren Küçükuysal, Asuman Günal Türkmenoğlu, Seli̇m Kapur

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

Palaeosols are very important in reconstructing palaeoclimate studies, since they are accepted as useful climate markers and as potential providers of proxy data. The study of the palaeosols of the Plio-Pleistocene rock sequences around Ankara revealed evidence for a reconstruction of the Quaternary palaeoclimate of the region. The study area is located in Bala, south-east of Ankara, which contains Middle Pleistocene red palaeosols with powdery to nodular calcrete developments, alternating with channel deposits. During this warm and arid period in the Pleistocene, the limited water available in the soil led to the accumulation of low magnesian carbonates, forming calcretes. The …

Geology And Diagenesis Of A Zeolitic Foça Tuff Unit Deposited In A Miocene Phreatomagmatic Lacustrine Environment (Western Anatolia), Mustafa Albayrak, Abdullah Mete Özgüner

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

This study explains the relations between the depositional environment of a zeolitic tuff unit and its diagenesis. It gives new ideas of the juvenile phreatomagmatic origin of the zeolitic unit with its bentonitic cap rock, and finds that the diagenetic alteration of the volcanic ash deposition in a hot hydrologic system is penecontemporaneous and not epigenetic. A massive, fine-grained zeolitic unit has a sharp contact with the underlying shallow subaqueous rhyolitic dome intrusions and their surrounding volcanoclastic ejecta. Juvenile emanations from the basal subaqueous intrusions activated thorough zeolitic diagenesis within the overlying rhyolitic tuff deposits extending as far as the …

The Mineralogy And Geochemistry Of Neogene Sediments From Eastern Turkey, Southeast Of Arapgir (Malatya), Di̇cle Bal Akkoca, Zeynep Baytaşoğlu

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

The mineralogy and geochemistry of volcaniclastic sediments in the southeastern part of the Arapgir area (Malatya) were studied by optical microscopy, XRD, SEM, ICP-AES, and MS techniques. Samples were collected from the marine and lacustrine deposits of the Dibekli and Böğürlüdağ sections that contained calcite, clay minerals, feldspar, quartz, dolomite, and opal. Clay minerals were mixed layer smectite-chlorite, illite, and palygorskite, with Ca-smectite being the dominant clay phase. Smectite was derived from the transformation of volcanic glass and volcanic rock fragments. The fact that Y, Sc, Co and \SigmaREE concentrations and (La/Lu)N, La/Sc, Sc/Th, Co/Th, Th/U, and Zr/Hf ratios of …

Preliminary Geoelectrical Identification Of A Low-Temperature Hydrothermal System In The Anzer Glacial Valley, İkizdere, Rize, Turkey, Abdullah Karaman

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

The Anzer glacial valley, at an elevation of over 2300 m in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey, exhibits evidence for a low-temperature hydrothermal system (40-100 °C). Low-temperature hydrothermal systems usually do not receive attention since they are not useful for energy production. However, in areas where natural beauty is prominent, as in the Anzer valley, such resources can easily trigger investment for all-season resorts that significantly contribute to the economy. In this study, we examine the site evidence and carry out self-potential and dc-resistivity sounding surveys using a Schlumberger electrode configuration. The resistivity cross-section obtained from the inversion …

Stable Isotope-Based Reconstruction Of Oligo-Miocene Paleoenvironment And Paleohydrology Of Central Anatolian Lake Basins (Turkey), Tina Lüdecke, Tamás Mikes, Fuat Bora Rojay, Michael A. Cosca, Andreas Mulch

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

Isotope geochemistry of lacustrine carbonate represents a powerful tool to reconstruct paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental conditions. Here, we present a comprehensive set of long-term oxygen (delta^{18}O) and carbon (delta^{13}C) stable isotope records from 5 Chattian to Burdigalian lacustrine sequences distributed over the Central Anatolian Plateau. Field relationships combined with stable isotope geochemistry indicate a relatively humid subtropic Late Oligocene climate with an environment characterized by large, temporally open freshwater lakes. Approximately during the middle Aquitanian, a 4%o-5%o increase in lake delta^{18}O values indicates changes in regional climate including more arid conditions and an increasing dominance of closed saline lake conditions in …

Cenozoic Tectonics Of The Tuz Gölü Basin (Central Anatolian Plateau, Turkey), David Fernández-Blanco, Giovanni Bertotti, Tahsi̇n Atti̇la Çi̇ner

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

We present a new 3D geologic model for the architecture and Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Tuz Gölü Basin, a major sedimentary basin in the Central Anatolian orogenic plateau. This model is grounded on 7 depth-converted seismic reflection profiles in combination with the analysis of backstripped subsidence curves, isochore maps, and a palinspastically restored cross-section. Two stages of basin formation are detected during Cenozoic times. During the Palaeogene, around 2 km of basement subsidence led to the development of a sag basin broader than the present basin in the absence of bounding faults. After a period of uplift and erosion, …

Circum-Tethyan Carbonate Platform Evolution During The Palaeogene: The Prebetic Platform As A Test For Climatically Controlled Facies Shifts, Stefan Höntzsch, Christian Scheibner, Johannes P. Brock, Jochen Kuss

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

The distribution of selected shallow-benthic biota at circum-Tethyan carbonate platforms demonstrates an excellent proxy for the impact of latitudinally controlled cooling and variations in the trophic resources during the Palaeogene. In this study, we link and compare the spatial distribution and abundance of larger benthic foraminifera and hermatypic corals of Tethyan carbonate successions with new records from the Prebetic platform in SE Spain. The succession of the Prebetic platform is dominated by larger benthic foraminifera and coralline red algae throughout the Eocene, whereas corals were not recorded until the Late Eocene. Similar biotic trends were reported from 10 selected circum-Tethyan …

Impact Of Pb-Zn Mining Activity On Surficial Sediments Of Lake Kalimanci(Fyr Macedonia), Petra Vrhovnik, Nastja Rogan Smuc, Tadej Dolenec, Todor Serafimovski, Matej Dolenec

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

The activities of the Sasa mine have led to industrial discharge being released into Lake Kalimanci since the beginning of mining activity in 1954. For this reason, an ecological risk assessment is urgently required. In the present study, surficial lake sediments were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), with all geochemistry data processed using Statistica 8. In order to assess the environmental pollution status, 2 environmental factors were established, while for the determination of chemical fractionation of toxic metals a sequential extraction procedure was carried out. Concentrations of As, Mo, Zn, Ni, Co, Pb, Cd, and Cu in …

Computation Of Grade Values Of Sediment-Hosted Barite Deposits In Northeastern Isparta (Western Turkey), Numan Elmas, Uğur Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

Grade value is a crucial parameter for the mineral industry. Investigation of grade value of mineral resources provides the optimum benefit. In this study, an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and artificial neural network (ANN) model were applied for the prediction of grade values. The spatial coordinates X, Y, and Z of the study area along with bore hole geochemical data were used as input variables in the model. In order to illustrate the applicability and capability of these methods, the western part of Turkey, between the latitudes 38°01 45 N and 38°09 52 N and between the longitudes 31°23 …

On The Long Duration Of Till Sheet Construction : A Reassessment Of How Quaternary Grounding Line Translations Relate To Near-Surface Seismic-Stratigraphy Of Eastern Ross Sea, Antarctica, Sydney Grace Bowles

LSU Master's Theses

Previously acquired seismic surveys provide strong evidence that the post-Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) retreat of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) deposited a back-stepping succession of seismically-resolved grounding zone wedges (GZWs) in eastern Ross Sea. However, the chronology of WAIS retreat is debated. The conventional view is that three GZWs (Red, Brown, and Gray Units) were deposited since the LGM. An alternative view, based on recent radiocarbon dates, is that the youngest GZW (the Gray Unit) was deposited during the LGM. If correct, then the older GZWs (Red and Brown Units) were deposited prior to LGM. A recent study (Bart …

Impact Of Pre-Columbian Agriculture, Climate Change, And Tectonic Activity Inferred From A 5,700-Year Paleolimnological Record From Lake Nicaragua, Jennifer E. Slate, Thomas C. Johnson, Ted C. Moore

Biology Faculty Publications

Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America, is a promising site for paleolimnological study of past climate change, tectonic and volcanic activity, and pre-Columbian agriculture in the region. It is near the northern limit of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which brings the rainy season to the tropics, so effects of decreasing precipitation due to southern migration of the ITCZ through the Holocene should be observable. Because fault zones and an active volcano lie within the lake, the long-term impact of tectonic and volcanic activity can also be examined. Finally, the fertile volcanic soils near the lake may have …

Managing Soil Microbial Communities With Organic Amendments To Promote Soil Aggregate Formation And Plant Health, Shawn T. Lucas

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

The effects of managing soil with organic amendments were examined with respect to soil microbial community dynamics, macroaggregate formation, and plant physio-genetic responses. The objective was to examine the possibility of managing soil microbial communities via soil management, such that the microbial community would provide agronomic benefits. In part one of this research, effects of three amendments (hairy vetch residue, manure, compost) on soil chemical and microbial properties were examined relative to formation of large macroaggregates in three different soils. Vetch and manure promoted fungal proliferation (measured via two biomarkers: fatty acid methyl ester 18:2ω6c and ergosterol) and also stimulated …

Transformations, Bioavailability And Toxicity Of Manufactured Zno Nanomaterials In Wastewter, Sewwandi Rathnayake

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

In order to properly evaluate the ecological and human health risks of ZnO Manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) released to the environment, it is critical to understand the likely transformation products in the wastewater treatment process and in soils receiving biosolids. To address this critical knowledge gap, we examined the transformation reactions of 30 nm ZnO MNMs in single component and multi-component systems, with phosphate and natural organic matter (NOM). We also assessed the influence of nano ZnO transformation on the bioavailability, and toxicity of ZnO transformation products to Triticum aestivum. The data revealed that ZnO MNMs react with phosphate at …

An Avalanche Hazard Model For Bitlis Province, Turkey, Using Gis Based Multicriteria Decision Analysis, Levent Selçuk

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

Most avalanche fatalities in Turkey have occurred in Bitlis Province. The scope of this research was to identify the avalanche hazard area of that province, using geographical information system (GIS) based multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) and to evaluate it by means of sensitivity and accuracy analysis. The model consists of 5 GIS layers: elevation, slope, aspect, vegetation density, and land use. The hazard model is obtained by using a comparison matrix where all identified criteria of GIS layers are compared against each other. The acceptability of the model was determined using historical events. All of these events plotted over the …

Tree-Ring Evidence Of North Pacific Volcanically Forced Cooling And Forcing Of The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (Pdo), Lauren Vargo

Senior Independent Study Theses

Two large undocumented volcanic eruptions in 1698/9 and 1809 have been previously identified in ice cores as sulfate peaks, and in tree-ring latewood density data as low-density rings. These eruptions can also be recognized using tree-ring width data, and can be identified in the tree-ring record as narrow rings for several consecutive years. The first part of this study uses tree-ring width data from the Gulf of Alaska to provide further evidence that these eruptions occurred. The two eruptions also provide a natural experiment for investigating the effects large volcanic eruptions have on North Pacific climate, including the Pacific Decadal …

Antifragility Analysis And Measurement Framework For Systems Of Systems, John Johnson, Adrian V. Gheorghe

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

The twenty-first century is defined by the social and technical hazards we face. A hazardous situation is a condition, or event, that threatens the well-being of people, organizations, societies, environments, and property. The most extreme of the hazards are considered X-Events and are an exogenous source of extreme stress to a system. X-Events can also be the unintended outputs of a system with both positive (serendipitous) and negative (catastrophic) consequences. Systems can vary in their ability to withstand these stress events. This ability exists on a continuum of fragility that ranges from fragile (degrading with stress), to robust (unchanged by …