Geology Commons^™

Hydrogeophysical Assessment Of Groundwater And Saltwater–Freshwater Interface In A Quaternary– Neogene Coastal Aquifer, Kilwa Kisiwani Island, Southeast Tanzania, Simon R. Melchioly

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study aims to identify and explore new potential sites of groundwater resources using geophysical methods, and to demarcate the depth to the saltwater-freshwater interface. Kilwa Kisiwani Island is geologically covered mostly by Neogene and Quaternary alluvial sediments, sand and gravel. The geophysical techniques employed during the research include Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES), Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), and Transient Electromagnetics (TEM). The Island has the potential for groundwater occurrences, but the layer with fresh water is shallow and thin. Out of the 18 VES sites, 2 (11%) points have shown non-potential, but the remaining 16 (89%) of the VES sites …

Hydrogeochemical Characterization Of Groundwater In Fractured Crystalline Basement Aquifers In Dodoma, Central Tanzania: Implications On Water Quality For Domestic And Irrigation Applications, George J. Ishabairu, Simon R. Melchioly, Charles H. Kasanzu, Gabriel D. Mulibo

Tanzania Journal of Science

Assessment of groundwater hydrogeochemistry characteristics of aquifers plays a vital role in establishing water quality status and its suitability for human and industrial use. The main objective of this research was to carry out hydrogeochemical characterization of groundwater and assess its impacts on water quality and spatial variability of groundwater geochemistry in Dodoma, Tanzania. The methods used include groundwater sampling, laboratory analysis to determine physico- chemical parameters and data processing to classify the groundwater hydrochemical facies. The results show that the average value for pH is 7.2, for electrical conductivity (EC) is 1108 µS/cm and for total dissolved solids (TDS) …

Elemental And Mineralogical Characterization Of Permo-Carboniferous Coal In The Ngaka Coalfield, Southwest Tanzania: Implications For Coal Quality Variation, John W. Gama, Justina J. Saroni, Remigius L. Gama

Tanzania Journal of Science

Coal from heterolithic seams exhibits distinct chemical characteristics due to interbedded non-coal beds, which influence its quality and usability. Despite extensive research in these settings, the elemental and mineralogical characteristics of the heterolithic sequences of the Mchuchuma Formation (K2) in the Ngaka Coalfield remain poorly documented. This study provides the first detailed assessment of K2 seams across five active mine sites. Eleven representative samples were analyzed using proximate, elemental, and mineralogical techniques, supported by Pearson correlation, binary analysis, and Principal Component Analysis. Proximate analysis revealed that ash content varies across mine sites, with values ranging from 9.17 to 25.03%, volatile …

Aquifer Distribution In Lukobe Ward, Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania: Mapped Resources For Sustainable Water Access, Kelvin K. Kayuni

Tanzania Journal of Science

In response to the ongoing challenges posed by the scarcity of reliable fresh-water sources in Lukobe Ward, Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania, this study applied an integrated approach that combines geospatial and geophysical datasets to identify previously undocumented aquifers. The datasets utilized include an apparent density map generated from high-resolution GGMPlus satellite gravity data, a geological map (Quarter Degree Sheet 183), a water drainage map, and a slope map created from a digital elevation model (DEM). The analysis successfully identified four unconfined, saprolitic aquifers in the study area, designated as aquifers A, B, C, and D. These aquifers span areas of 12.2 …

Geological Structure And Possible Mineralized Zones In Ikungi – Manyoni Area, Tanzania: Delineated From High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Data, Raymond K. Pius, Michael M. Msabi

Tanzania Journal of Science

Understanding geological structures is important in mineral exploration. Delineating subsurface geological structures, structural intersections, and complexities of potential geological settings for the formation of hydrothermal mineral deposits, such as gold requires using magnetic data, particularly, high-resolution aeromagnetic data. To define possible targets for mineral exploration, this study used linear detection and the Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET) techniques on high-resolution aeromagnetic data for structural delineation and interpretation. The study's conclusions indicate that the majority of geological features, such as faults, shears, fault intersections, and fracture systems, trend NE-SW, N-S, and occasionally NW-SE. These structures create potentially large areas that have …

Green And Blue Water Footprints Of Major Crops In The Wami/Ruvu Basin, Tanzania: Implications For Water Scarcity And Sustainability, Benson Hm Lazaro, Martine M. Hagai, Rubhera Ram Mato

Tanzania Journal of Science

Accurate estimation of the blue and green water requirements of the various crops cultivated in a water basin is essential for planning specific plant/crop irrigation schedules. In this study, the crop water requirements of the major crops grown in the Wami/Ruvu basin were determined using the FAO-CROPWAT model based on meteorological parameters: monthly maximum and minimum temperature, wind speed, mean relative humidity, sunshine hours, rainfall data, and effective rainfall for 23 hydro-meteorological stations distributed in the study area. The studied crops are rice, maize, beans, tomatoes, and sugarcane. The crop reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and actual evapotranspiration (ETc) for each crop …

Application Of Remote Sensing And Spectroradiometry In Geological Mapping: A Case Study Of Handeni (Qds 148) Block, Eastern Mozambique Belt, Tanzania, Masota M. Magigita, Elisante Mshiu, Cassy Mtelela

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study applies remote sensing (RS) as a geologic mapping aid tool , using Handeni Block of Tanzania as a case study. To achieve the objective of this study, we have utilized various RS processing and image enhancement techniques on multispectral data, including ASTER, Landsat 5, Landsat 8, and Sentinel 2A. The method proved successful whereby both Landsat-5-data with band combination (BC) 7:4:2 and 7:5:4 and band ratio (BR) 5/3:5/1:7/5 and Landsat-8 data with BCs 5:6:7 and 7:6:4 mapped out marble units. Sentinel 2A data (with BC 8:11:3, BRs 12/2:11/2:8/11; 12/4:11/3:11/2 and 12/4:12/2:11/3) together with image enhancement decorrelation stretch on …

Modelling Spatial Distributions Of Sediments Fingerprinting In The Ruvu Basin Of Tanzania Without Continuous Sediment Monitoring, Charles H. Kasanzu

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study investigates various hinterlands’ contribution of sediments into the sub-basin known as Ruvu that comprises Mindu, Kibungo, Mvuha and Mindu catchments of Morogoro, Eastern Tanzania. An integrated geochemical and isotopic data were used to constrain this. Strategic sampling of basement and silty-sized sediments was conducted and the data were modelled using mass-balance computations. This approach revealed that, more than 70% of suspended sediments in the Mgeta River originate from Kigalamila, Sezima, Kingule, Mafumbo and Kibuko areas. Thus, hills north of Kisaki are major contributors of sediments with less contribution from the southern terrain. After modelling of the data from …

Assessment Of Viability Of Coal Mines In Tanzania For Extraction Of Rare Earth Elements, Juma Sija, Mohamed Mazunga

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study aimed at determining the concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) in coal and coal fly ash (CFA) from three coal mines in Tanzania: Kiwira, Ngaka and Rukwa. The goal was to assess if these resources could be commercially viable for extracting REEs. Coal and CFA samples were analysed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The total concentrations of REEs in the coal samples ranged from 89.48 parts per million (ppm) to 196.30 ppm, while in CFA samples, ranged from 362.55 ppm to 475.77 ppm. Computed percentage of critical REEs (REYdef, …

Seabed Reflection Coefficient Variability In The Mono Lake Using Seismic Reflection Sparker Data, Francis Nnamdi Okeifufe

Earth Sciences Theses and Dissertations

Acoustic reflections from a lakebed provide valuable information about the dynamic boundary between water and the lakebed, where sediments and biota in the water column eventually settle. In this study, we present a comprehensive analysis of reflected sound wave amplitudes to gain insights into the physical properties of a water-sediment boundary. We decided to carry out this analysis within the unique ecosystem of the Mono Lake basin due to the fact that the Mono Lake, a meromictic and hypersaline waterbody is situated within one of the most active yet understudied volcanic regions in the United States. The fact that the …

Mineralogy And Geochemical Characteristics Of Matamba Kaolin Deposit-Njombe Region South-Western Tanzania: Implications For Industrial Applications, Melania A. Nyimbo, Ronald J. Massawe, Michael M. Msabi

Tanzania Journal of Science

Kaolin is a commercial clay material composed of hydrated aluminosilicate mineral kaolinite and used in various industrial applications such as ceramics, paper, paints, refractories, fiberglass, plastics, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. It is formed as a result of strong chemical weathering of crystalline and feldspar-rich rocks or hydrothermal alteration of granitic rocks at relatively low temperature and pressure conditions. The kaolin deposit of Matamba originated from the weathering of leucogabbro rock during the development of the African land surface. In view of highlighted properties, the mineralogy and chemical characteristics of the Matamba kaolin deposit were investigated to determine its industrial applications. As …

Potential Of Kaolin Clay On Formulation Of Water Based Drilling Mud Reinforced With Biopolymer, Surfactant, And Limestone, Paul M. Omary, Emanuel X. Ricky, Naswibu A. Kasimu, Makungu M. Madirisha, Kessy F. Kilulya, Esther H. J. Lugwisha

Tanzania Journal of Science

Drilling the wellbore into subsurface formations is the earliest stage in the life of a well that requires a suitable drilling fluid with good rheological and filtration control characteristics to achieve a successful drilling operation. This paper reports on the formulation of water-based drilling mud using kaolin clay reinforced with biopolymer, surfactant, and limestone from Tanzania. The raw materials used for the formulation were characterized using XRD, XRF, FTIR, and TGA techniques. The rheological properties, filtration loss, pH, and density of the formulated mud were measured using a viscometer, filter press, pH meter, and mud balance, respectively. The XRD results …

Effects Of Climate Change, Land Use And Land Cover Variability On Green And Blue Water In Wami/Ruvu Basin, Tanzania, Benson Hm Lazaro, Martine M Hagai, Rubhera Ram Mato

Tanzania Journal of Science

Water basins are the primary food sources, giving green water and blue water worldwide. Despite the basins’ potential, information on the periodical variations in blue water and green water is sparse, particularly in developing countries. The study specifically evaluated the changes in land use and land cover variability (LULCV), effects of land use and land cover variability on green water and blue water variations, and effects of climatic changes on green water and blue water. The evaluation involved the Enhanced Thematic Mapper and Operational Land Imager satellite images of 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2020. Image processing utilized the Soil and …

Measurement Of Solar Irradiance For Determining The Optimal Tilt Angle For Photovoltaic Panels, Gbadebo I. Olatona, Tolulope J. Fadairo

Tanzania Journal of Science

The challenge of solar panel installers in determining the tilt angle needed to obtain optimal performance from the photovoltaic panels was the focus of this paper. The performances of two 150 W panels under varied conditions of temperature and solar irradiance on a plane at two different heights (1 m and 11.5 m) from the ground surface were determined to find the effects of tilt angle and altitude on their performances. Measurements of solar irradiance, temperature, open-circuit voltage, and short circuit current were made at various tilt angles and compared to one another based on the measured irradiance. The optimal …

Constraining The Origin And Age Of The Thermal And Cold Water In The Lake Natron Basin, Northern Tanzania, Edista A. Abdallah, Charles H. Kasanzu, Crispin P. Kinabo, Akira Imai, Mike J. Butler

Tanzania Journal of Science

Springs on the eastern and western shores of Lake Natron Basin (LNB), located within the eastern branch of the East Africa Rift System (EARS) in Northern Tanzania had a discharge temperature that ranged between 34.0 °C and 51.2 °C, while the pH varied from 8.0 to 10.7. The electrical conductivity (EC) ranged between 5,007 µS/cm and 49,200 µS/cm. Cold waters had a temperature of 31.9 °C to 32.5 °C, while the pH ranged between 8.0 and 8.3, and the EC ranged between 1,401 µS/cm and 3,806 µS/cm. The stable isotope composition varied between -2.4 ‰ and -5.3 ‰ for δ18O, …

Mineralogical And Physicomechanical Characterization Of Kaolinitic Clay From Moshi, Northern Tanzania For Potential Ceramic Utilization, Samwel Paul Mziray, Harieth Hellar-Kihampa, Esther H.J. Lugwisha, Leonard Douglas Akwilapo

Tanzania Journal of Science

Kaolin clay from Moshi, northern Tanzania has been characterized for potential ceramics productions. Clay samples taken from three different levels of the deposit were analysed by XRD and XRF. Firing experiments were carried out on experimental briquettes at a maximum temperature of 1300 °C at the rate of 100 °C/hour. The results revealed dominance of kaolinite and illite in the raw clay. The samples were composed majorly by silica (36.88–41.62%), alumina (30.83–32.40%) and hematite (9.29–12.70%). Granulometric analysis showed that the amount of clay decreased with deposit depth. The physicomechanical properties of the clay fired at the optimal temperature of 1300 …

Spatial Analysis Of Groundwater Potential: A Firsthand Approach Towards Groundwater Development In Moroto District, Uganda, Musa W. Lowot, Augustina C. Alexander

Tanzania Journal of Science

Groundwater is a vital resource that helps mankind and development. However, in Moroto District challenges of groundwater development has increased arising from changes in rainfall patterns coupled with high abstraction from population increase. In this study, the spatial variability of groundwater potential was assessed to develop a tool that will aid decision on groundwater potential sites selection for groundwater development/exploration. The study utilized an integrated technique and tools such as Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information System (GIS) and Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) in analysis and delineation of potential areas for successful groundwater development. The generated map through weighted overlay …

Charcoal Whirlwinds And Post-Fire Observations In Serengeti National Park Savannahs, Colin J. Courtney Mustaphi, Heleen C. Vos, Rob Marchant, Colin Beale

Tanzania Journal of Science

Whirlwinds and visible dust devils occur over semi-arid ecosystems and entrain particles from the ground surface. Fires produce abundant charcoal across savannahs and the resulting blackened surfaces create a large albedo contrast. Whirlwinds have been observed associated with active fires; yet, there are few published observations on post-fire landscapes. Spatiotemporal patterns of whirlwinds have been documented for a limited number of regions and have not been made for the ecosystems of eastern Africa. From field-based sightings in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, we report on whirlwinds over burned savannah patches that entrained large quantities of charcoal to produce black coloured …

Characterization Of Clay And Granite Dust Blends As Novel Materials For Energy Storage And Diffuser In Constructing Flat-Plate Solar Collector, Tajudeen Kolawole Ajiboye, Mustapha Olawale Fabiyi, Ndagi Mustapha, Sulaiman Abdulkareem

Tanzania Journal of Science

Sun is the main source of solar energy, and the energy it releases to the Earth’s surface in one hour is more than what the whole planet consumes in a year. This present work is about characterizing novel material that can be used as energy storage and diffuser in constructing flat plate solar collector. Materials used are clay and granite dust obtained from Okelele and Kulende Quarry sites, both in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. The materials were sun-dried; the clay crushed before the two materials were sieved into different particle sizes. They were thereafter blended into different ratios and then …

Assessment Of The Impact Of Climate Change On Stream Flow: The Case Of Little Ruaha Catchment, Rufiji Basin, Tanzania, Joel Nobert

Tanzania Journal of Science

Little Ruaha catchment has been recognized for its potential to support multi-projects including irrigated schemes, urban water supply and providing significant inflow to Mtera reservoir for hydropower generation and ultimately Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant (JNHPP).  Despite the potential, the catchment has experienced declining flows in the recent years. This study assessed the likely changes in streamflow due to future climate change in the Little Ruaha catchment for the period 2025-2060. General Circulation Model (GCM) datasets from ACCESS1.0, CNRM-CM5 and BCC-CSM1 models and RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 greenhouse gas concentration scenarios were selected as the representative scenarios. Impact of climate change on …

Paleodepositional Environment And Sequence Stratigraphy Of Miocene Sediments In Well Tn-1, Coastal Swamp Depobelt, Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria, Jerry Osokpor, Efetobore G Maju-Oyovwikowhe

Tanzania Journal of Science

This research focused on the interpretation of paleodepositional environment and development of a sequence stratigraphic framework for the well TN-1 section, located in the coastal swamp depositional belt of the Niger Delta Basin. Integration of interpreted litho- and biofacies data sets that facilitated the interpretation of the paleodepositional environment enabled the erection of a sequence-stratigraphic framework. Three lithotypes (sand, clay, and shale) distributed within fourteen facies variants were integrated with palynomorph components to delineate five paleodepositional cycles ranging from distal delta plain to bathyal. Eight systems tracts (closely related to depositional cycles, but transcended depositional boundaries in some intervals) that …

Analogue Sandbox Scaled Modelling Of Oblique And Orthogonal Extension Rifting In Rukwa Rift Basin, Tanzania, Tonny Ojok, John Bk Duot, Majorine Namaganda, Nasra Sadiki, Michael Msabi

Tanzania Journal of Science

Fault evolution in oblique and orthogonal rift systems in the brittle upper crust of the Rukwa rift basin was simulated using scaled sandbox modelling by varying the angle between the rift axis and the extension direction, α, through 45° and 90°, over a 10 cm displacement. The 45° oblique model exhibits a half-graben architecture bounded by a planar fault, intra-rift faults and a conjugate fault in some vertical sections. The map view of the model’s basin trends in the NW-SE direction, and is comparable with the Rukwa rift basin orientation. The 90° oblique model forms a basin structure which is …

Impacts Of Wood Fuel Uses On Forest Cover: The Case Of Semiarid Areas In Northern Tanzania, Debora J Mahushi, Revocatus L Machunda, Talam E Kibona

Tanzania Journal of Science

Satellite images for the years 1987, 1997, 2002 and 2017, and questionnaire surveys were used to assess energy sources and demands as well as the impacts of wood fuel use to forest cover changes in Meru and Mwanga Districts. The major energy sources identified include cow dung cake, firewood, charcoal, liquefied petroleum gas and biogas. The total energy demands from these sources were 1400 (in Meru), 6289, 724 and 21 kg per day, respectively. The amount of biogas was not quantified since the reactors were constructed locally with no reading meter. Analysis from Landsat images showed variations in forest cover. …

Timescales And Dynamics Of Rhyolitic Melt Generation In Upper Crustal Magmatic Reservoirs: Insights From New Geochronologic And Petrologic Data On The Valle Mosso Pluton And Sesia Caldera, Sesia Magmatic System, Italy, Lorenzo Tavazzani

Earth Sciences Theses and Dissertations

This work may have a narrow geographic focus, namely a handful of steep and densely forested valleys of the Southern Italian Alps, but its scientific goals are certainly wide. Through a combined analyses of the spatial distribution, geochemical characteristics and temporal duration of the Permian silicic magmatism in the renown Ivrea crustal section (Sesia Magmatic System), this dissertation addresses fundamental questions regarding the physical mechanisms of rhyolitic magma storage, mobilization and eruption.

A brief introduction serves to define the broader context of the scientific questions addressed in the three main chapters of this dissertation. Through Chapters 2 to 4 we …

Mineral Liberation: A Case Study For Buzwagi Gold Mine, Alphonce Wikedzi, Thomas Leißner

Tanzania Journal of Science

Buzwagi Gold Mine (BGM) process plant was designed such that, after secondary grinding, gold and copper are recovered by flotation. However, the flotation circuit had been inefficient, and as a result, cyanidation of flotation tailings is currently conducted to improve gold recovery. The inefficient flotation is suspected to be due to mineralogical variations of ores treated. Hence, mineral liberation characteristics of three ore blends treated by BGM were investigated by automated Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) whereby five fractions (i.e.  -1 +0.5 mm, -0.5 +0.25 mm, -0.25 +0.125 mm, -0.125 +0.063 mm and -0.063 mm) were used. It was found that …

Assessment Of Groundwater Quality In Areas Surrounding Thundulu Phosphate Mine, Phalombe District, Malawi, Philip Jailos, Peter J. Chimtali, Ephraim Vunain

Tanzania Journal of Science

Water is one of the renewable resources essential for sustaining all forms of life and quality of drinking water is very fundamental for human health. Human activities such as mining act as sources of water contamination which consequently lead to ecological, environmental and health problems. To the best of our knowledge, no study has been conducted around the Thundulu Phosphate Mine to establish the quality of drinking water. In this regard, this study was carried out to evaluate the physico-chemical water quality parameters of areas surrounding the Thundulu Phosphate Mine in Phalombe District. Groundwater samples from the villages surrounding the …

Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis For Northern Tanzania Divergence Region And The Adjoining Areas, Michael M Msabi, Richard W Ferdinand

Tanzania Journal of Science

This paper presents the seismic hazard levels for the Northern Tanzania Divergence (NTD) and adjoining areas by using area seismic source zones. The 15 source zones were considered based on the major geological and tectonic features, faulting style, and seismicity trends. For each source, earthquake recurrence parameters were computed by using the earthquake catalogue with events compiled from 1956 to 2011. The peak ground accelerations (PGA) and spectral accelerations (SA) at 0.2 and 2.0 second, respectively, were computed for a 10% probability of exceedance in 50 years at sites defined by a 0.1° x 0.1° grid. The recurrence parameters of …

Upgrading Biogas Using Eburru Zeolitic Rocks And Other Adsorbent Materials To Remove Carbon Dioxide And Hydrogen Sulphide, James K Mbugua, Joseph M Mwaniki, Damaris M Nduta, Francis B Mwaura

Tanzania Journal of Science

The trace amounts of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide in raw biogas lower its calorific value,cause corrosion and make it hard to compress biogas into the cylinder. Raw biogas was obtainedfrom anaerobic digestion of cow dung and market wastes. The gas was stored in tubes or urine bagbefore upgrading. Natural zeolite rocks, maize cobs, steel wire, desulphurizer, and worn-out tyreswere used as the upgrade materials. The composition of biogas was recorded before and afterupgrading using a GP180 portable biogas analyzer from Henan, China. The measured level of rawbiogas was 0.0227% H2S, >20% CO2 and 52-56% CH4. The most efficient upgrade …

Mineralogical And Geochemical Characteristics Of Graphite-Bearing Rocks At Chenjere Area, South-Eastern Tanzania: Implications For The Nature And Quality Of Graphite Mineralization, Charles D Moye, Michael M Msabi

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study focused on the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of graphite-bearing rocks at Chenjere area by conducting surface geological mapping, geochemical and petrographical analyses with the intention of characterizing the nature of graphite occurrence in these lithological units. This paper presents results of the flake size, grade and mineralization extension of graphite in the graphitic gneiss. Field observations, petrographic investigation and comparison with other studies indicate that graphite occurrence at the Chenjere area is of sedimentary origin which fall under syngenetic type. The petrographic study revealed that nature of metamorphism of rocks in the Chenjere area is of high grade …

Evaluation Of Petroleum Hydrocarbons Contamination In Soils And Groundwater Using Electrical Resistivity And Hydrochemical Methods-Case Study: Ayetoro, Osogbo Southwestern Nigeria, Mutiu A Fakunle, Muhydeen A Ibraheem, Wasiu B Agbaje, Luqman A Abidoye

Tanzania Journal of Science

The presence of Petroleum Hydrocarbons (PHCs) in hand-dug wells has become a concern to the residents of Ayetoro area, Osogbo. Consequently, the detection of PHCs was evaluated using, nine Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) and 2D electrical resistivity tomography surveys. Soil samples collected were analyzed for porosity and permeability. Hand-dug well water samples were screened for PHCs. VES revealed that second layer had high apparent resistivity of 14415.0 Ωm, indicating presence of PHCs that had penetrated to maximum depth of 19.1 m. The highest resistivity of the control points was 48.0 Ωm, indicating absence of PHCs. The 2D resistivity revealed highest …