Geological Behavior (GBR)

This study presents an integrated geophysical-geotechnical assessment of sand resources in Nung Ikono Ufok, Nigeria, to evaluate their suitability for large-scale dredging operations. Combining Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) with borehole sampling and laboratory analysis, we characterized subsurface sand deposits, identified constraints, and developed a Dredging Suitability Index (DSI) to guide extraction. Key findings reveal 32,000 m³ of high-quality, well-graded sand (USCS: SW) within 15 m depth, meeting ASTM C33 standards for construction. ERT delineated sand bodies (150–500 Ωm) with over 85% accuracy compared to borehole data, though discontinuous clay layers and saline intrusions reduced recoverable volumes by 15–20% locally. The integration of geophysical and geotechnical data reduced exploration costs by 40% by minimizing unnecessary drilling. The paper recommends prioritizing extraction in zones with DSI >0.7 (e.g., near BH1–BH2), employing real-time resistivity monitoring to avoid clay/saline contamination, and implementing environmental safeguards to mitigate turbidity and coastal erosion. This work provides a replicable model for sustainable sand resource assessment in deltaic regions, balancing economic viability with geological and ecological constraints.

This study has focused on the distribution and systematic paleontology are presented with more emphasis on their modern nomenclatural aspects and ecology of 27 new Recent foraminiferal species, belonging to 22 genera, were identified from three marine bodies in western, central and eastern Mediterranean Sea. 17 species of them (~63%) are recorded from Western Mediterranean Sea (WMS), 7 species (~26%) from Central Mediterranean Sea (CMS), while only 3 species (~11%) from Eastern Mediterranean Sea (EMS). Eight species of them are belonging to the Suborder Textulariina, 6 to Miliolina, 2 to Lagenina and 11 species to Rotaliina. These new species are: Turritellella cimermani, Reophax langeri, Haplophragmoides mediterranensis, Spiroplectinella milkeri, Sahulia saidi, Textularia kaminskii, T. mediterranensis, T. schmiedli, Spirophthalmidium milkeri, Spiroloculina schmiedli, Siphonaperta mallorcaensis, Lachlanella alboranensis, Affinetrina alboranensis, A. alboranica, Tollmannia aegeanea, Globulina alboranica, Siphouvigerina oranica, Uvigerinatella mediterranea, Trimosina mallorcaensis, Sigmavirgulina oranica, Mississippina alboranensis, M. alboranensis, Rosalina mallorcaensis, Discorbinoides oranica, D. alboranensis, Falsocibicides levantinea and Elphidium alboranica.

The use of well logs is significant to obtain accurate and improved porosity, permeability and watersaturation. This accounts for the ability of the wells to store and transmit fluid (hydrocarbon) and itsavailability potential. Three wells (OB-14, OB-15, OB-16, OB-13 and OB-52) data were available for thisresearch. The software used for data analysis and processing is Interactive Petrophysics. The researchoutcomes from the five wells show that low volume of shale as the clean sand is greater than 70%; all themean permeability values noted were highly permeable as all the values obtained were more than 1000mdexcept wells OB-13 and OB-52 whose values are in the very good class. The mean porosity results from allthe wells defined the formation as highly porous. Therefore, the reservoirs are highly porous and permeablefor the storage and migration of fluids. They strongly recommended for development and hydrocarbonexploration.

Interpretation of airborne magnetic and radiometric data in Birin Gwari area of Northcentral Nigeria reveal some anomalous areas which were further explored using ground Geophysics information of magnetic, induced polarization and resistivity survey. Combined results of the geophysical methods, reveal a wide range of linear structures likely veins, which are believed to host ore mineralization. Careful interpretation and technical assessment of the results, attributes some of these structures as probably mineralized veins with varying degrees of characterization. Their responses to physical parameters also revealed some as conductive and the others as non-conductive. Some are conductors within a resistive host while others are within a conductive host. Several of such bodies trending mostly N-S, NE-SW and NW-SE were identified. And it is instructive to note the high degree of correlation between the airborne and ground geophysical data. About seven of the anomalous zones characterized by high chargeability and high resistivity were identified from nine IP profiles within the study area. The geophysical characteristics of the identified vein lengths range from less than 50m to maximally 600m while the width ranges from few cm to maximally 20m. The identified veins were plotted on their mineral prospective maps. Test drilling should be carried out on the priority targets to authenticate the above submission. The mineral prospective priority target maps should be used as guides for the drilling. Other exploration methods such as geochemical sampling of soil and rock samples should be integrated with this geophysical report to see if high concentration of gold coincides with geophysical anomaly and priority targets; this will assist in more precise drilling of target location.

The geothermal energy potential in southeastern Niger Delta, Nigeria, was evaluated using high-resolution aeromagnetic data. The study examined key thermal parameters, including Curie Point Depth (CPD), Geothermal Gradient, Heat Flow, and magnetic source depths, to assess the feasibility of geothermal energy production. Results show significant spatial variations in geothermal characteristics, with some areas displaying high exploration potential. Block 9, near Akamkpa (latitude: 5.485°N, longitude: 7.035°E), has the shallowest CPD at 23.27 km, indicating strong geothermal potential due to the proximity of subsurface heat. In contrast, Block 36 near Ikot Abasi (latitude: 4.815°N, longitude: 7.049°E), with a CPD of 83.15 km, presents deeper and less accessible resources. Geothermal Gradient values range from 6.98°C/km to 24.93°C/km, with Block 9 exhibiting a higher gradient, favorable for geothermal energy extraction at shallower depths. Heat flow varies from 17.44 mW/m² to 62.33 mW/m², with Block 9 again showing the highest values, aligning with its shallow CPD and high gradient, suggesting active geothermal processes. In contrast, Block 36 demonstrates lower heat flow and geothermal potential. Magnetic source depth maps and Total Magnetic Intensity residual data also support Block 9 as a promising location for geothermal development. It is recommended that Block 9 be prioritized for further exploration, with detailed geophysical surveys like seismic and magnetotelluric (MT) studies to refine drilling targets.

Bangladesh, despite having a subtropical climate, is characterized by dry winters and hot summers, ranks top among the most vulnerable countries to climate change. In recent years, climate change has drawn significant attention from academics, researchers, and policymakers worldwide. This study examines the trends in annual and monthly relative humidity in Khulna, Bangladesh, over a 15-year period (2007-2021). Its aim is to provide updated insights into weather patterns, particularly relative humidity, in Khulna. Secondary data on rainfall, temperature, and relative humidity were obtained from the Regional Inspection Center (RIC) of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department in Gollamary, Khulna. Mean, standard deviation (SD), and coefficient of variation (CV), were calculated to assess the annual and monthly distribution of relative humidity. Trend analyses were conducted applying bivariate analysis, and linear regression was utilized to examine the relationship between relative humidity and time. The associations between relative humidity and temperature, as well as between relative humidity and rainfall, were also assessed. Additionally, annual and monthly thermal heat index (THI) values were calculated. The findings revealed that annual relative humidity remained relatively stable, with minimal deviation across the years. Mean monthly relative humidity fluctuated significantly, ranging from 71.60% to 87.27%, following a tri-modal distribution pattern. When plotted against years, annual relative humidity showed a negative but non-significant trend (y = – 0.0823x + 245.86, R2 = 0.0646). Most months showed a declining trend in average relative humidity, with the most substantial and statistically significant reduction occurring in September. THI levels were generally uncomfortable for the human body across most months and years. Monthly average relative humidity displayed a negative relationship with mean monthly temperature and a positive association with mean monthly rainfall. Both relationships were found to be statistically significant (p &lt 0.001). This study highlights the urgent need for adaptive strategies to ensure sustainable agricultural productivity in Khulna and recommends improved monitoring systems due to the variability and uncertainty in relative humidity patterns.

The present study focuses on investigation of competence, corrosivity and plasticity of soils using geophysical and geotechnical methods in Naraguta area. Twenty (20) VES stations were occupied in the study area using Schlumberger array with current electrode separation (AB) varying from 1.5 to 125 m. The VES data acquired in the field were interpreted by curve matching using the Winresist software. Ten (10) soil samples were collected at depth of about 1.5m for geotechnical tests (Liquid limits, plastic limits, plasticity index and linear shrinkage). Resistivity value (23.4-2528.9 Ωm) was used to classify the competence of the soils into three namely: highly competent (>750 Ωm), competent area (350-750Ωm) and incompetent (<100Ω). The soil corrosivity in the area was classified into three namely: moderately corrosive (10-60 Ωm), slightly corrosive (60-180 Ωm) and practically non-corrosive (>180Ωm). The study area is underlain by four (4) geoelectric layers which comprises of Clay, Sandy clay, Clay sand and crystalline rock. The plasticity index (11-270) is classified into medium-plastic (7-17) and highly plastic (>17). The linear shrinkage (7.5-10.7) indicates medium (5-10) and poor-quality soil (10-15). Three (3) degree of expansion zones identified are low, medium and high degree of expansions. Three (3) danger of severity zones were identified namely: non-critical, marginal and critical. Based on the geophysical values the area can be classified into highly competent, competent and incompetent soil for building construction while the geotechnical values indicate medium plasticity/compressibility which suggests medium competence while high plasticity/compressibility suggest low competence.

The sandstone of Inkisi, serving as support for infrastructure and construction materials in the city province of Kinshasa, is of interest for geomechanical studies in particular and geological studies in general. Given its outcrop almost everywhere in Kinshasa and its high consumption in the field of buildings and public works, we have set ourselves the main goal of its macroscopic petrographic characterization and on thin sections using a polarizing microscope, mineralogical by X-ray diffraction and geomechanical by Simple and Los Angeles compression tests using quarry samples from the Kimwenza and Kinsuka sandstones. Petrographically, they are essentially arkosic sandstones. X-ray diffraction reveals the abundance of quartz in our sandstones. It also allowed the detection of minerals containing titanium in addition to feldspars. The simple compression test showed that these sandstones follow mode A from the point of view of rupture and that these sandstones belong to the class of medium strength from the point of view of the classification of resistance to simple compression. The Los Angeles test suggests that these sandstones have a coefficient in the good to average range. And therefore, on a geomechanical level, the sandstones studied in the two quarries of Kimwenza and Kinsuka are suitable for various construction works.

Climate change is manifesting globally with phenomena like floods, storms, crop failures, droughts, and migrations. Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is significantly impacted by these changes. Despite its vulnerability, modern research on climate change in the region is lacking. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating rainfall data as an indicator of climate change in Kinshasa. Analyzing 32 years of daily rainfall records (1988-2019), it evaluates patterns such as consecutive dry days, rainy season duration, and maximum daily rainfall. This comprehensive assessment seeks to enhance understanding of climate dynamics in Kinshasa and support the development of targeted resilience measures in the DRC

Palynological analysis was carried out on twenty ditch cutting samples which were gotten from Uquo well 12 located at Uquo, Akwa Ibom state. The depth ranged from 1720ft to 2860ft. The aim of the study was to determine the age, depositional environment and paleoecology penetrated by the well. The palynological analysis yielded sufficient palynomorph (pollen, spores, Acritach). The most occurred palynomorphs recovered were Smooth monolete spore, Verrucatosporite tenellis, Foraminiferal test lining, Polypodiaceiosporites sp. The dominance of mangrove pollens; Zonocostites ramonae and Psilatricolporites crassus, this indicates that the sediments were likely deposited in a mangrove environment under a wet climate during the Pliocene. The age range penetrated by the well is late Miocene to Early Pliocene because of the co-occurrence of the index species of Cyperaceopollis spore, Nympheapollis lotus and Stereisporites spore seen at 1900ft and 2440ft. Since the study area is foreshore environment and the characteristics are: moderately low to moderately high coastal brackish water swamp community elements, moderately high hinterland fresh water swamp/forest elements, absence of sporadic of marine element therefore samples here has relatively few content