Abstract This study aims at evaluating the influence of the presence of shale on the quality of reservoir sand in “CAC-Field”, Coastal swamp Niger Delta by integrating suites of well logs and 3D pre-stack seismic data. Shales in the reservoir pose interpretation challenges as they form baffles to fluid flow and re duce effective porosity. The data used included well logs (density, gamma ray,neutron, resistivity) and 3D seismic data. Petrel and Interactive Petrophysics software were adopted for the analyses. The Vclay/effective porosity cross-plots were used to determine the clay distribution patterns hence the influence of shale on the petrophysical properties of the hydrocarbon reservoir. Result of the well correlation yielded 12 reservoirs with 4 (RES 4 - RES 7) being hydrocarbon bearing and laterally continuous across the 4 wells,(CAC-1 - CAC-4) forming the focus of the study. Evidence of an NW-SE trending delta progradation in the CAC field is represented by the increasing sandiness downdip, at both intermediate and the shallow horizons. Thicken ing of the reservoir in some instances may be structurally controlled due to faulting. The results from the petrophysical evaluation show Vclay ranges of 13% - 21% and good to very good porosity values that vary from 15% - 25%. The permeability range from 240.49 - 2406.49 mD except for the sands in RES 7, CAC-3 well where the permeability was low (91 mD). Additionally, the Vclay/Effective Porosity cross-plots indicate essentially laminated and structural clay types with few dispersed clay in RES 7, CAC-3 well. The existence of these 3 clay types did not significantly influence the quality of the sands containing the hydrocarbon in the area, except in RES 7, CAC-3. The com partmentalizing effect of the laminated clay/shale could only possibly affect the vertical flow due to possible baffles to the vertical flow, but the horizontal flow may not have been impeded significantly. The study of the type and pat tern of clay has helped to better evaluate the quality and mobility trend of the hydrocarbon in the CAC field.

Abstract This report evaluates the use of electrical method and borehole data to investigate the subsurface to delineate the groundwater potential in Enugu metro polis and the environs, south-eastern Nigeria other than rely only on resistivity method which could lead to interpretation error. Integrating these 2 data sets is key in this study. The study area is located in the Anambra Basin and is underlain by Nkporo/Enugu Shale which is overlain by the Mamu Formation. It is bounded by Latitudes 6˚2 0'00"N to 6˚30'00"N and Longitudes7˚25'00"E to 7˚35'00"E and covers surface area of about 342 m2 . Thirty-one vertical electrical soundings (VES) were carried out across the area using the Schlumberger electrode array with current electrode separation from 2 to 500 m to identify the depths and resistivity values of the identified geo-electric layers. Through data analysis using WinResist software, the apparent resistiv ity, thicknesses and depths and the thicknesses of the aquifers were generated. The resistivity and depths were modelled to generate resistivity map and depth map. The resistivity of the aquiferous zone within the study area varied from 20.55 - 427.8 ohm-m at depths of between 10.7 - 40.05 m. Depth to the water table appears to be shallow at the south western part of the map. The interpreted geo-electric layers show a sequence of lateritic top soil, shale, sand and shale. The frequency distribution of the VES curves generated shows the presence of 3 to 5 layers with HK type as the highest. Also, a 2D model was generated using the correlation of VES to VES data and borehole data to VES data to show the underlying stratigraphy beneath the study area as well as the direction of ground water flow. Result of the VES curve analysis reveals that the sub-surface is underlain by three lithological layers namely: lateritic top soil, shale, sand and shales with NW direction of groundwater flow from the 2D model. Groundwater prospective zones can be seen along NW, SW and central parts of the study area which have low resistivity values.

Abstract There exists a growing demand for potable water resources to fill the abys mally insufficient water needs for domestic and industrial especially in the Basement Complex terrains of Nigeria. This situation is attributable to its complex hydrogeologic character. The present challenge has worsened due to the non-incorporation of integrated methods in groundwater exploration campaigns. To effectively combat the challenge of unacceptable failure rates in drilled water well development, there is a need for innovative scientific principles and quantitative assessment of groundwater resources to enhance sustainable and proper utilisation of these resources. Hence, it is the objective of this research to exploit the potential application of remote sensing, Geo graphic Information System (GIS), and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) techniques and freely open datasets in mapping groundwater potential zones. Seven thematic maps have been produced based on factors that are deemed to influence and deemed to have significant control on the occurrence and movement of groundwater. These factors are geology, lineament density, slope, drainage density, rainfall, land-use/land cover, and soil class. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to assign normalised weights to the thematic maps based on the various relative contributions to groundwater occurrence and movement. These thematic maps were then processed in a GIS environment using the Weighted Overlay tool which implements the MCDA. The resulting Groundwater Potential Zones (GPZ) of the area gave rise to Five classes viz: Very good, Good, Moderate, Poor and Very Poor representing 19%, 8%, 14%, 47% and 13% respectively. It is recommended that the GPZ map should be used as a reconnaissance tool for selecting prospective sites for detailed groundwater resource exploitation.

Abstract The tectonic structures of the Mako area in the Kédougou-Kéniéba inlier (KKI) were mapped with tele-analytical investigation which is validated by field data. This study is based on different images processing in particular: 1) the colored combinations (1 to 5) and panchromatic (8) thematic mapping bands of the Landsat-8 (ETM+) satellite; 2) Digital Elevation Model (DEM) image of Space Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM); 3) airborne geo physics (aeromagnetic and radiometric) images. In these images, four major directions of lineaments NS, NNE-SSW, NW-SE and EW would be related to the tectonic structures, have been identified and mapped. Field data confirm these four structural directions and show that most of these lineaments are related to faults, shear and/or thrust zones, or even basic rock dykes. N-S to NE-SW oriented lineaments are more frequent followed by those NW-SE oriented. These two directions of lineaments are generally in correlation with trajectories of major sinistral shear zones in the Mako area. They would be associated with the S2a and S2b schistosities relative to the D2 Eburnean major deformation. They often intersect the E-W oriented lineaments which are less frequent and sometimes folded and crenulated. This E-W oriented lineament would be prior and are associated with the S1 schistosity of the D1 Eburnean thrust phase of deformation. At the scale of the studied area, these major linear structures (shear zones) are conjugated and create a partitioning of deformation through an anastomosed network of mylonitic shear zones which surround weakly deformed rock bodies. All these structures would be related to the Eburnean or post-Eburnean orogenic events in this Mako area.

Abstract Bozhong oilfield which is abbreviated as BZ oilfield is the first oilfield with deep metamorphic buried hill that is discovered reserves of billion-ton in Bohai Bay. Affected by multi-stage tectonic movements, the distribution of fractures is very complex in this area, therefore it is significant to study the evolution of structures for understanding the distribution of fractures. In view of the complexity on the tectonic evolution of the buried hill region in the study area, the influence of tectonic movements on the formation of fractured reservoir is analyzed, and the research results lay the foundation for the efficient development in this type of the oilfield. The results show that main faults, which is formed during early Indosinian and Yanshanian period, are mainly developed in the BZ oilfield area, and the fracture strike has mainly east-west and north-east-east trend. Based on the analysis of the relationship among tectonic evolution, regional stress field and fracture development, it is considered that Indosinian extrusion is the main reason for the formation of main direction faults in the study area. Yanshanian strike-slip transformation and Himalayan reactivation further controlled the development of the fractured reservoirs in the later stage, and formed the present fracture network system. Well block 5 is located in passive plate system during Indosinian period, it is affected by Himalayan stretching and long-term activation of large faults in the later stage, so that the effective fractures are relatively developed. The result plays an important role in guiding the overall plan deployment of the BZ oilfield.

Abstract In the north Indian Ocean (NIO), maps of sea level anomaly from satellite altimetry were analysed from January-1995 to December-2000. The study attempted to trace the trajectories of the individual mesoscale anomalies manually and to understand seasonal changes in terms of phase speed. Mesoscale anomalies are detected as concentric circular shapes and diameters of ~90 km to 600 km and the minimum 30 days life cycle. Relatively higher eddy kinetic energy was noticed in the northwestern region of the NIO. Individual mesoscale anomalies, namely positive (warm, anticyclonic eddies) and negative (cold, cyclonic eddies) showing travelling direction westward in the NIO basins. In autumn, the number of negative anomalies detected is more than positive anomalies and vice versa during summer. The westward propagating positive (negative) anomalies in the Arabian Sea start appearing in winter (spring) along (away from) the west coast of India and west of 65˚E; individual anomalies move to the west in spring/summer/autumn and collide along Somalia’s & Arabian coast. A group of positive (negative) anomalies trajectories appears as a tail at the southern tip of India are located west of the Laccadive ridge in winter (summer to autumn) associated with LH (LL). The Bay of Bengal (BB) trajectories show southwestward in northern BB, westward in central BB and northwestward in southern BB; individual anomalies are appearing along the west coast of Andaman & Nicobar ridge. The zonal phase speed decreases away from the equator, and the magnitude varies longitudinally in each season in the form of a wave-like pattern propagating westward from autumn to summer; the life cycle of the wave is almost 365 days (a year). The theoretical phase speed of the first mode of the baroclinic Rossby waves is quite similar to that of averaged zonal speed. Therefore mesoscale anomalies (eddies) are embedded into the large waves like phenomenon (Rossby waves), responsible for creating high variability and EKE in the region of NIO along the western boundaries.

Abstract In this study, we presented new theory of effusive and explosive of volcanic eruptions. New explanation of eruption mechanisms was done by using the Elemental Buoyancy Theory and new K-Th-U structure of Earth, developed early by author. During investigation of effusive eruptions, it was given clear answer on the question why the light chemical elements, mainly silicon and sulfur compound, currently dominate in the volcanic ashes, gases, and in the magma lavas. At investigation of explosive mechanism, we analyzed 38 strong eruptions with Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) more than 4+. It was shown that there is a link between the planet configurations and volcanic eruptions. It can be found that volcano eruptions occurred at the different types of planet alignments. The phenomenon does depend neither on planet mass nor on the relative positions of planets. Also the phenomenon does not depend on the distance between planets, but often eruptions were observed when the distances between planets are multiple units. Also in work, it was demonstrated that the planet alignment affects not only natural processes on the Earth, but also impact the Sun activity. Based on the comparison phenomenon on the Earth and Sun, we get new mechanism to rapidly rising up pressure under the lithospheric planes by gravity vortexes. This gravity vortex was called as terrestrial magmatic protuberances.

Abstract Watershed prioritization is considered as the most significant aspect in watershed resource management and development program. The present work attempts to prioritize seventeen sub-watersheds in Ruparel watershed of Alwar district of Rajasthan, India. For prioritization of sub-watersheds, morphometric and land use/land cover (LULC) analysis were performed using remote sensing and GIS. Base map of the study area has been derived from SOI toposheet on 1:50,000 scale whereas LULC mapping was done using IRS P6 LISS III data. Standard methods for drainage morphometry have been followed for computing morphometric parameters such as linear and shape for seventeen sub-watersheds and allotted ranks based on their relationship with erodibility and a compound value has been calculated for final ranking. Five main LULC categories were computed and were assigned priority ranks and subsequently a compound parameter was determined for final ranking. Integration of both morphometric and LULC results reveal that SBW5, SBW7, SBW12 and SBW16 are the common sub-watersheds that fall under high priority, SBW3 falls under Medium category and SBW11 comes under low priority. The results of the analysis can be used to identify the sub-watersheds which need immediate restoration and will eventually help in watershed resource management for sustainable development.

Abstract Over the past half century, I have maintained research connections with Russian scientists during investigations in seismology and mineral physics. These studies have focused on detection and discrimination of underground nuclear explosions and measurements of the physical properties of minerals at high pressures and temperatures. During this period, I have also visited many research laboratories in Russia, including Moscow, Chernogolovka, Novosibirsk and St. Petersburg. The objective of this paper is to relate this history .

Abstract Landslides are a natural phenomenon that happens all around the world.When happening in urban areas they become a disaster, disrupting the life style of a community or society. Human losses, social impacts, and structural damage are some of the landslide’s effects. The current climate variability shows an increase in extreme weather conditions, either with long periods of drought or heavy and long-term rainfall. In Brazil, landslides are one of the deadliest disasters; they are usually preceded and triggered by heavy rainfall and already have affected more than 4 million people. Moreover, with the population growth, areas with high declivities have been occupied and turned into urban areas. Those people living there are vulnerable to suffering from landslides, losing their homes, and in extreme cases, losing their life. The identification and monitoring of landslide-prone areas are crucial to avoid disasters. Several advanced models, with different approaches, were developed to identify the landslide-prone areas. Aiming to decide the model that provides more satisfactory results, this paper presents a literature review of the applicability and limitations of three advanced models. The three models are Sinmap, Shalstab and TRIGRS. The analysis determined that all three models are adequate for stability management in slope areas. Moreover, TRIGRS results are more accurate than Shalstab, and the Sinmap model provides an over-estimation of landslide-prone areas.

Abstract Geohazards are a recurrent issue in the Kerio River catchment of Kenya, which usually results in life and property loss. This research focuses on mapping geo-hazard risk zones of the region. The risk zones were developed from a combination of land use land cover maps, agroecological zones maps and soil erosion maps using the Analytical Hierarchy Process method of multi-criteria analysis. The final results depict the geohazard risk maps which show the susceptibility of different areas in the catchment (classified as risk zones) to hazards. The zones range from no risk zones to very high-risk zones. The results showed that the lowlands are most susceptible to hazards as they were classified as high-risk zones. These risk zone areas have impacts on the socio-economic development hence negatively impacting livelihoods in the area.

Abstract This study assessed the contributions of the major stakeholders to secondary school education in some parts of Benue State using geospatial techniques. It aimed at producing a queriable spatial database of secondary schools which could be used as a guide for resource distribution and management in the school system. The study adopted, survey, field observation and measurement using Global Positioning System (GPS) to obtain the needed data. Geographic Information System (GIS) and descriptive statistical techniques were employed to map, visualize and analyze the data. The result shows that the private sector has the highest contribution to secondary schools in the area. In the private sector, the private individuals have the highest contributions to secondary school in the area both by ownership, sponsorship and size (student population). The implication is that the system will suffer exploitation by the dominant private individuals in the system. It was recommended that further research should be conducted to assess the relationship between government efforts and other stakeholders on the spatial distribution of secondary schools in the study area.

Abstract Over the past six decades, I have maintained research connections with English scientists while pursuing an academic career focusing on scientific discoveries of the physical properties of minerals at high pressures and temperatures. During this period, I have also visited many research laboratories in England, including University of Cambridge, University College London, University of Oxford and the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment [AWRE] in Aldermaston, England. The objective of this paper is to relate this history.

Abstract It is the basic research subject that analyzes and calculate the law and numerical value of phase change and gas deviation coefficient of natural gas with high-CO2 content in the process of safe and effective development of gas reservoirs, which is obtained by high-pressure physical properties PVT (Pressure-Volume-Temperature) experiments and different calculation methods calculations. Aiming at natural gas with high-CO2 content in the Dongfang gas field, the phase change characteristics and physical parameters of different PVT samples are simulated and tested by Chandler 3000-GL analyzer and PVT SIM software. The experimental data shows that the phase state of natural gas with different content of CO2 has not changed in the study range. At the same time, the deviation coefficient calculated by different calculation methods (DPR, DAK, BB, HY, Gopal) are compared with the experimental data, and the applicable scope of different calculation methods are obtained. The results show that the improved Gopal has high accuracy and is suitable for the calculation of the deviation coefficient of natural gas with high-CO2 content under high temperature and high pressure in the Dongfang gas field.

Abstract High-purity quartz (HPQ), the prime source of silica, is increasingly considered a strategic mineral in the world market because it is the raw material for special applications in high-tech industries owing to its unique physical and chemical properties. The expected growth in demand for HPQ implies that more sources have to be found. This is the primary motivation for this study which targets the Supe area, SW Region of Cameroon. The structural occurrences of quartz veins were mapped and samples collected. The chemical nature and textural features of these samples were subsequently analyzed by X-ray tomography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA). Three deformation events, D1 - D3 are recorded. D1 is marked by the development of the strong S1 foliation defined by the gneissic layering and schistosity. D2 is a NE-SW ductile to brittle sinistral shear that controlled the formation of tension gashes that served as subsequent pathways for quartz-rich hydrothermal fluids to circulate and eventually precipitate quartz. The presence of rutile, tourmaline, and mica inclusions in the Super veins affects the purity of the quartz. However, quartz can be treated to improve its quality. Taking into consideration the nine determinant trace elements used to classify HPQ, three (Li, P, and B) are below detection limits, Al concentrations are within the HPQ, quartz market standard, and average natural abundance; Ti values are high above all three standards in all except one sample, while Na, Ca, K, and Fe values fluctuate, thus classifying one of the samples as high purity quartz and the others as low purity quartz. These veins define tension gashes which usually occur in an echelon arrangement covering a large surface area, suggesting that more of such veins probably exist in the Supe area. Consequently, the quality and potential quantity of HPQ veins in this area suggest a high potential for HPQ exploration in the region.

Abstract The most important aspect of every civil engineering project is acquiring reliable information on the ground on which the project will be constructed. This research includes a site investigation, which is seen as a primary stage in gathering geological, geotechnical, and other essential engineering data for structures’ safe and cost-effective design. Five boreholes at well-spaced spots were drilled for subsurface investigation at a maximum depth of 15 m to 30 m. The standard penetration tests (SPT) were performed at different depths, soil samples were taken at various intervals, and lithological changes were observed. The friction angle was between 19.6˚ and 33.03˚, whereas the cohesion ranges between 0.25 kg/cm2 and 0.42 kg/cm2, indicating a strong resistance to shearing and a high capacity to sustain the load. Furthermore, the soil samples’ maximum dry density ranges from 1.63 g/cm3 to 1.80 g/cm3. In addition, water table depths were recorded from 6.0 m to 7.0 m. The net bearing capacity for isolated/pad foundation at a depth of 1.5 m to 2.5 m below the ground level has been calculated as 95.0 to 120.0 kPa and 120.0 to 180.0 kPa for raft foundation. The net allowable pressure settlement limits for isolated/pad and raft foundations are 25 mm (1-inch) and 50 mm (2-inches), respectively. The investigation has found no severe geological flaws on the proposed construction site, and therefore it is appropriate for the construction of an Air Separation Unit (ASU) Oxygen Plant.