Earth Science Malaysia (ESMY)

This study deals with a review of two new Paleogene benthic genera: Ornatodella Anan (2023) from Pakistan and Marginulinoides Anan (2024) from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as one hundred and thirty-two Campanian-Paleogene and Recent benthic and planktic foraminiferal species were erected by the present author from twelve localities in South Asia: 18 species from Turkey (13.6%), 2 Palestine, 3 Jordan, 1 Saudi Arabia (SA), 10 Yaman (~7.6%), 8 Oman (~6%), 29 UAE (~22%), 1 Qatar, 11 Iraq (-8%), 37 Iran (~28%),15 Pakistan (-11%), and 2 species from India. Six species of the assemblage are believed here as new: Percultazonaria iranica, Percultazonaria iranensis, Lagena iranica, Aragonia iranica and Catapsydrax iranica and Subbotina iranica. 39 species of the assemblage belong to Suborder Textulariina (-30%), 8 Miliolina (-6%), 29 Lagenina (-22%), 36 Rotaliina (-27%) and 20 Globigerinina (~15%). Twenty-two of the recorded species present an evolutionary foraminiferal lineage: (1) Gaudryina acuta G. pyramidata G. limbata lineage, (2) Pseudoclavulina iranensis P. iranica, (3) Textularia haquei T. farafraensis, (4) Laevidentalina ameeri L. hudae L. salimi, (5) Ramulina pseudoaculeata R. futyani, (6) Ramulina ornata → R. salahii, (7) Stilostomella impensia S. turkiana, (8) Ellipsoglandulina turkiana E. arafati, (9) Planulina mellahensis → P. turkiana, (10) Cibicidoides nekhlianus C. turkiana, (11) Cibicides schwageri Cibicides turkiana, (12) Nuttallides turkiana N. turkiana, (13) Nonion havanense N. turkiana, (14) Oridorsalis umbonatus → 0. turkiana, (15) Osangularia turkiana 0. plummerae, (16) Anomalinoides turkiana A. zitteli, (17) Valvulineria iraqensis V. ranikotensis, (18) Ornatanomalina geei O. pakistanica, (19) Moruzovella lensiformis M. arabica M. crater M. aragonensis M. caucasica, (20) M. crater M. hafitensis M. caucasica, (21) Turborotalia cerroazulensis → T. semicunialensis T. cocoaensis T. cunialensis lineage.

This study has focused on the systematic paleontology are presented with more emphasis on their modern nomenclatural aspects of 30 benthic and planktic foraminiferal species belonging to 16 genera, were identified from four countries in the southwestern part of Asia (Palestine, Jordan, Iraq and Iran). 15 species of them (~50%) are recorded from the Ypresian-Lutetian of Iran, 10 species (~33%) from the Campanian-Maastrichtian of Iraq, 3 species (~10%) from the Danian-Lutetian of Jordan, only 2 species (~7%) from Maastrichtian of Palestine. Eighteen species of them are belonging to the Suborder Textulariina, 5 to Lagenina, 3 species to Rotaliina, and 4 to Globigerinina. Three species of them are believed here as new: Pseudoclavulina iraqensis, Ramulina irregularis and Ramulina radiata. Two benthic foraminiferal lineages are presented: Verneuilina lineage (Verneuilina iraqensis V. jordanica> V. luxorensis lineage), which explained also the evolutionary phenomena “Proterogenesis”, and Pseudoclavulina lineage (Pseudoclavulina, iraqensis > P. futyani > P. iranica lineage).

Coastal communities worldwide are facing increasing threats from climate change induced hazards such as sea-level rise, storm surge and particularly erosion which are having a negative impact on environmental, economic and socio-cultural stability. Traditional hard structure usually gives immediate mitigation to reduce this problem but they often disrupt the ecosystem and paradigm shift towards nature-based solutions (NbS) and hybrid systems receive a positive response around the world. The rapid evolutions of coastal protection strategies are necessary for a comprehensive review to understand the effectiveness, trends and benefits of NbS and hybrid systems. This systematic literature review (SLR) fills these gaps by synthesizing recent studies to guide resilient coastal adaptation in the face of increasing climate challenges. NbS and hybrid systems offer sustainable, resilient coastal protection with hybrid balancing the ecological benefit and structure reliability. A review of 88 articles from 2020 – 2025 from Scopus and ScienceDirect showed the increasing pathway of this research with mainly publication from Europe and Asia. Field studies and numerical modelling revealed NbS effectively reduces erosion and wave energy in moderate conditions while hybrid systems enhance resilience during extreme events and significantly stabilize the shoreline. The hybrid system approaches provide robust, multifunctional solutions and climate goals. These findings advocate for policy reforms, interdisciplinary collaboration and expand research in underrepresented countries/regions to foster equity and sustainable coastal adaptation strategies.

This study focuses on the structural mapping and interpretation of some outcrops at Kuntenase and its surroundings and how these structures may be indicative of deformational and tectonic activities and also to understand the potential influence of the lake on rock tectonics. Structural measurements including strike, dip and dip direction data of planar and linear structures were collected to characterize the deformational patterns in the study area. The main rock type identified from the petrographic analysis is a metasediment specifically phyllite and metagreywacke with mineral compositions of pyroxene, biotite, quartz and some amount of plagioclase. Field observations and data analysis was conducted to identify and analyse structural features such as faults, folds, joints, foliations and cleavage, providing insight into the deformation history of the rocks. A particular emphasis was placed on the relationship between the structures and the proximity to the lake Bosumtwi. By comparing the structural characteristics and the orientation of outcrops closer to the lake and those located farther away, variations in deformation intensities were identified. Beds of outcrops closer to the lake were more vertical in orientation compared to the ones farther away. Micro-structures observed included microlithon, quartz veinlets and stringers and also a micro level deformational rock cataclasite. Using the law of cross-cutting relationship – since dating has not been done to tell specifically which one is older- the structures being cut across are relatively older and the ones cutting being relatively younger. Thus, new structures may have been formed due to the impact crater. The flow pattern of water in the area is along strike of most of the structures NE-SW thus the drainage system is controlled by the structures in the area.

The coastal regions of Bangladesh are highly dynamic and increasingly affected by both natural processes and human activities, leading to notable land formation and deformation. This study examines coastal land-use changes over the last three decades and predicts future trends using a Cellular Automata–Markov (CA– Markov) model. Focusing on Noakhali and Sandwip, the analysis shows a net land gain of 600.45 sq. km between 2000 and 2010, which declined to 297.10 sq. km during 2010–2020, alongside increased land deformation. Conversion from water to vegetation rose sharply from 27.97 sq. km to 109.62 sq. km over the same periods. Projections for 2030 indicate continued changes, with land area increasing to 1,934.22 sq. km and water area decreasing to 5,671.38 sq. km. The results highlight the influence of climate change, including sea-level rise and storm surges, and emphasize the value of predictive modeling for sustainable coastal management and planning.

The multi-decadal dynamics of hydrological components in the Tamne Catchment of Ghana play a pivotal rolein the region’s water resource management and agricultural sustainability. This study evaluates these dynamics using the water balance approach, providing a comprehensive understanding of how key hydrological elements, including precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff, and groundwater recharge, have evolved over several decades. Additionally, the study assesses the inter-annual variability of Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) and Actual Evapotranspiration (ETₐ) within the Tamne Catchment over a defined period of 1992-2022. By analyzing long-term climate data, land use changes, and hydrological records, we constructed a detailed water balance model to quantify the variations in each component. The results indicate a marked shift in the catchment’s hydrological regime, characterized by increasing variability in precipitation and significant alterations in runoff patterns. Utilizing climate data, soil moisture levels, and vegetation indices, remote sensing techniques were applied to estimate PET and ETₐ. The findings revealed significant inter-annual fluctuations influenced by variations in rainfall, temperature, and land cover changes. PET exhibited a general increasing trend, suggesting heightened atmospheric demand due to rising temperatures, while ETₐ demonstrated variability closely tied to annual precipitation and soil moisture availability. The discrepancy between PET and ETₐ highlights the critical role of water availability in limiting actual evapotranspiration, with implications for irrigation practices and water resource planning in the catchment. These results underscore the need for adaptive water management strategies to cope with the variability in evapotranspiration, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and water use in the region.

This study focuses on the structural mapping and interpretation of some outcrops at Kuntenase and its surroundings and how these structures may be indicative of deformational and tectonic activities and also to understand the potential influence of the lake on rock tectonics; structural measurements including strike, dip and dip direction data of planar and linear structures were collected to characterize the deformational patterns in the study area; the main rock type identified from the petrographic analysis is a metasediment, specifically phyllite and metagreywacke, with mineral compositions of pyroxene, biotite, quartz and some amount of plagioclase; field observations and data analysis were conducted to identify and analyse structural features such as faults, folds, joints, foliations and cleavage, providing insight into the deformation history of the rocks; a particular emphasis was placed on the relationship between the structures and the proximity to the lake Bosumtwi; by comparing the structural characteristics and the orientation of outcrops closer to the lake and those located farther away, variations in deformation intensities were identified; beds of outcrops closer to the lake were more vertical in orientation compared to the ones farther away; micro-structures observed included microlithon, quartz veinlets and stringers and also a micro-level deformational rock cataclasite; using the law of cross-cutting relationship—since dating has not been done to tell specifically which one is older—the structures being cut across are relatively older and the ones cutting are relatively younger; thus, new structures may have been formed due to the impact crater; the flow pattern of water in the area is along strike of most of the structures NE-SW, thus the drainage system is controlled by the structures in the area.

A 2D geo-electric survey was carried out over parts of the study area to ascertain the presence of hydrated aluminum silicate minerals. This study used Dipro software and other techniques developed during the study to assess the accuracy of the pole configuration in defining mineral zones. The IP data revealed a number of subsurface zones with high real component current density which define the potential subsurface structural features (fractures/ faults zones) with possible kaolinite zone. The results from the geo-electric imaging models reveal a heterogeneous nature of mineralisation within zone of high resistivity (low conductivity) that may represent kaolin bearing quartz, feldspar or mica. The 2D section of the kaolinated showed regions of both high and low conductivity with values that ranged from -100 to 74.9 Ω-1m-1 with structural trends in the NE-SW direction. The mineralized zones is characterized by fine particles size, plate like shape and chemical inertness.

This study applies three-dimensional (3D) electrical resistivity imaging (ERI), integrated with borehole log data, to investigate subsurface architecture and aquifer vulnerability at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Football Field, Edo State, Nigeria. The site, situated within the hydro-geologically significant Benin Formation, revealed a stratified subsurface comprising six distinct layers. Borehole log correlation confirmed the identification of sandy strata between 10.0 m and 17.4 m as primary aquifer zones with high porosity and permeability, underlain by compacted sandstones and crystalline bedrock that serve as structural markers and natural hydraulic barriers. Vulnerability analysis using the GOD model classified the aquifer as moderately susceptible to contamination due to thin clay protective layers and increasing urbanisation pressures. This research underscores the novel application of 3D ERI alongside borehole data to enhance subsurface characterisation and aquifer delineation in complex urban terrains. The findings provide actionable insights for groundwater resource management and environmental protection, with recommendations for multi-method geophysical surveys and hydrogeological modelling to optimise resource utilisation and safeguard aquifers against contamination.

Urban flooding in Edo State, Nigeria, has intensified due to rapid urbanization, land use/land cover (LULC) change, and climatic variability. Identifying areas of exposure and vulnerability is critical for planning and risk reduction. This study employed Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) to analyze Landsat imagery and classify LULC. Climate data (rainfall and temperature distribution) were integrated to map flood vulnerability across the study area. Flood risk zones were further delineated using spatial analysis of land cover, topography, and climatic factors. Landsat image classification identified five land cover types: built-up areas (14.58%), agricultural land (48.93%), bare ground (5.06%), water bodies (5.35%), and vegetation (26.08%). Results show that anthropogenic activities such as deforestation, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development significantly alter LULC, heightening flood vulnerability, particularly in agricultural zones. Rainfall distribution showed that areas receiving 2100–2400 mm annually were highly vulnerable, 1600–2000 mm zones moderately vulnerable, and 1300–1500 mm zones low risk. Temperature mapping revealed high-temperature areas occupying 20.63% of the landscape, medium-temperature zones 33.97%, and low-temperature zones 45.40%. Flood risk assessment indicated that 4.78% of the area is at very low risk, 10.20% at low risk, 19.75% at moderate risk, 30.70% at high risk, and the largest share within very high risk. Flood-prone regions in Edo State are strongly influenced by topography, vegetation loss, soil compaction, and precipitation variability. The findings highlight the urgent need for climate-responsive urban policies, sustainable land management, and inclusive adaptation strategies to reduce the increasing threat of urban flooding in the state.