Earth Science Malaysia (ESMY)

A systematic geochemical investigation of the Laki Formation from the selected regions of Southern Indus Basin Pakistan Basin has been carried out. This paper presents the characterization of hydrocarbon potential, type of kerogen, thermal maturity, the origin of organic matter, depositional environment, and bulk mineralogy of the Laki Formation shales. The total organic carbon (TOC) content of the Laki shale ranges from 0.53 to 2.66 wt. %. The values indicate that Laki shales have fair to very good hydrocarbon potential. Type III kerogen is identified in the Laki shale based on TOC and residual potential (S2) data. Maturity parameters (Tmax & Methyl phenanthrene index) suggest that Laki shales are thermally immature for the generation of hydrocarbons. Normal alkane data and stable carbon (δ13C) isotopic value (-9.67 ‰ PDB) of the Laki shale indicates the predominantly marine origin of the organic matter. Dibenzothiophene/phenanthrene (DBT/P) ratio (0.08), Phytane (Ph)/n-C18 versus Pristane (Pr)/n-C17, and Pr/Ph versus DBT/P data suggest a marine environment of the Laki shale. The marine setting of the Laki Formation shale is further evident by coralline algae and Alveolina oblonga. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data reflect that Laki shale is brittle since it is dominated by high quartz and carbonates.

Lead and Zinc deposits are very much important economic booster for the country all over the world. Economic geologists are engaged in the search of these economy booster minerals and rocks for three decades. Lead and zinc are profuse resources in the Lasbela-Khuzdar belt of Balochistan province of Pakistan, with reserves of about 50 million tons all over the country. In this paper, we have presented field observations of the Dudder mine area and summarised the work of earlier papers to provide the salient features of these ore mineralizations and deposits. The tectonic settings and important ore controls have been discussed based on field observations and previous work. The Pb-Zn dominantly occupied by exposures of rocks of the Ferozabad Group of Jurassic age in the Mor range, which is comprised of Lower-Middle-Upper Jurassic carbonates and deep-marine siliciclastics rock sequence. This group contains syngenetic and epigenetic Pb-Zn mineralization classified as a stratiform replacement, and vein-type fissure fillings observed at various places of Duddar, Gunga, and Surmai deposit areas. Generally, these deposits are hosted pyrites nuggets with fine-grained sphalerite matrix with galena in black shale, argillaceous limestone, and mudstone. We construct a Pb-Zn deposit predictive tectonic model that regards mineralization as the primary factor and the ore rock as secondary. The tectonics were more active when sedimentation of the Anjira Formation started in a disturbing third-order basin. The Hydrothermal solution comes into the basin along faults and gave rise to syngenetic mineralization of sulfides in the Anjira Formation, and epigenetic one in the underlying Spingwar and Loralai Formations. These deposits are considered as SEDEX deposits according to the distribution of Pb-Zn deposits, we concluded that a multi-period, multi-cycle orogenic environment is the most positive for lead-zinc deposit growth. With this, we analyze the association between tectonic evolution, geological mineralization, and Pb-Zn metallogenic epoch. The tectonic and mineralization mechanism models are expected to ease the detailed study on the geological and geochemical conditions of mineralization in the Ferozabad Group and economic assessment of the resources.

The aim of the present work is to estimate the accumulation of various elements related to the core sediment belong to the Krishna-Godavari marginal area with a nuclear analytical technique. Hence, a 4.12 m long marine sediment gravity core was collected from near to Nizampatnam Bay that related to Bay of Bengal and by using particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) elemental concentrations have been determined. The concentrations of major elements like Fe, Ca, K, Ti, Mn and minor (trace) elements such as Sr, Co, V, Zn, Ni, Cu, Rb, Sc and Cr have been evaluated with the obtained PIXE spectra. These values are interpreted based on the monsoonal runoff coming from the rivers causing to play an important role for bring lot of sedimentary material of the coastal waters to the Bay of Bengal. Further results are interpreted to understand biological and anthropogenic activities, chemical reactions etc during Holocene and Pleistocene periods.

The current study area is a northeastern part of Karachi arc and located in Lakhi Range and also the Southeastern part of Karachi arc which is Thar Desert. Present study is focused on Bara Formation with specifically source rock study, as it could be understand that from where these detritus were being supplied, either from Indian craton or Asian plate in Middle Paleocene time. These sediments are composed of Sandstone, Shale, Coal, and Siltstone with some traces of fossils. Ninety five samples of Middle Paleocene sediments from three localities (Ranikot, Lakhra and Thar) with five stratigraphic sections have investigated for geochemical elements identification. The studied sediments have been classified as Litharenite, Sublitharenite, arkose, Sub-arkose greywacke, Iron sand, Iron shale. PIA and CIA of studied section of basin had been facing low/low to high weathering conditions in source area. The majority of samples indicate the passive margin tectonic settings. Middle Paleocene sediments of Southern Indus Basin is concluded here as the sediments had been supplied from Indian shield rocks and it can be summarized that the Indian plate was not collided with Asia plate in Middle Paleocene time (61.6-59.2 million years age) at Southern Indus Basin of Pakistan.

During the feasibility and preliminary design stages of a project, when very little detailed information on the rock mass and its geomechanic characteristics is not available, the use of a Rock Mass Classification Scheme (RMCS) can be of considerable benefit. Various parameters were used in order to identify the RMCS. The parameter comprised of Rock Quality Designation (RQD), Rock Mass Rating (RMR), Rock Structure Rating (RSR), Geological Strength Index (GSI), Slope Mass Rating (SMR), etc. In this paper, we present the results of the applicability of the Geological Strength Index (GSI) classification for the Trusmadi Formation in Sabah, Malaysia. The GSI classification system is based on the assumption that the rock mass contains a sufficient number of “randomly” oriented discontinuities such that it behaves as a homogeneous isotropic mass. In this study, the GSI relates the properties of the intact rock elements/blocks to those of the overall rock mass. It is based on an assessment of the lithology, structure and condition of discontinuity surfaces in the rock mass and is estimated from visual examination of the rock mass exposed in outcrops or surface excavations. A total of ten (10) locations were selected on the basis of exposures of the lithology and slope condition of the Trusmadi Formation. The Trusmadi Formation regionally experienced of two major structural orientations NW-SE and NE-SW. It consists mostly of dark grey shale with thin bedded sandstones, typical of a turbidite deposit. This unit has been subjected to low grade of metamorphism, producing slates, phyllites and meta-sediments and intense tectonic deformation producing disrupted or brecciated beds. Quartz vein are quite widespread within the joints on sandstone beds. The shale is dark grey when fresh but changes light grey to brownish when weathered. The results are classified as “Poor Rock” to “Fair Rock” in term of GSI. The poor categories (TR2 and TR7) represent slickensided, highly weathered surfaces with compact coatings or fillings or angular fragments. It is also characterized as blocky/ disturbed/seamy, which folded with angular blocks formed by many intersecting discontinuity sets. The fair categories can be divided into two (2) types; type 1 (TR1, TR6 and TR8) which represent as smooth, moderately weathered and have altered surfaces. It is also characterised as very blocky rock, which indicates interlocked, partially disturbed ass with multi-faceted angular blocks formed by 4 or more joint sets. Type 2 (TR3, TR4, TR5, TR9 and TR10) which represent as smooth, moderately weathered and have altered surfaces but characterized as blocky/disturbed/seamy, which folded with angular blocks formed by many intersecting discontinuity sets. It also has persistence of bedding planes or schistosity.

The self-potential (SP) method is a passive, non-invasive and cost-effective geophysical method based on the measurement of electrical potential naturally occurring on the earth’s surface. One of the main causes for the electrical potential at the earth’s surface is water seepage under the ground. In this work, we perform the SP measurement on a small artificial earthen dam built at Thuyloi University. Our result shows that the selection of electrode types is crucial in the SP measurements. Namely, Cu/CuSO4 porous pots are much better than copper stake electrodes for the SP measurement. Additionally, it is shown that the SP measurement using suitable electrodes can be applied to detect underground water leakage and flow direction in the dam based on an anomaly and variation of electric potential with position on the survey area.

Land use and land cover transition is continue process due to various anthropogenic activities and altering the landscape pattern of the metropolitan area of Lahore over the last two decade. LULC has been emerging masses of environmental problems including land use issues for the inhabitants, city planners, and managers. This research has been focused on the LULC change from 1998 to 2018 and their impact to forecast the landscape pattern of 2023 and 2028 in metropolitan area of Lahore. Numerous satellite imageries including land sat 5 TM and landsat 8 OLI has been undergone by supervised classification for the preparation of LULC map, land change moderler MCL to calculate the transition in LULC and CA-Markov model for predicting upcoming transitions. Results have validated by transition matrix, Google Earth data and kappa statistics. Derived results has depicted the decreased in water bodies 2.70% to 0.60%, vegetation 24.90% to 22.60% and barren land 42.50% to 35.70% and increased in built up area 29.80 % to 41% between 1998 to 2018. Finding clearly represents the loss of ecological and barren landscape over the last two decade and therefore urban expansion will likely to continue the change in landscape. This study will provide a baseline reference to urban planners and policymakers to make informed decision for management of land resources, urban land planning and for maintain sustainable land development.

This study assesses environmental receptors impacted by alluvial gold mining at Kibi Goldfields Limited in the Eastern region of Ghana to establish trace metals contamination risk. Specific objectives are to determine concentrations of (1) As, Cr, Ni and Pb in soils, drainage and food crops, using X-ray fluorescence, (2) Cl- in drainage using standard methods. Mean concentrations of As, Cr and Ni in soils are higher at impacted sites than control sites; while Pb and As concentrations in drainage exceeds the maximum contamination guideline values in drinking water. Using Cl- as a conservative tracer, As and Pb are adsorbing from water, while Cr and Ni are desorbing into water. In the food crops, bioaccumulation factors of As and Ni are profound at the impacted site than control sites; Except Cr in cocoyam at impacted sites, translocation factors are negligible in the food crops. Cr bioaccumulates in in cocoyam and plantain at the control site, while Ni bioaccumulates in only plantain at the impacted sites. Overall, the metal contamination is of concern in the receptors, except Pd in plants. Results from this study can be used for trace metals risk assessment in the environment.

Saint Martin is an only tropical island of Bangladesh having coral and adjacent rich biodiversity which is built of organic material derived from associate organism of coral ecosystem. Present study was conducted to developed the exclusive zoning plan that based on the specific goal of managing natural resources of St.Martin’s island. . The authors mentioedn that it is important to recognize that the current zoning plan is based on the assumption that conservation and sustainable use of natural resources are the primary objectives. This is found that climate Change is now affecting the biodiversity of ST. Martin island and coral reef diversity hampering due to vulnerability of environmental degradation and climate change. The authors mentioned that, participation and involvement of island inhabitants should required to prime concern for successful implementation of the effective zoning management plan. Desired level of usage can be achieved through interventions, but only in consultation and active cooperation and participation with local communities, with a clear recognition that additional environmental, biological, socioeconomic and sociopolitical data are required for an effective management and conservation of corals and other marine biodiversity of St. Martin’s island through proper implementation of zoning and Marine Protected Area.

Seismic refractive survey is a very important geophysical technique used to investigate the characteristics of the subsurface. The rate of building collapse has demanded the acquaintance about the structure of the subsurface especially in area where lands are recovered from water bodies for the aim of building. This paper presents the technique used in determining the thickness of the overburden for quarry prospecting using a geophysical method called as seismic refraction method. Seismic refraction method was used to delineated two distinct layers with the first layer having a weak and incompetent parameter values. The result revealed that the first layer is composed of unconsolidated formation of soft geomaterials and peaty clay that depict the lower values of parameters. This layer is underlain directly by clay, wet sand and sandy clay of soft and weak incompetent consistencies to a depth of 7 m in the subsurface. The second layer was found to have higher parameters than the first layer. The second layer revealed that the geologic formation composed of dry sand and sandy clay of fair to good competent. The geologic formation in the second layer was found to be more competent than the first layer with high allowable capacity and low ultimate failure potential. Geologically, the composition of the first layer is more recent in age of deposition than the second layer, characterized by unconsolidated geologic formation.