Geological Quarterly

A new early Permian actinopterygian assemblage shows environmental controls on the distribution of Paramblypterus (Intra-Sudetic Basin, Poland)

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Amblypteridae are ray-finned fish particularly common in late Carboniferous and early Permian vertebrate assemblages. We describe a rich new fish assemblage from the Poland-Czechia borderland, composed of only one species of amblypterid: Paramblypterus rohani. The analysis of articulation and completeness of the individuals unearthed shows that most of them underwent two, strongly different taphonomic histories. The first is represented by highly articulated and complete specimens buried close to their death site. Their decomposition took place mainly at the bottom of a deep lake with low hypolimnic temperature and bottom hypoxia. The second is represented by highly disarticulated and incomplete specimens, for which the bloat and float mechanism appears to be the main driver of decomposition. The results obtained suggest that thermal conditions in the former reservoir were seasonally varying. Moreover, the mass occurrence of amblypterids in environments largely touched by hypoxia shows that they were efficient open-water predators, which contrasts with previous ecomorphological studies of this group. The stratigraphic position of the assemblage studied remains unclear due to conflicting biostratigraphic and field data. The most parsimonious resolution of this ambiguity comes through considering the occurrence of various amblypterid species in the Intra-Sudetic Basin as controlled by environmental factors rather than by evolution.

Baltoscandian Ordovician and Silurian brachiopod carbon and oxygen stable isotope trends: implications for palaeoenvironmental and palaeotemperature changes

Bilal Gul, Leho Ainsaar, Tánu Meidla — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Oxygen isotope palaeotemperature studies of Paleozoic limestones are based mainly on brachiopod shell material which is resistant to diagenesis and generally precipitated in oxygen isotopic equilibrium with ambient sea water. Here we present brachiopod C and O stable isotopic data from the Baltoscandian Ordovician-Silurian succession, and evaluate palaeotemperature and palaeoenvironmental variability during deposition of the Estonian Shelf facies. As the region has not been influenced significantly by tectonic events or deep burial diagenesis, the carbonate rocks and fossils are well-preserved in most of the locations studied. δ¹⁸O values for the Ordovician and Silurian carbonates and brachiopods range between ~–7 and 0‰. High δ¹⁸O values, locally accompanied by higher δ¹³O values, correspond to cooling if the isotope signal reflects the original oxygen isotopic composition in sea water and vice versa. Several Ordovician-Silurian δ¹³O_brac excursions identified on the Estonian Shelf reflect global palaeoenvironmental history and events, being synchronous with previously documented excursions in the bulk carbonate stable isotopic curves. Combining the published and new d13Cbrac and δ^13O_brac data allows us to address chemostratigraphic correlation of the interval from Lower Ordovician (Floian) up to the topmost Silurian (Přídolí). The δ^18O_brac data corroborate warmer temperatures during Early Ordovician (Floian-Dapingian) and a cooling trend into the Mid-Ordovician documented by previous studies in different palaeobasins. The Hirnatian isotopic carbon excursion (HICE) episode reveals the minimum temperature in this interval and the post-HICE data suggest a rising temperature trend. Another temperature minimum is evident in the strata reflecting the Ireviken Event (Sheinwoodian). Our study shows that brachiopod d18O values from the Ordovician-Silurian carbonates may tentatively be interpreted as reflecting major temperature trends

Mazovian Interglacial sites in the Sosnowica Depression and the Parczew-Kodeń Heights (Western Polesie, SE Poland), and their stratigraphic, palaeogeographic and palaeoenvironmental significance

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

We describe the geological context of the Pleistocene strata in the Sosnowica Depression and the Parczew-Kodeń Heights, as well as the main geological processes taking place in that area during the Middle Pleistocene. The stratigraphy of the Pleistocene succession is based on the analysis of new sites with Mazovian Interglacial deposits (MIS 11c) with age determinations obtained from palaeobotanical and palaeofaunal proxies, at Zahajki, Wygnanka, and Sytyta in the Sosnowica Depression, and Podedwórze and Gęś 3 in the Parczew-Kodeń Heights. The interglacial deposits documented occur in the direct subsurface and are not overlain by glacial deposits, which indicates that the study area was not covered by the ice-sheet of the Middle Polish Glaciations (Saalian, MIS 6). They are overlain by Early Liviecian (Fuhne, MIS 11b) lacustrine and bog deposits, or upper Vistulian (MIS 2) clastic and bog deposits. Holocene strata lie above. Therefore, the glacial deposits building the Parczew-Kodeń Heights are considered to derive from the Sanian 2 (Elsterian, MIS 12) Glaciation and not from the Saalian (MIS 6) Glaciation as previously thought. Palaeolakes formed in the late part of the Sanian 2 (Elsterian, MIS 12) Glaciation and remained open during the Mazovian Interglacial (Holsteinian, MIS 11c), with some still existing until the Early Liviecian (Fuhne, MIS 11b) Glaciation. The palaeolakes described were part of an extensive palaeolakeland of the Mazovian Interglacial, stretching from the southern part of Podlasie to the northern part of Western Polesie. The last ice-sheet in Western Polesie represented the Sanian 2 Glaciation.

First evidence of vampyromorph cephalopod jaw structures from the Sinemurian, Lower Jurassic of Dorset

Gregory Price, Malcolm Hart, Chris Moore — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A new specimen of the Coleoidea from the Charmouth Mudstone Formation of the Dorset Coast has been identified as Loligosepia bucklandi (Voltz, 1840). The specimen includes the gladius and jaw fragments, which represent one of few records of its kind, but the head area, arms, hooks and suckers are not discernible. It can be favourably compared to other L. bucklandi fossils in the Natural History Museum in London and the J.F. Jackson Collection in the National Museum Wales in Cardiff. The range of L. bucklandi is determined to be from the Turneri Zone, Brooki Subzone to the Obtusum Zone, Stellare Subzone of the lower Sinemurian, with the new specimen stratigraphically a little older than the precisely located specimens in the J.F. Jackson Collection.

Evolution of the hydrographic network in the middle Wieprz River Basin (E Poland)

Magdalena Kucharska, Mirosław Krawczyk, Anna Hrynowiecka — Sat, 18 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Wieprz River Valley (Polesie Plain, east Poland) has evolved with regard to its dimensions, position and course since the end of the Neogene, its geological record showing how the Wieprz channel migrated and modified its character. Changes have also been observed in the water balance of the entire middle river basin, related to climate changes in the Pleistocene and Holocene. We provide new maps of the sub-Quaternary surface and trace topographical changes during the Pleistocene. Two separate rivers, the Pre-Bystrzyca and Pre-Wieprz, existed in Preglacial time. During the Narevian Glaciation, a network of subglacial troughs evolved in the area, largely disturbing and overprinting the earlier hydrographic system. Some of the troughs developed in older river valleys. The trough in which the present-day Wieprz gorge near Łęczna is located was most probably formed at that time. During subsequent glaciations and cold periods, sedimentary changes took place in the troughs and valleys – from erosion and removal of the accumulated material to their complete burial by sediments. During the Mazovian Interglacial (MIS 11c), several lakes formed in the study area, recorded by their infills of organic and mineral-organic deposits. During subsequent advances of the Scandinavian ice-sheet, water flow was dammed in towards the north, resulting in the formation of backwaters. Ice-sheet retreat resulted in the flow of proglacial waters towards the south-east, fluvioglacial sediment transport, and then unblocking of flow and subsequent reversal of flow directions to the north and west. During the Odranian Glaciation (MIS 6), catastrophic flow unblocked and shaped the present-day Wieprz gorge.

Improvement of maintenance and repair work on technological wells in the conditions of the “North and South Karamurun” deposit, Kazakhstan

Abay Omarov, Khalidilla Yussupov, Mukhtar Yeluzakh, Gulnaz Myrzabek — Fri, 17 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In the complex and constantly changing area of uranium mining, the Republic of Kazakhstan is a world leader. Colmatation deposits adjacent to filters cause wells to lose efficiency over time, so periodic maintenance and repair are required to solve these problems. Our research aims to identify the most effective ways to improve well productivity with the development of science-based recommendations to help plan work in the conditions of the “North and South Karamurun” uranium field, Kazakhstan. The study involved observation, analysis, comparison, and synthesis. The processes of different types of repair and restoration work at the deposits were monitored, and the results obtained were analysed and compared, to determine which were the most effective. Units such as the XRVS Airlift Pumping unit, Wellbore pneumatic wellbore drilling unit, Mobile ammonium bifluoride chemical treatment unit, BA-15V drilling units, and 3A3 prospective drilling unit were analysed. Recommendations for enhancing pumping technology or replacing components were developed for each unit. Extending XRVS airlift pumping duration enhanced efficiency by 40% and improved reliability and radiation safety. Installing a pump with a capacity of 30 m³/hour or higher for the mobile wellbore washing unit helped handle heavy sand fractions effectively.

Long-term subsidence over the Upper Silesia Coal Basin identified on differential LIDAR (2012–2021) and InSAR (2015–2020) data

Maria Przyłucka, Zbigniew Perski, Zbigniew Kowalski — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

We provide a map of subsidence caused by underground mining in Upper Silesia, which hosts the largest coal basin in Poland. The map combines data obtained using two InSAR processing techniques and differential LIDAR data. Persistent Scatterer Interferometry and Differential SAR Interferometry techniques were applied on images from the Sentinel-1 satellite covering a six-year period from 2015 to 2020. As a result, 132 subsidence areas affected by deformation of >5 mm/year covering 430 km² were determined. Additionally, a differential LIDAR model covering the period 2012-2021 was analyzed, where 103 subsidence areas were identified, of a total area of 88 km² and where the largest recorded deformation value exceeded 10 m. Despite the large time difference between the two subsidence datasets, good correlation of the data regarding the location and shape of the troughs was observed. However, comparison of InSAR and LIDAR data showed a large underestimation by DInSAR of values of subsidence in the central parts of the basins. We show the potential of Sentinel-1 and LIDAR data to determine displacements taking place over large areas and over long periods, as a supplement to traditional measurement methods.

Artificial intelligence methods in water systems research – a literature review

Julia Piotrowska, Dominika Dąbrowska — Tue, 14 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

We overview selected artificial intelligence methods used in research on water systems, specifically artificial neural networks (ANN), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS), genetic programming (GP) and support vector machine (SVM) methods. Each method is characterized and the most effective ways of using these methods are discussed. These methods prove widely useful in forecasting changes in selected surface and groundwater quality parameters, forecasting sewage network failures, assessing water treatment options, climate monitoring, drought detection and environmental issues for farmers and producers. Published studies show that artificial intelligence methods should be used in the analysis of water systems, especially since artificial intelligence now appears in search results for over 60,000 environmental articles.

Fluid and solid inclusions in large halite veins in the Kłodawa Salt Dome (Central Poland) – insights into its development

Tomasz Toboła — Sat, 06 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Secondary rocks are often found in salt domes. Among these, large halite crystal (LHC) veins and nests are common, as in the Kłodawa Salt Dome of Poland. Mineralogical tests carried out on LHC here showed the presence of fluid and solid inclusions in the halite crystals. The halite itself commonly exhibits birefringence, suggesting lattice stresses. Among the solid inclusions, anhydrite is the most common. Three types of anhydrite crystals have been distinguished as regards their size and occurrence, while small, rounded inclusions of sylvite appear much less frequently. Fluid inclusions are generally rare and mostly of the secondary type. This type of fluid inclusion assemblage (FIA) comprises various kinds as regards their size and shape, as well as in their liquid-to-gas phase ratio. Primary FIAs are of two types: small, chevron-like inclusions containing sylvite daughter minerals, and large liquid-gas inclusions with carnallite and other daughter minerals. The melting temperature of sylvite ranged from 90 to 278°C, and for carnallite from 68 to 142°C. Complete homogenization of the inclusions took place at temperatures between 260 and 471.2°C. This indicates the high-temperature origin of the LHC and the presence of significant amounts of K⁺, Mg⁺², Ca⁺², and SO₄^-2 ions in the solutions.

Mineralogy and geochemistry of the Kupferschiefer in the Nowa Sól, Mozów and Sulmierzyce North Cu-Ag deposits, Northern Copper Belt, SW Poland

Alicja Pietrzela, Tomasz Bieńko — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

We describe the mineralogy and geochemistry of three deep (>1500 m BGL) Kupferschiefer-type deposits of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline: Nowa Sól, Mozów and Sulmierzyce North, which have been recently documented by the Canadian Miedzi Copper Corporation. Together with other known prospective areas, they form an extensive E-W-trending belt, referred to as the Northern Copper Belt. Samples from the 22 boreholes were examined, focusing on the Kupferschiefer-ore sensu stricto, since in each deposit the richest Cu-Ag mineralization occurs in shales. The ore minerals identified include chalcocite, digenite, djurleite, covellite, bornite, chalcopyrite, minerals from the tennantite-tetrahedrite group, native silver, silver amalgams, stromeyerite, minerals from the cobaltite-gersdorffite series, galena, sphalerite, pyrite and native bismuth. In the Nowa Sól and Mozów deposits, Cu-S-type minerals dominate the Cu-mineralization, while in the Sulmierzyce North deposit, apart from the Cu-S-type minerals, the ore mineral assemblage comprises also chalcopyrite and the tennantite-tetrahedrite group minerals. In the Nowa Sól deposit, Ag-bearing and Ag-barren chalcocite have been distinguished. Chalcocite from two other deposits is Ag-barren. Two types of Ag-amalgam have been identified: Hg-rich and Hg-poor. Other Ag minerals (stromeyerite and native Ag) also contain Hg admixtures. The chemical composition of bornite (which is the second most common ore mineral in each deposit) shows no significant variation. Only in the Nowa Sól deposit were minor amounts of Ag-bearing bornite identified. Co-Ni minerals from the Nowa Sól deposit are represented by middle members of the cobaltite-gersdorffite series. The newly documented deposits of the Northern Copper Belt belong to the same Kupferschiefer-type as well-known deposits of the Lubin-Sieroszowice area. However, some differences in distribution of ore mineralization and its chemical composition have been noted between these two areas. The results obtained support the generally accepted view, that the development of the Cu-Ag deposits of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline was a long-lasting, multiphase process.

ERT field survey supported with numerical and analogue modeling applied to study a fragment of the Pieniny Klippen Belt (Spisz Pieniny Mountains, southern Poland)

Grzegorz Bania, Włodzimierz Jerzy Mościcki, Jan Golonka — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) method was applied to study a fragment of the Pieniny Klippen Belt (PKB), which has been investigated for more than 100 years. The study area is located in the Spisz Pieniny Mountains of southern Poland. The PKB in this region includes a characteristic belt of limestone outcrops. ERT turned out to be an effective method to determine the structure of this part of the PKB, revealing its zonal nature and documenting the presence of limestone olistoliths and allowing estimates of their sizes. Moreover, we show that proper planning and conducting of ERT measurements in the field is critical to the effective use of resistivity data for geological inference and interpretation. This has been demonstrated by performing appropriate numerical and analogue ERT modeling that shows possible ambiguous results arising from the field ERT survey. Awareness of this issue can help researchers avoid and minimize false interpretation of ERT data.

Remains of Canidae and Felidae from Południowa Cave (Sudetes Mts, SW Poland)

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Południowa Cave is a locality that has been known for more than 500 years, where at least three or even four different faunal assemblages have been found. The oldest faunal elements are represented by the rodent Baranomys loczyi, and the carnivores Baranogale helbingi and Mustela pliocaenica, being the only Pliocene finds in the Sudetes Mts caves. The second faunal assemblage is dated back to the early Middle Pleistocene and consists of the following taxa: Sorex sp., Rhinolophus aff. ferrumequinum, Glis sackdilligensis, Pliomys coronensis, Pliomys episcopalis, Mimomys sp., Lycaon lycaonoides, Canis mosbachensis, Vulpes vulpes, Ursus deningeri, Ursus arctos ssp., Ursus cf. thibetanus, Gulo gulo schlosseri, Meles meles atavus, Martes vetus, Mustela strandi, Mustela palerminea, Mustela praenivalis, Panthera spelaea fossilis, Homotherium latidens latidens, Panthera gombaszoegensis gombaszoegensis, Acinonyx pardinensis intermedius, Felis cf. silvestris, Pachycrocuta brevirostris and Capreolus sp. The third assemblage is dated back to the Late Pleistocene (MIS 3), and consists of Glis glis, Arvicola sp., Canis lupus spealeus, Ursus ex. gr. spelaeus, and Martes martes. Finally, the youngest fauna, dated as MIS 1, is represented by Arvicola sp., Apodemus sp., Lepus sp., Cricetus cricetus, Ursus arctos arctos, Meles meles, Martes martes, and Capreolus capreolus. Possible relationships that may be inferred include the impact of new species in the disappearance of ancient carnivores.