Stratigraphic Study for the Cretaceous-Tertiary period in Qasab-Jawan area in north weastern Iraq by using 2D seismic survey

A seismic study was conducted to re-interpret the Qasab and Jawan Oil fields in northwestern Iraq, south of the city of Mosul, by reprocessing many seismic sections of a number of field surveys by using the Petrel software. Two reflectors, represented by the Hartha formation, deposited during the Cretan age, and the Euphrates formation, formed during the Tertiary age, were delineated to stabilize the structural picture of these fields. The stratigraphic study showed that the Qasab and Jawan fields represent areas of hydrocarbon accumulation. Seismic attribute analysis showed low values of instantaneous frequency in the areas of hydrocarbon accumulation. Instantaneous phase was used to determine the limits of the sequence, the nature of sedimentation, and the type of vanishing, i.e. onlap vs. toplap. Low instantaneous amplitude values were recorded, indicating hydrocarbon reservoirs in the studied area. Various other seismic stratigraphic features were studied , including the distribution mound, flat spot, and channels in the two formations, but they were discontinuous because of the tectonic effects. These activities explain reasonably the distribution of hydrocarbons in the studied area.

2D Seismic Reflection Study of the Cretaceous-Tertiary Period in Qasab-Jawan Area in Northwestern Iraq

A seismic study was conducted to re-interpret the Qasab and Jawan oil field in northern Iraq, south of the city of Mosul, by reprocessing and interpreting many seismic sections of a number of field surveys that included the field area. Two reflectors are detected, represented by Hartha Formations which were deposited during the Cretaceous age and Euphrates Formation which was deposited during the Tertiary age in order to stabilize the structural image of this field. The study was achieved by reinterpreting seismic sections using the Petrel program, where time, velocity and depth maps were prepared for the two formations. The study showed that the Qasab and Jawan fields generally consist of a structural closure located at the wells of the northern dome. This closure extends to the south east and deviates towards the east in the form of a structural rift. The study concluded the existence of a transverse fault that cuts Qasab and Jawan structures, forming a structural trap that represents the southern part of Qasab structure.

Remote sensing analysis of unnamed crater in Eastern Australia

Remote sensing (RS) can certainly provide deep insights about detecting the terrestrial structure of unknown origin. In this paper, we also detected impact crater of unknown origin in northeast Australia by RS techniques, specifically to enhance the credibility of scientific database on the possible impact craters in the continent of Australia. Following the RS procedures, a circular-shaped unnamed crater, hereafter the Winton crater, was detected with a diameter of approximately 130-km. Furthermore, the topographical parameter was obtained from RS data, which showed that the area, depth and volume of the crater are ~100-m2, ~130-m and ~99.8-m3, respectively. The geological data revealed that inside the crater, the outcrops are mainly consisted of sedimentary and low grade metamorphic rock, specifically included the mixed sediments and conglomerates, limestone and siltstone of the Craterous period. However, the exterior of the circular shaped in the southern part is consisted of unconsolidated deposits of the Tertiary period. The positive value of gravity anomaly for the major part of the crater is 3000 mGal and Bouguer gravity onshore grid has an anomaly of 900 mGal over the impact crater. It showed that the Winton crater could not be the due to any volcanic or karstic processes. On the other hand, a detailed field and petrology investigation should need to distinguish the origin of the crater of old and fossil travertine or an impact crater.

THE ARAVELIANS: THE ALANIAN COMPONENT IN GENEALOGY OF THE ARMENIAN NOBILITY

В истории Армении раннесредневекового периода исключительно важную роль играли аристократические династии, составляющие сословие нахараров. Фактически вплоть до эпохи арабских нашествий в руках нахарарских кланов были сосредоточены основные земельные, военные и экономические ресурсы страны. В этой связи различные аспекты истории, включая вопросы генеалогии и просопографии соответствующих родов, давно находятся в поле зрения арменоведов. Одной из давно разрабатываемых в науке проблем является анализ достоверности сообщений средневековых авторов об иноэтническом (персидском (парфянском), иудейском, ченском (?китайском), римском) происхождении ряда нахарарств. Для истории Алании и армяно-аланских связей значительный интерес представляет нахарарство Аравелеанов, связанное, согласно Мовсесу Хоренаци, с родом царевны Сатиник. В статье обобщены высказывавшиеся в науке мнения о достоверности сообщений о выезде предков Аравелеанов из Алании, этимологии фамильного имени, локализации родовых владений, а также места, занимаемого кланом в рамках нахарарского сословия. Впервые на основе всего корпуса нарративных и эпиграфических источников собраны сведения об известных на сегодняшний день представителях рода. Выявлена информация о семи носителях фамилии V – VII вв. На основе имеющихся данных можно заключить, что Аравелеаны сыграли заметную роль в ключевых событиях армянской истории рассматриваемого периода – войнах Варданидов и борьбе с арабскими завоевателями. Отдельный интерес представляет получение представителями рода высоких византийских титулов. Составлена просопографическая анкета Аравелеанов. Noble dynasties, which formed a stratum of nakharars, have played exceptionally significant role in the history of the Early Tertiary period of Armenia. Actually, until the epoch of the Arab conquests, the majority of land, military and economic resources of the country was concentrated in nakharars’ hands. In this connection, different historical aspects, including questions of genealogy and prosopography of respected dynasties are now in the sight of Armenologists. One of the scientific problems which has been studied in depth for a long time is the analysis of source credibility of medieval authors’ statements about nonethnic origin of range of nakharars – Persian (Parthian), Hebrew, Chen (?Chinese), Roman. For the history of Alania and Armenian-Alanian relations, the Aravelian nakharar, which according to Movses Horenazi is connected to the dynasty of Queen Satinik, is of substantial interest. The article summarizes expressed scientific opinions on credibility of statements about departure of Aravelians’ predecessors from the territory of Alania, etymology of the family name, localisation of ancestral lands as well as position of the clan in frames of nakharar stratum. For the first time, on the basis of the whole corpus of narrative and epigraphic sources, the data on currently known members of Aravelians is collected. Information about seven family name bearers of V – VII centuries is being brought into light. On the basis of the available data, it can be concluded that Aravelians have played a significant role in the key milestones of the Armenian history during the period under review – Vardanid wars and fight against Arab invaders. Acquisition of high Byzantine titles by the members of the family is of specific interest. Phosopographical form of the Aravelians was made by the author.

Extractives elucidation of Taiwania cryptomerioides sapwood

Taiwania (Taiwania cryptomerioides Hayata) has long been regarded as a living fossil from the Tertiary period of Mesozoic Era for its distinguished yellowish-red color with purplish-pink streaks presented in its heartwood. With this elegant appearance that matches the color “red” for good fortune in the Taiwanese culture, Taiwania is supposed to be a popular wood in Taiwan where it is a native species of. Extractives contribute to the properties of wood. It is a fascinating subject to investigate extractives biosynthesis in the process of heartwood formation. Up to date, there is no phytochemistry study of Taiwania sapwood. In this study, three new sesquiterpenoids, Taiwania A (1), Taiwania B (2), and Taiwania C (3), together with 75 known compounds in the Taiwania sapwood. The structures of extractives were determined by analysis of spectroscopic data and comparison with the literatures. This study supported secondary reaction lignans could be found in sapwood that confirmed our previous research on the Taiwania-type of heartwood formation.

Geoheritage and Geotourism in Regions with Extinct Volcanism in Germany; Case Study Southwest Germany with UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb

Geotourism has become more popular in recent decades. Volcanism is an essential part of geoheritage and attracts a high number of visitors. In contrast to active volcanism, Tertiary volcanism is often not identified as such by a lay audience and is understandably perceived as less spectacular. The challenge is therefore to protect the volcanic heritage, to communicate its values, and to enhance it with the help of adequate geotourism offers. Germany does not have active volcanism, but a very high quality volcanic geological heritage, especially from the Tertiary period. Fortunately, this heritage is being increasingly valued and presented in an attractive way for a lay audience. The two Geoparks in the Eifel (Rhineland-Palatinate) are pioneers in this field. The UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb actually offers a well camouflaged potential. The Swabian volcano, with an area of 1600 km2, is one of the most important tuff vent areas on earth, but hardly known outside of expert groups. A comprehensive strategy for the geotouristic valorization of the Tertiary volcanic phenomena does not yet exist in the Geopark Swabian Alb.

Paleostress Analysis of Chia Gara Structure in Dohuk Area, Northern Iraq

The use of Right dihedral method, Lisle graph, and Mohr diagram allows the analysis of the paleostress. Fault slip data were measured for eighteen data of two stations located within Chia Gara structure in Dohuk area in the High Folded Zone, Northern Iraq. Depending on Mohr diagram, Bott equation, and vertical thickness, the magnitudes of the paleostress at the time of the tectonic activity were determined. Firstly, Georient Software was used to estimate the orientation of the paleostresses (σ1, σ2 and σ3). Secondly, using the rupture –friction law, taking into account the depth of the overburden, the vertical stress (σv) was calculated to determine the magnitude of the paleostresses in the study area. The values in station one (hinge area, eight data) were σ1=7100, σ2=4121.5, and σ3=1143 bars, whereas the values in station two (the north limb of structure, ten data) were σ1=3740, σ2=1585, and σ3=570 bars. The high magnitudes of the principal stress axes may refer to the active tectonic events which led to the deformation of the area during the Mesozoic Era and the Tertiary period. The study area shows the existence of two types of the faults, the first type is the reactivated faults, the poles of which lie between the sliding line and Mohr envelope. The second type is the inactive faults, with poles lying on the great circle of Mohr diagram

PHYTOCENOTIC AND SOZOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE BEECH FORESTS OF DAGESTAN

The paper presents the results of assessing the phytocenotic and sozological significance of the beech forests of Dagestan, which have been preserved in the study area since the tertiary period in a depleted and transformed form. Occupying a fairly large area, they perform functions that maintain balance in the ecoregion of the Eastern Caucasus. In addition, the beech forests of Dagestan are rich in hyrkanian and colchian relict and endemic elements, rare protected species. Based on the geobotanical description of seventy-three trial plots in various physical and geographical areas of Dagestan using the ecological and phytocenotic method, nineteen associations were identified, to identify the environmental value of which a system of criteria for determining the environmental significance of associations was applied. It was revealed that the greatest conservation value (P4) is represented by associations growing in the lowland and foothill parts: Fagetum taxosoilexosum (area less than 1 ha), Fagetum qercoso-euphorbosum, represented by insignificant in derivatives of hyrkan forests and Fagetum taxoso-varioherbosum, extremely rare throughout the interrupted strip of beech forests of foothill Dagestan. Such associations of foothill beech forests as Fagetum nudum, Fagetum compositum loniceroso-varioherbosum, Fagetum sambucoso-efemeroso-filicosum, and Fagetum efemer-oso-varioherbosum, which also occupy relatively small areas, have a high conservation value (P3). The associations Fagetum compositum fruticoso-varioherbosum, Fagetum compositum carpinoso-varioherbosum, Fagetum filicosum, Fagetum festucosum, and Fagetum rubosum are classified as communities with an average conservation value of P2. All associations of beech forests of the foot-hills of Dagestan are subject to reduction of areas under the influence of high anthropogenic load: logging, cattle grazing, economic development of the territory. In subalpine beech forests, the asso-ciations Fagetum filicoso-varioherbosum and Fagetum myrtilloso-varioherbosum — P3 are of high conservation value. Communities with average values of conservation value (P2) include the following associations: Fagetum fruticoso-filicoso-varioherbosum, Fagetum compositum varioherbosum, Fagetum compositum filicoso-varioherbosum. Associations Fagetum festucosa-varioherbosum, Fagetum compositum festucoso-vatioherbosum are classified as communities with low conservation value-P1. In this area, there is no reduction in areas due to the inaccessibility of forest areas for timber harvesting.

RAD-Seq Data Point to a Distinct Split in Liriodendron (Magnoliaceae) and Obvious East–West Genetic Divergence in L. chinense

Liriodendron is a Tertiary period relic tree genus with a typical East Asian and North American disjunction distribution pattern. As an angiosperm base group of trees, Liriodendron provides a valuable resource for the study of evolution processes. Here, we reconstruct the phylogeny and population genetic structure of Liriodendron based on the restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq) of a wide collection of individuals from 16 populations. Our results reveal a clear phylogenetic break between L. chinense and L. tulipifera and obvious genetic divergence between the eastern and western populations of L. chinense, which are consistent with the patterns of geographical distributions. The phylogeographic history and long-term geographical isolation of the genus may be responsible for this pattern. Furthermore, a closer relationship was found between L. tulipifera and the eastern populations of L. chinense, indicating the ancient phylogeny of L. chinense in this area. The results of this study will aid in the development of scientific strategies for the conservation and utilization of the Liriodendron germplasm.