REPRESENTATIVES OF SOME DIAGNOSTIC AGGLUTINATED FORAMINIFERAL GENERA OF THE SUBCLASS MONOTHALAMANA (BATHYSIPHON, ORBULINELLOIDES, REPMANINA, MILIAMMINA, AGGLUTINELLA, DENTOSTOMENIA, AMMOMASSILINA, PSAMMOLINGULINA) IN THE TETHYS

The present study deals with the paleontology, stratigraphy, paleogeography and paleoenvironment of the sixteen representatives of the Paleogene agglutinated benthic foraminifer Monothalamana of eight genera: Bathysiphon Sars, Orbulinelloides Saidova, Repmanina Suleymanov, Miliammina Heron-Allen & Earland, Agglutinella El-Nakhal, Dentostomina Cushman, Ammomassilina Cushman, Psammolingulina Silvestri. One species Orbulinelloides kaminskii is believed here to be new. As a whole these faunae are rarely described in the micropaleontological literatures, that’s why this study is detected. The recorded species are distributed on both sides of the Northern Tethys (Hungary, France), Southern Tethys (Egypt, UAE, Pakistan), Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. It seems that the changes in paleoceanographic conditions should accentuate the benthic faunal changes. Some of the recorded species are mostly confined to that mention localities in the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, Northern and Southern Tethys, and it was recorded by a few authors. The deeper water species have smooth tests, while the shallow water specimens are coarser grained. The number differences of the recorded species between the different localities in the Tethys may be due to one or more parameters: the deficiency of available literatures, differences in ecological or environmental conditions (depth, salinity, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, nutrient, land barrier) and not homogeneity in the generic or species concept according to different authors.

TIME-LAPSE POROSITY AND VELOCITY ANALYSIS USING ROCK PHYSICS MODELS IN NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA

The analysis of 3-D and time-lapse seismic data in Isomu Field has offered the dynamic characterization of the reservoir changes. The changes were analyzed using fluid substitution and seismic velocity models. The results of the initial porosity of the reservoirs was 29.50% with water saturation value of12%.The oil and gas maintained saturation values of 40% and 48% with average compressional and shear wave velocities of 2905m/s and 1634m/s respectfully. However, in fluid substitution modelling, the results reflect a change in fluid properties where average gas and oil saturation assume a new status of 34% and 24% which indicates a decrease by 14% and 16% respectively. The average water saturation increases by 30% with an average value of 42%. The decrease in hydrocarbon saturation and increase in formation water influence the porosity. Thus, porosity decreased by 4.16% which probably arose from the closure of the aspect ratio crack due to pressure increase.

INTEGRATED GEOPHYSICAL MAPPING OF GROUNDWATER AQUIFER FOR SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF GROUNDWATER DEVELOPMENT IN IPERINDO AND ITS ENVIRONS, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Assessment of groundwater potential of Iperindo area, Southwestern Nigeria was conducted by mapping spatial distribution of groundwater availability within the area and consequently locating areas of groundwater reserve to serve the community and its environs. This was achieved by integrating geophysical techniques involving landsat ETM-7 satellite data, aeromagnetic data, VLF-EM and electrical resistivity methods to delineate subsurface structures, understand the direction of groundwater flow, and detect the depth to groundwater aquifer. The result of landsat and aeromagnetic revealed some lineament intersection approximately NE-SW direction and interpreted to be potential sites for groundwater development. VLF-EM revealed geologic structures of significant hydrogeological importance at depths of 40 m to 200 m. Vertical electrical sounding (VES) confirmed high groundwater prospect in the areas with estimated depth to water table between 30 m and 100 m. The integrated results of the study revealed adequate groundwater spatial distribution for effective groundwater development in the area.

LITHOSTRATIGRAPHY OF THE NEWLY PROPOSED MIDDLE CRETACEOUS “BIBAI GROUP”, WESTERN SULAIMAN FOLD-THRUST BELT, PAKISTAN

The newly proposed Middle Cretaceous “Bibai Group”, named after the Bibai peak, is exposed in Kach-Ziarat, Spera Ragha-Chingun areas of the Western Sulaiman Fold-Thrust Belt, Pakistan. It comprises thick succession of the mafic volcanic rocks, volcanic conglomerate, mudstone and sandstone. The stratigraphic nomenclature proposed by previous workers was not clear enough, as they used different names for the succession, such as “Kahan Conglomerate Member” of the Mughal Kot Formation, “Parh-related volcanics” by considering it as part of the “Parh Group, “Bibai Formation” and “Bela Volcanic Group”, which were confusing and misleading. Also previous workers did not realize that the succession may be further classified into distinct mappable lithostratigraphic units and deserved the status of a “Group”. Therefore, we carefully examined and mapped the area and hereby propose the name “Bibai Group” for the overall volcanic and volcaniclastic succession of the Middle Cretaceous age. Based on distinct lithostratigraphic characters we further subdivided the “Group” into two lithostratigraphic units of formation rank, for which we propose the names “Chinjun Volcanics” and “Bibai Formation”. Also based on distinct lithostratigraphic characters we further propose to subdivide our “Babai Formation” into three lithostratigraphic units of member rank, which we named as the “Kahan Conglomerate Member”, “Ahmadun Member” and “Kach Mudstone Member”. In this paper we have defined and briefly described the Bibai Group, its constituent formations and their members. Also we examined and discussed the validity and status of the proposed subdivisions; e.g. formations and members, of the Bibai Group, and are fully satisfied that the proposed subdivisions are appropriate and comply with the Article 24 and 25 of the North American Stratigraphic Codes (2005) and that the previous nomenclatures are inconsistent, confusing and do not comply with the International Stratigraphic Codes.

CHANGE DETECTION IN LAND USE AND LAND COVER OF DISTRICT CHARSADDA PAKISTAN ALONG RIVER KABUL (2010 FLOOD): TAKING ADVANTAGE OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM AND REMOTE SENSING

This study aims to quantify land use and land cover changes before and after the 2010 flood in district Charsadda, Pakistan. Advanced geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques (RST) evaluate land use and land cover changes. The purpose of this research is to estimate and compare the pre-and post-flood changes and their influences on land use and land cover changes. Land use land cover data studies are important for sustainable management of natural resources; they are becoming increasingly important for assessing the environmental impacts of economic development. Moreover, some remedial measures are adopted to develop the area’s land cover to overcome future problems. Land use and land cover changes are measured using satellite images. Two instances, i.e., pre-flood and post-flood, are compared to analyze the change in land use and land cover of district Charsadda within 5 km along the Kabul River. Comparative analysis of pre-flood and post-flood imageries highlighted some drastic changes over the water body, built-up area, agricultural land, and bare land during flood instances. The study area is rural and agricultural land is dominant as compared to other land uses. We evaluated the percentage of different land use and land cover within our study area. The agricultural land found about 68.5%, barren land 22.5%, and the water body 8.8% before the flood. After inundation, the water body raised to 16.4%, bare soil increased to 26.3%, agricultural land degraded up to 57.0%, and settlements (villages) along the Kabul River were severely damaged and finished by this flood. 2010’s flood heavily damaged approximately four villages in district Nowshera, six in district Peshawar, and twenty-seven Charsadda District villages.

GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE PROPOSED IFE DAM SITE AT KAJOLA VILLAGE, ILE-IFE, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Geological and geophysical investigations were conducted to assess the competence and structural integrity of the foundation site of the proposed Ife-dam at Kajola Village, Ile-Ife, Southwestern Nigeria. Geological investigation along the two (2) proposed dam axes revealed that the overburden material is loose to dense with angular shearing resistance (ɸ) of 27o to 41o. The soils are predominantly elastic silts; cohesive with considerable strength and stability. Geophysical investigation involving the Schlumberger Vertical Electrical Sounding delineated four (4) lithologies namely: topsoil with resistivity of 69 – 558 Ωm and thickness between 1.5 and 4.0 m; weathered sandy layer with resistivity from 123 – 586 Ωm and thickness between 6.5 and 20.4 m; partially weathered/ fractured basement with resistivity from 60 – 220 Ωm and thickness between 6.5 and 14.0 m; and the fresh basement rock with resistivity from 1337 – 10683 Ωm. There are indications of fractures at a depth of 32 m beneath Axis B extending to Axis A at a depth of 35 m. The subsurface materials are suitable to host a dam. Axis B is more appropriate for the dam axis, although the fracture zone should be factored into the design of the dam to prevent water seepage.

INTERPRETATION OF MAJOR STRUCTURES WITHIN THE BASEMENT REGION OF BENUE-NIGER CONFLUENCE FROM AEROMAGNETIC AND RADIOMETRIC DATA KOGI STATE NIGERIA

Interpretation of Aeromagnetic and Radiometric Data covering the basement region of Benue-Niger confluence was executed to delineate major structures and other geologic frame works of mineral interest. The study area which hosts the Benue-Niger confluence also encloses two major geologic units which are basement complex and sedimentary basins. The Aeromagnetic data set comprising sheet 227 (Koton-Karfe), 247 (Lokoja) and 267 (Idah) was enhanced to reveal geologic structures while radiometric data was analysed to map lithology and zones affected by hydrothermal alterations. A set of mathematical algorithms was used to enhance the data for interpretation. First Vertical derivatives, Analytical Signal and Euler deconvolution filters were applied to the Aeromagnetic data while Ratio and Ternary images of the three radiogenic elements were obtained for the radiometric data. Magnetic signatures from the TMI showed a mixture of high and low susceptibility below koton-karfe due to intrusion of oolitic iron ore within the sedimentary formation. Lokoja regions recorded highest susceptibility of 165 nT due to magnetic signatures emanating from exposed basement rocks. The southern Idah regions recorded relatively low susceptibility. Result of First Vertical Derivative revealed near surface mineral potent structures labelled F1 – F8, cringing surface features B1, B2 and B3. Analytical signal revealed high amplitudes range of 0.174 to 0.579 cycles for magnetic sources majorly at the basement regions, while low amplitude range of 0.021 to 0.157 cycles were recorded around the sedimentary regions. Euler depth analysis revealed shallower depth to sources in the basement and deeper depth to sources in the sedimentary regions due to thick overburden. Radiometric signatures from the K/Th ratio map revealed portions around Latitude 8°00’ NW and 7°30’ SW shaded in pink colour and having values above known threshold of 0.2 %/ppm to be hydrothermally altered. Mapping of lithology from Ternary map revealed K-Feldspar mineral bearing rocks dominated the NW and SW regions, while sandstones, ironstones, mudstones, shale, alluvium and other fluvial sedimentary lithologies dominated the sedimentary North-east and South-Eastern regions. The western regions (NW and SW) hosted the major structures in form of magnetic lineaments trending NE-SW and E-W which also coincided with regions delineated to be hydrothermally altered and apparently represents the most prospective regions of mineralisation in the study area.

GROUND ROLL NOISE ATTENUATION IN 3D LAND SEISMIC DATA IN PARTS OF NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA

Three-dimensional (3D) land seismic datasets were acquired from Central Depobelt in the Niger Delta region, Nigeria, with with the aim of attenuating ground roll noise from the dataset. The Omega (Schlumberger) software 2018 version was used along with frequency offset coherent noise suppression (FXCNS) and Anomalous Amplitude Attenuation (AAA) algorithms for ground roll attenuation. From the results obtained, Frequency Offset Coherent Noise Suppression (FXCNS) attenuates ground roll while AAA algorithm attenuates the residual high amplitude noise from the seismic data. Average frequency of the ground roll in the seismic data is 10.50Hz which falls within the actual range of ground roll frequency which is within the range of 3.00 – 18.00Hz. The average velocity of the ground roll in the seismic data is 477.36ms-1 while the velocity of ground roll ranges between 347.44 and 677.37ms-1. The wavelength of ground roll in the seismic data is 50.28m. The amplitude of the ground roll of -6.24dB is maximum at 4.2Hz. Frequency of signal ranges between 10.21 and 25.12Hz with an average of 17.67Hz. Signal amplitude of -8.32dB is maximum at 6.30Hz, while its wavelength is 57.12m. The results of this work can be used in the seismic source-receiver design for application in the area of study. Moreover, with ground roll noise attenuated, a better image of the subsurface geology is obtained hence reducing the risk of obtaining a wild cat drilling.

DEVELOPMENT OF STAGE-DISCHARGE RATING CURVE AND RATING TABLE OF PIYARO MINOR AND DILWARO MINOR

Developing a gauge-discharge relationship in rivers, canals, and minor flow is vital for controlling floods, managing water resources, Spatio-temporal analysis, socio-economic development, and sustaining the ecosystem. Accurate and consistent data of irrigation networks are perilous to scheduling and managing for accurate application of irrigation water. Most of the hydrologic engineering activities like hydraulics structure, designs, flood monitoring, surplus water, reservoir, canal, and minor’s operation depend on flowing water derived from Rating Curve (RC). The effective management of irrigation water is necessary for crop water requirements and seepage losses estimation. In this context, the present study showed the actual field level work tested at two minors of the Ghotki feeder canal namely Pyaro minor and Dilwaro minor. The main object of the study is to develop gauge-discharge relation and development of RC and Rating Table (RT). The current meter was used for taking discharge measurements with the area velocity technique in both minors. Moreover, stage-discharge RC and RT were developed for different flows of water for both minors in Origin Software. From the calculated results, Power equations were developed for both minors for the actual requirement of crop water in the command area. The results of the study calculated in RT of Piyaro minor between 0.5-5ft stage gave discharge 0.053 cusecs to 90.616 cusecs. While the RT of Dilwaro minor showed the range between 0.5ft-4ft stage gave 26.575cusec to 168.888 cusecs. Hence, the present study suggested that for both minors, automatic gauging stations should be established for the actual demand of irrigation water in the command area and di-siltation should be done on both minors to make availability of water at the tail section.

IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON GEOMORPHOLOGICAL FIELDWORK: EXPLORATION OF NEW INITIATIVES AND DIMENSIONS

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has already changed the world in many respects, and its impact cuts across many fields of human endeavours. An area of temporary setbacks in geomorphological research posed by the pandemic is in the restriction placed on fieldwork exercise. Apart from bringing a lot of constraints to fieldwork, the need to meet the learning outcomes ensured that the already in-use technologies were easily adapted to simulate the necessary fieldwork in evaluating dynamics in geomorphological environment and the natural world. Despite the success, however, the fieldwork remains ‘signature pedagogy’ for geography, geomorphology and any other Earth Science disciplines. The dynamic nature of landforms, the serendipity of on-site field training and exercises, the ability to have a first-hand experience of field phenomenon, etc. are some of the expected rewards that could not be simulated remotely. Hence, when COVID-19 pandemic is over, the aspects of fieldwork should not be jettisoned for the simulated alternatives embraced in the pandemic. The two should work hand-in-hand for the diverse fields of geomorphological research.