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This paper presents the first results of palynological research from the Spila nad Procjepom cave, situated in the Mljet National Park, Croatia. The palynological data obtained, enables a partial insight into the local vegetation cover, temporal changes in the vegetation during the accumulation of studied deposits (at ca. 3500 cal years BP), and post-depositional processes that influenced the palynomorph assemblage. Results of palynofacies analysis indicate changes from fluvial (channel deposits), through palustrine to terrestrial environments. Although the interpretation of changes in plant cover, due to the lack of statistical significance, should be taken with caution, preserved pollen types confirm the dominance of the Mediterranean evergreen forest vegetation on Mljet island. Moreover, a high proportion of non-arboreal pollen (NAP) indicates some level of forest degradation, ranging from Mediterranean open forest to degraded maquis. Abundant charcoal additionaly confirms that the cave was inhabited by humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater management is one of today's important tasks. It has become necessary to seek out increasingly reliable methods to conserve groundwater resources. Dependable forecasting of the amounts of groundwater that can be abstracted in a sustainable manner requires longterm monitoring of the groundwater regime (rate of abstraction and groundwater levels). Monitoring of the groundwater source for the town of Bečej, Serbia had been disrupted for multiple years. The objective of the paper is to assess the possibility of reinterpreting the missing data or, in other words, to reconstruct the operation of the groundwater source and its effect on groundwater levels. At the Bečej source, groundwater is withdrawn from three water-bearing strata comprised of fine-to coarse-grained sands. Historic data are used to reconstruct the operation of the Bečej source between 1st of October 1980 to 1st of May 2010. The monitored parameters are total source yield and piezometric head at seven observation wells and 14 pumping wells. A data reconstruction methodology was developed, which included the use of an autoregressive (AR) model, a grey model (GM), and the biplot method. The methodology is applied to fill the data gaps during the considered period. The paper also describes the criteria for evaluating the accuracy of the AR model, GM, and biplot method. The proposed data reconstruction approach yielded satisfactory results and the methodology is deemed useful for the Bečej source data, as well as other historic data not necessarily associated with groundwater sources, but also groundwater control and protection systems, as well as hydrometeorological, hydrological and similar uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ships and associated anthropogenic activities release a number of contaminant elements into the marine environment which can be particularly concentrated in restricted circulatory environments including Bays and marinas. One such locality is a Punat Bay, situated at the southern coastline of the island of Krk (west Croatia), which is the largest Croatian marina. The aim of this study was to examine depth profiles of sulfur (S), phosporous (P), iron (Fe), and trace elements (As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn, Sr, Ti, U, V, Y, and Zn) in six sediment cores (down to 20-30 cm), and from mussels and fish from Punat Bay, by determining their levels with ICP-OES. Data analysis showed that the majority of variables were elevated in a sediment core located closest a port of the marina. Minimum to maximum S, P, and Fe levels in sediments were as follows: 0.4-2.4%, 0.04-320 mg/kg, and 0.2-2.3%, respectively. Correlations among S, P, Fe, and various trace elements were mostly positive (p<0.05). Trace elements were not increased in mussels and fish. This paper shows that the Punat marina has only a limited impact on the environmental status. Several potentially toxic trace elemens (Pb, Cu, etc.) were found to be elevated in a sediment core located closest to the marina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the critical raw materials (CRM) potential of antimony, bauxite, fluorite, and magnesite deposits in Bosnia and Herzegovina, discusses their metallogeny and joint geological features, and explains the methodology of the InvestRM application and evaluation criteria for the selected commodities in the following steps: (1) preparation of the geological data templates, (2) evaluation and verification of the geological data, (3) ranking of deposits according to the geological data relating to quality and quantity, and (4) identification of the 10+ perspective deposits. Existing geological datasets show the existence of significant potential in primary CRM such as bauxite (56 Mt), magnesite (4 Mt), and antimony (0.2 Mt) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The geological settings of BiH provide favourable metallogenetic conditions primarily for bauxite and magnesite deposits but also for antimony within polymetallic deposits, while fluorspar is rather rare. Our methodology described herein led to the selection of the following fourteen deposits for further geological prospection and investment: the polymetallic antimony deposits Čemernica and Podhrusanj, antimony fields Srebrenica and Rupice; magnesite fields Kladanj, Banja Luka, Teslić and Novi Šeher and bauxite regions Vlasenica-Srebrenica, Grmeč Mountain deposits in Una-Sana region and South Bosnia regions from Posušje to Trebinje. A basic economic calculation based on the world producer ranking and a self-sustainability and economic contribution assessment shows that further investments in geological exploration and mining of antimony, magnesite, and bauxite CRM could place BiH on the list of important producers of these commodities in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an analysis of the LiDAR-based landslide inventory for the area near Samobor, in northwestern Croatia with two main objectives: i) to define the geological units (obtained from Basic Geological Map of SFRY) most susceptible to landslides, and ii) to analyse the limitations of the Basic Geological Map and its applicability in landslide susceptibility map design. Within the study area of 63.8 km2, 874 landslide polygons were manually outlined, covering an area of 2.15 km². The landslide outline confidence level, landslide index and the relief energy map were used to analyse the landslide susceptibility of a particular geological unit. By that, units in the same state of stress, i.e., in the same relief energy group were compared. This preliminary analysis has shown that the geological units Pl,Q, M31,2, and 1M3¹ are the most susceptible to landslides and that older geological units, Pc and K1,2, are also prone to landslides. Still, landslides within those older units can be considered as old and inactive. As for the limitations of the Basic Geological Map of SFRY, three things emerged, namely scale, the geological unit defining approach, and the neglect of regolith. Despite the limitations presented, the usability of the Basic Geological Map of SFRY in the development of small-scale landslide susceptibility maps is emphasized. However, instructions that should attribute engineering geological features to the geological units outlined in the Basic Geological Map should be prepared in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a preliminary analysis of the landslide inventory is presented for the wider area of the municipalities of Glina and Dvor, within Sisak-Moslavina County in Croatia, where LiDAR scanning for 45.85 km² was conducted. Landslide polygons were outlined based on the visual interpretation of HRDEM derivates. In total, 477 landslides were contoured with an average landslide density of 9.85 per km². Most of the landslides are characterised as moderate, shallow, and not recent. The spatial relationship between landslides and geological units is expressed with the landslide index. Subsequently, the geological units were grouped into four engineering geological units representing different susceptibilities to landslides. The geological units most prone to landslides are the Eocene, Oligocene, Palaeocene and Jurassic sandstones. Even though all geological units were analysed here, the majority of landslides are within sandstones. A particular emphasis was on landslide occurrence in metamorphic and igneous rocks of the ophiolite sequence, a distinctive characteristic of the research area where less susceptibility to landslide processes was observed. Moreover, to further distinguish the differences between the units in the area a morphometric characteristic (relief) and drainage network was also analysed. The purpose of this analysis was to additionally confirm the landslide susceptibility assessment and the division of geological units into engineering geological units, which again implied the different behaviours between landslides in igneous and metamorphic rocks compared to sandstones. Because the research area is poorly studied regarding landslide susceptibility, relief, and drainage networks, these findings will be a step forward in recognising the relationship between them and creating a base for the development of a landslide susceptibility map for this area. The most common definition of a landslide is movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earthdown a slope under gravily (1996) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the preliminary results of analyses of landsliding processes derived from detailed LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) scans supported by field prospection on the southwestern slopes of Mt. Moslavačka gora, in the wider Kutina area. This area is known for frequent landslides, but dedicated regional landslide research has not been previously undertaken. High resolution LiDAR scanning and orthophoto imaging enabled the production of a reliable landslide inventory, but also enabled research on landslide properties and the morphology of the area. Field mapping and prospection, sampling and borehole coring assisted in the collection of information about the material characteristics and specific features of typical landslides. In the research area, which covers more than 71 km2, more than 1200 very small landslides were detected. The majority of landslides were discovered in just several geological units indicating their high susceptibility: Pleistocene silts and sands with clayey interlayers, followed by M2 silty sands and gravels, and M7 sands. Nearly half of the landslides are estimated to be of recent and younger age, while other landslides may be considered as being historical implying a "long tradition" of landslide events in the research area. Preliminary terrain surface roughness analysis also supported the conclusion that the inventory contains landslides of several historical generations which are still detectable. In addition to slides (1123), this research also discovered numerous earthflow processes (143), which are more frequent in the predominantly sandy units. The landslides in this area are largely located on the banks of the gullies and are directly related to the action of water. Regarding that situation and the engineering properties of the encountered geological units, four types of bank instabilities can be differentiated: slides on top of rock masses; slides in firm soil mixtures; landslides in sands; landslides in predominantly coherent soil complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on traces of drilling predation in the middle Miocene gastropod assemblage of the Zaprešić Brijeg locality, Croatia, which provides further insight into the palaeoecology of the south-western margin of the Pannonian Basin System during the Badenian. The analyzed gastropod shells were collected in the first half of the 20th century, and are housed in the Croatian Natural History Museum (CNHM) in Zagreb. The CNHM Zaprešić Brijeg collections contain 11063 gastropod shells, of which 1024 have been identified as drilled (9.3% of the sample), with 633 successfully drilled, 113 unsuccessfully drilled, and 278 multiply drilled shells. The most represented families are Potamididae, Nassariidae, Clavatulidae, Turritellidae, Cerithiidae, Muricidae and Naticidae. The gastropod families Naticidae and Muricidae are recognized as the probable predators based on the shape of the drill holes. Middle Miocene (Badenian) gastropods drilling frequency at Zaprešić Brijeg is 5.72%, which is lower than the recorded Badenian gastropods drilling frequency in the Central Paratethys, while the overall gastropod prey effectiveness from the studied locality (15.15%) is higher than the average of the neighbouring Badenian localities in the Central Paratethys. Among the most represented gastropods at this locality, the highest drilling frequency occurs in the infaunal suspension feeders Turritellidae (14.45%), which mostly show traces of the naticid drilling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper a heuristic approach for preliminary regional landslide susceptibility assessment using limited amount of data is presented. It is called arbitrary polynomial method and takes into account 5 landslide conditioning parameters: lithology, slope inclination, average annual rainfall, land use and maximum expected seismic intensity. According to the method, in the first stage, a gradation is performed for each of the carefully selected conditioning parameters by assigning so called rating points to the grid cells on which the region is divided. Values of the rating points vary from 0 to 3 and depend on the parameter's character and importance for landslide development within the region of interest. A so called Total Landslide Susceptibility Rating (TLSR) model is obtained by summing the individual rating points of each parameter and dividing the region into five susceptibility zones according to Jenks natural breaks classification. Verification of the TLSR model is then performed by overlaying the landslide inventory map of the selected region over the prepared susceptibility map. The sensitivity of the model can be additionally tested by multiplying the conditioning parameter's rating points by sensitivity coefficients. In this way, additional landslide susceptibility models are obtained, named Weighted Total Landslide Susceptibility Rating (WTLSR) models. As a practical example of the method, two TLSR models are presented here for the Polog region in Republic of Macedonia, for return periods of maximum expected seismic intensity for 100 and 500 years. With over 74% of mapped landslides falling in zones of high and very high susceptibility, the results are considered satisfactory for regional scale landslide modelling and are comparable with more advanced quantitative methods. Additional WTLSR models were prepared, and their correlation identified the best model. The presented approach is considered to be very convenient for conducting preliminary regional landslide susceptibility assessments with the ability to fine-tune the results. Due to its simplicity, it can be applied to additional landslide conditioning parameters other than the one presented in the paper, depending on the region of interest and available data sources. It is especially practical for use in developing countries, where various organizational, technical and economic constraints prevent application of more advanced data driven methods. Limitations and restrictions of the approach are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most recent major earthquake series struck near Petrinja (December 29th 2020 M 6.2), and triggered extensive ground failures in the wider area of Petrinja, Sisak and Glina. Coseismic ground failures including subsidence dolines, liquefaction and landslides have been documented over a large area by various experts and teams. These data are stored in the newly created inventory, which is openly presented in this paper. This inventory is administered and updated by the Croatian Geological Survey, and will be available online via a Web Map Service (WMS) (www.hgi-cgs.hr). The aim of the inventory is to not only provide data for the development of susceptibility maps and more detailed exploration for possible remediation measures, but also to define the priorities for immediate action. The earthquake triggered the rapid development of dropout dolines which endanger the local populations of the villages of Mečenčani and Borojevići. This is still an ongoing process in the vicinity of the houses and therefore in-situ exploration started immediately. Liquefaction related to alluvial sediments of the Sava, Kupa and Glina rivers occurred almost exclusively in loose and pure sands, and was accompanied by sand boils, subsidence and lateral spreading. Liquefaction also presents a greater hazard because settlement of houses and river embankments occurred. Lateral spreading caused failures of river flood embankments and natural river banks. According to the data known to date, the majority of the coseismic landslides were reactivated with minor displacements. Despite that, it has been recognised that houses at the edge, or in landslide colluvium suffered greater damage than other houses located outside the landslide impact zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The airborne hyper-spectral survey system CASI/SASI, which has an integrated system for gathering both image an spectral data, is at the cutting edge developments in the remote-sensing field. It can be used to directly identify surface objects based on diagnostic spectral characteristics. In this paper, the CASI/SASI were used in the Huaniushan gold-silver-lead-zinc ore district-Gansu to produce a lithologic map, identify altered minerals, and map the mineralized-alteration zones. Radiometric correction, radiometric calibration, atmospheric correction (spectral reconstruction), and geometric corrections were carried out in ENVI to pre-process the measured data. A FieldSpec ® Pro FR portable spectrometer was used to obtain the spectral signatures of all types of rock samples, ore deposits, and mineralized-alteration zones. We extracted and analyzed the spectral characteristics of typical alteration minerals. On the basis of hyper-spectral data, ground-spectral data processing, and comparative analysis of the measured image spectrum, we used the spectral-angle-mapping (SAM) and mixture-tuned matchedfiltering (MTMF) methods to perform hyperspectral-alteration mineral mapping of wall rock and mineralized-alteration-zone hyperspectral identification. Hyperspectral-remote-sensing geological-classification maps were produced as well as distribution maps of all kinds of alteration minerals and mineralized-alteration zones. Based on geological comprehensive analysis and field investigations, the range of mineral alteration was proven to be the same as shown by the remote-sensing imagery. Indications are that airborne hyperspectral-remote-sensing-image CASI/SASI offer good application results and show a promising potential as a tool in geological investigations. The results will provide the basis for hyperspectral remote-sensing prospecting in the same or similar unexplored areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Slani Potok gully (0.48 km2) is situated in the central part of the Vinodol Valley (64.57 km2) in Croatia, and it was formed in the Eocene flysch deposits. So far, the area of Slani Potok has been mainly referred in the scientific literature as being subjected to unusually intense soil erosion processes (i.e., ''excessive erosion''), associated with landslides. However, the landslides were never investigated in detail, given the available research methods only involved field investigations. Therefore, the landslide types according to the most commonly used landslide classifications have remained undetermined. In this paper, landslide types in the Slani Potok gully are presented, identified and mapped based on the visual interpretation of seven different LiDAR topographic derivatives computed from the 1 x 1 m DTM available from March 2012. The geomorphological historical landslide inventory of the Slani Potok gully was created, consisting of 181 landslide phenomena. Landslides cover 69% of the area (0.33 km2) of the Slani Potok gully. The size of the smallest landslide is 65 m2, and of the largest is 10,563 m2. Landslides are very small to moderate-small, shallow to moderate-shallow, and mainly successive in distribution. Most of the landslides initiate along the margins of the gully channel walls, and extend to the gully channel bottom. Such a large number of identified landslides, as well as their specific spatial arrangement within the gully, indicates that sliding processes predominantly affect the morphologic development of the Slani Potok gully, and that the soil erosion is the secondary process in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the origins of two tombolos (one recent and another fossil/submerged) on the southwestern coast of Prvić Island, which is located in the Kvarner area in the northeastern part of the Adriatic Sea. A recent tombolo on Cape Pipa was formed by the erosion of Quaternary deposits and Palaeogene siliciclastic rocks. The submerged tombolo is much bigger, clearly visible on the sea bed toward the southwest. The conditions for forming a submerged and recent tombolo have occurred during a slow rise and then stagnation of sea level of the Adriatic Sea in the Holocene. The sea flooded the fossil tombolo probably in the final part of a period of rapid sea-level rise at the beginning of the Holocene when a large proportion of the Quaternary sediments were eroded. Waves from the northwest (tramuntana) and southeast (jugo) refract and diffract around the tombolo. The nourishment of the beach body happens permanently on both sides of the cape. Accumulated sediments are protected by resistant rocky blocks of breccia on the peak of Cape Pipa, acting as a natural tombolo. Due to the fact that wave directions are perpendicular to the beach coastline, they do not generate longshore currents that would erode sediment in beach bodies around Cape Pipa. Therefore, the recent tombolo is probably stable in the present climatic and oceanographic conditions in the Kvarner area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Krško-Brežice field is one of the most seismically active areas in Slovenia. The most damaging recorded earthquake with an intensity of VIII (EMS) occurred on 29th January 1917. It caused damage and claimed two lives. In the last 100 years, 9 earthquakes with intensity higher than VI (EMS) have been recorded. At the investigated area, a top layer up to 5 m thick, consisting of recent deposit of very loose silts and sands (ML, SM, SP), covers the medium dense to dense Quaternary gravel, beneath which there are over-consolidated, uncemented Miocene silts and marls. The top layer could be prone to liquefaction, as reported for the close surroundings of Brežice, where the liquefaction phenomenon was observed during the Zagreb earthquake in 1880 and during the Kupa Valley earthquake in 1909. The paper presents the results of laboratory index tests, cyclic simple shear tests and field investigations (SPT, CPT, (S)DMT, vs measurements), which were carried out to assess the liquefaction potential of the top layer at the location of the Brežice Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP). All results show that the top layer is prone to liquefaction for an earthquake with a 475 year return period. Cyclic simple shear test results show that the liquefaction potential of horizontal ground for an earthquake with a 475 year return period can be reduced by the densification of the top layer to at least 95% of maximum Proctor density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous karst dolines have been formed along the Croatian coast and many have been submerged during the Late Glacial and Holocene sea level rise. The coastal area of Cres Island in the Northern Adriatic is a typical example of this geomorphological setting, where transitional forms from subaerial to submerged dolines are present. Once dolines are formed they can accumulate soil, water and sediments due to their morphology. Sediments are an especially valuable source of environmental data. This paper presents the results of the study of foraminiferal assemblages and sediment geochemistry, supplemented with grain-size and mineralogical data, from the marine ponds developed in the karst dolines on Cres Island. Obtained data is correlated with the sediment core record from submerged dolines in the present-day embayments along the coastal zone of Cres Island. In total, 3 sediment cores were collected in the marine ponds Marinska, Arcij and Podbrajde, while 2 longer sediment cores have been extracted from the Jaz and Sonte embayments. The Marinska, Arcij and Podbrajde marine ponds have distinct geochemical and mineralogical sediment compositions, with monospecific foraminiferal assemblages and generally differ from each other. The common characteristics are their high N and P concentrations and the algal origin of organic matter. Agglutinated foraminiferal taxa (Haplophragmoides canariensis and Trochammina inflata), typical for intertidal environments, are abundant in the brackish-water Marinska pond, while stress-tolerant species Ammonia tepida has been identified in the Arcij marine pond. Environmental conditions in the Podbrajde marine pond did not facilitate the development of a rich foraminiferal fauna. Results from the present-day marine ponds enabled recognition of similar environments in the sediment cores collected in the Jaz and Sonte embayments that were progressively inundated during the Holocene sea level rise. A palaeo-marine pond existed in the Sonte embayment until 6610 cal BP, when the sea flooded the investigated area. A marine pond in the Jaz embayment was formed at 711 cal BP. Low-diversity foraminiferal assemblages in these palaeo-ponds are similar to those recognized in the present-day Arcij marine pond on Cres Island. However, differences in the geochemical composition of palaeo-marine ponds, in comparison to the present-day ponds, exist. They might be attributed to climate variability over time and variations in the geological setting of each environment. High Mo concentrations and abundant organic matter content are the main sediment characteristics of the recognized palaeo-marine ponds in the Jaz and Sonte embayments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes simultaneous uses of field sampling and hyperspectroscopic approaches to understand the distributions of salt crusts and factors affecting them under field conditions. Samples of salt affected soils and associated salt crusts that represented a range of soil salinities, slope, and moisture contents were gathered from the banks of the Rio Grande. The samples were studied for salt identification by optical microscopy and using a high-resolution spectroradiometer, GER 3700, and for salinity level, and moisture content by the wet chemistry method. The study identified two main groups of salt crusts, contaminated halite and gypsum crusts. Reflectivity was correlated negatively with moisture content and positively with slope value, electrical conductivity and salt quantity. Reflectivity of halite-dominated crusts was higher than those of gypsum. Halite occurred over a greater range and higher slope values of soils than gypsum; however, a positive correlation between the slope and mean reflectivity of both salt crusts was reported. Although reflectivity of salt crusts varied according to changes in moisture content, and the salinity of the soil, moisture content can drastically reduce the reflection more effectively? than the other factors. The data reported indicate the possibility of assessing the type of salt crust by estimation of the ratio of slope and reflectivity to the other variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural disasters such as earthquakes, El-Nino, tsunamis and water pollution have a negative impact on human health and living environment. Some of these may give rise to subsurface vibrations that can potentially increase groundwater pollution risks in double-porosity systems. The more complicated situation was where underground storage tanks and petroleum pipeline damage have caused the leakage of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) which migrated into the groundwater resources. These problems need to be addressed by both professionals and researchers worldwide to ensure the sustainability of groundwater utilization. This paper aims to investigate and understand NAPL migration in vibrated double-porosity soils. To do so it was necessary to study the phenomena and characteristic of soil structure and the pattern of NAPL migration to identify cost-effective remediation schemes. A laboratory experiment was conducted to study the phenomena and characteristics of vibration response and NAPL migration in double-porosity soil deformation under vibration effect using a digital image processing technique (DIPT). The outcomes of the experiment show that the gradual increase of vibration table excitation frequency yielded different vibration responses from the respective soils. This indicated that soil surface acceleration depended significantly on the soil conditions, soil water content, soil structure and the pattern of soil fracturing. NAPL migration was faster in sample 2 with 150ml toluene than sample 1 with 70ml toluene and this could be because the greater amount of toluene in sample 2 exerted an extra entry force on top of the soil sample that had yet to migrate through the sample surface. Finally, it was concluded that the DIPT may provide detailed information, and can be used to understand and identify the remediation method as well as to ensure the sustainable consumption of groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents groundwater management based on the results of groundwater modeling. Model used to simulate the effects of the operation of three dewatering system scenarios of the Buvač open cast mine. Several aquifers exist within the region of the Buvač limonite ore deposit, which puts ore exploitation at risk due to water ingress. Groundwater modeling was used to understand the groundwater regime within these aquifers. A previous numerical model (2007) was completed for the state of the groundwater regime prior to the opening of the open-cast mine. In the last five years, development of the open cast mine and associated activities have drastically modified the low field. The model was modified for the altered conditions on site, and with new data from monitoring both the ground and surface water regimes. The existing system of protection of the cast mine from groundwater encompasses drainage of both the alluvial and ore body aquifers. This paper analyzes three scenarios for protecting the opencast mine from groundwater between 2013 - 2024. The new model was used to simulate the effects of operating the three proposed dewatering systems. Differences in the operating effects of the scenarios were quantified through the conditions of groundwater levels and water budget. Recommendations have also been given for performing prediction calculations in the case of the existence of drainage wells, with the most effective dewatering system determined from a hydrodynamic aspect. The results presented may be used for developing an effective dewatering system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The definition of common international guidelines for the compilation of high quality hydrogeological maps has been attempted from the second half of the last century for hydrogeologists, to solve the lack of uniformity among national guidelines due to the various geological-hydrogeological and climatic situations of different countries worldwide. With this aim, the China Geological Survey and the Geological Survey of Italy-ISPRA are undertaking cooperative research in implementing 1:50,000 scale hydrogeological survey and mapping at selected sites in both countries. The project intends to develop a new generation of hydrogeological and groundwater resource maps with descriptive effectiveness and consistency with field survey data. The project will promote improvements of technologies in hydrogeological survey and mapping of the two countries and might even be agreed at a wider international level. Chinese and Italian hydrogeological guidelines have similar aspects as well as concerns: 1) the undertaking of field surveys at the 1:50,000 scale and more detailed (1:25000) scale; 2) building of a hydrogeological database; 3) publication of the official map in both paper and electronic form; 4) inclusion of several small scale maps inlayed at the margin of a main map in the hydrogeological map layout; 5) comparable level in required survey quota. Furthermore, more attention will be paid to a 3D map, conceptual model, aquifer structure, groundwater cycle and hydrogeological parameter description. In contrast, the most important difference regards the following. The hydrogeological mapping guidelines of Italy have integrated specifications for both survey and mapping, i.e. they deal with a structural layout characterized by survey contents followed by mapping contents and reflect a technical route of surveying for mapping. In contrast, there are no mapping contents in the current hydrogeological guidelines of China and these then needed to be formulated. The Italian guidelines could provide important references for China in legend organization, mapping rules, survey quota and so on. Finally, the collaboration between China and Italy is of great significance for the two ancient civilized countries sharing the "One Belt and One Road" international initiative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the physical, chemical and biological system is an indispensable precondition to addressing groundwater management. This understanding is based on Conceptual Hydrogeological Models, which contain different interpretations and their validity is checked through the application of specific research techniques (numerical modelling, hydrochemistry, isotope hydrology, process evaluation and biological functions). This paper describes the experience carried out by an academic team that, together with entities responsible for the protection of water resources, established strategic alliances to improve the knowledge of the hydrogeological system, providing new elements for governance. This study was carried out in the Urabá antioqueño zone, located north-west of Colombia. A complex aquifer system is located in the region, characterized by a series of permeable, semi-permeable and impermeable layers. In such a layered aquifer the determination of the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the layers and their management are a challenge for researchers because groundwater represents a strategic resource for supplying the population and developing economic activities. Starting from the conceptual hydrogeological model, multiscale numerical modelling exercises have been carried out, enabling the characterization of local, intermediate and regional flow systems. In addition, by determining the natural background level, the concentration ranges of chemical compounds from natural sources were obtained, in order to detect future changes in water quality. It was also possible to examine the stygofauna, which allowed the recognition of different types of organisms (stygobits, stygophiles and stygoxens) associated with underground ecosystems. These scientific elements serve as a support for the management instruments such as the groundwater management plan that is important for water governance, ensuring its future sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leakage and spillage of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) and aqueous phase liquids (APLs) contribute to groundwater contamination, resulting in groundwater pollution and rendering the quality of groundwater unsafe for drinking and agriculture. Ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all was the goal and target of the 2030 United Nations agenda for sustainable development, consisting of a plan of action for the population, the planet and general prosperity. This paper is intended to investigate the aqueous and nonaqueous phase liquid migrations in a deformable double-porosity soil, which has become important for both sustainable groundwater use and the comprehensive understanding of the behaviour of liquid migration into groundwater. A modelling experiment was conducted in an attempt to study the pattern and behaviour of aqueous and non-aqueous phase liquid migration in fractured double-porosity soil using a digital image processing technique. The results of the experiments show that the flow of the APL and NAPL migration was not uniformly downward. Faster migration occurred where the soil surface was cracked compared to other locations where the soil surface was not cracked, even when liquids such as toluene were not used. It was concluded that the factors that significantly influenced the APL and NAPL migration were the structure of the soil sample, fracture pattern of the soil sample, physical interaction i.e. bonding between the liquid and soil sample, and the capillary pressure of the fluid. This study indicates that digital image analysis can provide detailed information to help researchers better understand and be able to simulate the pattern and characteristics of liquid migration that have an influence on groundwater resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many multivariate statistical techniques have the ability to handle large data sets or a great number of parameters. Therefore, these multivariate statistical approaches are widely used in clastic sedimentology for facies analysis. Furthermore, most of the techniques which try to separate more or less homogeneous subsets can be subjective. This subjectivity raises several questions about the significance and confidence of clustering. The goal of this study is to optimize clustering and to evaluate the proper number of clusters needed in order to describe sedimentary and lithological facies through common characteristics. Also, with the interpretation of the clusters, the parametrized geometry adds further but quasi-subjective information to a 3D geologicalmodel. Two assumptions must be met: (1) well-definable geometries must correspond to the architectural elements (2) it is assumed that exactly one sedimentary or lithological facies belongs to each structural element and the flow properties are determined by these structural elements. This approach was applied to the clastic depositional data from a Miocene hydrocarbon reservoir (Algyő field, Hungary) to demonstrate the fidelity of the clustering method yielding an optimum of five cluster facies. The revealed clusters represent lithological characteristics within a (delta fed) submarine fan system. The paper deals with two stressed clusters in particular, showing sinusoid channels which were recognizable and measureable using parametrisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deterministic methods are still widely used for reservoir characterization and modelling. The result of such methods is only one solution. It is clear that our knowledge about the subsurface is uncertain. Since stochastic methods include uncertainty in their calculations and offer more than one solution sometimes they are the best method to use. This paper shows testing of the deterministic (Ordinary Kriging) and stochastic (Sequential Gaussian Simulations) methods of reservoir properties distribution in the Lower Pontian hydrocarbon reservoirs of the Sava Depression. Reservoirs are gas- and oil-prone sandstones. Ten realizations were obtained by Sequential Gaussian Simulation, which are sufficient for defining locations with the highest uncertainties of distributed geological variables. The results obtained were acceptable and areas with the highest uncertainties were clearly observed on the maps. However, high differences of reservoir property values in neighbouring cells caused the numerical simulation duration to be too long. For this reason, Ordinary Kriging as a deterministic method was used for modelling the same reservoirs. Smooth transitions between neighbouring cells eliminated the simulation duration problems and Ordinary Kriging maps showed channel sandstone with transitional lithofacies in some reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the fact that urbanization is one of the most serious threats to geodiversity, it is important that this issue is taken into account in spatial development plans and georesource management strategies in urban areas. This paper presents the application of a geodiversity evaluation method by using the geodiversity index, based on the quantity of abiotic elements and relief roughness within a spatial unit. Geodiversity assessment, usually used for remote, protected and sparsely populated natural areas, is now carried out in an urban environment - the city of Belgrade, capital of Serbia, with a population of about 1.7 million inhabitants and very strong urbanization in the last few decades. The area of 3227 km² is processed with the spatial resolution of 1 x 1 km. The acquired results from the geodiversity index are analyzed in the context of sustainable use of georesources and the threats to which geodiversity is exposed due to the territorial expansion of the city. The mapping of specific categories of geodiversity on the basis of quantitative assessment with the use of Geographic Information Systems can help decision makers and managers to take further steps that would reduce threats and protect the natural value of Belgrade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Upper Cretaceous rudist limestones are well-known from several localities in Serbia. Three of these localities (Svilanovo, Bele Vode and Kulizino Selo) are located in SW Serbia, on Golija Mt. These localities are crucial for understanding the development of the Upper Cretaceous shallow-water environments, thus this is an area of great scientific and educational value, particularly considering palaeontology, stratigraphy, palaeoecology and palaeogeography. One of the aims of this paper is to evaluate these geosites and their geotouristic potential, using Geosite Assessment Model (GAM), which is important for their geoconservation as well as for the sustainable development of the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the physical, chemical and mineral properties of ash and slag, which were taken from thermal power plants Nikola Tesla A, Nikola Tesla B, Kostolac A and Kostolac B. The knowledge of the mineralogical material composition is important because the type of minerals directly determines the properties of the fly ash and slag and their possible application. Laboratory tests showed that ash and slag samples consist of the following minerals: amorphous materials, quartz, feldspar, mullite, melilite, cristobalite, haematite and calcite. The fly ash and slag chemical properties are the most important indicators in the evaluation of their suitability as a building material. The ash and slag chemical composition is composed of the following chemical components: SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, SO3, S, Na2O and K2O. Results of laboratory tests show that fly ash and slag have variable chemical, mineralogical and physical properties that are dependent on the natural composition, quality of coal from basin, the manner of combustion and place of ash deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations of fossil algae in Croatia began in 1907 with the very first description of the Permian dasyclad Mizzia velebitana from Mt. Velebit by Austrian geologist Richard Schubert. This was followed by Julius Pia's investigations (1920, 1925), on material given to him by Schubert. The first Croatian researcher on fossil algae was Milan Herak, Pia's PhD student, with his first paper on Ladinian dasyclads published in 1950. He cooperated with a colleague from the Faculty of Science, Vanda Kochansky-Devidé, who published her first papers together with Herak on Permian and Carboniferous dasyclads in 1959 and 1960. While Herak focused on Triassic algae, Kochansky-Devidé investigated mostly Upper Palaeozoic algae and fusulinid foraminifera. Ivan Gušić comes from the same faculty, and his first paper was published in 1966. Momčilo Milanović, from the Institute of Geology (the present day Croatian Geological Survey), published his first paper in 1962, focusing mainly on Permian algae. The most prolific researcher Branko Sokač also came from the Institute of Geology; his first papers dated from 1964, and he is still an active researcher. Over time, papers originating from the "Zagreb Algological School" become distinguished by rich and well illustrated fossil material, making numerous contributions to the better understanding of fossil benthic algae from younger Palaeozoic and Mesozoic strata. This was possible not only because of the diligence of the authors, but was also the result of the very thick and well exposed carbonate sequence of the Croatian Dinarides Mts. Rajka Radoičić from Beograd (Serbia) also described some taxa from Croatia. Almost all the research refers to dasycladal algae, while other algae are only rarely investigated. Complete references to all papers are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the application of advanced technologies for landslide detection, mapping and monitoring in the City of Zagreb since 2010. Airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data are used to visually identify landslides in the Podsljeme Zone over an area of 180 km² for the purpose of landslide inventory mapping. The total number of landslides in the analyzed area (approx. 1,600 landslides) is estimated based on the average landslide density (9 landslides per square km) from the most reliable geomorphological historical inventory produced in 1979. Examples of the visual interpretation of very-high-resolution bare-earth DEMs (Digital Elevation Model) are given to show the potential of these advanced techniques to identify the landslide contours of the very small, small and moderately small landslides that are characteristic of the study area, which is composed of engineering soils and/or soft rocks (marls). In the framework of the described landslide research, the biggest landslide in the Podsljeme Zone, the Kostanjek landslide (landslide area of 1 km²), was also equipped with an automated near-real time monitoring system that encompassed approximately 40 sensors to monitor landslide movement and landslide causal factors. Monitoring of this deep and large landslide during multiple extreme hydro- meteorological events from January 2013 to January 2015 enabled collection of data for the analysis of landslide movement both on and below the surface as well as analysis of the relationship between landslide reactivations and their triggers, i.e., changes in groundwater level and precipitation. The final aim of the described scientific research in terms of landslide mapping and monitoring is its practical application in land-use planning and civil protection systems in the City of Zagreb. Namely, the conclusions propose reliable and efficient methods for landslide identification and monitoring, which are necessary to provide data and solutions for hazard and risk reduction to local authorities that are managed by the City. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Badenian (Middle Miocene) Scaphopoda from the south and southwestern margin of the Pannonian Basin System (Central Paratethys) are poorly documented, and in published papers mostly presented by short lists of identified species. For the present study, 300 scaphopod specimens were examined with the focus on a singular species, Fissidentalium badense (PARTSCH in HORNES, 1856). This species is represented by 152 specimens housed in the Natural History Museum Belgrade and the Croatian Natural History Museum in Zagreb. The most numerous and the best preserved specimens of F. badense were collected at the Visnjica locality near Belgrade (Serbia), while the others originate from the vicinity of Zagreb (Croatia) and Ugljevik (Bosnia and Herzegovina). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early-intracontinental rifting of Pangea was a result of thermal doming in Uppermost Permian time giving rise to the formation of horst-graben structures, followed by slow subsidence, marine transgression and evaporite deposition. The consequences of incipient magmatism and a high heat flow are numerous geothermal fields and subterrestrial hydrothermal siderite-barite-polysulfide deposits (PALINKAŠ et al., 2016). Advanced rifting magmatism as a successive stage in the Middle Triassic brought intensive submarine volcanism, accompanied by coeval sedimentation of chert and siliciclastics, building up volcanogenic-sedimentary formations. Volcanic activity with explosive phases and the generation of large volumes of pyroclastic rocks in the rifts produced concomitant mineralization with numerous sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) deposits of Fe-Mn-Ba-polysulfides. The passive continental margin of northern Gondwanaland is flanked by the AdriaDinaridic carbonate platfom, while the Moesian carbonate platform is a counterpart on the European passive continental margin. They were divergently drifted in the course of the advanced rifting. A fast growing carbonate platform, developing gradually, covered evidence of the earlier intracontinental rifting and their ore formations. However, the carbonate platforms themselves host specific Pb-Zn deposits, well known as a Mississippi valley type, (MVT) or Bleiberg-Mežica type according the traditional european terminology. Triassic MVT and SEDEX deposits are symmetrically situated on the both sides of the divergent passive margins in this early history of the Tethyan ocean. The paper gives a brief description of the MVT and SEDEX deposits, in the two carbonate platforms and rifts in between, formed synchronously and in a similar manner on opposing sides of the diverging continental margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bor metallogenic zone is one of the most important metallogenic units in the Republic of Serbia. Volcanic processes in this unit are characterized by the domination of extrusive volcanic activity, and the change of depositional environment during the numerous volcanic cycles, as well as facial transitions and huge deposition of synand post eruptive resedimented volcanoclastics. The predominant metals in the Bor metallogenic zone are copper and gold, accompanied by iron, base-metals, silver, molybdenum, and minor platinumgroup elements. The most prominent morphogenetic types of deposit comprise porphyry copper-gold, cupriferous pyrite, massive base-metal sulphides and hydrothermal veins, iron oxides skarns, carbonate replacement polymetallic deposits, volcanogenic epithermal gold mineralization of the high sulphidation type, and exceptionally rare clasts of copper sulphide ore mechanically accumulated in small sedimentary basins filled by pyroclastics. The total production of the Bor metallogenic zone since 1902 has been near 652 Mt of ore with 4.93 Mt of copper and 280 tons of gold. Mineral resources of the Bor metallogenic zone are estimated at over 20 millions of tons of copper and 1,000 tons of gold. The main geological characteristics of selected metallic mineral deposits in this area are described in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents data about the geology, geochemistry, structure, genesis and specific features of the Bučim porphyry Cu deposit which is actively mined in Macedonia. The porphyry mineralization (0.3 % Cu, 0.3-0.5 ppm Au) is spatially and temporarily associated with Tertiary subvolcanic intrusions of latitic and latitic-andesitic composition. The intrusions occurred during Oligo-Miocene time (24 to 27 Ma), a period of intensive tectono-magmatic and ore-forming processes.. The latest results of this study identify an array of major ore (hypogen) minerals such chalcopyrite, pyrite, magnetite, haematite, cubanite, valleriite, native Au and bornite and secondary enrichment zone minerals (within Čukar ore body) including chalcocite, covellite, tenorite, native Cu, malachite, azurite etc. Added minerals such as calaverite, krennerite, electrum, petzite and bismuth±selenium minerals (bismuthinite, galenobismutite, krupkaite, friedrichite, emplectite, cosalite, laitakarite and native bismuth) are also present. Variations of the δ34S values for the whole Bučim ore deposit ranged from +0.2 ‰ to +2.5 ‰ while δ13C‰ and δ18O‰ isotope values ranged from -10.8 to -3.8‰ and from +14.0 to +22.7 ‰, respectively. With regard to fluid inclusions, it was confirmed that beside the pre-dominant gas-liquid, two-phase inclusions, there are also three-phase fluid inclusions (gas + liquid + solid phase). Also, recent Sr and Nd isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr 0.70666-0.70741 and 143Nd/144Nd 0.512487-0.512489) indicate slight contamination of the magmatic products by continental crust material, due to partial melting of the deep parts of continental crust underthrust by collision of continental blocks. The REE data show results that are comparable with high contents of large ion lithophile elements (LILE), high Ba/Nb ratio (116.72-190.72) and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSE) and Europium negative anomaly (0.68893-0.91251). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the first results of pollen analysis at the eponymous archaeological site of Sopot. Cultural layers have been examined for the presence of pollen grains and spores as well as the other palynomorphs. The palynological analysis of the cultural layer provides significant data on the presence of phytopathogens that had an influence on the Neolithic agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present and elaborate one research example when bauxite was the main target of the investigation. During reprocessing and reinterpretation of the original data from the "Crvene stijene" locality near Jajce in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it was established that bauxite hanging wall and footwall rocks in fact represent an even more valuable mineral resource, as "dimension stone". The final goal of the research was to optimize the ratio between research and exploration costs and total profit by exploration of all available mineral resources in the area. For that purpose, a new research evaluation method encompassing both bauxite (primary resource) and associated deposits was developed and named the "integrated approach". Integrated, joint evaluation of bauxite and associated deposits (dimension stone), gives a far greater economic significance to whole area. Finally, with this new method, the ratio between overall profit and cost will be optimized which results in significant increase in profit because all available deposits are considered for exploitation. Also this method can be applied on abandoned mining sites if there is some secondary profitable mineral deposit in the mine area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents research on the surface characteristics, specific surface area (SSA), cation exchange capacity (CEC) and the electrophoretic mobility (EPM) of kaolin clays obtained from different naturally occurring pegmatite and granite deposits worldwide. Particular emphasis was placed on studying the influence of ancillary minerals on these properties, as well as the diversity in morphological and structural characteristics of kaolinite in samples. Mineral composition and the morphology of the kaolin samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), respectively. The SSA was determined by the BET method, CEC by ammonium selective electrode and surface charge by EPM measurements. Results showed that the surface properties of the kaolin samples were strongly influenced by the presence of ancillary constituents, particularly smectite minerals. Their occurrence, even in trace amounts, significantly increased the SSA and CEC values of the investigated samples. Most importantly, EPM measurements revealed that the character of the amphoteric surfaces of the dominant kaolinite mineral in the samples was rescinded by the permanent pH-independent siloxane basal charge of smectite. The presence of ancillary smectites, characterized by higher surface reactivity, hindered the surface properties of the prevailing kaolinite mineral in the kaolin clay deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the region of Hrvatsko zagorje there are a lot of spa localities. The study area is in the northern Pannonian part of Croatia which is characterized by a high geothermal gradient (0.049 °C/m) and surface heat flow (76 mW/m²). Although there are a lot of thermal occurrences in the study area, only ten were taken into consideration because there was a lack of geochemical data at other locations. The thermal springs considered are: Harina Zlaka, Krapinske toplice, Tuheljske toplice, Stubičke toplice, Sutinske toplice, Šemničke toplice, Topličica (Mađarevo), Topličica (Gotalovec), Podevčevo, Vraždinske toplice. A compilation of geochemical data from different sources together with our own measurements has been used in this study. The aim of this paper is to review the thermal waters' geochemical characteristics and demonstrate how these features can be used to discern their origin and the aquifer they equilibrated with. The geochemical characteristics of thermal waters of the study area suggest that the water is in equilibrium with dolomite which means that dolomite is the thermal aquifer in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the current objectives of karst research is to understand the spatial dynamics of karstic processes that increase or decrease pore volume. Although we can construct 3D numerical models, it is a complex, multi-step process. These modelling approaches combine a dissolution algorithm, a flow and/or transport model and an algorithm to reconstruct the spatial geometry of fracture networks. The paper focuses on the last task, and does not consider the first two problems. We applied the RepSim code, a DFN (discrete fracture network) type fracture geometry modelling software that uses fractal behavior of fracture patterns, for simulations. This method simulates fracture systems at a reservoir scale. The input parameters (length distribution, aperture, orientation and fractal dimension of the fracture midpoints) were determined using field measurements and evaluation of digitized images. The primary images were of outcrops from the surface and from two caves. The examined area is the karstic block of the Mecsek Mountains in SW Hungary, which is one of the most explored karstic regions in that country. There are seven small and one relatively large (Vízfő) catchment areas in the mountains. The large catchment was used as the study area, which lithologically consists of sandstones and limestones, both intensely fractured by subsequent tectonic events. The spatial distribution of cave entrances and dolinas is uneven across the study area. This phenomenon has not yet been investigated. Here, a relationship is inferred between the original (prekarstic) microfracture network geometry and the spatial distribution of the aforementioned karst forms. The results show that the region can be divided into two zones that fractured in distinctly different ways. Their fracture network communication features, porosity and permeability differ. Additionally, sub-regions could develop inside the catchment area where dissolution-cementation processes could have been differently effective, determining the spatial distribution of the dissolution governed karstic forms (e.g. caves, dolinas). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil samples from the industrial area in the town of Bužim, Bosnia and Herzegovina were analysed in order to determine their different manganese species. Samples were extracted from seven locations - at the manganese mine and the surrounding area. The paper aims to present the use of the sequential extraction method in determination of the specific distribution of Mn in soil, as well as in estimation of its origin, mobility and bioavailability in the sampling locations. Sequential extraction used here included determination of the amount of Mn in various soil fractions: the water-soluble fraction, exchangeable fraction, carbonate fraction, easily reduced fraction and the organic fraction. Additionally, it included manganese oxides or moderately reduced oxides, amorphous iron oxide, crystalline iron oxide and the residual fraction. It was determined that chemical properties of soil considerably affect the distribution of heavy metals within different soil fractions. The highest percentage of natural Mn was determined in the residual fraction (27.00%) at Popović polje, while the highest percentage of anthropogenic origin Mn was determined at Bućevci (57.00%) in the Fe-Mn oxides fraction. The highest near-total content of Mn was determined at Popović polje (20950.00 mg/kg). The highest percentage of natural Mn (27.00%) was determined in the same area. The highest percentage of Mn of an anthropogenic origin (57.00%) was determined at Bućevci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of sampling surveys carried out in order to evaluate the environmental impact of the Rude and the Sv. Jakob historical mining sites, NW Croatia. The studied polymetallic ore deposits differ in their min-eralogical and geochemical features as well as in the host rock lithology. The Rude Fe-Cu-Pb-Zn-Ba deposit is hosted by Permian siliciclastic sediments. Siderite, haematite, galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, barite and gypsumare the major ore minerals. The Sv. Jakob Pb-Zn deposit occurs in the Middle Triassic dolostone. The most abundantore minerals are galena, sphalerite and pyrite. Although the deposits represent potential sources of numerous toxicmetals, no pollution of the drainage streams and associated stream sediments was recorded. The studied mining sitesare characterized by high carbonate/sulfide ratios responsible for the alkaline character of the drainage streams (pH=7.3-8.7). Consequently, the mining sites have very low potential for both generation of acid mine drainage andfor leaching of heavy metals into the drainage systems. Furthermore, the study revealed that the populated areas(stream waters with decreased redox potential, increased organic matter content, high NO3-, NH4+ and PO43- concentrations; stream sediments enriched in exchangeable Pb and Zn) and the Sava river alluvium (overflowing streams enriched in Hg) represent a greater environmental threat than the investigated polymetallic ore deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a conceptual model of the Zagreb aquifer system. The conceptual model can be applied to groundwater status risk assessment and pollution risk assessment at the local scale, thus satisfying both environmental and preventative/limitation objectives of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and Groundwater Directive (GWD). Its main purpose is to apply a risk assessment procedure, according to the WFD requirements, and to serve as a foundation for setting up a numerical model of flow in both the saturated and unsaturated zones in order to identify pressure and impact effects on groundwater quality. The model is divided into two parts, taking into account the WFD requirement to assess a risk for a wide range of source-pathway-receptor relationships. The Global Conceptual Model (GCM) provides insight into the processes and pressures at the level of the groundwater system. It contains the geological and hydrogeological characterization of the Zagreb aquifer system and the description of the most significant point and diffuse sources and pathways of pollution and processes influencing pollutant behaviour in saturated and unsaturated zone of the groundwater system. The main pollutants of the Zagreb aquifer system are potentially toxic metals, nitrates, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and chlorinated aliphatics. A Local Conceptual Model (LCM) supports parameterization of the whole groundwater system through the description of heterogeneities and flow and solute parameters of the system components at two sites representing local conditions in the saturated (Stara Loza) and unsaturated (Kosnica) zones. This concept can be regarded as an effective tool for groundwater management of the groundwater system and its compartments and for communicating the conditions in complex groundwater systems with experts, policy makers and general public in an understandable way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a short review of the Late Carboniferous floras in Slovenia. The Namurian-Westphalian or Westphalian A (Langsettian) flora was collected in the Sava Folds, whereas the late Westphalian and/or Stephanian flora was documented in the Southern Karavanke Mts. The recovered assemblages are well represented by horsetails, arborescent lycopsids, fern-like foliage (ferns and pteridosperms) as well as gymnosperms, and they correspond to the general features of the Euramerican flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper provides an overview of the main Pennsylvanian sites in Italy yielding associations rich in plants and/or palynomorphs. So far in Italy, the principal outcrops are located in the Southern Alps, Tuscany and Sardinia. In the Western Southern Alps and bordering Switzerland, Westphalian outcrops are small and scattered. Nevertheless, one of them yielded an abundant fossil flora, stored at the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale of Milan, (Venzo and Maglia Collection). In the Carnic Alps, (Eastern Southern Alps), continental deposits of Moscovian to Gzhelian age also occur near the border with Austria. They have produced a high number of preserved plant fossils, presently stored in the Museo Friulano di Storia Naturale of Udine. In Tuscany, the two main sections yielding Westphalian to Autunian floras are those of the Iano and Pisani Mountains. A rich collection of plant fossils from those sites is hosted at the Museo di Storia Naturale of Florence University and at the Museum of Natural History of Pisa University. In Sardinia, plant fossil sites are located in the south west and central east parts of the island. The San Giorgio Basin (Iglesiente subregion) and the Tuppa Niedda section (Arburese subregion) are late Westphalian-early Stephanian in age. In the Barbagia at Seui-Seulo and the Gerrei subregions, other continental basins yielded transitional "Stephanian-Autunian" fossil plant associations. The slabs are stored as part of the Lovisato Collection at the Lovisato Museum of the Chemical and Geoscience Department of Cagliari University. Smaller historical outcrops of Carboniferous age are also known from other Italian regions, such as Liguria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Palaeogene Promina Beds (PB), exposed in the Dinaric coastal range, is about a 2km thick heterogeneous succession representing a late sedimentary fill of the North Dalmatian foreland basin. The paper focuses on the middle part of the PB represented by a prominent transgressive unit. The study of this unit is based on field mapping, logging and facies analysis, as well as the investigation of stratigraphic surfaces and facies successions. The unit extends for more than 63km, along the entire basin. Deposition began transgressively over both alluvial deposits of the Lower PB and karstified basin basement. Along its extent the studied unit may be represented either by stacked (high-frequency), marine transgressive-regressive cycles, by lacustrine deposits, mainly limestones, or by a single, marine limestone unit. An ideal transgressive-regressive cycle includes a transgressive segment of limestones, and a regressive segment of storm-wave dominated shelf to gravelly beachface (coarsening-upward) deposits. Gravelly beaches are represented by several types. One of them included the steeply inclined, lower beachface which is situated below the intertidal zone. The cycles are separated by lower-rank discontinuity surfaces (flooding surfaces), while their two segments are separated by a lower-rank transgressive-regressive turnaround surface. Lacustrine deposits originated due to a rise in groundwater induced by a sea-level rise basinwards. The deposition of a single limestone unit resulted from a transgressive onlap over uplifted, Eocene and Cretaceous carbonates &the basin basement. The end of the transgression is marked by condensation processes indicated by glauconite, skeletal debris, planktonic foraminifera and hardgrounds, and a major transgressive-regressive turnaround. The subsequent evolution is almost uniform along the entire extent of the studied unit, and includes shelf to delta and shelf to beach cycles of the highstand. The studied allostratigraphic unit is here given a formal name: the Novigrad Alloformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a 3D sedimentological characterization of a delta plain reservoir. The analysis started with detailed core description studies focusing on the genetic interpretations of the sedimentary structures and multivariate statistical analyses (including Q-mode cluster and R-mode factor analysis), of the sporadic grain-size distributions. These results made the depositional processes of channels, bar-crests and crevasse splays probable. By calibration of the well log responses to the cores with total core recovery, we were able to identify two types of vertical facies transitions: (1) mouth-bars and channels; (2) crevasse splays, crevasse channels and minor mouth bars. In addition, a vertical sequence of a relative thick distributary mouth bar was also recognized. Lateral extension was determined by contouring the sand content on surfaces parallel to the upper time horizon. On these surfaces, the sand content and porosity grid systems facilitated the use of an unconventional 3D geo-cellular modelling approach for both well-log porosities and sand contents. Since vertical depositional facies were extended into the 3D, rock bodies of the most characteristic channel and mouth bar environments could be cut out from the porosity and sand content models. In this way not only their general geometry and internal characteristics, but also the basic geostatistical features (ratio of anisotropy, the direction of major and minor continuity) of their sand content and porosity were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper compiles an up-to-date taxonomic inventory of dasycladalean green algae of the Kimmeridgian-Early Berriasian Plassen Carbonate Platform and their resediments in basinal sediments (e.g., Barmstein Limestone, Sillenkopf Formation) of the Northern Calcareous Alps of Austria (p.p. Germany). Today, the Plassen Carbonate Platform sensu lato (or Plassen Group) is divided into three independent carbonate platforms with radiolarite deep-water basins between: the Wolfgangsee Carbonate Platform to the north, the Plassen Carbonate Platform sensu stricto in a central position and the Lärchberg Carbonate Platform to the south. All together 42 taxa are reported from these platforms and associated resediments, each shortly commented and illustrated. Amongst these, there are taxa common in all three platforms, others exhibit restricted distributions. These peculiarities can be explained by the different lithostratigraphic and overall geodynamic evolution of the three platforms. In many cases, it allows the assignment of resediments in basinal series to a certain platform as a helpful palaeobiogeographical tool when other data are lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the nature of water flow and contaminant dispersion in karst requires far more information than can be provided by simple dye traces. Tracing can delineate drainage divides, flow directions, and flow velocities at various stages, but from water management purposes it is also important to determine such variables as groundwater storage, retention times, patterns of convergence and divergence, and response to wet-dry cycles in the soil. These are most significant in the non-conduit portions of the karst aquifer, which supply most wells. Dye tracing can be augmented by hydrograph analysis at various stages, tracing with tagged solid particles or microbes, evaluation of dissolved solids and chemical equilibria, and isotopic analysis. This paper concentrates on some of the uses of chemical equilibria and isotopes. Stable isotopes (e.g. 18O and deuterium) and the various radium isotopes are among the most useful. Ratios among the four radium isotopes (228Ra and 224Ra, with half-lives in years; and 223Ra and 226Ra with half-lives in days) are well suited to karst studies. These techniques are time-consuming and costly, so a full analysis of a karst aquifer is rarely feasible. Instead, it is recommended that selective analyses be made of representative parts of the aquifer, and that they be applied as follows: (1) Develop conceptual models based on field observation, which allow one to anticipate a range of probable scenarios of contaminant transport and remediation. (2) If digital models are used, it is most effective to design simple generalized models in which the boundary conditions are clearly defined, and then to gain insight into real aquifers by noting the differences between the model and field observations. (3) Use field techniques to become familiar with the local hydrology and then apply hydraulic and chemical principles to anticipating contaminant behaviour, rather than reacting only to emergencies. These approaches encourage the growth of interpretive skills based on the same scientific principles that govern the origin of caves and karst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mounding of the groundwater table beneath recharge sources is of concern as the raised water table approaches closely to near-surface facilities or features. The shape and height of the mound depend on several factors including the recharge rate, hydraulic conductivity and thickness of the aquifer. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the suitability of the study area for a rapid infiltration system of treated wastewater effluent without causing excessive mounding of the water table. A comparison was made between two methods used to estimate ground-water mounding: an analytical approach and a numerical approach. Both approaches incorporate each of the saturated and the unsaturated zones. Results predicted that after 1400 days of groundwater level simulation, the maximum rise of the mound was 18 m in the center of the infiltration pond, and it was almost 17 m at the edges of the pond. As the natural average groundwater level was about 35 m deep in the area of the study, the groundwater mounding caused no problem on the groundwater level. Thus, the planned infiltration was feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the purpose of this work samples for palaeomagnetic analysis were taken from Upper Cenomanian and Lower Senonian shallow water limestones, as well as from Senonian pelagic limestones from both Ist and the surrounding islands. This area belongs to Imbricated Adria, which is characterized by gently folded and faulted strata with a Dinaridic (NW-SE) trend. An exception is Premuda island where the beds are strongly folded and are subvertical. A total of 96 samples were drilled from 10 localities distributed between eight islands. The samples were then subjected to standard palaeomagnetic laboratory analysis and statistical evaluation. Eventually, six localities yielded statistically well-defined palaeomagnetic directions, which were shown pre date the folding in age. The overall mean palaeomagnetic direction obtained for the study area, characterizing the Cenomanian-Early Senonian time period had a Declination of 334°, Inclination=+46°, with statistical parameters k=188, α95=4.9°, defining a palaeomagnetic pole at λ(N)=63°, φ(E)=254°, σp=4.0°, σm=6.2°. This was compared with palaeomagnetic directions obtained for rocks of similar ages from stable Istria and the Kvarner islands. As the three palaeomagnetic directions are statistically identical, we conclude that there was no significant relative movement between the three areas after the Early Senonian. The palaeomagnetic declination for the study area, which characterizes the post-Early Senonian rotation of the Adriatic microplate, is the same as the declination for the Pannonian-Pontian age group from the South Pannonian basin. As the palaeomagnetic signals in both cases are primary, the results of the present paper not only support the conclusion that the rotating Adriatic microplate triggered rotations in the South Pannonian basin, but also suggest that the Adriatic platform did not change its orientation between the late Cretaceous and the Early Pontian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Velika Palagruža (Pelagosa) is the largest island of the Palagruža archipelago (central Adriatic Sea, Croatia). Despite its minute size the island bears a certain geological interest being the only exposed piece of land in the central part (Mid-Adriatic ridge) of the common Adriatic foreland of the Apenninic and the Dinaridic orogenic domains. The litho-, bio-, and chemostratigraphic (strontium and sulphur isotopes) characteristics of the sedimentary units, along with tectono-structural and geomorphic characteristics of the island, are described in this paper. The oldest Žalo unit is composed of highly deformed siliciclastics containing gypsum, and carbonates of Middle Triassic (Ladinian) age. This unit represents a transitional fluvial-to-shallow marine, occasionally evaporitic environment, typical of the Middle Triassic rifting phase of the Adriatic microplate. Soft and strongly deformed Žalo unit deposits are found along a probably still active, WNW-ESE striking, subvertical, oblique-slip fault that crosses the entire length of the island. The Žalo unit is probably in diapiric contact with the Lanterna unit, poorly defined as Late Triassic, and characterized by dolomite with chert and dolomite breccia, presumably deposited in a transitional platform-to-basin environment of an evolving Adriatic basin. The Lanterna unit deposits are capped by Miocene biocalcarenites of the Salamandrija unit over an almost perpendicular discordance, possibly representing an unconformity, suggesting that an early deformational phase preceded a Miocene marine transgression. Talus, landslide deposits, and humic soil make up the cover of the bedrock sedimentary succession, and they represent the ultimate phase of emersion of the island, which probably occurred during Pliocene(?) to Quaternary times. An active neotectonic regime of the central Adriatic is evidenced by present-day seismicity, while recent uplifting of the island is shown by the presence of remnants of pebbly palaeobeach deposits, marine (erosional) straths, and cyanobacterial supratidal encrustations (pelagosite) currently observed at various elevations above mean sea level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]