Search

The sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy of the central Apennine lower Miocene carbonate deposits (Guadagnolo Formation) are the goal of this paper. The Guadagnolo carbonate ramp deposits consist of a thick succession of three main lithofacies: marls, marly limestones and cross-bedded limestones. The lateral and vertical facies distribution, as well as the biota assemblages, suggests a deposition of these sediments along the middle-outer ramp sector of the Latium-Abruzzi carbonate platform. All the data suggest sedimentation under the influence of tidal currents that were responsible of bedforms generation as simple and compound dunes. These bodies are developed on metric and decametric scale, and are stacked one to other to form complex sedimentary bodies extending both in strike and dip section for several tens to hundred meters. The dune system developed in a semiclosed basin (the Paleoadriatic sea), open in the southern and closed in the northern sector respectively. Within this basin a probably amphidromic system developed. The flow sediment transport was dominantly westward, and was conditioned by the ramp paleotopography. From a sequence stratigraphic point of view several high and low rank depositional sequences that were differentiated basing on their relative physical scale (thickness of each unit) and on the lateral extension of the unconformities and the correlative conformities bounding them were recognized. The hierarchy of recognized sequence-stratigraphic units include, from the smallest to the largest: simple depositional sequences , low-rank composite depositional sequences and high-rank composite depositional sequences . In the Guadagnolo succession four high-rank composite depositional sequences having a duration variable from 0.9 to 1.6 Ma, and named Guadagnolo 1 , 2 , 3 , and 4 , were recognized. These high-rank composite sequences are internally constituted by a stacking of simple and low-rank composite depositional sequences, having a duration ranging from 40 ka to 200 ka. All these units constitute part of a higher-rank composite sequence developing between 21 and 14.80 Ma that we name “ The Guadagnolo Depositional Sequence ”. The wedge-shaped geometry, the thickness variation and the stacking pattern of the Guadagnolo succession are the response to eustasy and tectonic subsidence. The glacial eustasy mostly controlled the formation of the high-frequency depositional sequences, tectonic subsidence, related to the roll-back of the hinge west-directed subduction in turn connected to the advancement of the Apennine thrust modulated the accommodation space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two stratigraphic sections located in the Latium-Abruzzi (Monte Porchio, Central Apennines, Central Italy) and in the Apulian carbonate platform (S. Cesarea-Torre Tiggiano, Salento, Southern Italy) were measured and sampled to document the sedimentological characteristic and the faunistic assemblages of Middle Eocene seagrass deposits. The faunistic assemblages are dominated by porcellaneous foraminifera Orbitolites , Alveolina, Idalina , Spiroloculina , Quinqueloculina , Triloculina and abundant hooked-shaped gypsinids, associated with hooked red algae and green algae Halimeda . Fabiania , rotaliids and textulariids as well as nummulitids are subordinated. The samples were assigned to Lutetian (SBZ13–16) according to the occurrence of Nummulites cf. lehneri , Alveolina ex. gr. elliptica , Idalina berthelini , Orbitolites complanatus , Slovenites decastroi and Medocia blayensis . At Santa Cesarea reticulate nummulites occur in association with Alveolina spp. and Halkyardia minima marking the lower Bartonian (SBZ17). Three main facies associations have been recognised: I) larger porcellaneous foraminiferal grainstones with orbitolitids and alveolinids deposited into high-energy shallow-water settings influenced by wave processes that reworked the sediments associated with a seagrass; II) grainstone to packstone with small porcellaneous foraminifera and abundant permanently-attached gypsinids deposited in a more protected (e.g., small embayment) in situ vegetated environment; III) bioclastic packstone with parautochthonous material reworked from the seagrass by rip currents and accumulated into rip channels in a slightly deeper environment. The biotic assemblages suggest that the depositional environment is consistent with tropical to subtropical vegetated environments within oligotrophic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the most commonly reported emotions encountered among healthcare practitioners when holding difficult conversations, including frequency and impact on care delivery.Methods: Interprofessional learners from a range of experience levels and specialties completed self-report questionnaires prior to simulation-based communication workshops. Clinicians were asked to describe up to three emotions they experienced when having difficult healthcare conversations; subsequent questions used Likert-scales to measure frequency of each emotion, and whether care was affected.Results: 152 participants completed questionnaires, including physicians, nurses, and psychosocial professionals. Most commonly reported emotions were anxiety, sadness, empathy, frustration, and insecurity. There were significant differences in how clinicians perceived these different emotions affecting care. Empathy and anxiety were emotions perceived to influence care more than sadness, frustration, and insecurity.Conclusions: Most clinicians, regardless of clinical experience and discipline, find their emotional state influences the quality of their care delivery. Most clinicians rate themselves as somewhat to quite capable of recognizing and managing their emotions, acknowledging significant room to grow.Practice Implications: Further education designed to increase clinicians' recognition of, reflection on, and management of emotion would likely prove helpful in improving their ability to navigate difficult healthcare conversations. Interventions aimed at anxiety management are particularly needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Shallow-marine sediment records have the strong potential to display sensitive environmental changes in sedimentary geometries and skeletal content. However, the time resolution of most neritic carbonate records is not high enough to be compared with climatic events as recorded in the deep-sea sediment archives. In order to resolve the paleoceanographic and paleoclimatic changes during the Oligocene–Miocene transition in the Mediterranean shallow water carbonate systems with the best possible time resolution, we re-evaluated the Decontra section on the Maiella Platform (central Apennines, Italy), which acts as a reference for the correlation of Oligocene–Miocene shallow water deposits in the Mediterranean region. The 120-m-thick late Oligocene–late Miocene carbonate succession is composed of larger foraminiferal, bryozoan and corallinacean limestones interlayered with distinct planktonic foraminiferal carbonates representing a mostly outer neritic setting. Integrated multi-proxy and facies analyses indicate that CaCO3 and total organic carbon contents as well as gamma-ray display only local to regional processes on the carbonate platform and are not suited for stratigraphic correlation on a wider scale. In contrast, new biostratigraphic data correlate the Decontra stable carbon isotope record to the global deep-sea carbon isotope record. This links relative sea level fluctuations, which are reflected by facies and magnetic susceptibility changes, to third-order eustatic cycles. The new integrated bio-, chemo-, and sequence stratigraphic framework enables a more precise timing of environmental changes within the studied time interval and identifies Decontra as an important locality for correlating not only shallow and deep water sediments of the Mediterranean region but also on a global scale. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although carbonate ramps are widely described from the geological record, there is still a debate on the relative influence of water temperature, trophic conditions and type of carbonate factories on their development. The ca 2400 km long Australian North West Shelf is among the largest Cenozoic carbonate provinces worldwide, and records a transition from an early Miocene ramp to a middle Miocene rimmed platform. This change is observable on publicly available seismic data, giving the opportunity to investigate environmental influences on platform evolution. This study combines macroscopic and petrographic descriptions of early Miocene strata cropping out in the Cape Range Anticline (North West Cape, southern end of the North West Shelf) and of time‐equivalent well cuttings from the adjacent, offshore Exmouth Sub‐basin. Particular emphasis is placed on the identification of larger benthic foraminifera at a broad generic level, because differing taxa have a limited range of habitable conditions that serve as environmental proxies. The results show that early Miocene strata are dominantly composed of larger benthic foraminifera with minor coralline algae in the proximal platform, grading to micropackstones in the more distal platform. A ramp margin is inferred from the lithological data on the basis of the lack of framework builders and the presence of open oceanic indicators. Facies shallow upward through individual outcrops, with a proximal to distal trend towards the north‐west. These trends along outcrops are consistent with the seismic interpretations. Identification of taxa with warm, oligotrophic water affinity suggests that the ramp was formed in an oligotrophic and warm ocean, despite the absence of coral reefs. Changes of carbonate facies with depth do not seem to be associated with changes in ramp morphology, and the latter may have been controlled by physical oceanic parameters, such as offshore currents and waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three Holocene tufas from Gran Canaria volcanic island were studied with the aim of deciphering their sedimentary evolution through space and time. Las Temisas tufa (south‐eastern arid part of the island) is dominantly composed of oncoids, intraclasts, phytoclasts, coated stems, minor thin stromatolites, and a high amount of siliciclastics. It was deposited in a fluvial system with variable flow velocities and palustrine conditions areas, which alternated with high energy events. Azuaje tufa (northern humid part of the island) is composed of coated stems, stromatolites, oncoids and phytoclasts, with relatively low amounts of siliciclastics, suggesting slow‐flowing and palustrine conditions and a relatively low incidence of (high energy) floodings. Los Berrazales tufa (north‐west of Gran Ganaria, the most humid one), is mainly composed of coated stems and crystalline crusts, formed in a laminar flow regime. Dominant clastic sedimentation in Las Temisas and high calcite growth rates in Los Berrazales led to a poor development of stromatolites in comparison with Azuaje. Las Temisas and Azuaje deposits have similar upward evolution with decreasing trend in siliciclastics and increasing trend in carbonates. However, Las Temisas has higher siliciclastic and lower phytoclastic contents suggesting a less vegetated area and more arid climate than in the other deposits. Additionally, tufas record local events common in volcanic terrains. Azuaje presents three units bounded by erosive discontinuities, which reveal significant erosion by enhanced runoff that could be caused by loss of vegetation due to wildfires related to volcanic eruptions at headwaters. Las Temisas record a possible interruption in sedimentation represented by aligned boulders due to rockfalls from the hillsides. These deposits formed from waters with similar chemistry providing to the carbonates their similar signals in δ13C–δ18O stable isotopes and 87Sr/86Sr ratios like that of the volcanic rocks. This work shows how, in volcanic areas, tufas are unique archives of the climate, vegetation and volcanic‐related processes, because all imprint the sedimentary regime of tufa deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bryozoan–stromatolite associations (bryostromatolites) formed conspicuous reef structures throughout the Sheinwoodian (Wenlock) to Ludfordian (Ludlow) stratigraphy on Gotland but have not been described so far. They are mainly composed of encrusting bryozoans forming a complex intergrowth with porostromate and spongiostromate microbes and are different from the abundant stromatoporoid–coral–algal reefs with respect to their composition. In the bryostromatolite different growth stages can be identified. The observed succession can be taken as evidence for cyclic environmental changes during reef formation. Stenohaline reef‐dwelling organisms, such as echinoderms, sponges, corals and trilobites, indicate fully marine salinities. Ten localities exposing bryostromatolites were discovered. Individual bryostromatolites are small with few decimetres up to one metre in size, and occur solely in shallow marine areas. Common features of these reefs on Gotland are cauliflower‐like growth, a high bryozoan diversity, a high abundance of phosphatic fossils and components such as bryozoan pearls and inarticulate phosphatic brachiopods, enhanced bioerosion, Palaeomicrocodium crusts, vadose silt and gypsum pseudomorphs. The high abundance of Palaeomicrocodium, as well as the alternation with other crust‐forming contributors, suggest that it could have been formed directly at the palaeo‐sea surface, probably in times of minor but high‐frequency sea‐level fluctuations. Vadose silt and pseudomorphs after gypsum in reef cavities indicate subaerial exposure shortly after reef growth. The high amount of phosphatic components indicates a high nutrient input, probably by dust. All bryostromatolites were formed in times of strongly elevated δ13C values. The unusual combination of sedimentological and palaeoecological features, as well as their occurrence exclusively during strong positive δ13C excursions, are evidence that the bryostromatolite development responded to climatic/oceanographic changes, which may have played an important role in reef control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 1999, an unusual Phytophthora species has repeatedly been found associated with stem lesions and root and collar rot on young olive trees in Southern Italy. In all cases, this species was obtained from recently established commercial plantations or from nursery plants. Morphologically, the Phytophthora isolates were characterized by the abundant production of caducous non-papillate conidia-like sporangia (pseudoconidia) and caducous papillate sporangia with a short pedicel, resembling P. palmivora var. heterocystica. Additional isolates with similar features were obtained from nursery plants of Ziziphus spina-christi in Iran, Juniperus oxycedrus and Capparis spinosa in Italy, and mature trees in commercial farms of Durio zibethinus in Vietnam. In this study, morphology, breeding system and growth characteristics of these Phytophthora isolates with peculiar features were examined, and combined mitochondrial and nuclear multigene phylogenetic analyses were performed. The proportion between pseudoconidia and sporangia varied amongst isolates and depended on the availability of free water. Oogonia with amphigynous antheridia and aplerotic oospores were produced in dual cultures with an A2 mating type strain of P. palmivora, indicating all isolates were A1 mating type. Phylogenetically, these isolates grouped in a distinct well-supported clade sister to P. palmivora; thus, they constitute a separate taxon. The new species, described here as Phytophthora heterospora sp. nov., proved to be highly pathogenic to both olive and durian plants in stem inoculation tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare, in a masked manner, a novel cross-linked hyaluronic acid ocular bandage gel (OBG) versus standard-of-care bandage contact lens (BCL) plus artificial tears with respect to safety and effectiveness in healing epithelial defects created for photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Methods: This was a randomized, reading center-masked, exploratory study. Forty-five patients (myopic without significant anisometropia) scheduled for bilateral PRK (9-mm epithelial defect) were randomized post-PRK to treatment with OBG 8 times daily for 3 days, followed by 4 times daily for 11 days (Group 1); OBG 4 times daily for 14 days (Group 2); or BCL and artificial tears (Control). A masked reading center used image analysis of digital slit lamp photos of the fluorescein-stained cornea to evaluate defect size during the 14-day postoperative follow-up period. Effectiveness endpoints were (1) time to complete closure of the corneal defect and (2) proportion of patients with complete healing on day 3 postoperatively, whose defect remained closed. Safety assessments included findings for adverse events and vision, Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED™) Questionnaire, slit lamp, intraocular pressure, and fundus examinations. Results: The proportion of patients with complete healing at 3 days was 73.3%, 86.7%, and 66.7% of patients in Groups 1, 2, and Control, respectively. On day 2, the mean wound size was 6%-26% smaller in Groups 1 and 2 compared with Control. No safety concern arose. SPEED scores were not significantly different across groups. Conclusion: OBG offers a well-tolerated and effective therapy for quickly reepithelializing the cornea following trauma, disease, or surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although contemporary health care involves complex interactions among clinicians of varying professions, opportunities to learn together are relatively few. The authors assessed participants' views about the educational value of learning with colleagues of mixed health care professions in communication and relational skills training focused on challenging conversations. Methods: Between 2010 and 2013, 783 participants enrolled in 46 workshops hosted by the Institute for Professionalism and Ethical Practice at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA. Participants received pre-, post-, and 3-month follow-up questionnaires with quantitative and qualitative questions about their experiences learning with clinicians of varying professions ("interprofessional learning"). Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to compare participant groups. Responses to open-ended questions were coded according to standard principles of content analysis. Results: Seven hundred twenty-two (92%) participants completed surveys. Previous interprofessional learning was reported by 60% of respondents, but generally comprised <30% of their education. Clinicians with <3 years of work experience were least likely to have previous interprofessional learning. Nearly all (96%) participants reported interprofessional colleagues contributed valuably to their learning. Asked specifically what they learned, participants described five themes: Stronger Teamwork, Patient-Centered Focus, Specific Communication Skills, Content-Specific Knowledge, and Shared Global Values. After 3 months, 64% of respondents reported that workshop participation helped make their interactions with interprofessional colleagues more collaborative. Discussion: Communication skills training for challenging health care conversations is a valuable opportunity for interprofessional learning and generates sustained positive attitudes about collaboration. Clinicians learn from their colleagues a deeper understanding of each other's professional roles, challenges, and unique contributions; specific communication approaches; and a sense of belonging to a collaborative community reinforcing the patient at the center of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to reproduce a metre-scale facies heterogeneity 3D model of the Chattian Porto Badisco Calcarenite carbonate ramp outcropping in the Salento Peninsula (southern Italy). However, in shallow-water carbonate systems, capturing metre-scale facies heterogeneity in three-dimensional models remains controversial due to the possibility of facies coexistence and because their association can change through time and space. Within this context, the continuous and well-exposed Chattian Porto Badisco Calcarenite carbonate ramp allows detailed study of the distribution of lithofacies association and their architecture along the dip direction depositional profile. The lithofacies and the depositional model of the Porto Badisco Calcarenite are referred to those defined by Pomar et al. (2014). The Porto Badisco Calcarenite is a homoclinal carbonate ramp with a euphotic inner setting characterised by the extensive seagrass meadows, passing basinward into a large rotaliid packstone and coral mounds developed in mesophotic conditions. The deeper part of the oligophotic zone is characterised by rhodolithic floatstone to rudstone and large lepidocyclinid packstone. The distal part of the ramp is characterise by a fine calcarenite. The methodology used in this work combines classical field data collection (e.g., stratigraphic logs and field-facies mapping) and 3D stochastic modeling by using Petrel™. All the data (top and base of stratigraphic logs, cross-section, key surfaces, lithofacies lateral extension etc.) were georeferenced and inserted into the software to build the digital outcrop model. The 3D facies model has been performed after several simulations through specific stochastic algorithms (SISim, TGSim), comparing the models reproduce by the two algorithms, matching the depositional geometries and the lithofacies association observed in the outcrop. The 3D modeling represents a useful tool to better understand the facies architecture and their complex heterogeneity. Moreover, a detailed 3D facies model provides an essential tool to characterise semi-quantitatively sedimentological features for subsurface reservoir studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio has been widely used as a physical tool to date and correlate carbonate successions due to the long Sr residence time in comparison with the ocean mixing time. If this method works on oceanic successions, marginal basins may show different Sr isotope records in comparison with the coeval ocean one due to sea-level variations, continental run-off and restricted water exchanges. In this work, we present the 87Sr/86Sr isotope record of the upper Miocene carbonate ramp of the Lithothamnion Limestone (Majella Mountain, central Apennines), as an example of the onset of restricted water exchanges between a marginal basin and the ocean water masses. The overall latemost Tortonian-early Messinian Sr isotope record of the Lithothamnion Limestone fits below the global reference line. This deviation has been interpreted as due to the strong control that freshwater input and enhanced continental run-off, linked to the migration of the Apennine accretionary wedge and foredeep system, have had on the central Adriatic water chemistry. These results imply that an accurate oceanographic and geodynamic framework along with diagenetic overprint investigation has to be taken into consideration prior to apply SIS on carbonate successions on marginal basins, even when facies analyses indicate fully marine conditions. This seems to be the case for the upper Miocene Central Mediterranean carbonate successions, but may have more general validity and be extended to other recent or past marginal basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in stacking patterns of facies, stratal architecture and shoreline trajectory along depositional strike are mainly dependent on along-strike differences in factors such as physical processes (rivers, waves, tides), tectonics, eustatic changes, sediment supply, and local physiography. The lower-upper Ordovician successions (Lashkerak Formation) deposited in a Peri-Gondwana shallow continental shelf have been interpreted using the sequence stratigraphic concepts. This approach allowed to highlight main differences along-strike in the co-existing depositional systems (coastal plains, estuaries, deltas, and shoreline to shelf systems) in the Alborz basin along the northern edge of Gondwana. On the basis of sedimentary and ichnological characteristics, the siliciclastic successions are divided into four facies associations: (i) Wave-dominated estuarine, (ii) Wave-dominated shoreface-offshore complex, (iii) Mixed fluvial (F)- and wave (W)-influenced delta (Fw and Wf), and (iv) Tide-dominated, fluvial-influenced delta (Tf). Six third-order depositional sequences (DS1-DS6) were recognized, each of them are bounded by unconformities and pronounced shifts in the facies. Along depositional strike (NE/SW- a distance of c. 150 km), significant intrabasinal changes in sediment supply produced evident lateral changes in the shoreline trajectory and stratal architecture, of the DS1-DS3 (Tremadocian-Floian), may be attributed to differences in physical processes (rivers, waves, tides activity) and topographic irregularities derive probably by different rates of subsidence in the basin. During the deposition of the DS1-DS3, a significant along-strike differences in the composition of ichnological suites and the lifestyle of benthonic organisms, dependent on the relative supremacy of wave, storm, river, and tidal processes. Sedimentary supply and processes are the main controlling factors for the stratigraphic architecture rather than the tectonic activity between Tremadocian and Floian. While during the Darriwilian-Katian interval (DS4-DS6), the tectonic activity predominates with the beginning of extensional phases related to the rifting in the Alborz basin causing the activation of syn-depositional normal faults and the development of block-faulted craton-ward margin. Typically, differential subsidence due to extensional tectonic activity causes the uplift of tectonic blocks west of the Alborz Basin into the emerging areas, on one hand, and simultaneous deepening-upward stacking patterns (i.e., increased subsidence rates) in the hanging-wall depocenters of east of the Alborz Basin, on the other hand. This outcrop-based study suggests that the identification of genetically related depositional units in a larger paleogeographic context is fundamental for understanding along-strike variability in controlling mechanisms of the spatial distribution and stratigraphic architecture of coexisting and linked depositional systems. • Analyze along-strike variations in stratigraphic architecture of the Ordovician successions. • Synthesis of autocyclic and allocyclic controls on changes in accommodation space along depositional strike. • Interpreting along-strike variability in controlling mechanisms of stratigraphic architecture. • Unravelling the palaeogeography of continental shelf of the Prototethys margin along the northern edge of Gondwana. • Results are useful for correlation to Ordovician strata in other parts of Gondwana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oligocene carbonate ramps and platforms are widespread and though they are important carbonate reservoirs, detailed studies on the facies organization, platform type and internal architecture are scarce. Within this context, the Chattian carbonate units cropping out in Salento (southern Italy) allow detailed study of the distribution of skeletal components and facies architecture. The lower Chattian Castro Limestone, previously considered as a fringing reef, is reinterpreted as a distally steepened ramp with a distal talus induced by a paleo-escarpment in the substrate. Epiphytic biota and sediment dweller organisms thriving in seagrass meadows dominated production in the shallow-water euphotic zone. Seawards, large rotalid foraminifers dominated a detritic mesophotic zone. Near the edge of the escarpment, also in the mesophotic zone, luxurious growth of corals built discrete mounds with no evidences of wave-resistant growth fabrics. Basinward, 25° to 30° dipping clinobeds abut against the escarpment where coral rudstone/floatstone textures resulted from downfall of corals and sediments. The upper Chattian Porto Badisco Calcarenite represents a homoclinal ramp dominated by packstone textures. In the euphotic inner ramp, autochthonous biota suggests the occurrence of extensive seagrass meadows. Basinward, large rotalid packstone and small coral mounds developed in mesophotic conditions, and rhodolithic floatstone to rudstone and large lepidocyclinid packstone characterize the sediments of the deeper oligophotic zone. Comminuted skeletal debris, depleted of light-dependent organisms, typifies deposition in the dysphotic/aphotic zone. In both examples, the middle ramp (meso-oligophotic zones) was the most prolific in terms of carbonate production, whereas shallow-water seagrass-related production (euphotic) was much less important. Corals built mounds, also in the mesophotic zone but never reached sea level. Hydrodynamic conditions in the meso-oligophotic zone are better explained by breaking of internal waves, and their induced up- and down-slope currents, instead of the surface storm waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small Plio-Quaternary volcanic centre of Cabezo Negro de Tallante in SE Spain includes a thick deposit of polymictic pyroclastic tuff-breccia, whose fragments are agglutinated by a carbonate-rich component. This feature is also observed in other monogenetic volcanic centres cropping out in the Tallante-Cartagena volcanic district. The carbonate fraction has been recently interpreted in literature as representing a mantle component, therefore pointing to the existence of a diffuse carbonatitic activity in the area. Based on detailed sedimentological (presence of pisoids and root remnants), petrographic (presence of plagioclase and absence of euhedral silicate minerals in the calcite plagues), mineral chemistry (Ba-Sr-poor calcite composition), whole-rock chemistry (overall low incompatible element content in the pure carbonate fraction and a monotonous trace element negative correlation with CaO) as well as isotopic constraints (perfect correlations between Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic ratios with CaO in the basaltic and carbonate fraction, as well as heavy δ18O and light δ13C isotopic composition of the carbonate fraction), we propose a secondary origin for the carbonate component, excluding any contribution of mantle carbonatite melts. The presence of carbonates infiltrating the abundant mantle and crustal xenolith fragments found in the pyroclastic breccia is not related to the presence of carbonatitic melts at mantle to lower crustal depths, but to in-situ fragmentation of the Strombolian tuff-breccia deposit, followed by secondary carbonate infiltration. The pyroclastic breccia was indeed affected by an alternation of carbonate precipitation and dissolution in a vadose zone, where the activity of bacteria, fungi, roots and meteoric water led to the formation of a calcrete (caliche)-type deposits. Basaltic rocks (hawaiites and basanites) occur in the area as scoria and lava fragments in the pyroclastic breccia as well as small lava flows. They have been modelled with a low-degree partial melting of an amphibole-bearing peridotitic mantle close to the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. The origin of the mildly alkaline sodic basaltic activity in SE Spain post-dates the abundant and long-lasting subduction-related volcanic phase in the Betic Chain. Its origin is explained without requiring the presence of any thermal anomaly, but simply as consequence of the difference of lithospheric depths and edge-driven-type small-scale convection. • Carbonate-rich volcaniclastic breccias have been found in Cabezo Negro de Tallante volcano in SE Spain. • The whitish carbonate matrix of the breccias has been interpreted in literature as a carbonatitic melt. • This work re-interprets this matrix as a sedimentary component of calcrete-type, unrelated to any • carbonatite involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite data coming from fully developed oil fields are fundamental to validate reservoir models, they are rarely publishable because of confidentiality. In this work, we benefit from an exceptionally dense public dataset represented by 43 wells logs drilled in a carbonate-heavy oil-rich reservoir of the Majella Mountain (Central Italy) over a grid of 200 m × 200 m, with depths in the range of 90–200 m. We tested different modelling solutions, to assess the best modelling approach that fits the available data on hydrocarbon distribution. Both deterministic (using Kriging) and stochastic simulations (using Sequential Gaussian Simulation- SGS) were tested. The role of the variogram resulted as a fundamental parameter for both simulation methods. Wells-derived variogram agrees with the size and orientation of carbonate dunes that drive the hydrocarbon distribution highlighting the importance of an accurate depositional model. Kriging was faster in terms of computation time and better in maintaining the lateral continuity of the layers, however, it excessively smoothed the results. SGS gave a better distribution of computed values but the lateral continuity was not preserved. By adding a main vertical trend derived from the upscaled logs to the SGS, results become more accurate. We then applied the best model to estimate the total volume of hydrocarbon in place in an already exploited area starting from just one well. The computed reserves show a good fit with historical production data demonstrating the reliability of the model. • We benefit from a public dense well dataset to test carbonate-reservoir models. • Deterministic solutions are faster but mostly inaccurate. • Stochastic simulation with vertical trend improves simulations of single well profile. • Variogram shape is crucial to improve the 3D stochastic simulation results. • Wells-derived variogram agrees with size and shape of carbonate dunes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the factors controlling fracture frequency distribution can greatly improve the assessment of fluid circulation in fault damage zones, with evident implications for fault mechanics, hydrogeology and hydrocarbon exploration. This is particularly important for relay zones that are usually characterized by strong damage and structural complexity. We investigated the fracture frequency within an outcrop adjacent to the front fault segment of a relay ramp, hosted within peritidal carbonates that forms part of the Tre Monti fault (Central Italy). We analysed the distribution of fracture frequency in the outcrop through (1) scanlines measured in the field, (2) oriented rock samples, and (3) scan-areas performed on a virtual outcrop model. Fracture frequency increases with distance from the front segment of the relay ramp. Moreover, supratidal and intertidal carbonate facies exhibit higher fracture frequency than subtidal limestones. This trend of increased fracture frequency has two main explanations. (1) The number of subsidiary faults and their associated damage zones increases moving away from the front segment. (2) The supratidal and intertidal carbonate facies content increases toward the centre of the relay ramp. Our results indicate that the fracture frequency pattern is very complex in relay ramps hosted in shallow-water limestones and that its prediction necessitates a good control on structures and sedimentary facies distribution. • Analysis of fracture distribution within a carbonate-hosted relay ramp. • Integration of scanlines, oriented rock samples and a virtual outcrop model. • Fracture frequency increases with distance from the front segment of the relay ramp. • Subsidiary faults and carbonate peritidal facies control fracture distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ink disease, caused by Phytophthora spp., represents a serious threat to sweet chestnuts throughout their distribution area. Among the control strategies, new perspectives have been offered by using potassium phosphonate, which indirectly controls Phytophthora diseases by acting on both host physiology and host-pathogen interactions. In this study, we tested in planta the effectiveness of trunk injection with K-phosphonate against seven different Phytophthora species associated with ink disease. For the two most aggressive species, P. cinnamomi and P . × cambivora , the treatments were repeated at two different environmental conditions (a mean temperature of 14.5 °C vs. 25 °C) and tree phenology stages. The results obtained in this study demonstrated that K-phosphonate could contain the development of Phytophthora infection in phloem tissues. However, its effectiveness varied based on the concentration applied and the Phytophthora species tested. A concentration of 280 g/L of K-phosphonate was the most effective, and in some cases, callus formation around the necrotic lesion was detected. Overall, this study broadens the knowledge of endotherapic treatments with K-phosphonate as an effective measure for managing chestnut ink disease. Interestingly, the increase in mean temperature had a positive impact on the development of P. cinnamomi lesions on chestnut phloem tissues.

Cork oak (Quercus suber L.) is an evergreen tree native to SW Europe and NW Africa. It covers 2·106 ha in the western Mediterranean basin, forms heterogeneous forest ecosystems and represents an important source of income derived from cork production. While in Iberia, Italy, Tunisia and Algeria, drought and several endemic pathogens have been associated with cork oak decline (Moricca et al. 2016; Smahi et al. 2017), in Morocco there is no evidence, apart from overgrazing and human intervention (Fennane and Rejdali 2015), of a pathogen associated with oak decline. In December 2019, extensive dieback and mortality of 60-year-old cork oak trees were observed in a natural stand of ca 150 ha located 5 km east from Touazithe, in Maâmora forest, Morocco (34°13'38''N, 6°14'51''W - 87 m a.s.l.). Two years before, Q. suber seedlings from a local nursery were planted to increase tree density. Symptoms in trees and planted seedlings included chlorosis, reddish-brown discoloration of the whole crown and dieback starting in the upper crown. Root rot and lack of fine roots were observed. Tree mortality was estimated at ca 30%, and disease incidences of trees and seedlings were 45 and 70%, respectively. A Phytophthora species was consistently isolated from the rhizosphere of 3 symptomatic trees randomly selected at the site using leaves as bait (Jung et al. 1996). On carrot agar Phytophthora colonies were uniform and cottonwool-like. Sporangia were typically terminal, with ovoid, and obpyriform shape, mostly papillate, measuring 30.7 ± 4.7 µm length and 22.7 ± 4.1 µm wide. Oogonia were produced in single culture, and they were globose to subglobose, elongated to ellipsoid, 32.1 ± 2.9 µm in diameter and 46.1 ± 4.8 µm in length. Oospores were usually spherical, thick-walled, and measured 28.1 ± 2.4 µm. Antheridia were paragynous, mostly spherical, measuring 12.2 ± 1.4 µm. Isolates had minimum and maximum temperatures of 5 °C and 30 °C, respectively, and a growth optimum at 20 °C. Apart from the small size of sporangia, features were typical of Phytophthora quercina Jung. The identity of a representative strain (TJ1500) was corroborated by sequencing the ITS and mitochondrial cox1 gene regions, and BLAST search in GenBank showed 100% homology with sequences of the ex-type culture of P. quercina (KF358229 and KF358241 accessions, respectively). Both sequences of the representative isolate were submitted to GenBank (accessions OP086243 and OP290549). The strain TJ1500 is currently stored within the culture collections of the Mendel University in Brno and the University of Sassari. Its pathogenicity was verified and compared with a P. cinnamomi strain in a soil infestation test with one-year-old cork oak seedlings (Corcobado et al. 2017). Five months after inoculation, the symptoms described were observed in the seedlings, and fine root weight of plants inoculated with the TJ1500 strain and P. cinnamomi was reduced by 19 and 42%, respectively, in relation to non-inoculated controls. The pathogen was re-isolated from the necrotic roots, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. So far, P. quercina has been reported associated with chronic mortality of cork oak in new plantations in Spain (Martín-García et al. 2015; Jung et al. 2016) and natural forests in Italy (Seddaiu et al. 2020). To our knowledge this is the first report of P. quercina in Morocco. Givenat Morocco is an important cork producing country, our finding warns about the risk this pathogen poses to Q. suber and other North African oaks.