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Studies of the geochemical, mineralogical, petrographical characteristics and the physicochemical properties were carried out on some Miocene Abu Sir ridge limestones, to throw light on the possibility of utilizing them as a building stone. The carbonate rocks of El- Omayid and El-Hammam quarries at North Western Coastal area have potential application in building, industry and purification of the environment. Petrographically, the carbonate deposits of the El-Omayid section are grainstone and wackestone/packestone microfacies while those of El-Hammam section are wackestone/packestone and mudstone/wackestone microfacies. They are deposited in shallow marine environment. Mineralogically, XRD and DTA revealed that the carbonates of the two quarries consist mainly of calcite and aragonites, besides quartz, anhydrite, halite and dolomite as minor constituents. Geochemically, they have very high Ca content; however, are impoverished in Na2O, K2O, Al,2O3, Fe2O3 and SiO2. The total radioactivity measurements range from 5 to 14 ppm with an average of 7 ppm. The radioactivity measurements are approximately against the background level of limestone and they are in the permissible limits for limestone used in cement industries and as building stones. The limestone rocks of the two quarries are proved chemically suitable for the industries relevant to lime production and cement. Physical-mechanical examination revealed that the carbonates of the two quarries increase in porosity and water absorption with decreasing crushability, bulk density and compressive strength. The petrographic, chemical and physical-mechanical observations recommended the utilization of the carbonate deposits of the two quarries in mechanical swing and production of limestone blocks and unsuitable for concrete aggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Afforestation is regarded as an effective way to sequester soil organic carbon (C) and hence to attenuate global warming. Nevertheless, so far mechanisms underlying the direction and magnitude of soil C pool variation following afforestation are not well understood. Here soil organic C, total nitrogen (N) and total phosphorus (P) pools in surface mineral soil (0–15 cm) were measured in cropland and plantation forest over two lithology types, i.e., limestone and clasolite, using a paired-site approach in a region of southwest China. The major objective was to test whether the effects of afforestation on soil C, N and P pools were affected by lithology. We found that lithology modulated the effect of afforestation on soil C or N pool, but not on soil P pool. Soil C pool was not altered by afforestation over limestone, but was significantly increased over clasolite ( P < 0.001). Instead, soil N pool was significantly decreased by afforestation over limestone ( P < 0.001), but was not altered over clasolite. Soil P pool was consistently decreased by afforestation regardless of lithology type ( P < 0.05). The molar ratios among soil C, N and P were not affected by lithology, but were significantly elevated by afforestation ( P < 0.01), indicating that soil C sequestration would increasingly be limited by soil N or P following afforestation. Our study suggests that afforestation effects on soil C and N pools may be controlled by lithology, and thus provides a new mechanism to explain the divergent responses of soil C and N following afforestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hypselostomatidae Zilch, 1959 comprise a family of minute pupilloid snails usually endemic to limestone habitats in single hills, adjacent hill ranges, and in caves of Southeast Asia. Except for one molecular study, their taxonomy is largely conchologically driven. In this work, shell material derived from sediment samples from the Cong Troi Cave in Northern Vietnam is examined and taxonomically assessed. Altogether, five species are recognized. Three new species are described: Angustopila stochi Páll-Gergely et Jochum, sp. n., Tonkinospira tomasini Páll-Gergely et Jochum sp. n. and Dentisphaera maxema Páll-Gergely et Jochum, sp. n. For the latter species, Dentisphaera Páll-Gergely et Jochum a new genus is erected. Another hypselostomatid species is found to be identical with the original sample of Angustopila subelevata Páll-Gergely et Hunyadi, 2015 from Guangxi, China. This is the first record of A. subelevata from Vietnam. The fifth species closely resembles Pupisoma sp. from Thailand. Though figured here, it is not assessed taxonomically in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dolomites occur extensively in Cambrian to Lower Ordovician carbonates in the Tienshan orogen of the Quruqtagh area, north-east Tarim Basin, where thick (up to 1 km), dark grey lenticular limestones of semi-pelagic to pelagic origin are prominent. The dolomites generally occur as beige, anastomosed geobodies that cross-cut well-stratified limestones. Based on detailed field investigations and petrographic examination, three types of matrix dolomite are identified: fine crystalline planar-e (Md1), fine to medium crystalline planar-s (e) (Md2) and fine to coarse crystalline non-planar-a (Md3) dolomites. One type of cement dolomite, the non-planar saddle dolomite (Cd), is also common. The preferential occurrence of Md1 along low-amplitude stylolites points to a causal link to pressure dissolution by which minor Mg ions were probably released for replacive dolomitization during shallow burial compaction. Type Md2, Md3 and Cd dolomites, commonly co-occurring within the fractured zones, have large overlaps in isotopic composition with that of host limestone, implying that dolomitizing fluids inherited their composition from remnant pore fluids or were buffered by the formation water of host limestones through water-rock interaction. However, the lower δ18O and higher 87Sr/86Sr ratios of these dolomites also suggest more intense fluid-rock interaction at elevated temperature and inputs of Mg and radiogenic Sr from the host limestones with more argillaceous matter and possibly underlying Neoproterozoic siliciclastic strata. Secondary tensional faults and fractures within a compressional tectonic regime were probably important conduits through which higher-temperature Mg-rich fluids that had been expelled from depth were driven by enhanced tectonic compression and heating during block overthrusting, forming irregular networks of dolomitized bodies enclosed within the host limestones. This scenario probably took place during the Late Hercynian orogeny, as the Tarim block collided with Tienshan island arc system to the north and north-east. Subsequent downward recharges of meteoric fluids into the dolomitizing aquifer probably terminated dolomitization as a result of final closure of the South Tienshan Ocean (or Palaeo-Asian Ocean) and significant tectonic uplift of the Tienshan orogen. This study demonstrates the constructive role of notably tensional (or transtensional) faulting/fracturing in channelling fluids upward as a result of intense tectonic compression and heating along overthrust planes on the convergent plate margin; however, a relatively short-lived, low fluid flux may have limited the dolomitization exclusively within the fractured/faulted limestones in the overthrust sheets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deforestation and forest degradation are widespread in Indonesia and pose serious threats to biodiversity and other ecosystem services. The Indonesian government is implementing several Reduction of Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) initiatives to help support the conservation of tropical forests, but the eastern part of Indonesia has yet to be included in this effort. Tropical forests growing on limestone are a prominent feature of that region, but little is known about their ecology and management, and only limited research has been conducted on biomass and the associated carbon storage capacity of these secondary forests. Here, we estimate the aboveground tree biomass (AGB) in an old secondary forest on limestone in Seram, the Moluccas, East Indonesia. We destructively sampled all aboveground vegetation in 0.04 ha forest and developed a local allometric model (n = 25; diameter-range of 10.4–41.7 cm). We tested and compared the performance of our locally developed model with existing local models and a recent pantropical model (Chave et al., 2014) at our site. Total AGB in the 1-ha forest plot was estimated at 177 Mg ha −1 , of which 141 Mg ha −1 (80%) was allocated in trees ⩾10 cm diameter at breast height (dbh), 33 Mg ha −1 (19%) in trees <10 cm dbh and 2 Mg ha −1 (1%) in lianas and non-woody vegetation. Both our locally developed and the pantropical model estimated the biomass of harvested trees accurately (local model: bias = 0.1%, CV = 15.5%; pantropical model: bias = −7.7%, CV = 17.7%), while other local models had much lower performance (bias = −57.1 to −7.3%, CV = 59.2 to 75.8%). At plot-level, the AGB estimate of the pantropical model approached the estimate of our local model, while other local models considerably underestimated actual AGB. Together, our findings confirm that trees <10 cm dbh can store a large fraction of total AGB in secondary forests, and highlight the robustness of generic models. These results provide further guidance for accurate assessments of forest carbon stocks in Indonesia and more generally for REDD+ initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questions How do vegetation changes in a limestone beech forest community on dry and nutrient-poor slopes differ from changes in a community on moist and nutrient-rich soils over the past 50 yr? Have temporal changes led to a further differentiation between communities? Location Ancient, beech-dominated forest region on limestone in central Germany. Methods We compared vegetation relevés sampled between 1955 and 1960 and resurveyed between 2009 and 2012 on quasi-permanent plots in the Carici-Fagetum primuletosum ( n = 26) on dry, nutrient-poor and sun-exposed slopes, and in the Hordelymo-Fagetum allietosum ( n = 25) on nutrient-rich plateau sites with mesic soils in spring. We concentrated on changes in species richness, vegetation structure and vegetation composition, identified winner and loser species and calculated pair-wise dissimilarity indices within and between communities to test for differentiation or homogenization over time. Results Our results show a more pronounced change in community composition in the Carici-Fagetum primuletosum within 50 yr compared to the Hordelymo-Fagetum allietosum. Despite no significant increase in total canopy cover, shade-tolerant, mesophilous, nutrient-demanding species expanded, whereas light-demanding, drought-tolerant, oligotrophic, often Red List species decreased. Changes in the Hordelymo-Fagetum allietosum were more random. Overall, vegetation dynamics led to a homogenization between the two contrasting communities caused by a loss of specialized species from the Carici-Fagetum community and a gain in generalist species in both communities. Conclusion The drastic changes in the Carici-Fagetum community indicate the higher susceptibility of marginal sites - that often have a high conservation value - to local environmental changes. In particular, N deposition and the abandonment of former (more traditional) forest management, such as coppice-with-standards and wood pasture, are responsible for this development. On the other hand, the increasing temperatures from climate change are not sufficient to secure the survival of the once frequent thermophilous species. Therefore, adequate forest management and conservation measures, such as the removal of competitive or exotic tree species or the re-establishment of coppice-with-standards management, are necessary to counteract the on-going biotic homogenization of beech forest communities and should focus on marginal sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limestone as a mineral substance does not pose a danger to the environment, contrary sometimes it has a beneficial effect, but limestone dusts as a particulate matter in ambient air can affect the environment and human health depending on particle size and granulometry and their concentration. Softer limestone tended to produce a cloud of dust that some feared might contribute to respiratory problems and may affected the environment to some extent depending on the PM quantity dispersed in ambient air. The main source of lime pollution is the limestone exploitation in the quarry and its subsequent processing by crushing and sorting. In this regard, the present paper presents several determinations regarding the limestone environment scale pollution from limestone processing after its quarry exploitation in the Bucium limestone quarry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cheaper and available sorbent, limestone, has been used for the removal of crystal violet (CV) from aqueous solutions after calcinations at 900°C successfully. Effects of pH, initial concentration of CV, contact time and temperature on removal of CV dye were examined. We concluded that, the sorption was rapid by 98.2% within 20 min; pH and temperatures play a role in the percentage removal of CV dye onto limestone during the adsorption process. The adsorption of CV was favourable by the pseudo-second-order model. Langmuir isotherm is applicable and the monolayer capacity was found to be 11.08 mg/g. Thermodynamic parameters (the Gibbs free energy, ΔG*, enthalpy, ΔH*, and entropy, ΔS* were calculated. The negatively values of ΔG* are referring to a spontaneous and thermodynamically favourable adsorption of CV onto limestone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Proterozoic Sirban Limestone Formation (SLFm) crops out as detached allochthons in the northwest Himalaya (Jammu region, India) and has its coeval equivalents laterally disposed in the west in Salt Range, in the northwest in Abbotabad (Pakistan) and in southeast in Himachal Pradesh (India). The oil and gas occurrences have been reported from the Proterozoic successions globally and the hydrocarbon potential of the SLFm cannot be ruled out. The interbedded shales and algal laminated dolostones within the SLFm have yielded microflora comparable to those reported in the North African Neoproterozoic sandstones and the Late Proterozoic carbonates of the giant oil and gas fields of the Siberian Platform. The SLFm contains a rich and diverse biota comprising ~ 10% of the rock volume in thin section. The rich organic assemblage justified a hydrocarbon source potential analysis of the SLFm, tested in this study by Rock Eval (RE) pyrolysis. RE pyrolysis yielded a total organic carbon (TOC) content of 0.02 to 1 wt. % with very low Hydrogen Index (HI) values for the shales and TOC content averaging 0.02 wt. % for the dolostones. The organically lean shales and dolostones exhibit T values indicative of immature to post mature stage. But, since these values are for the samples with complex thermal and tectonic history the results may be unreliable. The highly altered organic matter and kerogen present in the SLFm had the potential to generate hydrocarbons and presently indicates no significant source potential. This study is important for understanding the hydrocarbon occurrences in the SLFm particularly in light of the recent oil and gas discoveries from the coeval Proterozoic successions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Lime, or quicklime, is produced from carbonate sedimentary rocks like limestone. Lime is then used for a variety of purposes in building construction, agriculture, medicine, steel manufacture, and paper-making. [...]

The study aimed to assess the vegetation dynamics in Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) by using 250 meter resolution data product of Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). It focused mainly on vegetation indices (VI) as a proxy for vegetation activity. Long term trends in vegetation activity of MHNP and the factors that have affected the vegetation activity were identified. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI) were examined to count on both spatial and temporal trends. Seasonal Mann-Kendall (SMK) test was used to test the statistical significance of the data sets. The results showed significant variations in the vegetation activity in both NDVI and EVI. Results revealed about 3% and 31% of the total area is showing regressive and progressive trends for NDVI, respectively. Whereas EVI analysis exhibited 4% with regressive and an increase over 13.5% of the total area of MHNP. Besides hiking tracks, settlements, water course and fire activities; limestone exploration is the major cause of vegetation degradation, especially, in the western parts of MHNP. Degradation was found prominent near picnic spots and over the limestone extraction area. This study indicated that EVI is more sensitive to vegetation degradation as compared to NDVI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Aptian Shu'aiba Formation is a shallow-marine carbonate which occurs in the subsurface of central and southern Iraq and in other parts of the Arabian Plate including Oman, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. An equivalent unit is exposed at outcrop in northern Iraq where it is known as the lower part of the Qamchuqa Formation. For this study, core, cuttings and well log data from six wells in the Khabbaz oilfield (20 km SW of Kirkuk) were used to investigate the reservoir properties of the Shu'aiba Formation. The formation is 180-195 m thick at Khabbaz field and the reservoir section can be divided into three lithological units: an upper unit (A, 8-15 m thick) consisting of partly dolomitized marly limestones; a middle unit (B, 52-56 m thick) which is composed of vuggy dolomitic limestone and dolostone; and a lower unit (C, >110 m thick) which consists of shale-rich and dolomitic limestones. Limestone microfacies include shelfal bioclastic wackestones, Orbitolina bioclastic packstones, Orbitolina grainstones, and pelagic bioclastic wackestones. Dolomite fabrics show little variation and are dominated by coarse crystalline planar-e types. Most matrix porosity is associated with intercrystalline pores in medium-crystalline (100-50 µm) planar-e dolostone. Fracturing of variable intensity has resulted in a flow type which is dominated by fracture flow superimposed on matrix flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

De-icing salt (NaCl) application is a common practice during winter road maintenance in northern countries, compromising ecosystem services. Ecoengineering facilities, including reactive filter beds, are becoming an effective strategy for road runoff management. Different materials (anthracite coal, dolomite, limestone, and pozzolan) were tested as reactive media of filter beds. Characterization showed that dolomite has the best physical properties (resistance to fragmentation, porosity) for filter bed construction and maintenance, followed by limestone. NaCl removal efficiency was investigated in batch at different concentrations (150-5000 mg L Cl). Removal efficiency substantially varied depending on the element (Cl or Na), the material, and the added NaCl concentration. At the lowest NaCl concentration, Cl removal was higher onto anthracite (48 %) and dolomite (59 %); but greater Na removal was reached onto limestone (54 %) and pozzolan (67 %). At higher concentrations, Cl removal was similar (anthracite), decreased (dolomite), or increased (limestone, pozzolan); and Na removal increased (anthracite) or decreased (dolomite, limestone, pozzolan). Parallel experiments at 4 °C showed lower NaCl removal, anthracite being the most efficient. Practical applicability was evaluated in columns using synthetic runoff solution (NaCl and metals). NaCl removal efficiency was much lower in column assays with respect to batch. The highest NaCl removal was reached onto dolomite, followed by limestone. Metals were successfully removed, generally remaining over time in a wide range (41-89 % Cd, 78-97 % Ni, 44-88 % Cu, and 3-83 % Zn) depending on the material, being pozzolan the least efficient. Further studies including a combination of materials would be of high interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of nanolimestone=nanoCaCo3 (NC) on the properties of ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC) cured at standard and heat conditions was experimentally investigated. The NC was used at ratios of 1, 2, and 3% as partial mass replacement for cement. Incorporating NC accelerated the hydration reactions of UHPC because of the nucleation effect. On the mechanical properties aspect, a threshold value of the NC content was found so that the compressive, flexural strengths, and flexural to compressive strength ratio of the UHPC were found to increase as the NC content increased towards the threshold content, and then to decrease with the increase of NC contents when the threshold was surpassed. Conversely, replacing cement with NC decreased flowability and increased the amount of autogenous shrinkage of the UHPC. While the NC accelerated the cement hydration process, it also acted as an effective filling material, resulting in enhanced mechanical properties and denser microstructure compared with the control UHPC mixture. Thus, through the use of NC, more environmentally friendly UHPC can be produced by reducing its cement factor and achieving enhanced engineering properties.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article reviews various methods for discontinuity and rock block survey. The variety of techniques to determine the shape and size distribution of the rock blocks were divided into index and modeling methods. The index methods calculate the average size of a rock block as a representative of the rock mass. These methods are simple, cheap and fast, but are associated with large errors because of the presence of the rock mass of rock blocks with different geometries. Hence, index methods are not recommended. In modeling techniques, discontinuity surveys try to model the rock mass realistically to determine the geometry of all blocks with different algorithms. These methods also have some defects in modeling the discontinuities and calculating the geometry of blocks. In order to perform an evaluation of all methods, six conditions were identified to determine the method for surveying rock blocks. The conditions include the ability to model random discontinuities and joint sets with specific dimensions, the inability to simulate discontinuities with statistical methods (the ability to study a discontinuity network separately), determining the geometry of all rock blocks, considering the dangling and isolated discontinuities, simplicity, and three-dimensionality. Based on the above requirements, a new approach is proposed to determine suitable methods for use in the evaluation of dimension stones. This new methodology was applied in a limestone quarry in Joshqan, Iran, to verify the applicability of the different methods in dimension stone quarries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limestone soil is a poor quality soil with a low rate of nutrient supply due to the accumulation of organic carbon. Here, we examined the degradation of maize straw in limestone soil and red soil using indoor simulation. Dynamic testing was conducted on soil chemical properties and soil fertility. We found that the degradation rate of straw in karst soil is higher than for non-karst soil. The highest degradation rate of straw occurred during the first 60 d, after which it rose slowly and balanced out at 98 d. The peak value of degradation of straw in karst soil was found at 28 d, while that in non-karst soil occurred at 42 d. The total period of degradation lasted 160 d; the degradation rate of straw in karst soil and non-karst soil was 77% and 75%, respectively. During the period of straw degradation, the pH of soil tended to decrease in the early stage and rise slowly in later stages and this is consistent with the pattern of degradation products during different stages of straw degradation. Straw return to fields can increase soil fertility, and the growth rate of available N and K content is significant. Compared to karst soil, the content of various fertility indicators in non-karst areas were lower according to total content tests, although the increase (percentage) in nonkarst area was higher; available P and K content were found to be higher in non-karst areas according to availability tests. Some available nutrients in straw return can be more readily released in non-karst soil, while karst soil can contribute to the accumulation of total nutrient content due to its special soil texture features, the firm binding of many nutrients with clay minerals and the slow supply of nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most famous cultural heritage sites in Iran is the Taq-e Bostan world heritage site (northeast of Kermanshah city). This site includes three monuments that all have been carved on limestone. Limestone is sensitive to dissolution and freeze-thaw weathering. Hence, to assess the deterioration of the limestone, field studies and a number of laboratory tests were performed. During the field survey, types of karren forming a group of karstic surface features were observed. These features have made uneven rock surfaces. Formation of the karren near the monuments can be considered as a serious threat. In another part of this article, some index properties, such as weight loss, porosity, Brazilian tensile strength and point load index, were determined for the two series of rock samples in fresh and freeze-thaw conditions. Based on the results, the percentage of weight loss and porosity changes in the tested samples was low. It was found that the index properties of rocks treated with freeze-thaw decrease in varying levels with respect to initial values. The results showed that these variations are due to the deterioration of calcite cement filling microcracks of the rocks in the first place and increase in the porosity of the rocks after recurrent freezing and thawing in the second place. Statistical analyses were developed for predicting the percentage loss values in the index properties after freeze-thaw cycles. There were statistically direct strong relationships between the porosity and the weight loss parameters with the number of freeze-thaw cycles (exponential function with R = 0.94 and linear function with R = 0.97, respectively). In addition, there were inverse linear relationships between Brazilian tensile strength and point load index with the number of freeze-thaw cycles ( R = 0.96 and R = 0.93, respectively). On the basis of the obtained results, the monument stones are at risk of deterioration, and it is imperative to take protective treatment measures in this regard. The authors have proposed some physical and chemical preservation methods for the protection of the monuments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study conducted to examine the occurrence of nanogold in the ancient limestone and dolomite of a ore field in Priamurye located on the Precambrian protuberance of the basement. Topics discussed include analysis of the concentration of gold in the different types of sedimentary, magmatic, and metasomatic rocks of Priamurye, concentrations of gold in rocks of almost all types within the ore field, and precipitation of high-grade gold with a small silver impurity.

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The northeastern 110 [km.sup.2], or nearly 40%, of Antigua is underlain by impure limestones of the Oligocene-aged Antigua Formation, on which has developed a subdued karst landscape consisting essentially of shallow enclosed depressions (dolines), intermittently active stream valleys and widely scattered residual hills. The dispersed dolines are broad, shallow and clustered, especially in the central and southeastern sections of the limestone belt, where they attain densities of 7/[km.sup.2]. The widely spaced residual hills attain heights of up to 40 m and localized densities of over 4/[km.sup.2]. Five main valley systems up to 6 km in length traverse the limestone in a broadly northeast direction, carrying both autogenic drainage from within the karst area and allogenic drainage from the non-carbonate Central Plain. Karst and cave development has been constrained by the low purity of the limestones. Of the four types of carbonate islands identified within the Carbonate Island Karst Model, Antigua most closely resembles the Composite Island type. The karst has been much influenced by human activities, particularly agriculture and quarrying, and is now a focus of the burgeoning tourism industry. Virtually none of the karst is designated as protected areas, but several sites warrant protection, and several conservation strategies have been suggested. KEY WORDS: Antigua, karst, geomorphology, human impact, resources, management

Well-preserved Ordovician conodonts are described from a micritic limestone sequence exposed in the Satun area of southern peninsular Thailand. The faunas represented by these conodonts have North Atlantic Realm affinities and are identical to those reported from North Atlantic Middle to Upper Ordovician successions. Representative conodonts of some of these faunas have also been reported from South China. In ascending order, three conodont zones are discriminated in the Satun sequence: the Pygodus anserinus range Zone, the Baltoniodus sp. cf. B. variabilis range Zone, and the Hamarodus europaeus range Zone. Strata between the B. sp. cf. B. variabilis and H. europaeus zones are not zoned. The conodont-bearing limestone is thought to have been deposited on the continental margin of northeastern Gondwana. Sixteen species belonging to 12 conodont genera, and two unidentified coniform elements, are systematically investigated.

Xeric limestone prairies (XLPs) are open, nonforested areas in which herbaceous plant communities occur on shallow, rocky soils derived from calcareous substrates. These grasslands are characterized by dominance of [C.sub.4] perennial grasses (particularly Schizachyrium scoparium) and are distributed in eastern United States from Missouri and Pennsylvania south to Arkansas and Georgia. XLPs occur in the Ozark Plateaus, Central Lowland, Interior Low Plateaus, Appalachian Plateaus, Ridge and Valley, and Coastal Plain physiographic provinces, and they are developed on Alfisols, Ultisols, Mollisols, Inceptisols, and Vertisols derived from Paleozoic limestones (also Eocene), dolomites, and calcareous shales. The [C.sub.4] perennial prairie grass S. scoparium is the characteristic dominant taxon in XLPs of eastern United States. However, [C.sub.3] perennial forbs are dominant in some sites, and [C.sub.4] annual grasses (Sporobolus spp.) may be locally dominant in shallow-soil-zone microsites. Thirteen taxa apparently are endemic, or nearly so, to this vegetation type, including eight in the Ridge and Valley in Alabama (Cahaba River valley), four in the Ozark Plateaus in Missouri and Arkansas, and one in the Ridge and Valley of West Virginia and Virginia. Various types of information are used to construct a conceptual model of the origin, maintenance, and successional dynamics of XLPs. Affinities of XLPs in eastern United States to other herbaceous vegetation types in eastern and western North America are discussed, and directions for future research are suggested., Abstract Introduction Physiography Bedrock Geology Soils Climate Vegetation Ozark Plateaus Central Lowland Interior Low Plateaus Ridge and Valley Appalachian Plateaus Coastal Plain Endemic Taxa and Other Noteworthy Floristic Elements Origin [...]

Combining limestone (CaC[O.sub.3]) application with compost or gypsum (CaS[O.sub.4] * 2[H.sub.2]O) can substantially increase subsoil Ca and decrease subsoil Al saturation in highly weathered acidic soils because of increased Ca mobility and formation of nontoxic Al-organic matter complexes. However, little is known about the effect of these surface amendments on subsoil chemistry in acidic minespoils that are high in S[O.sub.4]. This study used small segmented laboratory columns to analyze the effect of surface incorporated compost, CaC[O.sub.3], and gypsum on Ca and Al chemistry in the highly acidic minespoil material (pH [approximately equal to] 2.5) below the zone of incorporation. Compost did not affect subsoil Al and Ca chemistry but caused a small increase in subsoil pH. Because of the high acidity in the spoil material CaC[O.sub.3] solubility in the amended layer was high and was not increased by compost. Adding gypsum increased Ca leaching into the subsoil compared with CaC[O.sub.3] alone, but extractable Ca was higher only after extensive leaching. Increases in extractable Ca in the subsoil were strongly correlated to decreases in extractable Al and Fe, indicating cation-exchange processes. However, significant losses of Al in unamended spoil columns and the small impact of CaC[O.sub.3] and gypsum on total Al leaching indicated that Al chemistry was also influenced by a solid phase. Solubility calculations pointed to a jurbanitelike solid phase buffering Al activity in the subsoil, even after extensive leaching. Because of this buffering effect and the high acidity of the spoil material, none of the surface treatments would be expected to alleviate subsoil phytotoxicity in highly acidic minespoil material.

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Copyright of Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Earth Sciences is the property of King Abdulaziz University, Scientific Publishing Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Lattice Boltzmann flow simulations provide a physics-based means of estimating intrinsic permeability from pore structure and accounting for inertial flow that leads to departures from Darcy's law. Simulations were used to compute intrinsic permeability where standard measurement methods may fail and to provide better understanding of departures from Darcy's law under field conditions. Simulations also investigated resolution issues. Computed tomography (CT) images were acquired at 0.8 mm interscan spacing for seven samples characterized by centimeter-scale biogenic vuggy macroporosity from the extremely transmissive sole-source carbonate karst Biscayne aquifer in southeastern Florida. Samples were as large as 0.3 m in length; 7-9 cm-scale-length subsamples were used for lattice Boltzmann computations. Macroporosity of the subsamples was as high as 81%. Matrix porosity was ignored in the simulations. Non-Darcy behavior led to a twofold reduction in apparent hydraulic conductivity as an applied hydraulic gradient increased to levels observed at regional scale within the Biscayne aquifer; larger reductions are expected under higher gradients near wells and canals. Thus, inertial flows and departures from Darcy's law may occur under field conditions. Changes in apparent hydraulic conductivity with changes in head gradient computed with the lattice Boltzmann model closely fit the Darcy-Forchheimer equation allowing estimation of the Forchheimer parameter. CT-scan resolution appeared adequate to capture intrinsic permeability; however, departures from Darcy behavior were less detectable as resolution coarsened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formation conditions of the Asselian-Sakmarian carbonate deposits in the region are reconstructed on the basis of scrutinization of their lithological characteristics. Two facies zones are identified and described: broad shoal zone with the biostrome massif and its slope framing dominated by the organogenic-clastic and microclotted limestones. Relationship of reservoir properties with rock types and facies is examined. Structural specificity of natural reservoir in the biostrome massif is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The Australian Nullarbor Plain, one of the world's largest limestone platforms (~200 000 km2), has few distinctive surface karst features for its size, but is known for its enigmatic 'blowholes', which can display strong barometric draughts. Thousands of these vertical tubes with decimetre-metre (dm-m) scale diameter puncture the largely featureless terrain. The cause and distribution of these has remained unclear, but they have been thought to originate from downward dissolution and/or salt weathering. To elucidate blowhole distribution and mode of formation we (i) correlated existing location data with Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data, which distinguishes the subtle undulations (< 10 m per km) of the landscape, (ii) surveyed blowhole morphology and (iii) determined their rock surface hardness. Over a sampled area of 4200 km2, the distribution of 615 known blowholes is not correlated with present topography. Blowholes are often connected to small or, in some cases extensive, but typically shallow cavities, which exhibit numerous 'cupolas' (dome-shaped pockets) in their ceilings. Statistical arguments suggest that cavities with cupolas are common, but in only a few cases do these puncture the surface. Hardness measurements indicate that salt weathering is not their main cause. Our observations suggest that blowholes do not develop downwards, but occur where a cupola breaks through the surface. Lowering of the land surface is suggested to be the main cause for this breakthrough. Although cupolas may undergo some modification under the current climate, they, as well as the shallow caves they are formed in, are likely to be palaeokarst features formed under a shallower water table and wetter conditions in the past. The findings presented have implications for theories of dissolutional forms development in caves worldwide. The environmental history of the Nullarbor platform allows testing of such theories, because many other factors, which complicate karst evolution elsewhere, have not interfered with landform evolution here. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthquakes in central Italy, and in other areas worldwide, often nucleate within and rupture through carbonates in the upper crust. During individual earthquake ruptures, most fault displacement is thought to be accommodated by thin principal slip zones. This study presents detailed microstructural observations of the slip zones of the seismically active Tre Monti normal fault zone. All of the slip zones cut limestone, and geological constraints indicate exhumation from <2 km depth, where ambient temperatures are ≪100°C. Scanning electron microscope observations suggest that the slip zones are composed of 100% calcite. The slip zones of secondary faults in the damage zone contain protocataclastic and cataclastic fabrics that are cross-cut by systematic fracture networks and stylolite dissolution surfaces. The slip zone of the principal fault has much more microstructural complexity, and contains a 2-10 mm thick ultracataclasite that lies immediately beneath the principal slip surface. The ultracataclasite itself is internally zoned; 200-300 μm-thick ultracataclastic sub-layers record extreme localization of slip. Syn-tectonic calcite vein networks spatially associated with the sub-layers suggest fluid involvement in faulting. The ultracataclastic sub-layers preserve compelling microstructural evidence of fluidization, and also contain peculiar rounded grains consisting of a central (often angular) clast wrapped by a laminated outer cortex of ultra-fine-grained calcite. These 'clast-cortex grains' closely resemble those produced during layer fluidization in other settings, including the basal detachments of catastrophic landslides and saturated high-velocity friction experiments on clay-bearing gouges. An overprinting foliation is present in the slip zone of the principal fault, and electron backscatter diffraction analyses indicate the presence of a weak calcite crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) in the fine-grained matrix. The calcite c-axes are systematically inclined in the direction of shear. We suggest that fluidization of ultracataclastic sub-layers and formation of clast-cortex grains within the principal slip zone occurred at high strain rates during propagation of seismic ruptures whereas development of an overprinting CPO occurred by intergranular pressure solution during post-seismic creep. Further work is required to document the range of microstructures in localized slip zones that cross-cut different lithologies, and to compare natural slip zone microstructures with those produced in controlled deformation experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sistema Zacatón in north-eastern Mexico is host to several deep, water-filled, anoxic, karstic sinkholes (cenotes). These cenotes were explored, mapped, and geochemically and microbiologically sampled by the autonomous underwater vehicle deep phreatic thermal explorer (DEPTHX). The community structure of the filterable fraction of the water column and extensive microbial mats that coat the cenote walls was investigated by comparative analysis of small-subunit (SSU) 16S rRNA gene sequences. Full-length Sanger gene sequence analysis revealed novel microbial diversity that included three putative bacterial candidate phyla and three additional groups that showed high intra-clade distance with poorly characterized bacterial candidate phyla. Limited functional gene sequence analysis in these anoxic environments identified genes associated with methanogenesis, sulfate reduction and anaerobic ammonium oxidation. A directed, barcoded amplicon, multiplex pyrosequencing approach was employed to compare ∼100 000 bacterial SSU gene sequences from water column and wall microbial mat samples from five cenotes in Sistema Zacatón. A new, high-resolution sequence distribution profile (SDP) method identified changes in specific phylogenetic types (phylotypes) in microbial mats at varied depths; Mantel tests showed a correlation of the genetic distances between mat communities in two cenotes and the geographic location of each cenote. Community structure profiles from the water column of three neighbouring cenotes showed distinct variation; statistically significant differences in the concentration of geochemical constituents suggest that the variation observed in microbial communities between neighbouring cenotes are due to geochemical variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limestone beds of the Late Cretaceous Abiod formation (Campanian-Maastrichtian system) are fundamentally important for the economic growth of the raw material sector in Tunisia. However, little attention has been paid to the detailed physical and chemical properties of the Abiod limestone. Nine limestone samples collected from the Abiod formation outcropping in the areas of Bizerte, Gafsa and Gabes, Tunisia, as well as their separated clay fractions, were characterized using different techniques, such as XRF, XRD, FTIR and TG/DTA. XRF showed the chemical composition of the limestone in which calcium carbonate was the main constituent, and silica, iron and magnesium were the impurities. XRD also confirmed the presence of small amounts of clay minerals and quartz along with sharp peaks of calcite. FTIR spectra indicated that the limestone was mainly composed of CaCO in the form of calcite, as identified by its main characteristic absorption bands. These data were in agreement with XRD and XRF analysis data. The TG/DTA curves of the limestone samples, showing a close similarity to that of pure calcium carbonate, exhibited an endothermic peak between 600 and 760°C, with the maximum near 750°C. Moreover, FTIR spectra of clay fraction samples indicated high silica content in some samples. Especially the samples SD1 and SD2 collected in the northern area showed higher amounts of silica compared with those of AS1, AS2, CHB, ZNC, SND, MKM and GBS collected from southern districts. However, among the latter seven samples, one could recognize two groups based on the clay mineral investigations: (1) limestone with minor amounts of smectite and mixed layer minerals of smectite/illite (AS1 and 2, CHB, ZNC, SND and GBS) and (2) limestone with smectite, kaolinite and apatite (SND and MKM). Differences in these mineralogical and chemical characteristics should be considered when limestone from the Abiod formation is utilized as a medium for heavy metal removal from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pit lakes are increasingly common worldwide and have potential to provide many benefits. However, lake water toxicity may require remediation before beneficial end uses can be realised. Three treatments to remediate AMD (pH ∼4.8) pit lake water containing elevated concentrations of Al and Zn from Collie, Western Australia were tested in mesocosms. Treatments were: (a) limestone neutralisation (L), (b) phosphorus amendment (P), and (c) combined limestone neutralisation and phosphorus amendment (L+P). Laboratory bioassays with Ceriodaphnia cf. dubia, Chlorella protothecoides and Tetrahymena thermophila assessed remediation. Limestone neutralisation increased pH and reduced heavy metal concentrations by 98% (Al) to 14% (Mg), removing toxicity to the three test species within 2 months. Phosphorus amendment removed toxicity after 6 months of treatment. However, phosphorus amendment to prior limestone neutralisation failed to reduce toxicity more than limestone neutralisation alone. Low concentrations of both phosphorus and nitrogen appear to limit phytoplankton population growth in all treatments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Oligocene represents a key interval during which coralline algae became dominant on carbonate ramps and luxuriant coral reefs emerged on a global scale. So far, few studies have considered the impact that these early reefs had on ramp development. Consequently, this study aimed at presenting a high-resolution analysis of the Attard Member of the Lower Coralline Limestone Formation (Late Oligocene, Malta) in order to decipher the internal and external factors controlling the architecture of a typical Late Oligocene platform. Excellent exposures of the Lower Coralline Limestone Formation occurring along continuous outcrops adjacent to the Victoria Lines Fault reveal in detail the three-dimensional distribution of the reef-associated facies. A total of four sedimentary facies have been recognized and are grouped into two depositional environments that correspond to the inner and middle carbonate ramp. The inner ramp was characterized by a very high-energy, shallow-water setting, influenced by tide and wave processes. This setting passed downslope into an inner-ramp depositional environment which was colonized by seagrass and interfingered with adjacent areas containing scattered corals. The middle ramp lithofacies were deposited in the oligophotic zone, the sediments being generated from combined in situ production and sediments swept from the shallower inner ramp by currents. Compositional characteristics and facies distributions of the Attard ramp are more similar to the Miocene ramps than to those of the Eocene. An important factor controlling this similarity may be the expansion of the seagrass colonization within the euphotic zone. This expansion may have commenced in the Late Oligocene and was associated with a concomitant reduction in the aerial extent of the larger benthonic foraminifera facies. Stacking-pattern analysis shows that the depositional units (parasequences) at the study section are arranged into transgressive–regressive facies cycles. This cyclicity is superimposed on the overall regressive phase recorded by the Attard succession. Furthermore, a minor highstand (correlated with the Ru4/Ch1 sequence) and subsequent minor lowstand (Ch2 sequence) have been recognized. The biota assemblages of the Attard Member suggest that carbonate sedimentation took place in subtropical waters and oligotrophic to slightly mesotrophic conditions. The apparent low capacity of corals to form wave-resistant reef structures is considered to have been a significant factor affecting substrate stability at this time. The resulting lack of resistant mid-ramp reef frameworks left this zone exposed to wave and storm activity, thereby encouraging the widespread development of coralline algal associations dominated by rhodoliths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In May 2004, 400 tree seedlings of seven different species found on tree islands in the Florida Everglades were planted at different elevations along five transects on eight newly constructed tree islands, four with and four without limestone cores. Seedlings suffered between 40 and 85% mortality during the first 120 days, the period with the lowest water levels. Ilex cassine L., Salix caroliniana Michx., Chrysobalanus icaco L., and Annona glabra had the highest number of surviving seedlings, whereas Magnolia virginiana L., Myrica cerifera L., and Acer rubrum L. had the fewest. During the remainder of the study, water levels were mostly higher and sometimes covered the entire islands for months at a time. After 220 days, nearly all seedlings of M. virginiana and My. cerifera had died. At the end of the study, seedlings of I. cassine and A. glabra had the highest survivorship rates. Seedling biomass of C. icaco and I. cassine was greatest at the highest elevations, whereas seedlings of A. glabra had similar biomass at all elevations. Seedling survivorship was not statistically different between islands with and without limestone cores; however, when seedlings of all species were combined, island core type was significantly different for aboveground biomass, seedling height, and canopy width. Because of the higher survivorship under both low and high water conditions, A. glabra, I. cassine, and S. caroliniana are the most suitable species for establishing tree species on restored tree islands in the Everglades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on an investigation of the possible causes for the collapse of limestone caves in Gaziantep, Turkey. The city contains a lot of man-made caves, at a shallow depth, of various width and length. These caves were mainly excavated to provide work or storage space. As the city has been growing fast with increased population, many structures were constructed over these caves. Recently, two caves collapsed and five houses were damaged. These caves are all made of limestone and it was observed after the collapse that the limestone was saturated with water due to sewer pipe leakage and surface water. Tests were carried out on the limestone and it was determined that the compressive strength of limestone decreases by about 50% and the tensile strength decreased by about 80% when saturated with water. It was concluded that the reduced strength of the limestone combined with additional loads due to the factors mentioned above seem to be the main reason for these collapses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The State of Kuwait is located at the northwestern corner of the Arabian Gulf and covers an area of about ≈18,000 km2. The aquifer under investigation is the Eocene Dammam limestone aquifer. This paper discusses the hydrochemistry of the aquifer through the period 1972 — 2002 in order to identify the chemical and genetic types of groundwater, and to reveal the prevailing geochemical processes in the aquifer. Moreover, the spatial distribution of the brackish-brine groundwater is encountered to provide an overview of the regional scale hydrochemistry and to assess the possible factors controlling the aquifer quality. Accordingly, WATEQ4F program is used to compute the saturation indices of the minerals with respect to a state water composition. The Z-MAP and the STRATWORKS programs are used to construct the structural contour map and the subsurface geophysical logs of the Dammam Formation, respectively. The hydrochemical and geological investigations revealed that the Dammam limestone aquifer is occupied by a brackish-brine groundwater, with TDS values ranging from 2500 to 150,000 mg/I, which gradually increases towards the N — NE in the flow direction. The main recognized groundwater chemical types are: Na2SO4, CaSO4 and NaC1. Three groundwater genetic types Na-S04, Mg-Cl, and Ca-Cl are dominant and indicate a continental-marine stagnant environment. Also, the study showed that the groundwater is oversaturated with respect to calcite and dolomite, and under-saturated with respect to gypsum. The calculated mean values of PCO2 range between 8.79 x 10-4 and 1.38 x 10-2 atm., which are above that of PCO2 of the earth's atmosphere. These high values of PCO2 suggest that the Dammam limestone aquifer represents a closed system with respect to CO2. The ion-exchange, reverse ion- exchange and dedolomitization are the main geochemical processes prevailing in the aquifer. Furthermore, the carbonate weathering is most likely to operate in the aquifer. Controls on the distribution of water qualities reflect the ancient marine depositional environment, water-rock interaction, aquifer flushing including ion exchange effect, and the structural feature related to the Persian Gulf synclinorium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, chemical composition of the rain water in Mugla was investigated from February to April 2002. Rain water samples were obtained from Mugla, a small city in south western Turkey. The Yatagan Power Plant is located 30 km northwest of Mugla city. The values of pH and the concentrations of major ions (Ca2+, Na+, K+, SO4 2−, NO3 −, NH4 +) in the rainwater samples were analyzed. The pH varied from 4.5 to 7.7 with an average of 6.9 which was in alkaline range considering 5.6 as the neutral pH of cloud water with atmospheric CO2 equilibrium. In the total 30 rain events, only two events were observed in acidic range (< 5.6) which occurred after continuous rains. The equivalent concentration of components followed the order: Ca2+ > SO4 2− > NH4 + > NO3 − > Na+ > K+ > H+. The volume-weighted mean (VWM) of the measured ionic sum is 371.62 μeq/l. The ratio of between sum cations and sum anions (∑cations /∑ anions) is 1.52 μeq/l. The alkaline components (Ca2+, Na+, K+) contribute 52%, NH4 + 8%, whereas, the contribution from the acidic components is relatively small (40%). The low concentrations of H+ found in rainwater samples from Mugla suggest that an important portion of H2SO4 and HNO3 have been neutralized by alkaline particles in the atmosphere. The dust-rich local and surrounding limestone environment might have caused the high concentration of Ca2+ in Mugla area. The relatively high concentration of NH4 + observed at Mugla is suspected to be due to surrounding agricultural. The results obtained in this study are compared with those other studies conducted at various places in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Palexerult soil from the Pliocene raña formations in northern Spain was used to conduct acidity correction tests with limestone, gypsum rock and sugar foam waste under laboratory conditions. The soil was reconstructed in methacrylate columns that were studied over a five-month period. The pH and exchangeable bases in the leachates, obtained by applying an amount of water equivalent to the mean rainfall of the area from which the soil was collected, were measured under laboratory conditions along a five-month period. At the end of these tests, three different samples (one from the A horizon and two from as many different depths in the AB horizon) were used to determine the pH in water and KCl, as well as the exchangeable bases and aluminum (Al), effective cation-exchange-capacity (CECe) and available phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). Data were statistically analyzed by using a multivariate linear general (MLG) model with two factors (treatment type and sampled soil sub-horizon). The results revealed limestone and sugar foam waste to be more effective than gypsum in suppressing Al[SUP3+] toxicity in the A horizon; in fact, they provided the best V[SUBe]Al values and Al/Ca ratios, and also the greatest pH increases. By contrast, gypsum rock proved more efficient in the sub-surface horizons. All treatments, but particularly that with gypsum, decreased the exchangeable potassium content. This amendment caused no magnesium losses as it contained large amounts of it in its composition; however, it resulted in substantial losses of Fe and Mn (particularly through leaching from the A horizon) as a result of the increased acidity produced. Sugar foam waste performed similarly to limestone as regards corrective capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four types of tufa occur along creeks draining the Oscar Range in the Kimberley region of Western Australia; stream-bed tufa, tufa dams, stream-bed tufa waterfalls, and rimstone pools. Well-developed tufa dam and waterfall formations occur at significant breaks of slope within the channel long profile. This suggests that disruption of the hydraulic flow regime and increased turbulence at these points has an important role to play in determining the location of tufa deposits. However, the best-developed stream-bed tufa deposits are located immediately upstream of dam and waterfall formations, which indicates that the evaporation of water ponded behind these flow obstructions may lead to calcium carbonate precipitation during the dry season. The presence of plant and cyanobacterial communities on, and the incorporation of organic material into, the best-developed tufa formations indicates that biological activity may have an important role to play in determining both the rate of tufa deposition and the internal structure of the resulting accumulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the manipulation of food resources with reference to the bottom-up control connected with soil macrofauna community in a beechwood on limestone in northern Germany. How these food resources were manipulated; Effect the additional glucose and nutrients caused; Decreasing content of carbon in soil.

The article focuses on the study of the role of mineral nutrients in eriophorium, and the effects of ground limestone, and uptake of inorganic elements in e. angustifolium. Previous studies, particularly by Pearsall and Wray, suggested that 30 ppm calcium, added to solution cultures, and natural water will make shoots of e. angustofolium grow. The study conducted an examination of the mineral elements in the leaf material, and their association with growth of the plant, and of Molinia, where it was found that calcium was limiting the growth of the plants.

The article focuses on the study of limestone, and acid parent materials on the vegetation of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona. The study conducted a comparison of the limestone, and acid soils vegetation through detailed studies in the 1830 to 2130 meter elevation belt. It mentions that conducted elevation of the Cercocarpus breviflorus on limestone has contrasted the limestone with pine-oak. It was concluded that the contrast of limestone vegetation with other soils, including acid soils, could be striking with areas including marginal forest, and woodland climates.