Earth Science

Analytical solution of advection-dispersion equation (ADE) is obtained for one-dimensional semi-infinite porous medium with periodic input boundary and periodic flow velocity. The dispersion coefficient is directly proportional to flow velocity. Laplace Transformation Technique is employing to get the analytical solution with exponentially increasing function of space variable initial condition and periodic input boundary condition. Analytical solution is illustrated graphically.

Madurai Block belt is the largest high among the crustal fragments of the Southern Granulite Terrane. Our study focuses on the southeastern part of the Madurai Block which falls in the Thoothukudi District of Tamil Nadu. The geomorphology of the area is represented by high and mid-land regions with prominent hillocks and associated valleys. This region chiefly comprises of crystalline basement rocks that experienced granulite facies metamorphism. The southeastern region has been mapped, and the major rock types observed were identified as charnockite, hornblende-biotite gneiss, pyroxene granulite, quartzite, granite, pink granite and pegmatite. Massive garnet bearing charnockite exists as hills and which are intermixed with banded and migmatised hornblende-biotite gneiss. Diorite occurs as boudins and small enclaves within the charnockite. The charnockite occurs as both massive and foliated rocks in outcrops. A 5 km long intrusive body of pyroxene granulite is identified during the field study which trends NW-SE. Due to intense weathering they are found as boulders of varying size and shape.

This study was designed to determine the predictors of literacy skills among Chinese preschoolers. There were 136 preschoolers aged ranged between three to six years old with their parents and teachers recruited in this study using a Multi-Stage Cluster sampling technique. Home-based learning activities were measured using Home Learning Environment Questionnaire (Lonigan & Farver, 2002). Meanwhile, children’s literacy skills were respectively assessed using Test of Early Reading Ability Third Edition (Reid, Hresko, & Hammill, 2001). This study found that preschoolers with higher level of literacy skills were came from families who practiced more home-based learning activities, and have highly educated parents and high family monthly income. Besides that, findings revealed that older children perform high level of literacy skills. The findings of this study imply that home learning was the most significant unique predictor of child’s literacy skills within all tested variables.

A study in gully erosion management on lateritic soil is a critical issue in West Bengal. In this paper, we have used field plots data, in combination with vegetation and check dams, for all aspects of lateritic soil erosion management. A program for controlling gully erosion was carried out in Rangamati in lateritic soil region of western part of West Bengal from 2011 to 2012 include two approaches “Check dam” and “Vegetation cover”. Results indicated that at the initial stage, the percent of sand was maximum in the upper catchment of each gully basin and the concentration of silt and clay is less. Gradually as vegetation starts trapping the sediment composition of soil changes registering higher percentage of finer particles. Again, the nutrients detached from the upper catchment were arrested by check dams that induced nutrients supply and water storage, which in turn, increased the growth of vegetation. This result proved the significance of vegetation cover with check dams to curb soil erosion and it may help the planners and managers to take proper decision for the conservation of lateritic soil.

Comparative analysis of the shallow and deep aquifers of Nsukka SE, Nigeria was studied as a preliminary approach for the underground water resource development of the region. Method of approach involves the identification of rock formations and delineation of their stratigraphic relationships. Activities involved collection and analysis of water samples from boreholes and hand dug wells. A total of 14 water samples were collected (7 from shallow and deep aquifer each) and analyzed for inorganic and organic components. Ca2+, Na+, Mn2+, Cl-, Pb and Cd were analyzed using Atomic absorption spectroscopy. K+ was determined using flame photometer method. Copper Cu2+ was analyzed using spectrophotometer, pH was analyzed with the aid of pH meter, Fe2+ was determined calorimetrically using Spekker absorption meter; Tds was determined using glass fiber filter. Turbimetric method was used to assess turbidity. Anions like HCO3- were also estimated by titrimetric method. Coliform analysis was carried out by the most probable number technique (MPN). The result shows that average pH for deep and shallow aquifer gives 5.8 and 6.3, sulphate 14.2 and 10.97, Nitrate 2.5 and 2.2., Phosphate 1.48 and 1.68, iron 1.98 and 1.60 magnesium 11.4 and 11.8, Sodium 1.80 and 2.4, Chloride 8.4 and 9, Tds 33.51 and 62.17. The coliform count ranges from 3/100 to 7/100 ml only for shallow aquifer (pollution), magnesium is the major contributors of hardness in both cases. Deep aquifer water plots as magnesium cation and a no dominant anion and on the transition between fresh and salt water (brackish water). The shallow aquifer has magnesium sulphate and plots in the zone of sea water, and shows hard water. The SAR for deep aquifer is 0.58, while that of shallow aquifer is 0.32 both are excellent for irrigation. Both waters are ideal for use in industries and homes, while the aquifers are highly polluted by iron, the shallow aquifer is polluted by water borne diseases. Reference to these information is ideal for the water resource development of the region

A shale sample was evaluated for its elements, minerals and hydrocarbon potential. Elemental analysis by EDS (energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy), mineral analysis by XRD (x-ray diffraction), and hydrocarbon potential evaluation by Rock-eval pyrolysis was done. EDS showed Oxygen, Carbon, Silicon, Aluminum, Iron, and Titanium. XRD showed Kaolinite (Dickite), Thaumasite, Calcite, and Quartz as the minerals. Rock-eval showed TOC (total organic carbon) of 15% by weight. Evaluation suggests the shale to have a good hydrocarbon generation potential and Titanium.

Carbonate sequence of Lar formation (Upper Jurassic) have been studied in three subsurface sections in the north east of Iran. This formation is formed of two separated units, white limestone in the upper and gray dolomite in the Lower part. This formation is overlain by yellow detrital sediments of Miocene units and underlain by siliciclastic Shemshak formation disconformably. Thirteen microfacies from mudstone to grainstone and boundstone were found in this formation. They were deposited in four facies environments; open marine, shoal, lagoon and tidal flat. Facies analysis and the absence of slump and sliding structures, reefal facies, gradual facies changes and widespread tidal flat deposits indicate that Lar formation was deposited in a shallow carbonate platform as ramp.

Analytical solution of advective–dispersive solute transport through inhomogeneous porous medium is obtained by using Laplace transformation. Pulse type input point source is considered for constant solute dispersion along non-uniform flow through medium. Flow of the medium is considered exponential function of space variable. First order decay term which is directly proportional to flow velocity of the medium is also considered. Result and discussions are given with different graphs.

The objective of this study is to explore the groundwater availability in the Gadilam River basin mainly for agriculture. Remote sensing data and geographic information system were used to locate Prospective zones of groundwater in the Gadilam River basin. Various maps (i.e., Base, Hydrogeomorphology, Lithology, Drainage, Drainage density, Lineament, Lineament density, Slope and Land Use/Land Cover) were prepared using the Remote sensing data along with the existing maps. The groundwater availability of the Gadilam River basin is quantitatively classified into different classes based on its Hydrogeomorphological conditions. The land use/land cover map was prepared using IRC-1C LISS III, PAN satellite data and other collateral information. Using a digital classification technique with the limited ground truth verification for irrigated area in the Gadilam river basin. The alluvial plain, filled valley, flood plain and deeply buried pediplain were successfully delineated. It demarcates highly prospective Zones of groundwater accumulation in the study area. The overall results demonstrate that the use of remote sensing and GIS techniques provide powerful tools for groundwater development and the design of a suitable exploration plan of the study area. Keywords: Groundwater prospective zones map, Remote Sensing and GIS, Gadilam river basin, satellite data, thematic mapping ArcGIS.

The FMI (Fullbore formation microimager) log provides clear identification of wells geological characteristics. In this study, the identification and interpretation of the structures, texture, lithology, porosity, bedding, lamination, diagenetic processes, porous/non porous layers and determination of facies, sequence stratigraphy and reservoir characteristics in kangan formation, are discussed using FMI logs, thin section, core photograph and porosity logs. The Kangan lower Triassic aged carbonates formation, was deposited in the giant South Pars gas field in the Persian Gulf Basin and consists of limestone, dolomite, anhydritic dolomite, and thin shaly layers facies. The aim of this study is to provide the FMI farcies, sequence stratigraphy and subunits reservoir characteristics changes of Kangan Formation. Based on FMI logs and comparing with thin section, core photograph and porosity logs introduced 12 FMI facies(FF) in kangan formation (Table1). Three major composite depositional sequences have then been defined: K1A, K1B and K2A. They have been further subdivided into 12 depositional units, 6 tight (low reservoir characteristics) and 6 conductive (high reservoir characteristics).