Recent Research on Environmental Earth Sciences, Geomorphology, Soil Science and Paleoenvironments

The aim of this study was to evaluate the wearing habits of face masks in Lithuania during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic around the world, disposable face masks have begun to be used as a precautionary measure to slow down the spread of the virus. This led to an unprecedented increase in the production of personal protective equipment and, unfortunately, a new form of environmental pollution due to improper disposal. This survey allows us to better analyze a new potential source of pollution in Lithuania and evaluate the amount of hazardous plastic waste generated during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this survey, we used questionnaire method, and the results of the study were evaluated statistically using the program Statistica. The sample of this survey is representative and reached amount of randomly selected 1753 respondents. It was found that individuals who most often wore masks where they are mandatory. Often the respondent who purchased medical masks does not know if they are certified, most often the masks are purchased at the pharmacy and are usually changed after each working day. The results obtained speak of a lack of information on how masks should be disposed, and they are thrown together with household waste into a container of mixed municipal waste. Results show that 2 million adult residents living in Lithuania during the pandemic period potentially generated about 15.24 tons of hazardous plastic waste. If all residents would use one disposable mask, about 5.5 tons of plastic waste would be generated per day. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so many used disposable face masks are released uncontrollably into the environment, as most users have little information on how to dispose of them safely.

Microfibers (MF) are unfortunately present in natural systems, and characterization of such pollution must be considered as a global health question. We have studied the content in MF in a high salinity spring in the Pyrenees (NE Iberian Peninsula). The salty composition of the water is sourced from fluids circulating in aquifers with Triassic evaporitic units. The water samples are from the spring and from evaporation ponds where the brine is conducted and where it has been historically evaporated to produce Table Salt. Brines have been carefully sampled and filtered following all the necessary requirements to avoid any potential MF additional contamination. We have done a manual counting of the number of fibers and their colors. Unexpectedly, all the analyzed brines have significant contents in MF (nor other anthropic particles are present), which do not correspond to particles of sediment dragged, but to anthropic contamination. The brine from the spring has an average concentration of 50 MF/L, and in evaporation ponds, it increases to 120 MF/L. The colors of the most common MF are black, blue, and white-transparent. Red and green can also be relevant. The origin of these fibers in non-marine brines is totally anthropic and may have originated from: (i) the contamination of the upper aquifer itself that has incorporated these particles into its circuit and (ii) the aerial fall of particles, which is more evident in the evaporation stages. Results suggest that the presence of MF is ubiquitous and are even found in unexpected geological environments and apparently disconnected from anthropic pollution, such as high mountain salt springs. Such fibers are finally incorporated to commercial Table Salts produced in the local non-marine saltworks.

Marine litter (ML) abundance has been increasing globally and is recognized as one of the main socio-economic and environmental concerns. Monitoring operations have been realized worldwide in order to collect information on the types, quantities, and distribution of marine debris or to assess the efficiency of mitigation measures. The traditional beach monitoring using 100 m stretch is generally used, but such approach is generally considered as time consuming. In addition, the results generally present a high spatio-temporal variability. In this study, we used UAV images to map (visual screening) the presence of ML on a coastal spit in the northern part of the Po Delta. We used two classes of items, which are well-identified items and non-identified items. The UAV images also provide geomorphological and habitat information. Our results show that macro-litter items are present all over the system (from the beach to the lagoon) and suggest different scenarios of plastic debris accumulation. Indeed, ML are mainly concentrated in the beach wrack, dunes, and saltmarshes highlighting the role of the vegetation in trapping ML. Moreover, ML will most probably remain trapped by the saltmarsh vegetation, while cleaning operations may remove the ML present in the beach wrack. The accumulation of floating debris in coastal dunes is mostly driven by alongshore currents and wave set up in the nearshore area, while tidal currents may be responsible for the presence of ML in the salt marsh. Finally, considering that coastal management scenarios and decisions rely on numerical models that can predict best practices for coastal sustainability, our results might help local agencies and stakeholders to manage coastal environments.

Sediments are periodically dredged to maintain waterways and to allow a safe shipping in channels and rivers. However, merely dumping dredged sediments in the sea or managing land deposits without any beneficial reuse does not fit within a circular economy perspective. This study aims to follow and monitor the evolution of dredged sediments that were deposited on land and to suggest their beneficial use. In this investigation, dredged sediments were collected from ten deposit sites in the Normandy region (Le Havre and Rouen ports, northwestern France) and analyzed in terms of physical, chemical, and organic contents; these parameters are used to determine how sediments can be managed in a safe and beneficial way. Among the 10 collected samples, one sediment was already deposited in a site (Tancarville) and was monitored for 10 years. The results showed that the deposited sediment became coarser, salinity and moisture decreased, and organic matter accumulated. This evolution is correlated with flora flourishing in the aged deposit and, thus, a first step toward soil formation from dredged sediment. Consequently, the dredged sediment naturally aged into a deposit and became suitable for agricultural use. Finally, adjusting standards and regulations can lead to better use of dredged sediments and other solid wastes that inspire to reach a circular economy and eventually attain environmental sustainability.

This laboratory-scale study investigates the capacity of using raw and Fe-impregnated biochar-based liquid activated carbon (LAC and LAC-Fe) in adsorbing Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and benzene pollutants from contaminated water. The LAC and LAC-Fe synthesized from palm residues were coated on Ottawa sand (OS), limestone (LS), and a 1:1 of OS/LS. Synthetic GAC was also used for comparison purposes. The study was carried out in laboratory-scale batch suspension adsorption tests. Distilled water samples, spiked with 2 ppm of the pollutants, were treated with LAC and LAC-Fe-coated materials. Samples were collected and analyzed for residual pollutants using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). The effect of solution pH and salinity on the removal efficiency were also investigated. Results of the study showed low removal of MTBE (<20%) by LAC and LAC-Fe coated on materials compared to GAC which achieved around 80% removal in 60 min. Slightly better removal efficiencies were obtained for benzene (∼40%) when the same materials were coated with LAC-Fe and LAC but much lower than GAC which achieved almost 96%. The study also showed that LAC-Fe had a better performance when coated on OS (∼40%), while LS coated with raw LAC showed a slightly higher removal of benzene (∼50%). Moreover, the study showed the negligible effect of pH and salinity on the removal efficiency of organic pollutants. These preliminary results indicate that more work is needed to enhance the performance of the LAC as an in-situ adsorbent for organic contaminants.

The problem that concerns us does not result from a lack of recognition of the environmental cause as a trigger for migration, but from the provision of a legal personality of its own to the victims and the corresponding lack of prevalence of a system of prerogatives (normative and institutional) that assists the refuge of displaced persons who leave their place of origin forced by the uninhabitability induced by the effects of climate change. Given that climate change seems to have no place in the 1951 Refugee Statute or its 1967 Protocol, with the aggravating circumstance of the lack of an international institution that assumes responsibility for these migrants, we consider, in this work, ways to protect the “climate migrant”. Due to the lack of a specific Convention for those affected by the impacts of climate change, a legal vacuum is created, and, thus, it is necessary to look for other ways to provide legality and legal recognition, as a person fleeing from deteriorating ecosystems does not escape from their government, but rather is seeking protection in the countries that have contributed to climate change. Therefore, this research focusses on two premises to battle these inadequacies. On one side, by exploring the possibilities to provide legal coverage by means of adjusting the Refugee Statute, while, on the other side, by identifying new mechanisms to address this urgent need beyond existing Conventions. Regarding the first premise, we will reflect on whether the fact of seeking refuge from the impacts of climate change can reach the threshold of protection established in the existing jurisprudence, by reflecting on the real impact on human rights, types of compensation, and the role of developed countries as the main polluters, due to their historical emissions of greenhouse gases. Regarding the second premise, we know that there are alternative proposals, such as the Nansen initiative, the Peninsula Principles, and others, but what we discuss in this paper is that international human rights law constitutes a fundamental tool to overcome the legal vacuum in which climate migrants find themselves, especially when they cross international borders.

The Oliana anticline (10 km wide by 15 km long) is a well-exposed structure located in the northern margin of the Ebro foreland basin, at the footwall of the Southern Pyrenean orogenic wedge. The upper Eocene to Oligocene sedimentary succession of the Oliana anticline brings the opportunity to develop outcrop analogue studies in the proximal margin of a foreland basin and discuss its potential as a geothermal reservoir analogue. The main objective of this contribution is to analyze which processes modified rock thermal conductivity and permeability in the Oliana anticline, which are key factors for the evaluation of geothermal reservoirs. Five sedimentary facies (conglomerates, hybrid arenites, lithic arenites, carbonates and evaporites) were identified in the anticline from the description of 63 thin sections. The mineral density (2334–2767 kg/m3), bulk density (2107–2710 kg/m3), porosity (0.42–22.14%), permeability (0.001–393 mD, equivalent to 10–19-10–13 m2) and acoustic velocity (2236–6322 ms−1) of 40 samples and the thermal conductivity (1.846–3.232 Wm−1 K−1) of 35 samples were measured. Acoustic velocities decrease with porosity, and no clear correlation was detected between the other variables. Abnormal petrophysical measures coincide with uncommon porosities. The main processes modifying porosity in Oliana are fracturing, cementation and dissolution. Thermal conductivity is associated with rock composition, where carbonates are less conductive than detrital rocks. The most proximal facies (conglomerates) occurring in the northern limb of the fold, below the main thrust planes, are intensely fractured and calcite-cemented and show low porosities. However, open fractures and stylolites led to uncommon high permeability values. Distal facies (sandstones) at the southern limb of the anticline are less fractured and cemented and display isolated vugs leading to high porosity and low permeabilities. Results suggest that thrust evolution influenced thermal conductivity because the clasts forming the detrital rocks derived from the erosion of different uplifted structural units. Thus, the tectonosedimentary units show differences in quartz and dolostone content, modifying their thermal conductivity. We conclude that thrusting had a strong impact on facies distribution, fracturing and cementation, which are in turn the main processes modifying the thermal conductivity and permeability of the studied folded sedimentary succession.

The city of Fez is located in the north-center part of the Saïs Basin composed of marine sediments of Miocene age which have been submitted to regression during the Pliocene and Quaternary. This basin contains a Plio-Quaternary substratum consisting of deposits of lacustrine, palustrine, and fluviatile origin. This study aims to identify the associations of the clay minerals from these deposits in order to understand the paleo-environmental settings and the paleo-climate of the Quaternary. Several methods were used to analyze these clay deposits. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed on natural, oriented, and ethylene glycol-solvated specimens. Supplementary SEM and EDS analyses were performed for a detailed characterization of the clay minerals. The clay mineral assemblages of the studied area showed the dominance of smectite as the main clay mineral associated with kaolinite, illite, and palygorskite (2θ = 8.50°). This mineral is well visible on glycol-solvated X-ray pattern when smectite shifted to 5.2° 2θ (d = 16.9 Å). In addition, chlorite and non-clay minerals represented by quartz, calcite, iron oxides, sulfates, and ashcroftine were present. The dominance of smectite suggests a tropical to subtropical climate with high humidity where kaolinite formed. The presence of illite indicates short cold and desertic periods. The presence of palygorskite and ashcroftine in these fluviatile deposits represents new findings, which are likely connected to Triassic and Plio-Quaternary basaltic rocks.

Morocco is characterized by a semi-arid to arid climate, except for a humid zone in the North. This climatic restraint, accentuated by climate change and the high demand for water resources, requires the application of new approaches to complement conventional hydrological methods that will help to improve water assessment and management strategies. Among these approaches, stable isotopes allow to understand the different processes involving groundwater or water resources in general. The Atlas Mountains are an important supply of surface and groundwater, with a significant portion stemming from the snow cover. Hence, this work seeks to quantify the snowmelt contribution to surface water and groundwater recharge in the High Oum Er-rbiaa (HOER) through the Middle Atlas Mountains, by adopting the approach of stable isotopes. The methodology consisted in collecting surface, groundwater, precipitation and snow cover during an entire hydrological year. Preliminary findings are unveiled, as follows: the extensive isotope values of precipitation compared to surface and groundwater were revealed to be an indicator of a variety of recharge conditions, such as high altitude and temperature. Further assessment of the recharge altitude following an altitudinal gradient of − 0.27%/100 m indicated a recharge altitude between 1600 and 3200 (m asl).

Morocco produces approximately 9 million tons per year of building waste (demolition and construction). The territorial network of recovery solutions for this waste is therefore crucial but difficult to optimize because the waste disposal sites are temporary and present a great diversity of size and concentration. Waste collection centers must reconcile the needs of small players, the majority in the end-of-life quarry sector. It is not clear how this enormous amount of material can be obtained, especially as quarries are starting to suffer from excessive resource extraction, which results in a very negative impact on the environment. In this context, our study aims to recover and valorize this waste. In the present work, we present concrete results for the recycling and exploitation of this abundant and permanent deposit. This waste was collected by type, and the elements that constitute it were listed. After crushing and grinding the waste, a representative sample was designed and then characterized by X-ray fluorescence, and the different particle sizes were separated by sieving. Each type of powder obtained was exploited to develop a suitable material: the production from these materials of lightweight cement requires only a new supplement to serve as an effective and efficient binder and the formulation of glues for the installation of ceramics.

Indoor thermal comfort is critical for the well-being and efficiency of inhabitants. In this period of climate change and global warming, the hot-dry environment with its extraordinarily high temperatures and strong solar radiation is growing hotter and drier. A household’s energy consumption is determined not only by the operation of the building’s heating and cooling systems but also by the occupants’ lifestyle. The indoor thermal characteristics in a residential building in New Minia, Egypt, were assessed using IDA-Indoor Climate and Energy (IDA-ICE) simulation software to better understand the optimal circumstances for residents in this hot-arid climate. The findings indicate that residential structures do not provide ideal thermal comfort, and occupants employ active systems to improve interior thermal comfort, resulting in an increase in energy consumption.

Urban ponds are facing multiple threats which could limit their functions. El Oulfa pond, located in a residential area of the largest city in Morocco, presents a degradation that is increasing year after year manifested by the proliferation of algae and multiple nuisances that affect the quality of life of local residents. Its restoration then becomes an emergency. The objective of this work is to contribute to the characterization and monitoring of the surface water quality of El Oulfa pond to help make appropriate decisions for its restoration. To do this, a diagnosis of the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of surface water is carried out in September 2018 on 12 points well-distributed on the pond. The results showed that water quality of El Oulfa pond does not comply with Moroccan standards relating to surface water quality. The total phosphorus concentrations, which vary from 2.88 mg/l to 4.13 mg/l, attest to the hypertrophic state of the pond. To curb this eutrophication, a biological treatment coupled with mechanical aeration was implemented by the site managers between March and August 2020. The monitoring of the water quality of the pond, carried out between September 2020 and February 2021 showed in the first month, after the beginning of the biological treatment, a fall of the total phosphorus of 47% in the centre of the pond, compared to the levels of 2018. However, in subsequent months, analyses performed on the majority of samples showed increasing phosphorus levels. This situation could be due to direct effluents discharge into the pond or to the release of phosphorus from the sediment which would act as an internal source of this nutrient.

Coastal areas are at constant risk of coastal erosion exacerbated by anthropogenic activities and coastal infrastructure. The objective of our study is to identify the most dynamic areas on the Mauritanian coast and particularly those most affected by erosion and possibly determine the factors responsible for the degradation. We used remote sensing techniques and geographic information systems (GIS) through the processing of high and medium resolution satellite images. We used the DSAS method to compare and update the work done by DELFT University which ended in 2016. We integrated images from 2005, 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2021 on the area of interest at the port of Tanit in combination with the detailed analysis, conducted by the University of Delft that brings out the basic data from an analysis of coastal dynamics in Sandy beaches around the world. It emerges that the Mauritanian coast, mostly a sandy beach, is very dynamic with three trends characterizing the coastline from north to south. The first sector is dominated by the North and North-East trade winds, although there are small pockets of erosion around the islands of the Banc d’Arguin National Park, which are very low and exposed to ocean waves. The second sector that has a clear erosion profile is the one located between the village of Mamghar and PK28 south of the city of Nouakchott. Finally, the southern zone of the coastline up to the border with Senegal does not show a clear trend of accretion or erosion and can be described as stable with changes from one period to another according to the different cycles of the tide and wind dynamics which is the main source of sediment. It turns out that the port facilities were at the origin of coastal erosion. These results draw attention on the need to adopt effective adaptation mechanisms against coastal erosion to protect coastal communities and secure economic investment, especially in the tourism and fish sectors.

The growing number of inhabitants and anthropogenic activities in agricultural and industrial sectors in the Grombalia coastal aquifer (Tunisia) is concretely affecting the quality and the quantity of the shallow aquifer. The conventional sampling used for the Grombalia groundwater quality monitoring seems to be inadequate to allow a good understanding of the groundwater system. Sampling representativeness, sampling procedures and time are significant determinants for efficient groundwater monitoring. This study highlighted the use of High-Resolution Monitoring Sensors (HRMS) in the Grombalia coastal aquifer (Tunisia) as a green tool to reinforce and strengthen/or replace the existing aquifer monitoring network in the study area. Three ‘in-situ’ HRMS (Aqua TROLL 500) were implemented in three identified hotspots. They are equipped with interchangeable sensors measuring Temperature, Nitrate, and Water Depth which were monitored continuously at hourly intervals from November 2021 to September 2022. The obtained results in June 2022 showed a significant drawdown of almost 2.5 m from the normal level recorded in June 2020, in two of the three monitoring points. The excessive groundwater pumping rate and the increase of illicit pumping wells number have greatly affected the Grombalia groundwater reserves. It was noticed that the nitrate concentrations exceeded the drinking water standard limit (50 mg/L), reaching 63 mg/L and 104 mg/L, respectively, in two of the three monitoring points. Since most of the study area is covered with citrus, this increase could be due to the spreading and fertilization activities which begin at the end of February and continue until the end of August-beginning of September which increasingly degrades the quality of the groundwater. The HRMS implemented in the study area are proving great flexibility in collecting accurate and reliable data, with fewer human resources and required time. The HRMS-based innovative monitoring system is used to control the groundwater withdrawals and quality and constitutes a solid demonstrative basis to propose remediation actions guaranteeing sustainable, intelligent, and instantaneous management of the coastal aquifer of Grombalia.

Following the Early Liasic tholeiitic CAMP magmatism, there was an extensive transitional to alkali mafic magmatism in the Central High Atlas from the Middle Jurassic (B1 event) to Lower Cretaceous (B2 event). These magmas consist of shallowly differentiated intrusions (gabbro, diorite, and syenite) outcropping in numerous narrow anticlinal ridges, while doleritic dykes and basaltic lava flows intersect Middle Jurassic–Upper Cretaceous continental deposits forming large synclines. In this study, we use petrological and geochemical investigations to characterize the magmatic affinity of dolerites and basalts (B1 event) in the Imilchil syncline and constrain their genesis. We primarily discuss mantle source, crustal contamination, and tectonic setting. The alkali basalts and dolerites of the Imilchil syncline (B1 event) have moderate alkali affinity and OIB-like geochemical signatures. They are formed by low-degree (5–10%) partial melting of a deeper mantle source in the garnet stability field, presumably in the asthenosphere with low continental crustal contamination. B1 Alkaline magmatism in the Central High Atlas marked a rift-drift transition phase in which intraplate extension gave way to the breakup between the African and American plates and the Central Atlantic seafloor spreading.

A common challenge for urban areas in developed countries is increasing the amount of solid waste. The Sulaimaniyah Governorate, located in the north of Iraq, characterized by a semi-arid climate region. Currently, there is no landfill site in the study area, and inappropriate solid waste dumping is causing adverse environmental impacts. This study reveals the present state of poor waste management that disposed of through open dumpsite; the core aspects are to evaluate the amount of solid waste leachate, which caused environmental pollution through water and soil. The HELP model was developed to evaluate the hydrological performance of the disposal site and analyze the water balance. The hydrological evaluation of the solid waste quantity from 2005 to 2018 resulted in an average yearly about 964.5 mm of final water storage in the study area. This study is a typical approach for evaluating solid waste leachate at disposal sites in semi-arid locations, and it will contribute in the planning of successful solid waste policy implementation for solid waste leachate treatment and reuse in agriculture.

The north of Morocco is affected by frequent landslides representing a significant risk. Understanding the mechanisms behind this event is essential for the risk reduction process. This study focuses on Tamda natural lake and a series of small lakes in the Northern Middle Atlas, where few studies have been conducted. We aimed to investigate the regional tectonics and the ground instability that has played an indispensable role in forming those lakes. From a structural point of view, this site is located between the Southern and Northern Middle Atlas Accidents (SMAA and NMAA). This area, generally of a carbonate nature (Liasic limestone and dolomite), is characterized by intense fracturing, abrupt topography, extreme climatic conditions, and a very ramified hydrographic system. These factors have influenced the regional instability marked by various types of landslides in the region during the recent quaternary period. The most phenomenal of these landslides gave origin to Tamda Lake located in the Tamtroucht syncline south of the Maghraoua commune. After several field missions, we identified three types of landslides based on morphological criteria: (i) rotational slides, which were the largest in terms of area and with the most pronounced scarps, (ii) translational landslides characterized by a larger failure surface and a single escarpment, and (iii) rockfalls and debris, the latter, and the most frequent form of landslide in the region, characterized by the fall of large rocks carrying with them rubble forming an avalanche of debris. The morphotectonic studies of these different types of sliding allow concluding that the tectonic activity on recent quaternary related to the major faults of the region is the origin of these events.

The Badaraka complex is part of the Damagaram-Mounio anorogenic ring complexes linking the N-S alignment of the Air Massif complexes with those of Nigeria to the south. This Niger-Nigeria Province is a N-S alignment of complexes of Paleozoic to Mesozoic age. Badaraka is petrographically formed by an alkaline sequence evolving from trachyte to microsyenite and syenite typical of Anderson subsidence emplacement. The objective of this study is to determine the deformations associated with the Badaraka complex through microtectonic analysis. Structural analysis shows that the elliptical configuration of the Badaraka complex is the result of emplacement in an anorogenic crustal extension regime marked chronologically by two deformation phases: (i) semi-ductile to brittle D1 and (ii) frankly brittleD2. The first semi-ductile to brittle deformation phase D1 is related to piston collapse under an underlying magma chamber. It is not only responsible for the curved normal faults represented by normal fault mirrors but also for the fracture schistosities S1, N170° to N15° and S2 N75 to N95°. The latter are related to the setting of the granites that spread the trachytes. The second phase of frankly brittle deformation D2 is translated first by a system of conjugated sinister and dexter stripping which is at the origin of the elliptic form of the complex and end by a system of fracturing related to the cooling of the magma.

The “Meteorite Center” at the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST) has three main units: analysis, observation, and a drone unit. This paper will showcase the center's capabilities as a unique location in the Gulf region capable of analyzing sample stones to check if they are meteorites or not. Initial tests (density, appearance, magnetic, and streak) are conducted in the first phase. Upon passing these tests successfully, further in-depth analysis takes place using advanced analytical techniques, such as X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) available at the Center for Advanced Materials Research at the University of Sharjah. The XRF is an excellent test to determine the sample elemental composition without differentiating between the different chemical compounds. If this test does not give a conclusive result of the sample being a meteorite, the XRD test is then conducted to provide the sample composition in terms of compounds present, degree of crystallinity, and amorphous content. Further tests such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) are also available to investigate other parameters such as microscopic structure, surface topography, and elemental composition at high resolution.Since 2017, 90 analysis tests have been conducted over 67 samples. Some samples were tested using only XRF, while others needed XRF and XRD if the XRF tests were inconclusive. Only 6% of the tested samples were real meteorites, and the remaining were just terrestrial rocks. The first meteorite was identified in 2018 as an ordinary chondrite. The piece was found in Liwa (Abu Dhabi, UAE). The sample weighed 12.11 g and was cut from an original heavy rock of 41 kg. It was attracted to the magnet and had a density of 3027.5 kg/m3. XRF and XRD analytical techniques were conducted on the sample. XRF analysis provided us with the sample’s elemental composition. The results indicated that this could be a meteorite. The XRF results were well correlated with the XRD results. The sample is mainly composed of forsterite (Mg2SiO4), anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8), which is the end member of the plagioclase group orthopyroxene, troilite (FeS), and Kamacite (Fe, Ni), which is found on Earth only in meteorites. The presence of metal inclusions and the mineralogy of the rock in the XRD pattern suggested that it is an ordinary chondrite, the most common type of stony meteorite. This paper will summarize our results in the search for meteorites.

The international public health is facing a problem of rapid transformation of existing ranges of environmental diseases and emergence of new disease outbreaks. These outbreaks are stipulated by increasing population mobility, trade of animal- and plant-originated product, the environmental and climatic changes. • The article presents a medico-geographical approach to the study of some environmental tick-borne diseases at the regional and local level in the Russian Far East along the Sino-Russian border for a period 2000–2020. • A series of thematic maps for tick-borne encephalitis, tick-borne borrelioses and tick-borne rickettsiosis of North Asia were created, showing the incidence and dynamics of disease distribution. The methods based on data aggregation using a “space–time cube” concept were tested to identify the hot spots and trends, as well as the spatial differences in epidemic patterns of the aforesaid diseases in Russian territories: the Amur Oblast, the Khabarovsk Krai, the Zabaikalsky Krai and the Jewish Autonomous Oblast. A logistic regression model was applied for testing a relation between the hot spots of a particular disease and a number of geographic factors, including the land cover type. • The preliminary analysis of sustainable ill-being for the studied diseases showed the predominant influence of the climatic and landscape factors, including the proportion of sparse forests and proportion of urbanized areas, which, however, requires some further research.

• Context/Purpose: The arrival of undocumented migrants in the European Union is a political, social and public health challenge. UMs require medical assistance from emergency health teams. This study aims to learn about the experiences of nurses and doctors in providing emergency care to these UMs. • Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. A sample of 17 nurses and physicians was selected through purposive and convenience sampling. Data were analyzed using Braun & Clarke thematic analysis. • Results: This study focuses on the emerging main theme: “Ensuring comprehensive emergency care,” which describes the experiences of nurses and physicians in providing care to UMs on arrival. • Interpretation: In line with other studies, healthcare providers perform clinical, social and humanitarian triage. The lack of time to detect infectious diseases, new pathologies and very vulnerable people, such as victims of human trafficking, stands out. Although nurses and physicians provide comprehensive care, there is a lack of psychological support and cultural adaptation interventions. • Conclusion: Doctors and nurses in emergency teams provide comprehensive care to UMs.

Cement production has a significant impact on the environment due to its high carbon footprint during production processes. Altering composition of concrete by reducing proportion of cement could be a way to contribute to climate change mitigation initiatives. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of using dry ryegrass as a partial replacement for cement to produce concrete. Seven concrete samples were prepared by mixing dry ryegrass with varying proportion (i.e., 0.0, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0 and 10.0%) with a readymade mix of concrete having a 10 to 20% cement ratio. The 28-day mechanical property (compressive strength) of the concrete samples was compared with the 28-day characteristic compressive strengths of the normal strength grades specified in NZS 3109. Samples with 2.0, 5.0 and 10.0% of dry ryegrass mixture did not have enough strength to withhold the compression test and quantifiable measurements could not be obtained. Samples with 1.0% of dry ryegrass mixture had negligible compression strength. The low compressive strength of the sample with 1.0, 2.0, 5.0 and 10.0% of dry ryegrass mixture was associated with the higher water retention by the grass present in the concrete mixture which prevented the curing process. The higher water retention also reduced the effective binding of the aggregate. Average compressive strength of the samples with 0.2 and 0.5% dry ryegrass mixture had 28.13 and 21.58 MPa, respectively. Sample with 0.2% dry ryegrass mixture can be applicable in heavy applications while sample with 0.5% dry ryegrass mixture can be applicable in light applications. Manufacturing a kg of cement produces a kg of CO2 thus, if 0.5% dry ryegrass mixture is used in concrete production, 0.5% CO2 emission can be reduced. However, even at 0.2% dry ryegrass mixing the strength reduced by 39%. So, it might not be reasonable to go for 0.5% carbon emission reduction at the cost of 40% strength reduction. The results confirmed that the use of dry ryegrass as a partial component of cement for the preparation of concrete is not justifiable.

Fluoride concentrations investigation in groundwater is very important, since groundwater is an essential commodity for social economic and human health development both in developed and in developing countries across the globe. The effects of fluoride consumption in water can be linked and attributed to hazardous health risk such as endemic, skeletal fluorosis and dental caries to list a few. The study is aimed at presenting a short review on fluoride concentrations in groundwater system within the basement complex of southwestern Nigeria, whereby zones with high elevated fluoride concentrations (F−) will be highlighted, which would serve as a guide for regulatory bodies to know the zones that require immediate attention. The range of F− in this study varied from 0.04 to 6.38 mg.l−1, with a mean of 1.21 mg.l−1. The mean of F− obtained is greater than the permissible limit of 1.0 mg.l−1 as recommended by the World Health Organization. It indicates that some zones require defluoridation to avoid some risks in future such as dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis.

Researchers have, over the years, noted the refraction-like property of flowline when it crosses the contact interface of different layers in a stratified medium. This is due to the different porosity viz-a-viz permeability characterizing each layer. It has been established that the path $$\left( {\theta_{\max } } \right)$$ θ max of maximum volume flux $$\left( {q_{\max } } \right)$$ q max deflects from the normal for a flow from a lower to higher porous medium (Ascending Flow-AF). In contrast, $$\theta_{\max }$$ θ max deflects toward the normal for the reverse flow system (Descending Flow-DF). This phenomenon is vital in understanding contaminant fluid flow and dispersion processes in stratified media and Enhance Oil Recovery (EOR) in stratified reservoirs. Currently, no study exists that analyzes and models the relationship between the porosity ratio $$\left( {\phi_{r} } \right)$$ ϕ r of the layers in contact with the resulting $$\theta_{\max }$$ θ max and volume flux (q) in both AF and DF systems, based on experimental data. Therefore, this study intends to highlight the flow dynamics based on $$\phi_{r}$$ ϕ r for both flow systems and also propose models which are valid in both systems for predicting $$\theta_{\max }$$ θ max and q. The data was obtained from a laboratory intermediate scale experiment of single-phase fluid flowing through 2-layer sand samples of known porosities and permeability. This study found that, due to the presence of the Capillary Barrier Effect (CBE) in AF systems, the mean q of such systems is lower than that of DF systems by a 95% confidence interval of 0.0096–0.0939 ms−1. Similarly, the standard deviation of the q of such systems is significantly lower than that of DF systems. In addition, $$\theta_{\max }$$ θ max is dependent on the flow system and would undergo a more significant change for a unit change in $$\phi_{r}$$ ϕ r in AF systems than in DF systems. The q associated with any $$\theta$$ θ is more heavily dependent on the flow system. Furthermore, two models valid in both flow systems have been proposed. The models could be used to predict the $$\theta_{\max }$$ θ max , and the q associated with any deflection angle (θ) based on the porosity ratio $$\left( {\phi_{r} } \right)$$ ϕ r of any 2-layer stratified medium. The results obtained from this work could apply to optimizing CBE covers used to protect groundwater from contamination and improve water retention capacity in plants’ root zone. In addition, including the obtained models and interpretation in the smart-injection wells’ algorithm could help improve the EOR capability by guaranteeing an early breakthrough.

The aim of this work was to explore the environmental, social, and urban dimensions of connectivity in three rivers affected by urban environments in Mexico: Atoyac River in Puebla, Paisanos River in San Luis Potosí and Pueblito River in Querétaro. Environmental connectivity was studied by combining water quality results with Riparian Quality Index (RQI). Social connectivity was studied by applying a survey, while urban connectivity was elucidated through cartographic analysis of the three cases. Findings indicate that the social connectivity of rivers is closely related to the type of context. In urban settings, people attribute negative connotations to rivers, such as insecurity and pollution. This same context has impacted the quality of the water and riverbanks in the three rivers studied, to such a degree that their main biophysical characteristics, their biodiversity and their morphology have been modified, which was determined through notable changes in RQI. Regarding urban connectivity, industrial land uses and poor sanitation services cause degradation of the riparian conditions and water quality of these urban rivers. It was also seen that healthy rivers have potential as green axes for recreation, leisure and as connectors for the structure, infrastructure, and urban equipment in developing countries such as Mexico.

The peripheral sedimentary basins of Boudinar and Melilla-Nador located on the Moroccan Mediterranean coast have known important environmental changes during the Messinian. They are characterized by marl-diatomite alternation including cineritic intercalations. Sediments from four sections, located respectively in the Boudinar Basin and the Melilla-Nador Basin, were analysed in order to reconstruct the marine and continental environments during the pre-evaporitic Messinian. The detailed micropalaeontological and palynological study using planktonic foraminifera, pollen and dinocysts has allowed, on the one hand, to specify the chronostratigraphic context of these marno-diatomite alternations and, on the other hand, to characterize the paleoenvironmental evolution. From the detailed study of planktonic foraminiferal associations and previous data, the base of the marno-diatomic alternations in these basins is located around 7.24 Ma and the top is dated at 6.08 Ma. During the pre-evaporitic Messinian, between 7.24 Ma and 6.52 Ma the marine environment is relatively open and probably submitted to the action of upwellings. It was neritic tending to oceanic with warm surface water conditions. The vegetation was dominated by herbs that populate the plain, thermophilic trees that colonize the middle altitude, while the Avicennia mangrove, megatherm element, was developing on the coast. The climatic conditions were warm subtropical and dry at low altitude. After 6.35 Ma, the degradation of marine conditions and the trend towards a proximal environment start. The continental environment showed a less diversified flora and a landscape more open with herbaceous plants, reflecting the same climatic conditions but not much warm and more dry than before.

In this study, the number of cattle for the period 1961–2020 in Brazil was modeled with time series. The series is not stationary at the level, but becomes stationary after the first difference is taken. According to the autocorrelation (ACF) and partial autocorrelation (PACF) graphs of the first difference series, it is seen that the series has a first-order integrated moving average model (ARIMA (0,1,1)). According to the ARIMA (0,1,1) model, the forecast for the years 2021–2030 has been made. According to these model, there will be an increase of 12.72% in the number of cattle at the end of the next 10 years. The relationship between the cattle population and methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) values, which play an important role in climate change, was analyzed by regression analysis. The inverse regression model is the most suitable regression model for the cattle population with both methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) values. According to the inverse regression model, the R2 values for the bovine population-CH4 gas and cattle population-N2O relationship were found to be 0.904 and 0.936, respectively.

Under current global warming, water resources management is a worldwide challenge. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) recycle freshwater and protect the environment by reducing the discharged pollutant load into hydro-systems. The quality of treated wastewater depends on effluent physicochemical parameters and the efficiency of pollutant removal. However, the treatment process is vulnerable to climate change which can hinder wastewater treatment (WWT) efficiency. This study investigated the effect of climate parameters on the performance of WWTP based on total suspended solids (TSS) removal efficiency. Multi-scale temporal variations of chemical oxygen demand (COD), five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), biodegradability index (COD:BOD5 ratio) and TSS removal were monitored during 2015–2022 at a semi-arid WWTP receiving exclusively municipal wastewater from Ain Beida City (NE Algeria). The removal efficiency of TSS was excellent, with 99.7% of samples yielding more than 80% of TSS reduction. The variation of COD, BOD5, TSS removal and effluent biodegradability index was significant among and within the studied years. The obtained results indicated that the correlations between TSS removal and the biodegradability index were statistically significant. The redundancy analysis examining the relationships between climate parameters and wastewater variables revealed that BOD5 was positively correlated with air temperatures and wind speed, whereas COD was inversely related to precipitation, air humidity, and rainy and snowy days. TSS removal seemed not to be affected by climatic factors as the WWT efficiency was excellent regardless of the quality of effluent sewage or local meteorological conditions. This study suggests that addressing the effects of weather events on effluent quality and WWT process helps improve the performance of municipal WWTPs for the proper functioning of the biological process of wastewater purification.

Context/Purpose: To get reliable information on soil organic matter, its separation or fractionation is required. Membrane fractionation is applicable to particles from 10 Da to several hundred micrometers in size. The focus of the study was on typical-chernozem narrow fractions of water-extractable organic matter (WEOM) from a cascade of membrane filters. Methods: Micro-/ultrafiltration through polycarbonate and PET track-etched membranes with pore sizes of 0.01–10 µm at room temperature was used. Results/Interpretation: Narrow WEOM fractions differ significantly in both organic and mineral constituents. For macro- and microelements, Al, Fe, and Ti are primarily observed in the fractions above 0.2 µm; Ba, Mn, Si, Zn, Ca, K, S, and Mg, in < 0.2 µm. By FTIR and ICP–AES, all narrow fractions contain clay minerals of variable composition. All fractions contain intensely fluorescing humic- and tyrosine-like components with variable composition. Conclusion: Thus, WEOM of different compositions is absorbed by clay minerals of different compositions. The developed approach provides preparative isolation of WEOM fractions and expands knowledge on WEOM chemical composition and its relationship with mineral phases.

This study provides baseline concentrations of major, trace (TE), and rare-earth elements (REEs) in the tropical lake bottom sediments and links the spatial variability of the elements to the controlling geochemical factors. The surface bottom sediment samples were collected in 10 water reservoirs in the Dak Lak Province of Central Vietnam. The concentrations of 57 elements were determined by atomic emission and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-AES; ICP-MS). The potential contamination of bottom sediments was evaluated by calculating the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor (EFAl and EFFe). The special goal of this study was the calculation of the local enrichment factor (LEF). Cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to the enrichment factor distribution in order to indicate the element associations and their geochemical sources in various lakes. The values of the geochemical indices suggest low pollution of the lake bottom sediments. The found LEF values may be used as a background for long-term monitoring of potential hazardous elements in the region. Multivariate analysis shows that high spatial variability of element concentrations in lake bottom sediments is related to mineralogical provenance rather than to the age of the water reservoir, organic matter, and granulometric fraction content. The results suggest that application of the selected multivariate analyses (CA and PCA) to enrichment factor (EFFe) distribution has potential as a tool for identifying risk-elements and fingerprinting geochemical provenance even if applied to the limited geochemical data set.

The relevance of this study is that no alluvial deposits of the Khvalynian time (Late Pleistocene) are found in the geological outcrops along the Lower Volga river. In this regard, the question arises of where the Volga channels were located in the NW Caspian Lowland at that time. Baer knolls are widespread in the northern Caspian Lowland. The spatial location of the knolls and their morphological preservation provided evidence for the reconstruction of the palaeo-flow network. There were western branch of the Volga located along the foot of the Eastern Ergeni slopes, as a result of which the Sarpa-Davan paleochannels were formed, the eastern branches of that delta flowed into the solonchak Khaki. In the positioning of the modern Volga-Akhtuba floodplain there was probably a small central branch. At that time, the Lower Volga had multiple terminal distributary channels at different scales. There was a large delta, the size of which was much larger than the modern one. Its area was comparable to the Lena Delta. Main branches were interconnected by an extensive system of small rivers, the relief of which is still preserved. Thus, Volga had another channel net during the Khvalynian time.

Many are the geological lessons that have been learnt from the Moroccan desert. The Ibn Battuta Centre has installed a field facility and organized numerous exploration and field missions related to the Moon and Mars. Morocco can be used as an example of ISRU in an extreme environment. We are investigating the local Moroccan rocks, soils and conducting tests for the creation of planetary settlements on both the Moon and Mars understanding how the study of the past can guide the vision of the future. The first planetary outposts will likely be built telerobotically via ISRU relying on remote sensing. In situ resources will no doubt be combined with modern construction methodologies to innovate. The lessons learnt from Morocco on Earth in terms of ISRU will be applied as we venture onto other planets: exploiting the resources found locally. An ISRU unpressurised building concept is likely to be used as a first outpost shielding a pressurized structure within that will house the astronauts. Lunar rocks such as basalt, pristine rocks, breccias and impact melts are materials that are local and can be used for a lunar outpost utilizing several technics. On Mars, mudstone, sandstone, shale, conglomerates and basalt are amongst the most common and have several applications themselves for the construction of an outpost. Utilizing materials that are local will create a new type of architecture inspired by the possibilities of the indigenous resources.

Carbonate dunes are relevant coastal landforms and record sedimentary and geomorphological past conditions, frequently related to archaeological and paleopedological evidence. The study of these landforms contributes to the comprehension of paleoenvironmental and paleogeographical modifications. The carbonate dunes are common features on Mediterranean coasts, but in the international literature, they are almost unknown in the littoral of Portugal. The excellent state of the art presented by Brooke (Brooke Earth-Science Reviews 55:135–164, 2001) only mentions the Eolianites of Madeira Island (Goodfriend et al. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 120:195–234, 1996).

The Kastanozems occupying the sloped lands of the Danube watershed in North Bulgaria are imposed to the risk of soil water erosion. The long-term field experiments carried out in the experimental field near the village of Trastenik in the Ruse region provided a valuable information on the run-off and soil losses under different management practices and grown crops. In order to enlarge in space and time information for the soil erosion processes, we applied the SWAT model (Arnold et al., 2012) on a small watershed including the territory of the experimental field. The simulations were carried out using long-term (1961–2022) climate data. The digital elevation model was used for delineating sub-basins, while soil and land use maps were used for delineation of the hydrological response units (HRU). Three scenarios for the agricultural lands were investigated—continuous growing of winter wheat or maize and crop rotation. The outcomes of the model were compared with the available measured data for the run-off and soil erosion losses under maize and wheat, and a reasonable coincidence was found.

In the Rif Mountain belt, landslides affecting the slopes constitute a major obstacle for the development of urban and sub-urban extensions and hinder infrastructure implementation and even food production projects in the region. Moreover, the interaction of the socioeconomic development and these instability phenomena significantly increases, which urges identifying the influencing parameters and prioritizing areas of risk to maximize harm reduction and to avoid costly outcomes. In the present study, we will address the risk of landslides at a broad scale as well as at detailed scale in the territory of Moulay Yacoub province. The latter is dominated by marly hills where the predisposition factors are mainly the slope gradient, lithology, and rainfall without omitting the anthropogenic factors. At a broad scale, the evaluation of the parameter-control level showed that anthropogenic factors are strongly involved, especially the land use, where the conversion of brushwood areas to cereal farming lands, which dominate the territory, highly increases the predisposition of slopes to shallow landslides as earthflows and soil creep phenomena. On a detailed scale, the characterization of the landslide hazard in the urban perimeter of Moulay Yacoub town showed that most buildings of the latter suffer from varying levels of damage related to the lithological, climate, and geomorphic settings of the site. In fact, the slopes of the town are affected by deep slides (exceeding 15 m in certain cases), whose rupture surfaces exploit the lithological contrast between the weathered layer and the compacted marls bedrock. The monitoring campaign using inclinometers data and PS-INSAR results show that these slides evolve with rotational components and are very slow. The analysis of the rainfall data and the displacement velocities show that the acceleration events follow the relatively long rainfall periods. Furthermore, the analysis of the damage confirms that the highly damaged constructions are located on the main scarps of the slides. Indeed, this present study highlights the complementarity of techniques used in this multi-disciplinary approach and the interest of the use of heuristic and statistical methods at a broad scale in the evaluation of predisposing factors and consequently the identification of high-risk areas, which presents an anticipatory move before any urban project planning or other.

To characterize the flux of detritic sediments through the hydrographic network toward the Mediterranean Sea, five 45 cm deep cores and 18 surface samples were taken at the mouths of the wadis of Tunis Golf (wadis Majerda, Meliane, El Bey, and Abid). The description of the five drill cores made at the wadi mouths is based on the texture or type of facies, the size of particles of biological origin (fauna and flora), the color of sediments, and the distribution of fractions above 63 µm. The Majerda Delta lithologic profile is divided into three levels of silty clay. New estuary deposits are as typical as old estuary deposits. The profile of wadi Meliane is formed by sand columns of the same texture but different fauna colors and sizes. Wadi El Bey’s profile shows a series of black and grayish sand horizons. At the mouth of wadi Abid, a series of sand horizons distinguishes this profile from other profiles. It is noted here that there is abundant coarseness, equivalent to 90% of the total sediment from 15 cm. The influx of detritic inputs into the Mediterranean Sea in the Gulf of Tunis through the water network is formed by strongly carbonized quartz deposits northeast and slightly south of the bay. These inputs are finer in the Majerda Delta, more uniform in particle size, and rich in hyperfine fractions (<2 µm), but vary from moderate to moderate in the south of the bay (wadis El Bey and Abid). Sediments are characterized by “graded suspension” type. It refers to classified substances transported by undercurrents and leads to the deposition of typical river channels. X-ray diffraction mineralogical analysis identified the following non-clay minerals: quartz, calcite, halite, and hematite. All sediments are rich in calcite and quartz. Halite and hematite are found in minimal amounts at the mouth of the Medjerda Delta. Clay mineral are composed by smectite, illite, and kaolinite.

Water is a limiting resource for dryland vegetation, and vegetation biomass, composition, and phenology are directly dependent on highly variable water availability and close linkages between water availability and vegetation dynamics that characterized arid and semiarid ecosystems. Dryland perennial vegetation commonly forms isolated patches interspersed with bare soil areas that usually exhibit high runoff rates, while vegetated areas act as runoff sinks, re-infiltrating most of this run-on. Thus, dryland ecosystems usually act as complex ecohydrologically coupled systems in which water and sediment redistribution from bare areas controls ecosystem functioning and increases vegetation productivity. In the present study, we analyze the response of Macrochloa tenacissima to run-on exclusion during two years in a semiarid ecosystem located in Almeria (SE Spain). To do this, we established eight experimental plots, including one plant of M. tenacissima per plot. For four of them, run-on from upstream areas was excluded, whereas the rest of plots were maintained as control open plots (receiving runoff from upstream interplant spaces). All the plants were scanned by using a terrestrial laser scanner, and we measured their spectral response, at the beginning and the end of the experiment. From the plant point clouds, we estimated total above ground biomass per plant and total photosynthetically active biomass. Also, we periodically monitored plant phenology and productivity, measuring leaf photosynthesis on the different plants and their spectral response. In addition, we continuously monitored soil water content at two depths and soil CO2 molar fraction. The results showed that plants receiving run-on showed more photosynthetically active biomass and net C uptake rates than plants under run-on exclusion treatment. The observed differences between treatments increase with time and were especially accentuated after rainfalls, when the differences in water availability were more pronounced. Our findings highlight the important role that the supply of water from run-on plays for dryland vegetation. In this sense, any alteration on unvegetated spaces may also have an important effect on vegetation productivity, like those pushed by the alteration in precipitation pattern, reducing vegetation biomass and their capacity to respond to water pulses.

The Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum event is worldwide associated with significant paleoenvironmental changes and global sea level rise. The eustasy across the late Paleocene-early Eocene, particularly in the PETM interval, was studied in the Roman Bridge section (southern Tethyan margin, Tunisia). The eustatic PETM sequence, its parasequences, and its key surfaces (sequence boundaries (SB), maximum flooding surface (MFS)) are disentangled by the evolution of Sr/Ca, (Zr/Rb)/Ca ratios and Mn content. The various system tracts of the third-order depositional PETM sequence, spanning the lowermost Zone P5-middle part of Zone E2, are well resolved in the PETM interval. During the transgressive system tract, a conspicuous rise in Sr/Ca, (Zr/Rb)/Ca ratios, and the P/B ratio is noticed. The MFS is indicated by a prominent peak in (Zr/Rb)/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios and punctuated glauconite percentage increase. The Sr/Ca, (Zr + Rb)/Ca ratios, and P/B ratio perceptibly decrease continuously during the highstand system tract. The Mn element is highly sensitive to sea level fluctuations. Traditionally, Mn should mimic the same trend of the afore-cited geochemical elements and ratios. However, in our case, the Mn flux exhibits anomalous behavior. The Mn content falls with rising sea level, reaching its minimum around the maximum flooding surface before increasing again in the overlying highstand system. The exceptional transient change in Mn content stems from the prevalence of suboxic conditions and oxygen–water depletion during the PETM in the studied section. This ascertainment suggests that the Mn element is unreliable for sea level variations depiction during oxygen-depleted hyperthermal periods.

One of the most important physical properties of soils is their compactness related to grain size. This property is one of the main parameters in assessing the passability of soils by off-road vehicles (especially tractors, rescue, and military vehicles). The aim in the presented study was to test the bearing capacity of soils in the Czech Republic in order to assess the mobility of off-road vehicles. Soil penetrometry and analysis of soil samples, taken in the field from places where were performed, soil penetrometric measurements were used as the main method for assessing soil compaction. The measurement sites were selected to represent the main soil types in the Czech Republic in terms of their occurrence and the size of their area. Although soil types were determined from previous measurements and tests, samples were newly taken from each site for laboratory analyses of soil granularity. Measurements and sampling were performed from 3 representative surface layers (0–15 cm, 15–30 cm and 30–45 cm). Each of these layers corresponds to the respective influence of the vehicle type (light, medium, and heavy vehicles) on the subsoil. The main results of field measurements include the determination of the Cone Index (CI), Remolding Index (RI) values, which are the most important for assessing the passability of the terrain. These values were compared with the vehicle cone index (VCI) values, representing the technical characteristics of the vehicles, in particular their pressure per area unit. Determining the soil granularity of individual tested soil species was an important result, necessary for the inclusion of soils in the international soil classification system—Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). The achieved results document the most extensive campaign of penetrometric measurements, covering the entire territory of the Czech Republic. The methods used and the results obtained can be used not only for determining the terrain passability for military vehicles, but also for any off-road vehicles used in agriculture, in the integrated rescue system, but also for any vehicles moving in open terrain.

The objective of this study was to find the correlation between spectral reflectance of the arable soil surface and the main parameters of soil fertility in the visible spectral range based on proximal sensing data, to model relationship between soil fertility and spectral reflectance, and to determine whether the discovered correlations can be applied to satellite data. The majority of present methods for collecting information about the main soil agrochemical characteristics in the field are laborious and time-consuming. Moreover, as a rule, heterogeneity within the fields is not taken into account, which results in irrational fertilizer application, soil degradation, and environmental problems. Thus, it is crucial to develop methods that allow obtaining reliable information about soil parameters timely without applying extra efforts in the fields. We examined test field with gray forest soils (Phaeozems Albic). We have applied multiple regression modeling for soil properties prediction. The results demonstrated that each field requires its unique equation model. High correlation was shown for several soil properties. The best linear regression models have shown for exchangeable calcium R adj 2  = 0.76, for exchangeable magnesium R adj 2  = 0.79, for soil organic matter (SOM) content R adj 2  = 0.87, for total Nitrogen, R adj 2  = 0.89, for pH of salt extract, R adj 2  = 0.859. Using cross-validation, we evaluated the predictive capacity of the spectral indices. A number of spectral indices were proposed to predict the properties mentioned. The use of these indices allows to receive the relevant data (on soil properties) quickly and reduce the fertilizer costs and optimize crop growth.

The aim of this study was to characterize the particles and pores size distributions of coarse textured soils and to relate them with the indicators for soil physical quality. Four sites in the region of Blagoevgrad, southwestern Bulgaria were selected. The dominant plants grown in the region are tobacco and vegetables on coarse textured Eutric Leptic Cambisols and Fluvisols. The analyzed soil physical properties were particles size distribution, soil water retention curves (SWRC), pore size distribution, soil aggregate size distribution and water stability of soil aggregates. The particles’ size distribution was approximated by the two-parameter equation of Rosin and Rammler (Eq. 1), and the pore size distribution was derived from the SWRC using the capillary rise equation of Young–Laplace. The SWRCs were approximated with the van Genuchten equation (Eq. 2) (van Genuchten, 1980). Several indicators of soil physical quality were also derived from the obtained experimental data. The studied soils have lower relative field capacity (0.43–0.53) than the optimal value and a high aeration capacity (23–29% volume of air-filled pores at matric potential pF1.7). A statistically significant relationship was found between the measures of particles size spread (β in Eq. 1) and of pores size distribution (n in Eq. 2) as well between W at pF2.5 (pores < 9 μm) and the coarseness of particles (α* in Eq. 1).

The objective of this study was to determine the most appropriate pedotransfer functions for the soil bulk density prediction in depth for virgin and arable soils. The statistical analyses were performed on datasets containing 578 records for the soil bulk density, soil texture fractions, humus/SOC and carbonate contents at different soil depths from virgin and arable lands. We used data from our surveys as well published data by others. The pedotransfer functions were derived separately for virgin and arable lands and for datasets containing textural fractions determined according to the Katchinski method and according to the ISO 11277:2009. Mean absolute errors of the multiple regression equations were 0.07–0.10 g cm−3, and R adj 2  = 69–71% for the virgin soil profiles. The prediction accuracy of Db of the arable soils was lower and corresponded in most case to Db of the equilibrium state. The advantage of local calibration and deriving of the most appropriate relationships stemmed from the available proxy variables and the methods used for their determination (e.g., soil particles size analyses).

A few studies on residual and saprolitic soils of volcanic origin similar to those encountered in Mauritius have been conducted so far. Past research projects on these soils have shown a divergence in the bonding characteristics where very weak bonding was present in a sampled saprolitic soil and no bonding was seen in a sampled residual soil. In order to establish a framework for these soils, it is important to conduct in-depth testing for soils from other regions of Mauritius. Two sites were identified around Cote D’Or region (around 5 kms apart) where rapid construction development is ongoing. Block samples from depths of 1 m to 4 m were retrieved and analysed under scanning electron microscope to determine the micro-grains patterns and impact on the physical properties. Consolidated undrained tests were also carried out on soil samples in both undisturbed and remoulded states. It has been observed that these two sites have more pronounced bonding characteristics even at high confining pressures, compared to previous research carried out on other soils in Mauritius where no bonding and very weak bonding were reported. The remoulded soils are found to behave as normally consolidated soils, and cohesion in undisturbed materials is found to decrease with depth. This research adds knowledge to the bonding characteristics of residual and saprolitic soils where materials can vary from unbonded to highly bonded.

Soil reinforcement using short discrete fibres as a mechanical stabilisation method has been recently gaining attention in its versatility in improving the engineering properties of soils. In this study, the effect of short randomly distributed glass fibres (RDF) on a tropical fine-grained soil was investigated. A series of California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests and unconfined compressive strength tests were performed at the respective optimum water content and maximum dry density at fibre contents of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%. The results showed that the fibre reinforcement caused an increase in unsoaked CBR with an optimum increase of 45% at 1.0% fibre. The fibres were still effective in the soaked state despite lowered CBR in the range of 6–13%. A decrease in swelling potential was observed and was pronounced at fibre contents of 1.5%. It was observed that the unconfined compressive strength increased up to 1.0% and then declined at higher fibre contents. The reinforced specimens failed at higher strains, exhibited reduced post-peak loss in strength and showed some ductility. The unconfined compressive tests indicated that the undrained shear strength of the reinforced soil showed improvements up to 88% over the unreinforced soil. An optimum fibre content on this basis was identified in the range of 1.0% to 1.5% fibre, and noticeable decrease in strength was apparent beyond 1.5%. This phenomenon was attributed to the decrease in fibre-soil interaction. Moreover, a ductile behaviour was observed with all reinforced specimens which maintained higher residual shear strength compared to unreinforced soil. This behaviour reduced the post-peak loss in strength and was physically accompanied by fewer crack formations. The performance of the soil has been improved by the addition of glass fibre, and it was identified that about 1.0% fibre would be optimal overall.

Estimation of the soil loss spatial differentiation is demanded in soil and environmental studies and land management. It appears valuable also when implementing precision farming principles. Generally, soil loss estimation assumes multiple in situ at-a-point assessments of soil loss. Reliable techniques for indirect assessment and geospatial interpolation remain awaited for implementation in this domain. In the current publication, we describe a step-by-step computational methodology for data processing developed for an experimental area. Additionally, we summarize recommendations for the methodology application for the study of arable planes characterized by polygonal-block micro-scale landforms.

The Tabernas desert occupies an area of about 150 km2 and contains one of the best-preserved badlands in the Mediterranean. Besides its many geological interests, the area has unique ecological features like rare endemic plant species and biocrusts. Part of the area has no specific protection for its many geofeatures. In recent years, because the high number of annual hours of sunshine, the area is attracting solar power plants from large companies, which might jeopardize the future of this unique landscape. The purpose of this paper is to assess the geotourist and conservation merits of the area to be included in a future Geopark. The assessment is based on known indicators evaluating the scientific, educational, and geotourist values of the Tabernas badlands. We also provide notorious, well-documented geofeatures as well as the major threats in this area. In addition to the badlands, the Tabernas desert contains nine inventoried sites of geological interest and five in its close vicinity. In addition, Cabo de Gata UNESCO Geopark is located 60 km from this site. The area has been the subject of over 150 international scientific papers in recent decades. Since the 60 s, the Tabernas Desert has attracted the attention of many moviemakers, especially the “western type”. Three “western villages” remain as tourist attractions. Recurrent movies, TV series, commercials, and landscape photographers show their permanent interest. There are many reasons for the protection of this environment for future generations though only two are mentioned here: (1) the dominant lithology, flysch-type sedimentary rocks and gypsiferous marls provide a profusion of notorious geomorphic features though prone to occasional, localized high erosion rates; (2) the high cover of fragile biocrusts carpet and protect from erosion about one-third of the unprotected area. Allowed activities should be those related to sightseeing and educational tourism. Present adventure tourism and some sports activities lack regulation and could be a threat to the future.

The ceramics from the excavation of Porta Reno (Ferrara, Italy) consist of fire pots and amphorae for domestic use. To better characterize these ceramics, a petro-archeometric investigation was carried out to define the compositional, textural, and structural characteristics of these finds. The aim of this work was to obtain the widest possible knowledge of part of the medieval ceramic materials collected, identifying the raw materials, and firing processes thanks to microscopic, X-ray fluorescence, and X-ray diffraction analyses.

The Basilica of the Beata Vergine Maria del Rosario of Polesella, the subject of this study, was built in the mid-eighteenth century in the village of Polesella (in the province of Rovigo, Veneto Region, Italy). Some restoration work on the Basilica has been necessary for recent years; this has allowed sampling of interior plasters on which preliminary microanalyses have been performed to better characterize the building materials used, in support of subsequent repair work. Among the many planned restoration works, interventions on the interior walls were, in addition, also planned. For this, the interior plasters and interior painting of the church were studied through observations with SEM–EDS. The objective of this work is mainly to show how archeometric analyses can be a valuable tool to improve the knowledge and characterization of the materials used, in this case, on some decorative elements of the Basilica. In particular, regarding the frescoes, the research was also aimed at identifying the type of pigments used by the author Luigi Battisti, believed to be the author of some of the works on display.

The paper presents the preliminary results of paleopedological studies of the complex archeological site Bolshoi Salym 4, located in the central part of the West Siberian Plain. The study results have shown that the strata within this locality is complicated by polygonal paleocryogenic structures, filled with the material of Early Holocene paleosols, and in a number of sections containing large amounts of stone tools and waste products of the Mesolithic origin. The mentioned above structures and cultural layers are overlapped with aeolian coversands. The results of morphological, micromorphological and sedimentological analysis supported the idea of complex paleopedogenic and paleocryogenic genesis of these structures. Most likely, the ancient population has initially settled within the cryogenic landscape, but the warming of the climate led to the thawing of permafrost and further activation of aeolian activity.

Geotourism is described as an innovative and alternative tourism activity to the inherited practices of mass tourism. With its geographical position close to the major tourist emitting markets, its civilizational heritage and the natural wonders of the Atlas chain, Morocco has a strong potential for the development of mountain tourist activity. This study concerns the promotion and development of natural heritage of a rural circuit in the central Moroccan High Atlas Mountains. The emphasis is placed on an explicit description of the outstanding geological and geomorphological characteristics of 13 selected geomorphosites along the route which are often visited without any information about Earth sciences. This selection was based on geological and geomorphological observations and analyses during field visits and following interviews with local tourist operators. These characteristics are examined while referring to past and current processes of modification of the natural landscape. Criteria indicators and parameters used for the quantitative assessment of the selected sites focused on the geological, landscape, ecological, cultural and economic values. Five geomorphosites got a high score according to this assessment and should be utilized in corresponding activities and highlighted in the numerical application we are developing. Similarly, those that have a low index need of promotion. In conclusion, the inventory and preliminary geomorphosites assessment revealed possibilities for geotouristic activities that they can be offers in the study area. The contribution of such work linked to a local participatory approach in the definition of regional tourist routes is discussed.

The 1618 Piuro landslide (Val Bregaglia, Italy) is known as one of the most catastrophic historical landslides in the Central Alps, which destroyed an ancient village and claimed at least 1000 casualties. The town of Piuro was famous for its opulence and commercial strategic role. Since the half of the twentieth century, the remains of buried buildings were discovered. Among them, the famous Palazzo Belfort survived the landslide although it was partly destroyed by the shock wave. The Belfort buildings were constructed on an ancient alluvial terrace between the trunk river and the northern valley slope, leaned against a boulders deposit. Archaeological excavations revealed some parts of the ancient Piuro town providing hints on the pre-event landscape. By coupling these observations with geological and geomorphological surveys, geomechanical investigations, well-log and geophysical data, a reconstruction of the landslide deposit was obtained. The integrated use of different 3D survey techniques such as Long- and Medium-Range Terrestrial Laser Scanner and Backpack Mobile Mapping System permitted to obtain a multi-resolution Digital Terrain Model of the area, with a resolution of 0.50 m for the Piuro valley floor and of 0.10 m at the Belfort site. Coupling these models with geological analyses, an interpretation of the pre-1618 landscape of the Belfort archaeological area is proposed, to understand the setting of the village and its subsequent evolution. This study developed in the framework of the Interreg V-A IT-CH 2014–2020 Cooperation Program-Axis 2 “Cultural and natural enhancement”. A.M.AL.PI.2018—ID 594,274 with the aim to increase the awareness of natural hazards in mountain settings and to promote a risk and resilience culture.

Small ports such as tourist marinas play a key role in tourism in the cities of the north-central Adriatic Sea. After their construction, regular maintenance activities in port areas must be associated with constant sediment monitoring, among which grain size characterization is strongly recommended. This paper presents the results of the particle size characterization of sediments collected at the three test sites in the central-northern Adriatic Sea as part of the Interreg ECOMAP Project. The investigated areas are Marina Dorica (Ancona), Porto Baseleghe (Bibione—Province of Venice) in Italy, and Spinut Marina (Split) in Croatia. This study suggests that the shape of the harbor strongly influences the particle size distribution of sediment in the port areas under study. This may also have a direct impact on the accumulation of pollutants in different areas of the harbors due to the toxic and long-lasting effects of the contaminants buried in them. Recreational boat careening activities can, for example, be an important source of metal contamination in marinas. Considering the main results obtained in the present study, brief guidelines are proposed for a cost-effective and fast monitoring of tourist ports.