JournalTOCs

Earth Science Research
Number of Followers: 10

This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Print) 1927-0542 - ISSN (Online) 1927-0550
Published by CCSE

[43 journals]

Analysis of Joints Patterns in Albian to Santonian Strata on the Eastern
Flank of the Abakaliki Anticlinorium: Implications on Paleostress
Conditions and Fluid Flow Properties in an Unconventional Petroleum System
- Abstract: An analysis of joint patterns were carried out on multiple exposures in Albian to Turonian strata belonging to the Abakaliki Formation (Asu River Group) and the Eze-Aku Formation (Eze-Aku Group) on the eastern flank of the Abakaliki Anticlinorium of the Southern Benue Trough. The analysis was carried out using FracPaQ a MATLAB based toolbox for quantification of fracture patterns. The tool was used to calculate fracture density, and intensity of the traces; to quantify scaling distributions, and to determine dilation tendencies, slip tendencies, and to quantify connectivity, and fluid flow directions. Analysis show the presence of two major joint systems: A Major Cross-Fold Joint (CF-J) system -orthogonal to the regional fold axes- consisting of the CF-J1 set trending NW/SE (315±5°), and a subordinate Longitudinal Joint System (L-J) -subparallel to the fold axes- consisting of a NE-SW L-j1 set, an ENE-WSW (60°±5°) L-j2 set, and an E-W trending L-j3 set. Fracture patterns show intensity and density ranging from 11.2395- 53.3443 m-1 and 85.2747- 629.5928 m-2 respectively. Joints in the NE-SW show high dilation and low slip tendencies given a NW-SE directed maximum principal horizontal stress σH stress field. The units of the Abakaliki Formation show better connectivity and lower permeability anisotropy as both fracture systems are well developed in those units. These joints, having formed in the period leading up to the Santonian inversion would have been ideal conduits for migration and flow of hydrocarbon and mineral fluids. The Cross-Fold System precedes the folding episode in the Santonian period and is likely a result of overpressure conditions due to disequilibrium compaction in the Albian- Turonian strata in an initial compressive regional tectonic stress field. The Longitudinal System formed later and is related to the outer-arc flexure of the folded units taking advantage of the nascent cleavage structures in the folded shale units.
  PubDate: Wed, 28 Jun 2023 03:15:22 +000
Effects of Variations in Earth’s Gravitational Force Fields on
Climate Change
- Abstract: World climate continues to deteriorate at varying rates in spite of different anthropogenic mitigative and adaptive interventions. Conversely, the gravitational force fields of the sun and moon hold Earth in orbit, amongst others. Herein, we explore the impacts of changes in these gravitational fields on global climate and examine their influences on natural events, such as ocean tides, volcanoes, geomagnetic storms and movement of tectonic plates. Beyond reports on greenhouse effect and mass transport, we discuss the influence of gravity on tidal bulges, melting glaciers, condensable atmosphere and other events, such as El Niño and La Niña, and correlate their typically subtle impacts on climate worldwide with variations in Earth’s gravity. The intention is to highlight other causative factors implicated in climatic change without diminishing the contributions of greenhouse gasses and other factors, which are currently regarded, by specialists and lay-public alike, as the major culprits of climate change. We submit that the shifts in Earth’s gravitational fields to sustain equilibrium and remain in orbit can manifest as perturbations of atmospheric temperatures, pressures and air concentrations as well as volume changes and ion effects; in hydrological bodies, and are some of the non-anthropogenic agents driving changes in global climate. We surmise, therefore, that the influence of changes in gravity, albeit subtle, on climate change is significant. It is envisaged that highlighting these subtle agents of change would intensify efforts toward ameliorating and/or eliminating drastic and deleterious changes in climate as well as at embracing adaptive measures at local and international levels.
  PubDate: Sun, 22 Jan 2023 02:52:32 +000
Using a New Cenozoic Glacial History Paradigm to Explain Saline-Smoky Hill
River Drainage Divide Area Topographic Map Evidence: Kansas, USA
- Abstract: A recently proposed glacial history paradigm (new paradigm) explains previously ignored Saline-Smoky Hill River drainage divide area topographic map drainage system and erosional landform evidence by headward erosion of the east-oriented Saline River valley across large and prolonged south-oriented meltwater floods which flowed in complexes of closely-spaced anastomosing channels. The eastward sloping drainage divide extends from the Saline River’s western Kansas headwaters between the Saline River (north) and the Smoky Hill River (south) until in central Kansas the Smoky Hill River turns in a southeast and then north direction to join the Saline River with their combined flow continuing as the Smoky Hill River in an east direction to join the Republican River with the combined flow then becoming the Kansas River. Evidence for closely-spaced south-oriented anastomosing channels consists of previously undescribed low points (divide crossings) which are found along the drainage divide and which link north-oriented Saline River tributaries with south-oriented Smoky Hill River tributaries. Evidence that Saline River valley headward erosion beheaded and reversed south-oriented anastomosing channels also consists of the numerous low points along the drainage divide and of barbed tributaries to the now north-oriented Saline River tributaries which suggest large south-oriented meltwater floods extended much further west than commonly accepted glacial history interpretations permit. The topographic map evidence is consistent with the new paradigm interpretation that a thick continental icesheet by its weight and by deep erosion created and occupied a deep “hole” as massive south-oriented meltwater floods flowed across the rising deep “hole” rim until the deep “hole” rim uplift diverted the floodwaters toward what became the deep “hole’s” only remaining southern outlet (the Mississippi River valley).
  PubDate: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 01:09:22 +000