Volume 27 (2021): Issue 1 (April 2021)

A transgression of the Tethys Ocean occurred in east central Iran, like in other areas of the Tethys Ocean, around the Yakhtashian/Bolorian (regional chronostratigraphical units corresponding with the Artinskian/Kungurian of the Early Permian) transition. This led to the development of a carbonate platform that is represented in the Shirgesht area on the northern part of the Tabas Block by the Bagh-e-Vang Formation, which constitutes the only known sedimentary unit from the late Early Permian in Iran. Field data and thin-section analysis indicate deposition on a carbonate ramp with barriers separating a lagoonal area with intertidal mud flats from the open-marine environment. The overall transgressive development is indicated by the presence of open-marine sediments on top of the barrier and lagoonal sediments.

Analyses of sedimentology, ichnology and depositional environments of Langhian–Tortonian siliciclastic deposits in the southern Tebessa Basin (eastern Algeria) have revealed a tidally dominated deltaic setting with a high concentration of vertical burrows. From south to north, two depositional environments are here distinguished in the Tebessa Basin: a subaerial lower delta plain in the Oum Ali region with the trace fossils Ophiomorpha and Skolithos linearis, and a proximal delta front with numerous Skolithos, situated in the Hjer Essefra area. The occurrence of Skolithos pipe rock in this Miocene subtidal domain is unusual. Pipe rocks have been commonly reported from shallow and well-oxygenated environments, especially from Cambrian strata; their number decreased significantly during the Ordovician, coupled with an increase in biodiversity. Here different deltaic subenvironments and tidal signals that are exceptionally well preserved in outcrops are analysed and interpreted. Different ichnotaxa are briefly described, and the uncommon density and size of Skolithos pipe-rock in these Miocene strata are discussed.

In the present work measurements of chloride concentrations were used to assess the variability of infiltration conditions and contributions of surface water and local groundwater to the discharge of wells at Krajkowo riverbank filtration site (western Poland). Tests were performed on samples from 26 wells located in a well gallery close to the River Warta. Due to higher chloride concentrations in river water in comparison with local groundwater, significant differences in concentrations in samples from individual wells were noted. In particular, lower chloride concentrations in 11 wells were recorded, which can be linked to the local occurrence of low-permeability deposits in the superficial zone; a locally higher degree of riverbed sediment clogging in the highly convex meandering zone, where strong erosion of the riverbed occurred, which in turn led to increased clogging; the occurrence of a more intensive groundwater inflow into the river valley due to water infiltration from a smaller river entering the River Warta valley, as well as unfavourable conditions for the infiltration of surface water to the lower part of the aquifer with a greater thickness. Differences in chloride concentrations observed were also used to quantify approximately river water contribution to the well production. The average contribution of the River Warta to the recharge of the entire well gallery was estimated at 59.8%.

Although deltas and subaqueous fans are both formed in the same near-shore zones of basins, the hydraulic conditions for their formation, development and sedimentary records are different. The present review discusses the results of previously published studies of fan deltas (Gilbert-type deltas) and subaqueous fans of lacustrine and glaciolacustrine environments. The depositional mechanisms of deltas and subaqueous fans, textural and structural features of the lithofacies associations and their typical lithofacies are presented. The characteristics of subaqueous fans, which are still relatively poorly understood and are often overlooked in sedimentological interpretations of lacustrine sedimentary successions, receive particular attention. The palaeoenvironmental and lithological differences between deltas and sub-aqueous fans are highlighted.

Colour is a common physical property in exposures of unique geological objects, but is only marginally addressed in geoheritage literature. We here present our point of view on how this feature can be treated in geoheritage studies, with the general aim at setting up a broad discussion. Three functions of colour in geoheritage are outlined, namely geological interpretation (e.g., compositional and genetic peculiarities of sedimentary rocks), higher visibility due to colour contrast and aesthetic attractiveness to geotourists. Assessment of colour at geosites is challenging, especially because of uncertain colour nomenclatures. We propose to focus on colour identification, calculation of the number of colours, qualitative evaluation of colour contrast and comparison of colours of a given geological object to its landscape context. Geoheritage colours may have different meanings to geosite visitors, and colour-emotion associations revealed by national and international studies are important to trace these meanings.