bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated chronostratigraphy of the Pliocene-Pleistocene interval and its relation to the regional stratigraphical stages in the southern North Sea region
Authors: Kuhlmann G. , Langereis C.G. , Munsterman D. , van Leeuwen R.-J. , Verreussel R. , Meulenkamp J.E. , Wong Th.E.
Published: April 2016

Time-stratigraphic interpretations of Late Pliocene to Early Pleistocene sediments from onshore locations and from marginal marine settings of the North Sea Basin often refer to the subdivision of the Dutch and British ’Quaternary’ regional stratigraphic stages. Since age control for these stages and their stage boundaries are based on relative dating methods, in this study pollen, dinoflagellate cysts and foraminiferal assemblages were investigated to correlate the regional stratigraphic stages independently to the global chronostratigraphy and the paleomagnetic timescale. The data were obtained from eight boreholes located in the depocentre setting of the Late Pliocene North Sea Basin comprising a 1000 m thick sedimentary succession. The British Gedgravian and Waltonian stages, the Dutch Reuverian to Brunssumian as well as published foraminiferal zones (NSB 14, FB and the lower part of the FA2 zone) fall within the Zanclean and Piacenzian. The lower boundaries of the Pre-Ludhamian and Pretiglian stages and of the NSB 14 to 15 zones are close to the paleomagnetic Gauss-Matuyama boundary. The Pre-Ludhamian, Ludhamian, Thurnian and the Pretiglian, Tiglian A and Tiglian B stages presumably cover the marine isotope stages 103 to 95. It is proposed that the Ludhamian, Thurnian and the Tiglian A were short lasting, warm, periods during which sea level highstand facilitated sedimentary deposition at the marginal areas of the North Sea Basin. The lower boundary of the paleomagnetic Olduvai subchron is situated in the Tiglian Cl-4b stage while the TC4c stage is found within the Olduvai subchron. Foraminiferal NSB 15 and NSB 16 zone as well as the upper part of the FA2 and FA1 zone fall within the Gelasian and cover the Matuyama chron as well as the lower part of the Olduvai subchron. Comparison with formerly dated North Sea sediments shows a good agreement between foraminiferal zonations on a broader scale but significant differences in absolute ages occur. Strontium isotope values indicate approximately 1 Ma younger ages as expected from our chronostratigraphic model. This discrepancy is explained by the dominance of freshwater from river discharge contributing high amounts of eroded material to the basin, leading to an increase of the87Sr/86Sr ratio in the shelf-sea water.
Woodlands of the past — The excavation of wetland woods at Zwolle-Stadshagen (the Netherlands): Growth pattern and population dynamics of oak and ash
Authors: Sass-Klaassen U. , Hanraets E.
Published: April 2016

Dendrochronology has been used to date sub-fossil wood excavated from former wetland woods located in Zwolle-Stadshagen, the Netherlands. Tree-ring analysis was performed on oak and ash to gain insight into changes in the growth dynamics of the trees resulting from changes in external site conditions, particularly hydrology. In addition population dynamics of oak and ash were studied by observing the temporal distribution and mean age of the oak and ash trees in the period when the woodland existed. The results showed that woodlands with oak and ash at Zwolle-Stadshagen existed at least for a period of about 700 years, from ca. 150 BC to AD 580 (ca. 2200 - 1400 cal. BP). The oak and ash were slowly growing and showed alternating phases of normal and depressed growth. Growth depressions occurred with a frequency of about 20 to 40 years. Almost all of these depressions were synchronous with those in oaks from other - mainly wetland areas - in NW Europe. Consequently, a regional (climate) factor must be considered responsible for this phenomenon. By taking into account the specific growth conditions in wetland woods it is very likely that this factor is linked to site hydrology. Around AD 300 (ca. 1650 cal. BP) a remarkable shift in population dynamics occurred in both oak and ash with many new trees establishing. This indicates a period of striking changes in site hydrology preceding the collapse of the woodland starting around AD 530 (ca. 1420 cal. BP).
Modelling the hydrocarbon generation and migration in the West Netherlands Basin, the Netherlands
Authors: van Balen R.T. , van Bergen F. , de Leeuw C. , Pagnier H. , Simmelink H. , van Wees J.D. , Verweij J.M.
Published: April 2016

The hydrocarbon systems of the Mesozoic, inverted West Netherlands Basin have been analyzed using 2-D forward modelling. Three source rocks are considered in the modelling: Lower Jurassic oil-prone shales, Westphalian gas-prone coal deposits, and Lower Namurian oil-prone shales. The Lower Namurian hydrocarbon system of the basin is discussed for the first time.

According to the modelling results of the Early Jurassic oil system, the oil accumulations were filled just after the main inversion event. Their predicted locations are in agreement with exploration results. Modelling results of the Westphalian gas system, however, show smaller and larger sized accumulations at unexplored locations. The gas reservoirs were filled during the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous rifting phase. Results of modelling of the Lower Namurian oil system indicate that gas formed by secondary cracking of the oils can have mixed with the Westphalian coal-derived gas. Such a mixing is inferred from geochemical analyses. The existence of a Lower Namurian hydrocarbon system in the West Netherlands Basin implies that hydrocarbons are possibly trapped in the Westphalian and Namurian successions. These potential traps in the basin have not yet been explored.
Fracture networks in Rotliegend gas reservoirs of the Dutch offshore: implications for reservoir behaviour
Authors: Gauthier B.D.M. , Franssen R.C.W.M. , Drei S.
Published: April 2016

Fracture systems of Rotliegend gas fields in and at the margins of the northern Broad Fourteens Basin in the Dutch offshore are described in terms of orientation, frequency, origin and type, and in relation to larger-scale structures. First, fracture data collected from core and image logs have been corrected to account for the bias related to the 1-D sampling. Second, these results were integrated with data on fracture cements and diagenesis in order to assess the timing of the fracture network development.

On the basis of their regional extent three phases of fracturing and four orientation trends can be distinguished in the basin:

(1)

at Triassic times and related to early diagenesis and burial, NW-SE to NNW-SSE and NE-SW to ESE-WNW particulate-shear fractures developed;

(2)

during the Mid-Kimmerian and related to the main burial stage, shear-related and dilational-shear-fault-related fracturing occurred parallel with larger-scale faults;

(3)

during the Cretaceous and related to uplift, NW-SE and NE-SW joints propagated; a regional joint system developed outside the Jurassic rift basin, preferentially oriented E-W to ESE-WNW; these joints have not been dated accurately.

The fault-related shear fractures tend to compartmentalise the reservoirs, whereas the regional joints tend to enhance reservoir flow properties. These fracture systems are thought to play a negative or positive role, respectively, but only in fields with poor reservoir quality. Consequently, in such cases small-scale fractures should be taken into account in field development planning.
A seismologically motivated survey of blasting activity in the northern Rhine area
Authors: Hinzen Klaus-G. , Pietsch Stefan
Published: April 2016

Discrimination between quarry blasts and earthquakes has gained importance due to signature of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. In this context, large chemical explosions are significant. In the routine analysis of data from local seismograph networks, discrimination between smaller blasts and micro-earthquakes is not always clear. Many quarries are in operation and blasts far outnumber natural earthquakes in the highly industrialized northern Rhine area.

We compiled a list of active quarries in the Northern Rhine Area and mapped their locations. We then created a database from a questionnaire sent out to all quarries on the list. From the 33% of questionnaires that were returned, we discerned some representative values for the main blasting parameters and explosive consumption. In the study area of 72,000 km2, approx. 21,000 blasts are fired per year (80 per working day). Most of the blasts (72%) have total explosive charges between 400 and 4500 kg. Shots with charges above 10 tons are rare (20-30 per year). Some 80% of the blasts are ripple-fired with a nominal firing time interval of 20 ms.

Based on empirical amplitude vs. distance curves from vibration control measurements, a relation between maximum charge weight per delay time, L (kg), and a ‘quarry blast’ magnitude, MQB, is derived: MQB= 0.6·log10(L) + 0.131. Using this relation and extrapolating the database from the questionnaire shows that for magnitudes between 1 and 2, blasts occur 200–250 times more frequently than micro-earthquakes in the Northern Rhine area.
Wedge equilibrium in fold-and-thrust belts: prediction of out-of-sequence thrusting based on sandbox experiments and natural examples
Authors: Nieuwland D.A. , Leutscher J.H. , Gast J.
Published: April 2016

Thrust tectonics are dealt with on the basis of primarily experiments focusing on the dynamics of a developing thrust belt and on understanding and predicting normal-sequence and out-of-sequence thrusting. Field examples are presented in addition to the examples of sandbox-model experiments. The results have improved the insight into thrust-belt-forming mechanisms; the validity of the conclusions is supported by natural examples.

The experimental program was aimed at examining the effect of changes in a selection of key parameters in thrust tectonics on the geometry and the successive phases in the development of thrust sheets. Sandbox experiments were used to analyse the effects of basal friction, detachment lithology, basement relief and syntectonic sedimentation. Multilayer experiments were performed to simulate the effects of ductile detachment lithologies.

It was found that a thrust belt’s cross-sectional geometry is formed in a dynamic process during which the wedge may develop from subcritical through critical to supercritical and back to critical again. The process is illustrated with sandbox experiments, analysed by time-lapse computed tomography scans and in-situ stress measurements. On the basis of the sandbox-model results and the natural examples, we conclude that a critical examination of the boundary conditions of a fold-and-thrust belt and of changes in these conditions during the deformation process enables predictions about the geometry and kinematics of the thrust belt.
Subaerial terminoglacial fans III: overview of sedimentary characteristics and depositional model
Authors: Zieliński T. , van Loon A.J.
Published: April 2016

A general model is presented for the small type of fans (not to be confused with sandurs) that develop subaerially in the zone immediately before an ice front. These fans have in common with other fans that a proximal, a middle and a distal subenvironment– with distinctly different sedimentary facies– can be distinguished. The characteristics of these fans differ in several respects, however, from those formed under other conditions, particularly by the high proportion of mass-flow deposits in the proximal part, by the relative scarcity of fine particles in the middle fan, and by the relatively uniform character of the sediments in the distal fan.

The special character of this type of fan is ascribed to the interaction of a continuously changing distance between the ice front and the fan (as a result of alternating phases of ice advance and ice retreat), its position that may be surrounded by ice for a large part, and the irregular supply of debris-laden meltwater that comes sometimes even in the form of more or less catastrophic floods.

Due to the fact that terminoglacial fans have a good preservation potential only during phases of ice retreat, these fas tend to show a slight fining-upward tendency. The slope of terminoglacial fans tends to be more gentle (rarely over 2–5°) than that of fans formed under different conditions.
The climatic significance of coleopteran assemblages from the Eemian deposits
in southern England
Authors: Russell Coope G.
Published: April 2016

Assemblages of fossil coleoptera (beetles) have been obtained from eight
sites in southern England that date from the early phase (Pinus —
Quercetum mixtum — Corylus pollen assemblage zone) of the Eemian
(Ipswichian) interglacial Stage. Altogether 294 different species have been
identified from these sites. They represent a wide spectrum of habitat
requirements; terrestrial, aquatic, carnivorous and phytophagous species and many
more with subtle dependences of specialist biotopes. Almost all of them live today
in central and southern Europe and some are restricted to regions well south of
the British Isles.

By using mutual climatic range methods, the thermal climate of the early
phase of the Eemian Interglacial has been estimated quantitatively, showing that
mean July temperatures were about 4°C above those of southern England today. Mean
winter temperatures were not much different from those nowadays. This phase was
probably the thermal maximum of the Eemian Interglacial. Precipitation levels are
difficult to quantify but were adequate to maintain flowing rivers in England
throughout the year. These results are in agreement with the presence of other
fossils, both plants and animals, in the same deposits.
The Eemian mammal fauna of central Europe
Authors: van Kolfschoten Th.
Published: April 2016

The knowledge of the Eemian fauna of central Europe is based on the fossil
record from a number of sites located in the eastern part of Germany. The faunas
with different deer species as well as Sus scrofa, Palaeoloxodon
antiquus, Stephanorhinus kirchbergensis and Glis
glis indicate a forested environment alternating during the
climatic optimum of the Eemian s.s. with areas with a more open environment
inhabited by species such as Cricetus cricetus, Equus
sp. (or Equus taubachensis), Equus
hydruntinus and Stephanorhinus
hemitoechus. Characteristic for the Rhine valley fauna are
Hippopotamus amphibius and the water buffalo
(Bubalus murrensis); both species are absent in the
eastern German faunas with an Eemian age.

Taking into account the short period of time covered by the Eemian s.s., the
amount of data on the Eemian mammalian fauna is remarkably large. There is,
however, still an ongoing debate on whether the stratigraphical position of a
number of faunas are of Eemian or ‘intra-Saalian’ age. Furthermore, there are
faunal assemblages or stratigraphically isolated finds referred to the Eemian
without indisputable evidence. This is particularly the case in the Rhine valley,
where most of the so-called Eemian fossils come from dredged assemblages. The
picture of the evolution of the Eemian fauna and its geographical variation is
consequently still incomplete.
Natural compositional variation of the river Meuse (Maas) suspended load: a 13 ka bulk geochemical record from the upper Kreftenheye and Betuwe Formations in northern Limburg
Authors: Tebbens L.A. , Veldkamp A. , Kroonenberg S.B.
Published: April 2016

Unambiguously pristine and largely unpolluted sediments from the Late Weichselian and Holocene infillings of the Meuse residual channels in northern Limburg (the Netherlands) have been sampled to determine the natural compositional variation of the river’s suspended load.

Bulk geochemical and granulometric analyses demonstrate that about 70% of the variation can be ascribed to hydrodynamic mineral sorting. Clay- and fine silt-sized phyllosilicates are the most important deterministic features, hosting the bulk of AI2O3, TiO2, K2O, MgO and trace element variability (notably Ba, Cr, Ga, Rb and V). Quartz is abundant in the fine and coarse sand fractions. Na2O and the Zr-Nb-Nd-Y quartet relate to albitic feldspars and heavy minerals, respectively, in the coarse silt fraction. The granulometry should therefore be quantified if geochemical baseline data for a particular geological unit or region are drawn up and for the evaluation of potentially polluted sediments.

Although provenance has not changed, the composition of Meuse sediments cannot be considered constant over a time frame of 1000–10,000 years, due to climatic change. Weathering of phyllosilicates in both interstadial and interglacial soil environments and changing relative source-area contributions alter the detrital clay-mineral supply to raise the AI2O3 and lower the K2O and MgO contents in Holocene Meuse sediments. Early diagenetic siderite and vivianite formation in gyttjas causes relative accumulations of Fe2O3, MnO, P2O5, Co, Ni and notably Zn above the phyllosilicate background values. These accumulations are natural and show that sediments with elevated trace metal contents are not necessarily polluted. Very early atmospheric pollution in relation to ore mining and smelting activities in the Roman era, however, probably caused elevated Pb contents in Subatlantic humic clays and peat samples, long before the historic pollution of the Industrial Revolution started.

The A12O3, Fe2O3 and CaO contents are used to predict the trace-element values as a function of sample granulometry, siderite/vivianite and lime content, respectively. As such, they can provide a sound basis for environmental researchers to determine baseline values of heavy metals in bulk samples of fine-grained fluvial sediments.
Heavy-metal pollution of the river Rhine and Meuse floodplains in the Netherlands
Authors: Middelkoop H.
Published: April 2016

The embanked floodplains of the lower Rhine river in the Netherlands contain large amounts of heavy metals, which is a result of many years of deposition of contaminated overbank sediments. The metal pollution varies greatly between the various floodplain sections as well as in vertical direction within the floodplain soil profiles. The present contribution describes the key processes producing the spatial variability of the metal pollution in floodplain soils: (1) spatial patterns of the concentrations and deposition of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn during a single flood, which have been determined from samples collected after a high-magnitude flood event; (2) the pollution trends of the lower Rhine over the past 150 years, which were reconstructed on the basis of metal concentrations in sediments from small ponds within the floodplain area. During the flood the largest metal depositions (0.03 g/m2 Cd, 0.7 g/m2 Cu, 1.1 g/m2 Pb and 5.0 g/m2 Zn for the Rhine) occurred along the natural levees, decreasing to about one third of these values at larger distance from the river. Deposition of heavy metals occurred since the end of the nineteenth century. Periods of maximum pollution occurred in the 1930s and 1960s, when Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations were about 6–10 times as high as background values.

The resulting metal distribution in the floodplain soil profiles is illustrated by means of typical examples. Maximum metal concentrations in floodplain soils vary from 30 to 130 mg/kg for Cu, from 70 to 490 mg/kg for Pb, and from 170 to 1450 mg/kg for Zn. The lowest metal pollution is found in the distal parts of floodplain sections with low flooding frequencies, where average sedimentation rates have been less than about 5 mm/a. The largest metal accumulations occur in low-lying floodplain sections where average sedimentation rates have been more than 10 mm/a.
The groundwater quality of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao: a hydrogeochemical study
Authors: van Sambeek M.H.G. , Eggenkamp H.G.M. , Vissers M.J.M.
Published: April 2016

The Groundwater resources on the Caribbean Islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao are limited and of poor quality. The groundwater of the islands is brackish, due to both seawater mixing and the semi-arid climate of the islands. Two hundred and thirty water samples were collected to relate chemical variations in the groundwater of the three islands to the underlying differences in geology, and to define the natural versus anthropogenic influences. Both the chemical and isotopic (δ180, δD, and δ37Cl) compositions of samples were determined.

Several geochemical processes are recognised in the chemistry of the groundwater samples. The most important processes are calcite dissolution, cation exchange, silicate weathering and potassium fixation. In (sub)urban areas anthropogenic influences affect the groundwater quality: high nitrate concentrations were measured. Infiltrating domestic and agricultural (waste)water replenishes the aquifer, and has a desalinization effect on the groundwater quality. This phenomenon is primarily seen on Curaçao, the most populated island.

Oxygen and hydrogen isotopie compositions of groundwaters from Curaçao and Bonaire show that the samples are either meteoric water, or are affected by evaporation or seawater mixing. No distinction could be made between the last two processes. Only a few samples were measured for the Cl-isotope composition; all showed that no physical processes have taken place.
Aruba - a geochemical baseline study
Authors: van den Oever F.
Published: April 2016

A stream-sediment survey was carried out for the island of Aruba. Concentrations in stream sediments represent the abundance of chemical elements in the drainage basins. A geochemical atlas was created from the collected data and natural background values were established. Cluster analysis and pattern recognition techniques were used to gain a better understanding of the data set.

Two cluster models were selected to study the various geochemical controls on the sediments and to establish a spatial basis of environmental-quality settings for the development of future environmental policies. The first cluster model was suitable to recognise in some detail the reflection of the geology on the geochemistry of the stream sediments. The second, coarser cluster model stressed the importance to distinguish between the two main lithological units of the island when instituting natural background values. Not one uniform value per element is valid, but the value depends on the lithology.
The semi-arid environment of Curaçao: a geochemical soil survey
Authors: de Vries A.J.
Published: April 2016

A geochemical soil survey was carried out on the island of Curaçao in October 1992 as part of an overall geochemical characterisation of the three Leeward islands of the Netherlands Antilles. The aim of this soil survey was to provide systematic geochemical data of the rural soils of Curaçao for characterisation, geochemical mapping and environmental application. A total of 122 samples was collected from the topsoils (upper 0.1 m) within a rectangular grid (2 km2). All samples were sieved to a grain size of < 2 mm and analysed for 24 elements by ICP-AES, after decomposition with hot aqua regia. A small, selected set of soil samples was subjected to a more extensive study of soil properties.

It appears from statistical data interpretation of the chemical compositions with techniques like non-linear mapping and cluster analysis that the topsoils of Curaçao can be divided into six homogeneous groups (soil types) with contrasting chemical signatures. Labelled according to their dominant geology, soil process or most striking characteristic, these soil types are defined as follows: sandy limestone soil type, Midden Curaçao soil type, arid/calcareous soil type, basalt West soil type, agriculture-influenced soil type, and the basalt East soil type.

Geochemical contour maps were made that provide a basis for environmental issues on the island. Finally, background levels (baseline data) were derived from the chemical soil composition of several elements, taking into consideration the correlation with the Fe or Al content of these soils. The defined baselines can be used to establish background values for future soil surveys.
Abiotic landscape and vegetation patterns in the Netherlands during the Weichselian Late Glacial
Authors: Hoek W.Z.
Published: April 2016

The Late Glacial landscape of the Netherlands was a landscape with changing geomorphology and vegetation. Glacial, eolian and fluvial processes in the time before the Late Glacial initially had formed the main landscape types that still existed during the Late Glacial. In these landscape types, geomorphological processes persisted, particularly during intervals when the vegetation cover was discontinuous. Vegetation development initiated soil formation and stabilised the substratum. On the other hand, the abiotic landscape influenced vegetation development, and particularly vegetation patterns.

The Late Glacial vegetation patterns, changing in time, have been reconstructed on the basis of a palynological database containing the data from over 250 pollen diagrams from the Netherlands. Patterns of vegetation and abiotic landscape appear to compare to each other in many instances, indicating the close interrelationship between vegetation and the abiotic landscape.
Rifting processes in NW-Germany and the German North Sea Sector
Authors: Kockel F.
Published: April 2016

Since the beginning of the development of the North German Basin in Stephanien to Early Rotliegend times, rifting played a major role. Nearly all structures in NW-Germany and the German North Sea - (more than 800) - salt diapirs, grabens, inverted grabens and inversion structures - are genetically related to rifting. Today, the rifting periods are well dated. We find signs of dilatation at all times except from the Late Aptian to the end of the Turonian. To the contrary, the period of the Coniacian and Santonian, lasting only five million years was a time of compression, transpression, crustal shortening and inversion. Rifting activities decreased notably after inversion in Late Cretaceous times. Tertiary movements concentrated on a limited number of major, long existing lineaments. Seismically today NW-Germany and the German North Sea sector is one of the quietest regions in Central Europe.
Characterisation and correlation of Tertiary seismostratigraphic units in the Roer Valley Graben
Authors: Verbeek J.W. , de Leeuw C.S. , Parker N. , Wong Th.E.
Published: April 2016

Within the Cenozoic sedimentary section of the Roer Valley Graben ten seismostratigraphic units have been identified. They are closely related to the lithological framework which makes it possible to recognize diem also on well logs in this region. The Lower Tertiary seismic units, representing mainly marine sediments, have a uniform development mat can be correlated over large distances into the German part of the Roer Valley Graben. The marine to continental Upper Tertiary and Quaternary seismic units display a more complex development due to lateral facies changes (including prograding delta systems) and rift tectonics.
Facies interpretation from well logs applied to the Tertiary Lower Rhine Basin fill
Authors: Klett M. , Eichhorst F. , Schäfer A.
Published: April 2016

The Cenozoic fill of the Lower Rhine Basin is investigated with data from industry wells and open-cast mines on lignite coal. The geophysical logs of digitised well data are used to calculate lithofacies logs with a newly developed technique. The lithofacies logs allow the interpretation of shallow marine and continental environments in a sequence stratigraphie approach. In addition, base level analysis with both the lithofacies logs and the geophysical logs provide a stratigraphical frame for environment interpretation, modelling, and simulation.
Biostratigraphy and paleoecology of continental Tertiary vertebrate faunas in the Lower Rhine Embayment (NW-Germany)
Authors: Mörs Th.
Published: April 2016

This paper discusses the faunal content, the mammal biostratigraphy, and the environmental ecology of three important continental Tertiary vertebrate faunas from the Lower Rhine Embayment. The sites investigated are Rott (MP 30, Late Oligocene), Hambach 6C (MN 5, Middle Miocene), Frechen and Hambach 11 (both MN 16, Late Pliocene). Comparative analysis of the entire faunas shows the assemblages to exhibit many conformities in their general composition, presumably resulting from their preference for wet lowlands. It appears that very similar environmental conditions for vertebrates reoccurred during at least 20 Ma although the sites are located in a tectonically active region with high subsidence rates. Differences in the faunal composition are partly due to local differences in the depositional environment of the sites: lake deposits at the margin of the embayment (Rott), coal swamp and estuarine conditions in the centre of the embayment (Hambach 6C), and flood plain environments with small rivulets (Frechen and Hambach 11). The composition of the faunal assemblages (diversity and taxonomy) also documents faunal turnovers with extinctions and immigrations (Oligocene/Miocene and postMiddle Miocene), as a result of changing climate conditions.

Additional vertebrate faunal data were retrieved from two new assemblages collected from younger strata at the Hambach mine (Hambach 11C and 14). They are important for the understanding of the Plio-Pleistocene transition in the southern part of the Lower Rhine Embayment and for correlating depositional sequences in the Dutch/German borderland.
Facies and paleogeography of the Tertiary of the Lower Rhine Basin - sedimentary versus climatic control
Authors: Utescher T. , Mosbrugger V. , Ashraf A.R.
Published: April 2016

Based on recent studies, the impact of global sea-level and climate change on the paleogeographic and sedimentary evolution of the Tertiary of the Lower Rhine Basin is analysed. It is shown that major changes in global climate and sea-level, such as the high-stand during the Middle Miocene climate optimum, the extreme low-stands near the base of the Tortonian and within the Messinian, are clearly reflected in the sedimentary succession. Continental climate curves, as reconstructed from Tertiary macrofloras of the Lower Rhine Basin, can be correlated with the marine, long-term isotope record. As shown by the analyses, a warm and humid climate with mean annual temperatures above 13°C and mean annual precipitation not below 1000 mm, persisted throughout the Late Miocene to Early Pliocene. Continental, high-resolution, climate data show that Late Miocene alternations of lignites and elastics are rather caused by tectonic and sedimentary processes (such as the repeated migration of the river system) than by major climate changes.
Stratigraphy and paleoecology of the Late Pliocene and Early Pleistocene in the open-cast mine Hambach (Lower Rhine Basin)
Authors: Heumann G. , Litt Th.
Published: April 2016

More than 400 samples for paleobotanical and sedimentological investigations were collected from Late Pliocene and earliest Pleistocene beds in the open-cast lignite mine Hambach. They were analysed to obtain information about the paleoecology and paleoclimate of this time interval. The sedimentation type changed from a high-energy meandering fluvial system to floodplain, swamp and oxbow lake sedimentation. The typical Tertiary floral elements decreased with the onset of increasingly cooler climatic conditions and disappeared at the beginning of the Pleistocene to be substituted by a impoverished and coldadapted flora. These combined litho- and biostratigraphic investigations led to an improved and reproducible separation of Late Pliocene from Early Pleistocene deposits.
Recent movement pattern of the Lower Rhine Embayment from tilt, gravity and GPS data
Authors: Campbell J. , Kümpel H.-J. , Fabian M. , Fischer D. , Görres B. , Keysers Ch.J. , Lehmann K.
Published: April 2016

As part of the activities of the Collaborative Research Centre ‘SFB 350’, measurements of geodetic and geodynamic changes in the area of the Lower Rhine Embayment and the Rhenish Shield are being performed at different scales in space and time. Continuous borehole tilt measurements and repeated microgravimetric surveys yield information on the local stability of the ground and changes in horizontal gravity gradients that are both dominated by seasonal fluctuations. Results of more than seven years of regular GPS campaigns are discussed in terms of vertical and horizontal point motions. The most prominent motions are man-induced effects occurring in or near the browncoal mining areas, where groundwater withdrawal produces subsidence of up to 2.2 cm/y in the area under investigation. Horizontal and vertical motions at other GPS points are smaller by one order of magnitude and in most cases are only marginally detectable. The eastward motion of two points in the Bergisches Land and the westward motion of two points in the Eifel near the Belgian border may be interpreted as a result of the ongoing extension of the Cenozoic rift system in the western part of the Eurasian plate.
Kinematic subsidence modelling of the Lower Rhine Basin
Authors: Jentzsch T. , Siehl A.
Published: April 2016

Kinematic geological models can greatly enhance our understanding of the interaction and timing of processes involved in the formation of sedimentary basins. The prototype tool for the calculation and visualisation of such models presented here is aimed at studying subsidence rates and patterns at basin scale: A backstripping algorithm is applied to a geometrical 3D-model consisting of prismatic volumes, constructed from an initial set of stacked triangulated surfaces. As a result, we obtain a collection of palinspastically restored volumes for each timestep of basin evolution. The backstripped volumes of each layer are then arranged within a timescene, and the set of timescenes collected as a hierarchical timetree. By interpolating between succeeding key-frames, the subsidence history of the basin can be viewed as an interactive, continuous animation. The approach is illustrated using a high-resolution dataset from the German part of the Cenozoic Lower Rhine Basin.
Towards a balanced 3D kinematic model of a faulted domain - the Bergheim open pit mine, Lower Rhine Basin
Authors: Thomsen A. , Siehl A.
Published: April 2016

In the context of the investigation of the sedimentary and structural evolution of the Cenozoic Lower Rhine Basin, the construction of a volume-balanced kinematic model of a small faulted domain with detailed spatial information on strata and fault geometry from a set of parallel geological sections is under development. A 3D geometry model is built that allows for relative movements of blocks at fault surfaces. Rouby’s method of restoration in the map plane is used to determine horizontal displacement fields. The 3D and 3D(t) geometry models are supported by the object-oriented geometry database tool GeoToolKit for storage and retrieval of selected parts of the model using queries referring to spatial and temporal criteria, while visualization is based on key frame technique.
Global correlation of long Quaternary fluvial sequences: a review of baseline knowledge and possible methods and criteria for establishing a database
Authors: Bridgland D.R. , Maddy D.
Published: April 2016

Fluvial sequences, particularly major terrace staircases, represent potential archives of palaeoclimatic fluctuation during the Quaternary. Such sequences can span much if not all of the Quaternary and, provided that dating is possible, can serve as stratigraphical frameworks for correlation with evidence from other depositional environments. In particular, they can provide a terrestrial lithostratigraphical framework that can be correlated with the global marine oxygen isotope record. Fluvial lithos-tratigraphical frameworks also provide important contexts for records of faunal evolution and human occupation, the latter largely determined from the occurrence of artefacts in fluviatile sediments.

This paper announces a new project within the International Geological Correlation Programme, devoted to fluvial sequences (IGCP 449 ‘Global Correlation of Late Cenozoic fluvial deposits’). It attempts to summarize existing baseline knowledge at the outset of the project and outlines the proposed methods and criteria for establishing a database of fluvial sequences.
Correlation of English and German Middle Pleistocene fluvial sequences based on mammalian biostratigraphy
Authors: Schreve D.C. , Bridgland D.R.
Published: April 2016

In this paper interglacial mammalian assemblages from key Middle Pleistocene fluvial sites in Germany are compared to Mammal Assemblage-Zones (MAZs) recently established in the post-Anglian/Elsterian sequence of the Lower Thames, U.K. It is believed that four separate interglacials are represented by the Lower Thames MAZs, correlated with oxygen isotope stages (OIS) 11, 9, 7 and substage 5e (although the last of these is Late Pleistocene). Nowhere in Germany can a full sequence of these interglacials be identified from mammalian evidence in a single terrace staircase, as is the case in the Lower Thames, although further research on the Wipper terraces at Bilzingsleben may identify such a sequence. It is also possible that the sequence of overlapping fluvial channels in the lignite mine at Schöningen will eventually produce a comparable mammalian story. Excellent correspondence has been recognized between the mammalian assemblages at Steinheim an der Murr and Bilzingsleben II and the Swanscombe MAZ from the Thames. These three sites are attributed to the Hoxnian/Holsteinian interglacial and are thought to correlate with OIS 11. Close comparison can also be made between the mammalian sequence from the celebrated travertine locality at Weimar-Ehringsdorf and two separate MAZs from Aveley, in the Thames, attributed to separate substages of OIS 7. An equivalent to the Purfleet MAZ of the Thames, which is believed to correlate with OIS 9, has yet to be identified in Germany.
Holocene fluvial response to climate change and human activities; Burgundy, France.
Authors: Straffin E.C. , Blum M.D.
Published: April 2016

Alluvial deposits of the Loire/Arroux trunk/tributary system record distinct, synchronous episodes of regional fluvial adjustment. Changes in facies and depositional style through time can be interpreted with a modern analogue model that relates vegetative cover/human influence with sediment supply, and modes of atmospheric circulation with the paths and styles of storms that drive variable discharge regimes across western Europe.

Zonal atmospheric circulation results in a Mediterranean style climate over southern Burgundy, producing dry conditions punctuated by infrequent, large floods. Episodic overbank sedimentation and the burial of thin paleosols in sandy overbank facies is indicative of this style of fluvial activity, ca 1300 years BP. Humans may have increased the available volume of fine grained sediment at this times through increased agricultural activity along valley axes, however facies match that expected from a ‘flashy’ discharge regime.

In contrast, meridional circulation patterns result in a maritime style climate over southern Burgundy, with the intrusion of storms, moist conditions and frequent, moderate magnitude discharges. Wide, deep channels, thick channel facies and thin overbank facies are indicative of this style of fluvial activity, recorded in deposits dating to ca 4050 to 3200 years BP. Strong meridional conditions and extreme climatic variability during the Little Ice Age resulted in very large discharges that straightened and widened channels, while scouring and obscuring older terraces (ca 500 years BP). Deposition over the last two centuries is related to increasingly zonal circulation and infrequent, large (over-bank) floods. Changes in fluvial dynamics over the last 300 years can be attributed primarily to climatic control, as there has been very little change in land-use over that period.
Young tectonic and halokinetic movements in the North-German-Basin: its effect on formation of modern rivers and surface morphology
Authors: Sirocko F. , Szeder T. , Seelos C. , Lehne R. , Rein B. , Schneider W.M. , Dimke M.
Published: April 2016

Field mapping of fluvial terraces, aerial photographs, ground penetrating radar and seismic data from gas and oil exploration were used at four different locations to detect young tectonic and halokinetic movements in the North-German-Basin.

i) The course of the Rivers Weser and Aller follow precisely a shallow Tertiary graben on the northwestern flank of the Verden salt diapir. Recent local depressions and vegetation anomalies on the alluvial plain have the same orientation as the strike direction of the faults at subsurface depth. Apparently, the river follows tectonic lines, and thus the river sediments can be used for the interpretation of recent crustal movements.

ii) The Wedehof diapir, in contrast, is topped by a local topographic high which follows exactly the shape of the underlying salt. Either the diapir formed an obstacle for the advance of the continental glaciers or one has to assume halokinetic uplift of more than 50 m during the post-Saalian Pleistocene. Either way, the Wedehof diapir shows control of the modern surface morphology by halokinesis.

iii) The course of the river Hunte, in contrast, outside the area of salt diapirism, shows anomalies of incision and terrace width over a local updoming caused by tectonic inversion of distinct blocks in the basin. The confluence of several tributaries of the Hunte lies exactly over the updoming of Barnstorf. Thus, the rivers do not avoid the local high, but focus in this area, which is characterised by a graben on top of the domestructure, as visible in seismic profiles. Again, tectonism controls river development.

iv) The last case study is from Lake Plön, where seismic profiles reveal that linear shorelines of the lake parallel the flanks of two local graben structures of Tertiary age. It is apparent that the Weichselian glaciers that formed the lake and the surrounding moraines interacted with the existing grabens.

The Tertiary morphology in the North German basin was apparently draped by Quaternary glacial deposits, but rivers and lakes that dominate the topography of the modern landscape still reflect the geodynamic centers of Tertiary tectonism and halokinesis. Faults from the depth of the Tertiary penetrate the Quaternary strata and allow upward fluid migration, which becomes visible on aerial photographs as linear vegetation anomalies.
Geological processes and the management of groundwater resources in coastal areas
Authors: Kooi H. , Groen J.
Published: April 2016

In this contribution, a case is made for the significance of sedimentation and sea-level change for groundwater management of coastal areas. In groundwater practice these geological processes are rarely considered. The role of sediment loading in causing anomalous fluid pressures and flow fields in relatively shallow aquifer systems is discussed and illustrated via both case studies and generic modelling studies. The role of sea-level changes in controlling current salinity distributions is discussed likewise. Central in the discussion is the concept of memory of groundwater systems, which provides the basic reason why processes that were operative in the geological past are still of relevance today. It is argued and shown that awareness and knowledge of the influence of sediment loading and sea level change on current hydrological conditions can lead to improved characterization of the distribution of hydraulic parameters and of the distribution of water quality in coastal areas. This improved characterization, in turn, serves to enhance the validity of impact assessment studies for the long-term development and management of those areas.
Fluid flow in the northern Broad Fourteens Basin during Late Cretaceous inversion
Authors: Bouw L. , Oude Essink G.H.P.
Published: April 2016

A basin-scale hydrogeological study of the inverted northern Broad Fourteens Basin, Netherlands offshore, has resulted in a reconstruction of geological evolution, an estimate of Late Cretaceous topography and model scenarios of syn-inversion meteoric water infiltration. This study was performed in the scope of a basin-scale analysis of the hydrogeological setting and hydrodynamic evolution of the Broad Fourteens Basin. This analysis is aimed at obtaining quantitative knowledge of depositional history and hydrogeological parameters, and qualitative knowledge of hydrodynamic evolution of the Broad Fourteens Basin from Carboniferous to present-day. We present an overview of the tectonic and depositional history, the most likely hydrogeological setting and model scenarios of Late Cretaceous meteoric water infiltration in the northern Broad Fourteens area.

We constructed a detailed south-west north-east geological cross-section of the present-day northern Broad Fourteens Basin, and reconstructed Late Cretaceous basin geometry and topography. Using this geometry in a numerical model of density-dependent topography-driven fluid flow, we modelled several scenarios of meteoric water infiltration with estimated ranges of basin-scale permeabilities and water table head. Results indicate that a deep freshwater lens was developed during Late Cretaceous inversion, if the basin-scale hydraulic conductivity of the Rijnland and Altena Groups was at least 1⋅10-9 to 1⋅10-10 m/s, which is in general the highest value for claystones.
Expressions of shallow gas in the Netherlands North Sea
Authors: Schroot B.M. , Schüttenhelm R.T.E
Published: April 2016

Surface and sub-surface expressions of shallow gas in the Netherlands part of the southern North Sea are described, using standard E&P 2D and 3D seismic surveys, as well as higher frequency acoustic surveys. Surface expressions observed are pockmarks, which are geomorphologic features at the seabed indicative for venting of gas, and cemented sandstones. The subsurface expressions found comprise both phenomena indicating efficient trapping of gas in reservoir sands, such as shallow bright spots and flat spots, and phenomena, which are indications of migration or leakage to the seabed. We refer to the latter as ‘seismic anomalies indicating leakage’. These anomalies include gas chimneys or seismic chimneys. All chimneys found in the area have in common, that they belong to a seepage style, which is called ‘small and localised’. Much of this seepage is situated over salt domes, with the accompanying normal fault above the domes acting as pathways for the gas or fluids. Although there is admixture of biogenic gas, it is believed that many of the features observed relate to thermo-genic gas.
Introduction
Authors: Passchier Sandra , Rijsdijk Kenneth , Laban Cees
Published: April 2016

Coastal low-lands are densely populated areas characterized by large economic activity. The shallow subsurface plays an important role because of geotechnical requirements for the foundation of structures and its potential for natural resources, such as sand, gravel, and groundwater. The application of geo-scientific data requires that the subsurface is represented as 2D and 3D models displaying the stratigraphie relations of sedimentary rock units, both on-and off-shore.