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The rapid urbanization and industrialization are spurring a rising demand for building materials, base metals, and industrial minerals. This causes the need of increasing exploration activities of greenfield mineral deposit. While, in contrary mining industry in recent years discover fewer greenfield deposit, due to the high costs of traditional exploration (drilling and trenching) methods and low success rate in discovery of the mineable deposit. Whereas, the substantial growth in demand for mineral commodities increased the need for more new discoveries. To this end, innovations in exploration strategies are required. This paper attempts and overview of available techniques (drilling, geochemical and geophysical) for evaluation of mineral deposits, focusing on fundamental principles, and the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. The paper also presents a critical comparison of these exploration techniques, considering equipment cost, time required for data collection and interpretation and also the efficiency of deposit assessment of each method. The major advantages and disadvantages of the techniques presented is discussed in text and as well as tabulated. Finally, the future challenges in exploration are discussed and recommendations for alternative techniques is mooted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous Impulsive mine collapses induced by shallow partial mining in the Cambrian Abbottabad formation have caused fatalities, significant property loss and brought harmful results to the environment. Mining subsidence is therefore needed to be monitored on all accounts during mining operations in this area. Based on a long history of soapstone mining in Sherwan, a generic approach is presented in this paper for investigating subsidence related phenomena in the area. This paper demonstrates a time prevision for the future subsidence using an empirical modelling approach EMA. 20 underground drift and shaft mines located in the Sherwan North-West Abbottabad, Pakistan have been studied using EMA. Empirical modelling formula, validated by Distinct Element code UDEC has been used to predict the time of subsidence of these mines. This approach is a factor of width, height and depth of excavation of a mine and it can be applied to area where mines are truly restricted to one locality e.g. Sherwan. The calculated statistical data unconcealed the current state and predicts time for future subsidence of Khanda Khau, Bandi Nikra and Chellether mines within Sherwan. Mines other than these three localities are mostly safe and stable. The major causes of mine subsidence in the area includes both natural and man-made factors which are briefly described in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate and reliable long term meteorological data is very difficult to be obtained in developing countries especially in hard and mountainous regions. This paper focuses to select the most suitable and reliable gridded datasets for the two most important meteorological parameters i.e., precipitation and temperature in a sparsely gauged transboundary Kabul River Basin (KRB) between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Novelty of this study is that gridded datasets were evaluated for precipitation and temperature based on monthly, seasonal and annual timescales against the available observed stations data on both sides of the KRB. Based on the literature studies, the five most frequently used datasets namely; National Centers for Environmental Prediction, Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (NCEP-CFSR), Asian Precipitation Highly Resolved Observational Data Integration towards Evaluation (APHRODITE v1101), Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC), Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks-Climate Data Record (PERSIANN-CDR) and Climate Research Unit (CRU TS v4.02) with different spatial and temporal resolutions were selected and evaluated. Analyses were done using the four most widely used statistical indices i.e., Modified Index of Agreement (d), Pearson's Correlation m Coefficient (r), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Relative Bias (RB%). Results revealed that based on the statistical indices scores; APHRODITE (v1101) showed the best results followed by GPCC for precipitation while for temperature, CRU (TS v4.02) was found better compared to other datasets in the study basin. These findings can be used with confidence by the researchers for the future studies whose outcomes could be utilized by the water resource managers, planners and agriculturists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flooding is an unvarying devastating recurring event in Pakistan producing serious economic and social damages. Despite its recurring nature extensive research on flood hazards and its management specifically in the Baluchistan province of Pakistan has been delimited. The aim of the study was therefore to evaluate the role of flood management institutes and the preparedness of the community against flooding to reduce the vulnerability of flood prone areas of the Baluchistan province of Pakistan. For this purpose, primary data was collected from 100 families from the most flood affected district Jaffarabad, of province Baluchistan by adopting a random and non-probability sampling method. The primary data was collected through questioners and interviews of house heads of flood affected families, farmers, and professions of Flood management institutes (FMI). Several technical reports, policy documents, and research papers allied to flood management related studies were reviewed as secondary data. The data collected was analyzed statistically by t-test. Questionnaires were developed to cover the study variables related to community livelihood state, physical and socio-economic vulnerability, and available structural facilities of the study area. The data revealed significant (p < 0.05) increase in average income/day of the affected families from the year 2014 (PKR 180/day) to 2020 (PKR 320/day) after 2010 (PKR 170/day) with significant (p < 0.05) reduction in overall damage to household assets. Our analysis also showed 30% statistically a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in loss of agricultural land of Jaffarabad with significant less agricultural sector loss from 103.77 USD million to 36.51 USD million after successive flood events from 2010 to 2015. The results of physical vulnerability showed a significant reduction in displacement rate allied to overall significant reduction in drop of GDP growth and poverty rate. Significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the structural units from 20% (2010) to 52% (2015) in housing units and from 28% (2010) to 38% (2015) in the cultivation units represents the role of FMI in improving available infrastructure to mitigate flood hazards in this area. These findings underline the impact and successful outcomes of flood rectifying policies and implementation of FMI to reduce damage caused by the 2010 flood in Baluchistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan is blessed with large reserves of different types of dimension stones in all provinces. Dimension stone industry has great potential to become one of the leading industries in Pakistan economy. This potential is being held back by inefficient mining practices that affect the quality and economy of the dimension stone. This paper focused on the selection of the best feasible mining technique to get high recovery, minimum losses, and ultimately the generation of higher revenues. In this study conventional (pre-splitting), modern mechanized mining (diamond wire saw) and expansive powder techniques were used for extraction of black granite blocks in district Mansehra Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The analyses and comparison of these mining techniques were carried out based on extraction costs, quality, revenue and recovery. The diamond wire saw technique was noted much effective than expansion powder and pre-splitting techniques because it gives maximum recovery, revenue and minimum waste material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several models have been developed in past years to evaluate thermal maturity and calculate total organic content of source rocks using wireline log data. An attempt is made in this current paper to apply one of these models to assess the hydrocarbon and source potential of Jurassic age Datta shales in Chanda Deep-01 through wireline logs and PetroMod-1 software. The extensive Datta shale in Upper Indus Basin serves as potential source and reservoir for unconventional and conventional oil and gas reservoirs. It has good geochemical parameters, which makes it attractive for exploration. Well logs depict various properties of source rock which is treated as Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content. Passey et al. (1990) overlay "ΔlogR" technique has been adopted for TOC calculation in Datta shale. This method resulted in TOC ranging from 1.3-2.0 wt. %, which shows fair good source potential. The comparative similarities between the TOC calculated from logs and through the method of Geochemistry have been observed which validates our finding. Also, Datta shale is mature for hydrocarbons generation and fall in oil window based on VR data obtained by using PetroMod 1 software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kirana, Rabwa and Chiniot areas of the Punjab province, Pakistan has a number of isolated hills jutting out of a flat alluvial plain. These rocks are Upper Proterozoic in age. The exposed volcano-sedimentary sequence is slightly metamorphosed (lower greenschist facies). The dolerites have also undergone auto metasomatic changes. The Kirana Hills are the main resource of aggregate in southern and middle Punjab. These aggregates are used in subbase, base course, in rail ballast, as riprap and for the cement and asphalt concrete. The main lithologies in Kirana Hills are dolerites and rhyolites, lithic greywackes, volcanogenic slates and quartz wackes. This paper deals only with the dolerites and their petrographic composition and engineering properties, as well as adhesion values. The variably auto metasomatized dolerites are now composed of variable amounts of plagioclase, chlorite, calcite and amphibole with quartz, magnetite, hydro mica, K-feldspar, epidote and sphene as subordinate to accessory minerals. Flakiness, Elongation, Specific Gravity, Water Absorption, Soundness, Los Angeles, Aggregate Crushing, Aggregate Impact and Adhesion Values are all within ASTM limits. Therefore, the dolerite aggregates of Kirana area have excellent Engineering Properties. They can also be used for subbase, base course and riprap material. However, quartzites, lithic greywackes, volcanogenic slates and rhyolites which can be used for these purposes are available in the area, therefore dolerites should not be used because they are the only good source of asphalt concrete and especially for the wearing course (since it gives a good road grip and resists polishing) in Punjab province with an area of 205344 km2. Dolerites should be reserved for cement and asphalt concrete. Petrographic studies show that dolerites do not have Alkali-Silica Reaction Potential and are hydrophobic and can be used for cement as well as asphalt concrete. This area has total estimated 3097.3 million tons of reserves of all types of aggregates. The aggregate resource map of this important area is being presented for publication for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study area comprises the Niksar Basin of Tokat district, located in the Middle Black Sea region, Turkey. The Kelkit River flows through the center of Niksar Valley. The lithological units exposed on the northern and southern parts of Kelkit River have disparate geological sequences; grouped as "Pontid" and "Anatolit" respectively. The micritic and biomicritic limestone of Upper Jurassic - Lower Cretaceous, limestone of Upper Cretaceous, and the detrital limestone of Upper Cretaceous - Lower Paleocene form characteristic karstic aquifers. In the valley, a thick sequence of loose gravel, sand, and clayey materials of Pliocene and Quaternary are deposited. The presence of clay lenses in these materials created suitable hydrodynamic conditions for the formation of confined and unconfined aquifers. The karstic aquifers recharged through precipitation and valley-fill aquifer through Kelkit River. These aquifers fulfill the water supply demands of the entire population of Niksar Town and surrounding villages. This paper summarizes hydrogeological research conducted on all basinal formations. The Karstic aquifers and the unconfined aquifer of valley-fill sediments were systematically analyzed. The physical characteristics of the aquifer formations, karstification, occurrence, and movement of groundwater, recharge, and discharge sources, and discharge hydrograph analysis were conducted. The exposed hydrogeological formations were recharged through precipitation by 0.329x109m3 and discharged by 0.317x109m3 during the study period. The karstic formations were recharged from precipitation by 45.0x106m3, while discharged from karstic springs by 47.88x106m3 of water. The discharge rate of major karstic spring ranges from 4.3 to 430 l/s and the discharge coefficient ranges from 0.004-0.026 day-1. The storage capacity of springs varies from 0.14-5.01x106m3 and the total discharged volume during the study period was 48.10x106m3. The groundwater budget of the valley-fill aquifer represents that during the study period recharged from different sources 0.266x109m3 and discharged 0.263x109m3 by all sources. The conceptual hydrogeological model of Niksar Valley simulates geological, hydroclimatic, hydrogeomorphologic, hydrostratigraphic, hydrogeological, and hydrologic field environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On October 8th, 2005 a devastating earthquake in the Kashmir region has triggered widespread landslides, which were considered the second most important driver of devastation to the natural and manmade environment after the earthquake. Landslides susceptibility assessment is the prerequisite for the landslide management, however, considering the dynamic spatial-temporal distribution of co-seismic landslides, an updated landslide susceptibility assessment is of fundamental importance. This paper has evaluated the earthquake-induced landslides and developed an updated landslide susceptibility map. A detailed inventory of the co-seismic landslides is acquired from the SPOT-5 satellite image and field observations. The developed landslide inventory is subsequently cross analyzed with the ASTER based Digital Elevation Model (DEM) computed topographic parameters (curvature, slope angle, aspect, drainage pattern), geology, human activities and fault lines to investigate their influence on landsldies distribution. The derived correlations were statistically analyzed using a Weight-of-Evidence model to develop the landslide susceptibility map. The accuracy of the developed landslide susceptibility is 74 %. The acquired susceptibility map can be used by the relevant departments for the landslide's mitigation and risk reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts to explore the impact of built environment on the potential of groundwater infiltration in district Peshawar, Pakistan. In the study area, rapid increase in population together with inevitable urban expansion over the fertile agricultural land has been recorded, since 1980. During past four decades, major land use land cover changes have been recorded in infrastructural and housing sectors. In this study, state of the art tools and techniques of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) have been used to spatio-temporally analyze the changes in built-up environment and its possible impacts on infiltration and groundwater recharge. In Peshawar, groundwater is the sole source of water supply with more than 1,400 public tube wells having a total discharge of 8 million gallons/hour (8.41m²/sec). Besides these, private tube wells, hand pumps and dug wells are also supplying fresh water to fulfil the citizen's requirements. During 1981 to 2017, the population growth has augmented the demand and requirements of fresh water, which multiple times increased from 56 million liters/day to over 213 million liters/day. During the same period, the area under the built-up environment has also increased from 3.70% of the total geographical area to 16.27% and reduced the infiltration rate by 4%. Such consistent increase in impermeable surfaces have depleted groundwater recharging rate from 108.75 millimeter/year (mm/y) in 1981 to 91.35 mm/y in 2014. In 2014, the abstraction of fresh water from ground sources was 105 mm/y, indicating high extraction and low recharging rate of groundwater from precipitation, resulting the depletion of groundwater sources and fluctuating the water table. The analysis at union council level revealed that falling of water table and drying up of tube wells have been observed and situation is quite alarming in the old city area. In some areas, the water table has been dropped down by more than 16 meters. Such consistent increase in the built-up environment and the resultant groundwater depletion need to be properly monitored so that its adverse impacts could be minimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total organic carbon (TOC) present in source rocks can significantly affect the response of various wireline logs. This paper discusses the well logs anomalies caused by TOC in Chichali Formation of Cretaceous age. The open hole well logs (LLD, DT, RHOB, GR, Caliper and CNL) of Chanda-1 well of Kohat Basin, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) were utilized to determine the organic contents of Chichali Shales. The source rock was distinguished from non-source rock based on low density, high sonic transit time, high porosity and high resistivity. The ?logR technique yielded TOC values ranging between 0 to 1.38% for the formation which is in close agreement with the value obtained by geochemical analysis. This study reveals that TOC of a source rock, using well logs can provide a good estimate of its organic contents before going for detailed geochemical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durability and suitability of concrete aggregates are influenced by mineralogical composition. This paper therefore discuses the mineralogical composition of Jhelum river aggregates and identifies the deleterious components responsible of ASR expansion, when used in normal weight concrete. Accelerated Mortar Bar Test (ASTM C-1260) and petrographic analysis were performed to determine the durability aspects of river aggregate. Aggregate Suitability was assessed by aggregate quality tests i.e. specific gravity & absorption, Loss Angeles abrasion, sulfate soundness, shape test, fineness modulus and sand equivalent. On obtaining satisfactory results of coarse aggregate tests, concrete mix designs for class-A, class-B, class-C and class-D were devised by absolute volume method (ACI- 211.1). Projected UCS (Unconfined Compressive Strength) considered 4000Psi for A-type, 3000Psi for B-type, 2000Psi for C-type and 1500Psi for D- type concrete at the at 28days. Results of 24 casted cylinders show that achieved average UCS at the age of 28 days is, 4921 Psi, 3773 Psi, 2780 Psi and 2432Psi for A, B, C and D-type concrete respectively. Jhelum River Aggregate is found mechanically fit and suitable for normal weight concrete. There are about 40% samples which deviate from the suitability standard of Accelerated Mortar Bar Test. Mineralogical studies of Jhelum river aggregate revealed that most of the aggregate components (Sandstone, Quartz Arenite) are suitable for construction but some of these are highly susceptible to alkali silica reaction due to the presence of highly strained quartz. The studied river aggregate is economical while used with slag cement and additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the slope failure along the Karakorum Highway near Sim Elahi Jung Village, District Mansehra Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan by using numerical back analysis method. The slope face was ~80m high with a cut angle of 80 degree in quartz mica schist of Tanawal formation. The failure was triggered by 26th October 2015 earthquake of moment magnitude (Mw) of 7.5. The slope was investigated thoroughly for the geological conditions, slope geometry and the slid mass. During field studies, discontinuity surveys were conducted for onward assessment of the rock mass quality and orientation data for kinematic analyses. In view of rock mass quality determined from discontinuity surveys, back analyses were conducted considering slope material as Hoek-Brown material with the help of computer code Slide 6.0. The rock mass input parameters were adopted in the light of field and laboratory studies at the verge of failure. Back analysis conducted using estimated value of peak ground acceleration (PGA) have indicated that the geological strength index (GSI) value and the uniaxial compressive strength of the slope forming material were 24.0 and 29.0 MPa respectively at the time of failure. The analyzed slip surface and the observed ground slip surface were found consistent with each other, thus, confirming the validity of the model. The derived rock mass parameters are presented here for the evaluation of remaining slopes in the area having similar geological conditions and geometries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the greatest biological crisis which happened at the Permian-Triassic boundary (250 million years (My) ago) is best documented in the well-exposed rocks of the Salt Range and the adjacent Surghar and Khisor Ranges in northern Pakistan which has been intensively studied since the pioneer work of Waagen in 1895. In these ranges the Upper Permian to Middle Triassic is represented by mixed siliciclastic carbonate sediments, named (in ascending order) the Chhidru, Mianwali, and Tredian formations. The present studies have brought in new insights to stratigraphy, faunal turn-over dynamics and environmental conditions of the Permo-Triassic (PT) sequence exposed in western Salt Range continuing in the adjoining Surghar Range. The Permo-Triassic (PT) boundary is reportedly diachronous in the Salt and Surghar Ranges. The conodont fauna suggest that the PT boundary coincides with the disconformity at the Chhidru-Mianwali formations but the palynological assemblages from the upper-most Chhidru Formation have affinities with Permian as well as Griesbachian (basal Early Triassic). The Ammonite fauna from the Lower Triassic Mianwali Formation shows at least two episodes of radiation-extinction in the time interval from the Griesbachian to the early Spathian: within just three-to-four million years' time span. The palynological and the carbon isotope analysis of the Upper Chhidru-Mianwali-Lower Tredian sequence suggest series of reduced humidity events which coincides with positive shifts in global carbon isotopes record. The particulate organic matter record of the Mianwali Formation does not support the prolonged 'Early Triassic marine anoxia' but suggests rather oxygenated environmental conditions. In summary, the diversification patterns and environmental changes after the end-Permian extinction event are much more complex than previously thought, which are being highlighted in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a comprehensive petrophysical investigation of the Cretaceous Lower Goru Formation in six wells of Sawan Gas Field was made. For this purpose, the clay volume, types of porosities, qualitative permeability, hydrocarbon and water saturation, movable hydrocarbon index, bulk volume of water, and dominant lithology were assessed. On the basis of these petrophysical parameters, two hydrocarbons bearing zones were identified in studied reservoir. The zone-01 having considerable thickness with good reservoir characteristics in all wells with estimated gas in place of 223124813.6 cf while zone-02 has good reservoir characteristics only in Sawan-07 and-08 wells with estimated gas in place of 53471927.4 cf. The proposed stratigraphic model of reservoir levels showed the pinching of pay zones towards NE of the field. This pinching of the pay zones towards NE can be attributed to the lateral facies changes triggered by sea level fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fractal is an applicable implement for evaluation of the complicated patterns of natural features. Geoinformatics allow not only representing data, but also performing geostatistical analysis and building models. This paper investigates the deformation pattern of land surfaces applying Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer Global Digital Elevation Model (ASTER GDEM) through a combined geo-information and fractal approach. The covering divider method is applied in order to extract fractal dimension of the earth surface (Dsurf) directly for estimating surface roughness of the earth topography surf through geographic information system (GIS) approaches. Specifying the function of the geomorphologic processes on the spatial variability of fractal properties of the earth surface is accessible through this assessment. Fractal dimension mapping us to ascertain geomorphic domains where variability of fractal dimension of the earth surface represents the roughness of the land form topography and is an assessment of texture of topography. Results show that the presented approach in this research using the presented flow chart provides a rapid and facile procedure to evaluate the spatial distribution of the earth surface deformation within geological regions. Relatively higher fractal dimensions are observed where loose alluvial deposits and irregularities exists whilst the lower fractal dimension represents existence of the competent formations. The results showed that the Kharmankuh anticline has formed in a NE-SW direction and shows nearly symmetrical deformation pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seismic Hazard assessment is essential component for seismic risk analysis, mitigation and emergency management. Researches assessed hazard in the selected parts of Pakistan including Baluchistan province. Seismic Hazard Assessment for Khyber Pukthunkhwa (KPK) province has been previously done on large scale, however no such work has been carried out for Baluchistan province. The seismicity and frequency major earthquakes in Baluchistan province, require detailed Seismic Hazard Assessment. This paper presents the Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment (PSHA) of Baluchistan Pakistan, emphasizing on spectral acceleration parameters. Earthquake loading is defined in terms of 0.2sec and 1.0sec spectral acceleration. Seismic hazard is estimated in terms of Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) using Earthquake Risk Assessment (ERA) framework. This Framework is developed using Ambarasey's 2005 Ground Motion Prediction Equation for the assessment of hazard. A maximum Peak Ground Acceleration of 1.21 g, occurs in the district of Sibi, while minimum was found in Chaman of 0.03g using 1.0sec (S1) spectral acceleration and 0.65g at Quetta using 0.2sec (Ss) spectral acceleration. Seismic hazard mitigation strategies are recommended depending on the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wadhrai igneous body occurs to the north of the Nagar Parkar town. This and other bodies constituting the Nagar Parkar Igneous Complex are an extension of the Malani Igneous Suite of western Rajasthan. The body is occupied by petrographically uniform granite composed of perthite, albitic plagioclase, quartz, and small quantities of biotite, opaque oxide and titanite. The rocks are sparingly porphyritic and contain dykes and veins of microgranite, aplite and quartz; pegmatites are rare and simple. In the southeastern part, the granite is invaded by parallel sheets and swarms of many mafic dykes, and rhyolite sheets. The mafic dykes are porphyritic to aphyric and consist of calcic plagioclase, hornblendic amphibole or clinopyroxene +/- olivine, ilmenite, titanite and a range of secondary minerals. Many of the mafic dykes are strongly altered, some totally, and a few beyond recognition. The rhyolite sheets are sparsely porphyritic, at places banded, and composed of perthite, quartz, albite, sodic amphibole, aegirine-augite, opaque oxide and titanite. The main rhyolite sheet extends for more than 2 km and attains a thickness of 30 m. While the felsic dykes are apparently related to the granite, the mutual relations between the granite, mafic and rhyolite sheets are yet to be deciphered, but the rhyolites may represent melts derived from the crust through underplating by mafic magma. This paper gives detailed petrography of the rocks, together with newly prepared geological maps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal contains many toxic elements which become mobile during mining and combustion processes and contaminate the surface and ground-water quality. The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of coal mining on the degradation of the environment. For this purpose around 21 coal samples were collected randomly from six coal mining sites within Cherat area and analyzed for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results of the chemical analysis of coal samples revealed presence of trace elements i.e. Cu, Ni, Co, Pb, Cr, Zn, Cd, Fe, and As ranging from 5.62-28.12 mg/kg, 9.66-23.63 mg/kg, 4.47-30.96 mg/kg, 43.22-87.32 mg/kg, 20.51-72.4 mg/kg, 5.45-51.82 mg/kg, 1.23-2.58 mg/kg, 1240-2751.1 mg/kg and 3.51-5.77 mg/kg, respectively. It has been also observed that the sample collected from shakot-1(Sk-1) has got the highest concentration of Cu Ni, Co, Pb, Zn and Cd. While Fe and Cr contents were enriched mostly in the coal samples taken from Jabar tar (Jt), Arsenic was abundant in Bakhtai (Bk) coal mine. In comparison with rest of the country and worldwide, Cherat coals have higher concentration of Co, Pb, Cr and Cd but lower in Cu, Ni, Fe, As and Zn contents on the average. This paper presents an experimental investigation of heavy and trace elements of Cherat coal and may serve as a useful information about environmental risks associated with coal mining in Cherat area of Khyber Paktunkhwa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we have used the outcrop data and utilized facies analysis techniques for the dynamic depositional modeling of Chhidru Formation, exposed in the Nammal Gorge and the Chhidru Nala sections in the Salt Range, Upper Indus Basin of Pakistan. Based on the integrated field and petrographic criteria, five different facies types i.e., CHF-1-CHF-5 are recognized. The CHF-1 corresponds to the sandy limestone interbedded with clays facies while CHF-2 is a medium bedded sandy limestone facies. The CHF-3 is represented by the massive sandy limestone facies. The CHF-4 (calcareous sandstone facies) and CHF-5 (thick bedded to massive white sandstone facies) have been identified in the upper part of the two stratigraphic sections. The depositional characteristics of these facies are consistent with the proximal inner shelf to distal middle shelf settings of a siliciclastic-carbonate mixed platform. Based on the integration of the outcrop data, facies information and fusulinid biostratigraphy the dynamic depositional model of the Chhidru Formation is presented. The new data enabled identification of two (02) 3rd order Transgressive-Regressive depositional sequences. The first Transgressive Sequence consists of the Transgressive Systems Tract (TST 1) that further constitutes six parasequences. The second transgressive depositional sequence constitutes the second Transgressive Systems Tract (TST 2) with no significant parasequence. The chronologic calibration fusulnid biostratigraphic age of the Chidru Formation suggest that deposition of the at the base TST 1 started at 252.5 Ma and the topmost beds of TST 2 corresponds to 253.8 Ma, respectively. The global comparison of the relative sea level during 252.5-253.8 Ma shows prominent eustatic signatures, however the flooding surfaces bounding the parasequences are ascribed to the local tectonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates liquefaction resistance of the coastal belt of Karachi stretched over 38 kms, the assessment is based on the scattered standard penetration test data of 120 bore logs. The liquefaction potential has been evaluated using simplified procedure developed by Seed and Idriss (1971) and modified by Youd et al. (2001). The results of analysis are transformed into maps, which are expected to serve as general guidelines for effective town-planning, designing efficient mitigation systems, ground-failure vulnerability and for future microzonation studies. This study endeavours to provide the basis on which a comprehensive microzonation map of Karachi can be developed after some modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the hydrocarbon source rock potential of the Early Permian strata of the Choa-Khewra Road Section in eastern Salt Range and the Zaluch Nala Section in western Salt Range, Potwar Basin, Pakistan is presented. The six outcrop samples of organic clays from the Tobra and Dandot Formations from eastern Salt range while Warchha and Sardhai Formations from the Zaluch Nala sections were collected for the Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and Rock Eval Pyrolysis analyses. Various geochemical cross plots were constructed using the total organic carbon and pyrolysis values of the analyzed rock samples to know the qualitative assessment of organic matter and presence of any indigenous or migrated hydrocarbons. Our result shows that the Tobra Formation is thermally mature with 0.55 % and 0.83 % TOC hence Type III kerogen with a tendency to generate indigenous hydrocarbons. The Dandot Formation is thermally immature Type III kerogen, with 0.78 % TOC that can generate indigenous hydrocarbons. The Warchha and Sardhai formations both are thermally immature Type III kerogen and a 0.73 %; 1.05 % and 1 % respectively, with an indigenous hydrocarbons generation potential. The XRD results shows that the percentage of clay minerals i.e. ductile minerals are less than the brittle minerals i.e. Quartz etc. Brittleness Index for the Tobra, Dandot and Warchha Formations shows brittle nature and are suitable for hydraulic fracturing while the Sardhai formation shows less brittle material and considered suitable for fracking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is an attempt to quantify the indoor and outdoor gamma radiation level, the associated effective dose rate and Lifetime Cancer Risk in Gahkuch, the capital city of district Ghizer in the eastern Hindukush. All measurements have been carried out by FAG radiation dose rate meter in representative houses made of different construction materials. These measurements were performed at standard height of 1 meter above the ground level. The mean absorbed dose rate was 229.5 nGy/h for indoor and 220.6 nGy/h for outdoor environments, which is greater than global level. Annual Effective Dose for indoor were determined as 1.0 mSv/y while for outdoor its value was 0.4 mSv/y, which differs to the average worldwide value of 0.48 mSv/y. Average Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk was found to be 3.4×10-3 for indoor while it was 1.4×10-3 for outdoor. Both of these values are higher than the World average value 0.29×10-3. The current study shows that Gahkuch, Ghizer is placed in those regions where a remarkably high dose rate exists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts stratigraphic characterization of the Early Cambrian Abbottabad Formation exposed in the Sherwan area, west of Abbottabad. A regional correlation is carried out with the rest of the Early Paleozoic sequences exposed in northern Pakistan including Abbottabad, Peshawar basin and Salt Range. Stratigraphic sections are measured at Aluli, Pind Khan Khel and Bir villages in the mapped area and at Soban Gali and Muslimabad (Sirbon Hill), Abbottabad. A three-fold subdivision of the Abbottabad Formation has emerged through this study; a) lower arenaceous unit (dominantly quartzite with subordinate pebbly conglomerate, sandstone and siltstone), b) middle dolomitic unit (dominantly dolomite with subordinate quartzite, siltstone, and conglomerate) and c) upper quartzite unit. The three members defined in this study are exclusively preserved in the Sherwan area. Elsewhere, either the only lower two members are preserved such as at the Soban Gali and Sirbon Hill, Abbottabad or only the upper two units are present such as at Swabi in the Peshawar basin. In the latter, the Misri Banda Quartzite that has an Ordovician paleontological age but ~525 Ma age defined by the youngest detrital zircon is possibly an equivalent of the upper quartzite member of the Abbottabad Formation defined in this study. The two are lithologically similar and the detrital zircon age resemble closely with the age of the Abbottabad formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper a detailed stratigraphic analysis of the Middle to Late Permian Wargal Limestone in the Western Salt Range area of the Potwar Basin in north Pakistan is presented. The outcrop data and microfacies analysis suggested that deposition of the Wargal Limestone occurred in the inner shelf to middle shelf-lagoon setting. A regional sequence stratigraphic model of the study unit, with a particular emphasis on the diagenetic fabric of different microfacies has been developed. In this study four, third order depositional sequences (1-4) are recognized. These sequences constituted three Transgressive Systems Tracts (TST 1-3) and four Regressive Systems Tract (RST 1-4). Based on the facies criteria a relative sea level curve is constructed and a comparison with the global sea level curves is made. The relative sea level fall at the 259.6 Ma and 254 Ma in the study area have a global signature, while the 263 Ma fall might be related to the interplay of the local tectonics and sediment supply. The synergy of the diagenetic fabric, results of the XRD, porosity/permeability analysis revealed that best hydrocarbon reservoir qualities exists in the dolomite facies in the middle and upper part of the study unit. The overall hydrocarbon reservoir potential of the Wargal Limestone is moderate to high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the study carried out to estimate groundwater balance for the Pabbi Region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Due to heavy rainfall, excessive irrigation and seepage from irrigation canals, the adjacent areas of Kabul River in the study area have suffered from water logging for a long time. It has been calculated that the recharge to groundwater storage due to seepage from canals and their distributaries flowing in the Pabbi Region is 26 mm/year. According to the data collected from Pakistan Meteorological Department, Peshawar, mean annual rainfall of Pabbi Region is 262.77 mm/year and recharge due to rainfall is calculated as 60.63 mm/year. Discharge through tube wells and hand pumps in the area are estimated as 35 mm/year and 14 mm/year respectively. It has been concluded that the average increase in groundwater level in the study area is 37.63 mm/year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the latest seismicity data from the Karachi Arc and illuminates recent activity within the greater Karachi metropolitan area. Since the epicenter locations cover the entire Karachi Arc, the whole structure seems to be currently active with hypocenters located in a depth range of (0-500) kilometers. Most of these, however, are shallow (10-50 kilometers). Many of the epicenters are located within or near the Karachi neighborhoods plagued by recurrent earthquake activity. That explains why the people are so tormented. Coastal areas in southern Karachi are also exposed to tsunami threats from earthquakes along the shorelines or from within the Arabian Sea. This study also provides the first outcrop evidence of wrench nature of the southern boundary of Karachi Arc. The photographed fault, named Makli Fault here, is located 2 kilometers south of Makli (about 6 kilometers southwest of Thatta) in the Sindh province and appears to be part of a system that extends westwards through Karachi, where it is hidden under the concrete and urban sprawl. Geomorphic observations suggest that faults belonging to this system might have locally deflected the Malir and Lyari River channels and also created accommodation space for deposition of such coarse clastics as the Korangi Conglomerate. Progressive folding and shear-related drag - along the southern wrench boundary of Karachi Arc - as it moved eastward during the Neogene - probably resulted in the formation of large SW plunging folds - such as the Monghopir anticline and the adjacent syncline. The limbs of both of these folds are also torn by prominent NW oriented Riedel shears with enhanced drag-related wrench offsets. More fieldwork is urgently needed to map active faults in Karachi and develop a better understanding of the tectonic threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper deals in biostratigraphy and depositional environments of the Early Eocene Margalla Hill Limestone found in Kohala-Bala area, Haripur from the southern Hazara Fold-Thrust Belt (north western Himalayan Fold-Thrust Belt). The stratigraphy ranges in age from Pre-Cambrian to Holocene. The Margalla Hill Limestone having limestone with thin inter-beds of claystone and marl is 136m thick, and has conformable lower contact with Patala Formation of the Palaeocene age. The upper contact (conformable) with Chorgali Formation of the Eocene age is not exposed here. The Margalla Hill Limestone is described here as having a wide variety of faunal and floral assemblage; includes larger benthic forams, planktic forams, echinoderms, mollusks and dasycladacean algae. Their comparative studies suggest Middle Illerdian-2 age. There were three microfacies recognized; 1) Miliolid Lockhartia Mud-Wackstone Microfacies, inferred the deposition in a low energy, restricted circulation with slightly high salinity in a lagoonal environment of the inner shelf, 2) Nummulitic Wack-Packstone Microfacies, inferred to be deposited in a subtidal conditions of the carbonate shelf and 3) Benthic Foraminiferal Wack-Packstone Microfacies, representing deposition in the distal middle shelf area relatively further offshore. The microfacies are frequent in the section, which reveal changing sea level conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rock mass deformation modulus is an important parameter in numerical modeling for the stability analysis of tunnels and underground excavations. This parameter can be determined by direct and indirect methods. The direct method includes in-situ tests which are costly, timing consuming and the reliability of the result is also questionable. In indirect method different empirical models are used for estimation of rock mass deformation modulus. In this paper Rock Mass Rating (RMR), Geological Strength Index (GSI), Young Modulus of Elasticity and Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) were used as input parameters in empirical models for determination of deformation modulus for rock mass. The Multi Liner Regression (MLR) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) were used for assessment of the prediction performance of different established empirical models for estimation deformation modulus for rock mass. After analysis and comparison of results obtained from MLR and ANN, it was concluded that, the ANN based model predicting performance is better as compared to MLR model for all five data sets and the performance of both models is much better for those data sets which are collected from empirical equation containing three input variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article emphasizes on mercury (Hg) and its negative effects on wild plants and soil of these plants. Hg is highly demanded element because of its multiple uses as the most dangerous element for both environment and human. Not only biotic but also nonliving things can be exposed to Hg contamination. This article investigated the concentrations of Hg in wild plants and their soil samples along the three rivers including Giligt, Hunza and Indus of Northern areas of Pakistan. Natural and anthropogenic sources of Hg are present on the earth crust. Small-scale gold mining exists along these rivers and contribute in the emission of Hg in the environment through amalgamation and roasting process for gold separation from the sediments. This study based on terrestrial environment including wild plants with their soil. Almost 75-80% samples in plants showed the higher Hg contamination, while 99% soil samples showed the higher Hg concentrations. The results indicated that the mean concentrations were 27.01µg/kg and 214.31 µg/kg for plants and soil, respectively. These findings indicated the presence of Hg in the study area and contamination of soil and wild plant samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geochemistry and petrography of the late Cretaceous Pab sandstone exposed at the Laki Range, Southern Indus basin has been carried out in order to acquire better understanding of source rock, paleoclimate and the tectonics. The unit in the study area dominantly comprises of sandstone with some conglomeratic sandstone and mudstone beds. The petrographic studies of Pab sandstone reveal the quartz as the major mineral constituent in almost all analyzed samples. The monocrystalline variety of quartz was seen dominant than the polycrystalline; with dominant non-undulatory extinction, the undulation was also noticed. In addition, studied samples reflect medium to coarse size grains, angular to subangular to subrounded shape characterized with the grain to grain contacts as point to straight and sutured. Iron oxide is observed to be leading cement with calcareous as the second most abundant cementing material, the matrix was also observed in minor amount. The monocrystalline quartz abundance in Pab sandstone indicate the existence of granitic rocks in the source region. The lesser fragments of feldspar and lithics suggest of their alteration to various clay minerals. The Pab sandstone is composed mainly of monocrystalline quartz derived dominantly from craton interior as revealed through plots of model composition on Quartz -Feldspar-Lithics (QFL) and Quartz Monocrystalline-Feldspar-Lithics (QmFLt) plots as per the petrographic characterization. The major element geochemistry of Pab sandstone indicates that the samples comprised of abundant SiO2 (56.21 to 69.93 wt.%), Al2O3 (12.56 to 22.98 wt.%), CaO (1.68 to 6.38 wt.%) and Fe2O3 (3.87 to 14.12 wt.%), the rest of the major oxides are <2 wt.%. Additionally, major element compositions suggest the sediment derivation from a granitic source. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values ranging from 61.12 to 83.75 and the values of Plagioclase Index of Alteration (PIA) ranging from 59.94 to 89.44 suggests that studied sediments underwent the weathering conditions being moderate to intense in warm and humid climate regime. The present petrographic findings and geochemical data suggest the sediment derivation from huge Cratonic landmass (Indian Shield). The similar rock types in the form of Nagar Parkar Igneous Complex are still exposed in the southeast of study area in Pakistan and Malani Igneous Suite in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eocene Nisai Formation of the Pishin Belt at its type section represents thick carbonatesiliciclastics, deposited in an intermittent sub-basin between Eurasian and Indian plates on the north-western margin of Pakistan. These carbonates contain rich assemblages of Larger Benthic Foraminifera (LBF) (Discocyclina, Operculina, Alveolina, Assilina, milliolids, Nummulites etc.), smaller benthic, planktonic foraminifera and other fossil assemblages such as molluscs, brachiopods, bryozoans, algae etc. Microfacies of the Nisai Formation have been studied using biota along with the lithological characters and sedimentary textures. Eight carbonate microfacies have been recognized representing deposition in an inner ramp to outer ramp settings. The association of abundant Nummulties, Assilina, lenticular Discocyclina and algae along with quartz grains at places represent a mid-ramp setting developed as result of episodic relative sea level fall, enhanced continental weathering and tectonic uplift. Flattened Discocyclina, Operculina, Nummulities, smaller benthic foraminifera, planktonic foraminifer accumulation indicates an outer ramp setting and milliolids contribute shallow marine inner ramp environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population growth and economic development on the Pakistani coasts necessitate tsunami hazard analyses. Numerous valuable research outputs already exist given the 1945 Makran earthquake and tsunami. To fill the gap, and present additional scenarios regarding the characteristics of tsunamis at these coasts, an innovative tsunami source model is developed for simulations. The geographical information system (GIS) techniques are used for the mapping of seismogenic sources, placing the fault planes and approximation of their extent in the source model. The segmentation of the Makran subduction zone is practiced, designating its eastern segment as a tsunami source region. The extent of rupture induced by the 1945 Makran earthquake is related to the size of the tsunami source in the formulation of the new source model. The earthquake catalogs and literature on previously developed source models are consulted to estimate various constituting parameters of this model. The bathymetry profile near coasts is analyzed to assess the susceptibility of submarine landslides that may enhance tsunami impacts. Simulations of the 1945 tsunami yielded ~5 m high wave while simulation of the worst tsunami based on an Mw 8.6 earthquake scenario yielded an amplitude of ~8 m. The late and prolonged arrival of high waves after the first tsunami is also observed in simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water plays a vital role in different physiological functions like maintenance of turgidity, nutrient uptake and metabolic processes in plants. The application of groundwater has been adopted for crop cultivation in many water-scarce areas. However, the quality of groundwater is deteriorating day by day due to urbanization and industrialization. Therefore, a five-year (2015-2020) study was conducted to assess the fitness of groundwater being used for field application in different tehsils of Rawalpindi District. A total of 559 samples were collected in six tehsils of Rawalpindi, analyzed and categorized according to suitability criteria set by FAO (2013). Mean data showed that 70% of the total samples were fit, 9% marginally fit and 21% were found unfit for irrigation purposes. It was also recorded that a maximum (37%) of total unfit samples belonged to Gujar Khan tehsil whereas, the majority of samples of Taxila tehsil were fit compared to other Tehsils of Rawalpindi District. About 14.7% of water samples were recorded unfit due to Electrical Conductivity (EC), 5.9% due to Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), 11.4% due to Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), 19.4% due to EC+RSC, 14% due to EC+SAR, 8% due to SAR+RSC, and 11.8% were unfit in terms of EC+RSC+SAR. Depending upon water quality, farmers were advised to use good quality water for crops. Suitable remedial measures for marginally fit/unfit water samples were suggested considering the salinity or sodicity of the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research work, one-dimensional (1D) oedometer load-unload tests are performed on unreinforced monofilament PVA (poly vinyl alcohol) fibre alone, cement only, and Toyoura sand specimens with fibres and cement to evaluate compression behaviour and obtain critical state line slope (), elastic loading and unloading line slope () and K0 normal compression line (N or K0 NCL) parameters. The K0 NCL of monofilament PVA fibre only, cement only, and Toyoura sand specimens containing monofilament PVA fibres plus cement is shown to differ from that of clean cohesionless samples. The addition of additives (fibre and/or cement) to cohesionless soil (Toyoura sand) has no effect on the K0 NCL slope, but increasing the amount of these additives pushes it beyond the K0 NCL of unreinforced sand. It demonstrates that cementitious connections and lock-in influence caused by short discrete/monofilament PVA fibres are strong enough in contrast to clean sand particles. The migration of the K0 NCL to the right has been recorded in the prior literature for monofilament PVA fibre only, cement only, and Toyoura sand specimens containing fibres and cement. The findings of this investigation are consistent with previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, the interaction factors including pile-soil-raft and pile-soil-pile in pile-raft system are often ignored to simplify the analysis that leads to unsafe and inadequate designs. In addition, the pile-raft system involves interaction with soil which makes it complex to analyze. The interaction depends on many geometrical and strength factors: including, modulus of elasticity of soil (E), Poisson's ratio (?), spacing/diameter (s/d) ratio, length of piles, geometry of raft etc. To investigate the effect of these parameters in the design of pile raft system, we proposed interaction charts for pile-raft system. A series of 3D finite element analysis were performed and effect of parameters was studied. It has been found that there is a possible interaction between pile, soil, and raft that has effect on the design of pile-raft system. From the developed charts, the results clearly highlighted that the pile-soil-pile interaction decreases with increasing s/d ratio, and soils with high modulus of elasticity are more sensitive to variation of interaction factors between the piles of a pile-raft system. Furthermore, increasing the length of pile enhances the interaction between pile and soil while increase s/d decreases the interaction factor. It is concluded from the parametric study that the designers should consider the effect of interaction factors in the design of the pile-raft system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the sandstone facies of the Nari Formation from the Nari River Section in Southern Kirthar Range, Pakistan are studied to decipher their diagenetic processes, stages, and associated tectonic events using petrographic, mineralogical, and geochemical analysis. The field study encompasses outcrop observations, section measurement and sampling. Laboratory work includes thin-section preparation and analysis of the samples under a petrographic microscope, X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy. During this study, different diagenetic processes, such as cementation, compaction, quartz dissolution, quartz overgrowth, and grain deformation porosity are identified. Results indicate that iron oxide is the most abundant cementing material in samples followed by calcite and dolomite. The cement has completely destroyed the primary porosity. The sandstone of the Nari Formation indicates poor to well compaction as exhibited by grain contacts. Identified diagenetic processes are classified into three diagenetic stages, which are eogenesis, mesogenesis and telogenesis. Eogenesis is contemporary to the deposition of Nari Formation. Nari Formation experienced mesogenesis during the Pliocene. Deformation and uplifting of the north-western margin of the Indian Plate during the Pliocene-Pleistocene brought the Nari Formation into the regime of telogenesis. This study suggests that the diagenesis of the Nari Formation is controlled by the Oligocene-Pleistocene tectonic evolution of the study area. This integrated and comprehensive investigation not only provides important constraints on the diagenetic history of the Nari Formation but also accentuates the crucial role played by the Oligocene-Pleistocene tectonic evolution to control the diagenesis of the Nari Formation in the study area. The present work will serve as a demonstration of the critical interaction between diagenetic processes and tectonic events in the evolution of sedimentary formations thereby offering valuable insights for both academic understanding and geological resource exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marine deposits of middle Cretaceous Arabian continental margin are assigned to the Kazhdumi and Sarvak formations and best exposed in the south Zagros Basin (SW Iran). However, detailed studies related to the sedimentary environments, biostratigraphy and microfacies distribution of the middle Cretaceous sequence in south Zagros basin are still scarce. This study presents detailed biostratigraphic and microfacies analysis of the Kazhdumi and Sarvak formations on two sections in the northeast Interior Fars zone to reconstruct the sedimentary evolution of Middle Cretaceous Arabian continental margin. The Kazhdumi Formation is conformably worn by Sarvak Formation. The biozones were encountered in the studied areas and the following seven assemblage zones have been defined. Stratigraphic distribution of identified foraminifers supports Albian to late Cenomanian age of Kazhdumi and Sarvak Formations at the study area. The recognized eleven microfacies in Kazhdumi and Sarvak formations are clustered into lagoon, tidal flat, barrier and open marine sedimentary environments. A carbonate shelf and shallow ramp is suggested for Sarvak and Kazhdumi Formation respectively. The transgressive and highstand deposits reveal a predominance of deep and shallow subtidle facies respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslides are a widespread natural hazard. Remote sensing is these days used to detect landslide locations, by visual interpretation or semi-automated analysis of multi-temporal images. Instead of only being able to sense the status quo, a continuous monitoring of movement would greatly add to knowledge on landslides and help risk assessment in landslide prone areas. In this paper, we aim to not only detect landslides, but also monitor its movement over time. We first assess the capabilities of the adopted methodology to detect motion and provide an overview of what level of detail can be detected, and what imagery (high spatial resolution or high temporal resolution) is needed to do so. For the application we focused on landslides in Kashmir (Pakistan) and on the Koyulhisar landslides in the North Anatolian Fault Zone (Turkey). We used sub-pixel correlation of optical ASTER and Quickbird imagery to detect spatial shift of pixels. These observations were linked with elevation data to evaluate the sense of direction obtained by remote sensing. Observations from the field (Pakistan) as well as GPS data were in addition used to validate magnitude and direction of movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The breadth or domain of mineral sector includes, but is not limited to, mineral resource mapping, mineral resource modeling and visualization, mine planning and design, mine management, mineral and mining cadastre system. Although, there are many software solutions for various aspects related to mineral sector, but a comprehensive and coherent solution, seizes to exist. These are 1) cover and integrate the entire and diverse domain of mineral sector, and 2) provide a platform that would accommodate the requirements of the stakeholders of the mineral sector. Therefore, an integrated open source software mineral resource management system (MRMS) is needed to be designed and developed such as 1) open source software (OSS) solutions purview almost all conceivable domains, and 2) contemporary OSS's have the characteristics and capabilities needed for an integrated software solution for the mineral sector. This paper envisions the design of an open source MRMS. The proposed MRMS is based on the characteristics and capabilities of integration, customization and binding of various open source geospatial softwares including open source libraries, services, applications, spatial database management systems, and an open source ERP. Core architecture of MRMS will not only provide the common capabilities for the independent islands of mineral resource mapping, geo- data management, mineral and mining cadastre, mineral resource modelling, mineral resource visualization, mine planning, mine design, and mine management, but will also link the entire domain of mineral sector as an integrated system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Watersheds are critical for sustainable development and subsequent management of water based socio-economics at command areas. These not only control water supply volumes (runoff) but also qualities through their landuse systems. Bearing in mind the human inability of producing water to meet sectoral demands (agriculture, municipalities, industrial and ecological), the due respect is required for water effluent areas i.e. watersheds. However, due to anthropogenic reasons, the landuse systems within these areas are being changed at rapid rates and consequently leading towards increased inside demands for water. If water resources within these areas are not wisely utilized, there will be serious implications for downstream water users, where established water related demands would be challenged. The water saving techniques/ technologies, so far have been mainly incorporated only in command areas while generally ignored for management of water cycle within watersheds. Watershed management traditionally remained limited to afforestation, forest conservation, construction of check dams and gabion netted structures only, but under changing landuse and increasing water demands both within and outside watershed areas, there is dire need to introduce and adapt various techniques, which has proven water saving potential. This is because each drop of water conserved/ saved within watersheds will remain available to command area users for ensuring food securities. The Rawal Watershed area stretched between Islamabad and part of Punjab province is one such watershed whereby water management is being demonstrated through various appropriate water smart technologies on pilot scale. This paper highlights the application of selected water smart technologies in watersheds (e.g., pressurized irrigation systems, watercourse lining, raised bed farming, gravity fed drip irrigation etc.), so that water productivity can be enhanced and sustainable runoff can be promoted for downstream areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the methodology for estimation of groundwater balance for Pabbi region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Due to heavy rainfall in summers, excessive irrigation and seepage from irrigation canals, the adjacent areas of Kabul River have suffered from water logging for a long time. It has been found that the recharge to groundwater storage due to seepage from canals and their distributaries in Pabbi region is 26 mm/year. According to the data collected from Metrological Department, Peshawar, mean annual rainfall of Pabbi region is 262.70 mm/year and recharge due to rainfall is calculated as 60.63 mm/year. Discharge through the tube wells and hand pumps in the area are found as 35 mm/year and 14 mm/year respectively. It has been concluded that 37.63 mm of groundwater level is increasing per year in Pabbi region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To provide effective solution to escalating spatial problems of hostel management this paper provides a lay out of latest technologies which is applicable for not only interactive decision making, but also beneficial for risk management. The architectural plane of eight hostels of University of the Punjab, New campus Lahore and Google Earth imagery were selected to prepare geodatabase for spatial and non-spatial entities using ArcGIS 10. To manage effectively spatial and non-spatial data of a hostel requires the understanding and manipulation of a large number of variables. The spatial nature of the hostel and their associated resources were linked to students, departments and hostel management in Geographic Information System (GIS). Three storys buildings of these hostels were digitized as three different layers with other basic layers. Student's data linked with rooms for query and visualization. Hostel management system also provided facility to manage immovable assets glued to the hostel property allotted to students and management staffs. ArcReader 10 was used for the data disbursement to different hostel offices and related department for the management of hostel assets and illegal hostelized any time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land pollution may in turn slowly destroy our natural environment which is already at risk. Waste generated from polymers is a major contributor to land pollution. Polymer waste is generally dumped in open spaces and become a breathing space for mosquitoes and flies. This results in unhealthy environment and epidemic diseases. It is therefore, necessary to manage or recycle these wastes. An efficient practice may be to incorporate polymer waste in mortar. This paper investigates the possibility of using different polymers in cement mortar to produce thermal resistant mortar. Polymers selected for study are scrap polyvinyl chloride pipes (PVC pipes) and raw material of polyethylene terephthalate bottles (PET bottles). Scrap rubber tire waste is also not recyclable or reusable and only 5% of tire waste is recycled rest is dumped into open grounds, which again is hazardous to environment. In this study performance of mortar incorporating 10%, 20% and 30% polymers as volume replacement of fine aggregate was investigated. Results showed that incorporating polymer waste in mortar increases thermal resistance of mortar, compressive strength on the other hand is deteriorated. Based upon findings of the experiments performed it can be concluded that polymers can be used in mortar to increase its thermal resistance and subsequently reducing environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flood of 2010 incurred damages in all four Provinces of Pakistan, which were estimated to be many times greater than those caused by the Kashmir Earthquake 2005. More than one thousand people were killed; millions of people were made homeless and displaced. Millions were left without food and clean drinking water and were later on exposed to different kinds of diseases. The flash flood swept away all kinds of man-made structures, which came along its course. These included different types of buildings, bridges, roads, water diverting and retaining structures, electricity and telephone towers. This paper focuses on the assessment of damages of buildings and bridges in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Stone masonry buildings and adobe buildings (mud construction) were the worst-hit structures and followed by structures made with burnt-bricks laid in mud-mortar. Foundation settlement was also one of the causes of the damages in the buildings. Bridges including suspension and reinforced concrete were also damaged partly because of their structural deficiencies and partly because of inadequate hydrological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limestone is the most abundant and massively used industrial commodity globally as well as in Pakistan. Type localities and type sections were sampled from top to bottom of the vertical succession of beds of each limestone rock unit for chemical and mineralogical analysis. The results of laboratory studies were then compared with the British standard specifications and it was found that these limestones, namely, Lockhart, Margalla Hill, Samanasuk, Sakesar and Nammal are of great economic importance and commercially exploitable. For each limestone, bulk samples were taken from top to bottom beds in vertical depositional succession at the respective type sections selected for sampling. Limestone and calcium carbonate are used in a wide range of products e.g. glass, ceramics, paper, sugar, plastic, paint, rubber, polishes, dentifrices, putty, insecticides, as a fillerin adhesives, matches, pencils, food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and antibiotics. Collected samples were processed, prepared and analyzed chemically for SiO2 , A1203, CaO, MgO, Na2O, K2O and loss on ignition in accordance with ASTM C 25 - 06. This research work has shown that abundant quantities of limestone spread allover Pakistan is of great industrial usage and bear potential for industrialization and economic revival of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the Efficiency and capability of existing geo hazards related courses in present times. Geo hazards related courses are not being taught in many departments, colleges, institutions and universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. If they exist in few faculties, even there the courses are discrete. There exists a lot of variation in the course content and its utility and the student response to them. Instructing staff mostly deals with the post hazards effects and solutions for the future disaster scenarios via different hazard models and patterns. It is concern that whether the existing courses are enough for the better understanding of the disaster and coping with them effectively. This research discusses different course module and their utility for the students as well as the institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modern lifestyle, alongside the advancement of technology has led to a large number of man made disasters. One of these disasters is the increasing rate of plastic waste production, which is a serious environmental problem through out the Globe. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the role of concrete industry in the growing plastic waste disposal crisis .The reuse of plastic waste is not only helpful in the mitigation of environmental health but it also helps in safeguarding natural resources. The current environmental situation demands that the waste materials must be recycled in order to maintain a pollution free healthy environment. The present study covers the use of waste and recycled plastic as replacement of coarse aggregates in concrete. The purpose of the study is to investigate the changes in mechanical properties of concrete with the addition of plastics in concrete. Along with the mechanical properties, thermal characteristics of the resultant concrete are also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tarbela dam, with the main functions of hydropower (3,750 MW installed capacity) and irrigation, is being threatened by the menace of sedimentation. The underwater delta is advancing at a rapid pace towards the main embankment dam, being at 5.25 miles from Main Embankment Dam (MED) in 2012. This study is aimed at monitoring Tarbela reservoir's underwater delta pivot point advancement and its forecast mapping. Secondary data regarding pivot point elevation and its distance from the MED was obtained from the reservoir's library. Base map of delta direction was obtained from the surveying department at Tarbela dam. The data was processed in Arc GIS and Microsoft Excel to perform meaningful analysis. The study concludes that the average sediments deposited in the reservoir for the period of 1980-2012 were 0.1 MAF. Delta pivot point was at a distance of 5.45 miles from the MED in 2012 and according to our study, it will be only at a distance of 0.45 miles from MED in 2032. The In order to enhance the efficiency and life of Tarbela dam, this study suggests that immediate sediment management, either active or passive methods e.g. dredging, hydro suction and flushing must be adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limestone is regarded as one of the most important construction materials for mega-engineering projects. The evaluation of strength and durability characteristics of limestone is a pre-requisite for its use in any engineering project. The rock's compressive strength is obtained using the Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) test and Point Load Index (PLI). However, in large projects, performing UCS test is timeconsuming, needs effort and is costly, while PLI can be misleading in the case of anisotropic rocks. In such cases, the implementation of the non-destructive tests is useful that are cost-effective and reduce time. Schmidt Hammer Test (SHT), is an indirect method to estimate the UCS and PLI. The test is easy and quickly applicable in the laboratory as well as in the field. Strength tests, such as UCS, PLT, and SHT were performed on rock samples of two Eocene formations i.e, Shekhan Formation (SF) and Kohat Formation (KF) of Kohat Basin. A strong linear relationship obtained between the SHT and UCS for the limestone of SF and KF having a correlation coef. of 0.827 and 0.840, respectively. Furthermore, strong linear relationship is also obtained between the SHT and PLI having a correlation coef. of 0.727 and 0.758, respectively. This study presents new correlations with high accuracy for the prediction of UCS and PLI from indirect SHT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]