Spatial and temporal variations in nitrogen retention effects in a subtropical mountainous basin in Southeast China

Nitrogen retention within a watershed reduces the amount of N exported to the ocean;however, it worsens environmental problems, including surface water eutrophication, aquifer pollution, acid rain, and soil acidification. Here, we adopted the Soil and Water Assessment Tool(SWAT) model to describe the riverine N output and retention effects in the Shanmei Reservoir Basin, a subtropical mountainous basin located in Quanzhou City, Southeast China. The results revealed that farmlands and orchards in the upstream and central parts of the basin were the dominant land use types, which contributed large N yields. Fertilizer application was the key source of riverine N output and N retention within the basin. On average, approximately 64% of anthropogenic N inputs were retained within the basin, whereas 36% of total N was exported to the downstream and coastal areas. The average N retention efficiency was 80% in a dry year, and within the year, N retention occurred in spring and summer and N release occurred in autumn and winter. The annual variation in N retention within the basin was largely dominated by changes in rainfall and runoff, whereas the seasonal characteristics of N retention were mainly affected by fertilization. Even with a large decrease in fertilizer application, owing to the contributions of the residual N pool and river background, the riverine N output still maintained a certain base value. The effects of precipitation, land use types, and agricultural fertilizer on N retention should be comprehensively considered to implement reasonable N management measures.

Structural characteristics of the basement and the prospective of favorable oil and gas blocks in the Tacheng basin

The Tacheng basin has been identified as a Carboniferous basement with a central uplift, sur- rounded by orogenic belts. This identification was based on the comprehensive analysis of field outcrops, regional magnetic and gravimetric data, skeleton seismic profiles, magnetotelluric profiles and drilling data. Here, we present gravimetric and magnetic data analyses of the basement structures of the Tacheng basin and its base formation. We also provide a magnetotelluric profile analysis of the structural features and tectonic framework of basin-mountain patterns. We use local geology, drilling data, and other comprehensive information to document the tectonic framework of the basement of the basin. Small-scale nappe structures are found in the northern basin, whereas stronger and more pronounced thrusting structures are found to the south and east of the basin. The basin is divided into four first-order tectonic units: a central uplift, a northern depression, a southeastern depression and a western depression. In addition, the Emin sag is suggested as a possible reservoir for oil and gas.

Geological, Soil and Sediment Studies in Chelsaton Sedimentary Basin, Kabul, Afghanistan

The geology, sediment and soil studies are important due to its significant impacts on agriculture, mining, constructions materials, industries, environment, ground water percolation, air pollution, surface and ground water pollutions, earthquakes and geo-hazards in Afghanistan. In this research, we studied petrography, Sediment, tectonic structures, soil fraction selection by using hydrometer, sieving analysis, and geological mapping. Results show different kinds of metamorphic rocks of low grade and medium grade metamorphisms, Garnete mica Schist, Garnete Schist, Quarsite, different types of minerals among rocks. Further, type of sediment consisting residual angular (Autochthonous) and rounded (Allochthonous) transported by water, among sediments consisting Garnete, Gneiss, Schist, Quarsite, Biotite and consisting different type of sizes boulders, Cobble, Granule, Sand, Silt. Hydrometer analysis shows different types of soil clayey loam, sandy loam, silty loam. Moreover, Geological mapping shows complex tectonic structures like joints, cracks, faults, folds, anticline and syncline. The obtained results suggest that the petrography, sediments and soil researches can be used efficiently for catchments of the Kabul Basin and other basins in Afghanistan.