Science and earth science

Acta Geologica Polonica

Content

Acta Geologica Polonica | 2022 | vol. 72 | No 4

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Abstract

This paper is a summary of the results of research on the accumulation conditions of the Upper Younger Loess (LMg) in Poland and Bug loess (bg) in Ukraine from the maximum stage (MIS 2) of the Vistulian (Weichselian) Glaciation in central and eastern Europe. These studies included an analysis of the morphological (topographic) situation of the loess cover, its grain size and heavy mineral composition, the preserved structures of loess sedimentation as well as mollusc and pollen analyses of this loess. They revealed that the accumulation of Upper Younger Loess (UYL) might have been more dependent on the prevailing moisture conditions than previously thought. These conditions could have been caused by cold air masses from an ice sheet and warm air masses from the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic coming together in the Carpathians and the Holy Cross Mountains and favouring the formation of dust storms and precipitation. In this process, a loading of loess dust (formed from local rocks weathering in periglacial conditions) by atmospheric moisture particles was especially significant. The moist substrate not only favoured the periodic development of vegetation and molluscs but also enabled the interception of dust and the accumulation of an increasingly thick loess cover. Westerly and south-westerly winds predominated in the UYL as indicated by the topographic position of loess patches and the mineral composition of the studied loess. Periodically an increased air circulation from the east and northeast occurred.
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Authors and Affiliations

Jan Dzierżek
1
Leszek Lindner
1
Roman Chlebowski
1
Marcin Szymanek
1
Andryi Bogucki
2 3
Olena Tomeniuk
2 3

  1. University of Warsaw, Faculty of Geology, Żwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warszawa, Poland
  2. Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Department of Geomorphology and Palaeogeography, Doroshenka 41, 79000 Lviv, Ukraine
  3. National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, I. Krypiakevych Institute of Ukrainian Studies, Vynnychenka 24, 79008 Lviv, Ukraine
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Abstract

Ophiuroids from the Upper Jurassic marine deposits (upper Oxfordian–lower Kimmeridgian) of southern and north-western Poland have been studied in two sections: Zalas quarry in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland in southern Poland and Wapienno/Bielawy quarries in the Kuyavia region of north-western Poland. Described herein are nine taxa belonging to five genera (one new to science): Alternacantha Thuy and Meyer, 2013; Dermocoma Hess, 1964; Ophiobartia Loba gen. nov.; Ophioderma Müller and Troschel, 1840; Ophiotreta Verrill, 1899, and three families: Ophiacanthidae and Ophiodermatidae (both of Ljungman, 1867), and Ophiotomidae Paterson, 1985. Only a few representatives of some of these taxa have previously been reported from the Jurassic of Poland. One species, Ophiobartia radwanskii Loba, is established as new. The ophiuroid material recognized from both Polish localities is close to those described from Western Europe at family or even genus level. Both studied ophiuroid assemblages from Zalas and Wapienno/Bielawy show similarities, being dominated by the cosmopolitan species Ophioderma spectabile Hess, 1966, and by different species of Dermocoma. The recognized ophiuroid assemblages represent a rather shallow-water environment.
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Authors and Affiliations

Michał Loba
1
Urszula Radwańska
2

  1. Polish Academy of Sciences Museum of the Earth in Warsaw, Aleja Na Skarpie 20/26, 27, 00-488 Warszawa
  2. University of Warsaw, Faculty of Geology, Żwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warszawa, Poland
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Abstract

The contributions of the members of the Department of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Petrology, University of Warsaw, to the study of the chevkinite-group of minerals (CGM) are described. The range of research topics includes: (i) geochemical and mineralogical studies of natural occurrences of the group, and attempts to relate their chemical composition to host lithology; (ii) detailed analysis of the hydrothermal alteration of CGM in various settings, with the aim of understanding element redistribution and the potential implications for ore formation. An ongoing series of high P-T experiments is providing quantitative information on the pressures, temperatures and melt water conditions under which the alteration assemblages have formed. Various spectroscopic techniques are being used to determine the structure of the CGM and to identify cation distribution in the structures.
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Authors and Affiliations

Ray Macdonald
1 2
Bogusław Bagiński
1

  1. University of Warsaw, Faculty of Geology, Department of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Petrology, Żwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warszawa, Poland
  2. Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
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Abstract

In the mining galleries of the abandoned Au-As mine in Radzimowice, diverse groups of secondary arsenates crystallized recently. They form several characteristic assemblages. In the first of them the typical minerals are bukovskýite and melanterite. The second group of secondary arsenates includes scorodite, kaňkite, zýkaite, and pitticite. The third assemblage includes Co-Ni-Mg arsenates of the erythrite-annabergite-hörnesite series. The first assemblage crystallized in a zone with a very high activity of sulphate and arsenate ions and where the pH varies within a narrow range of 2.0–3.5. The second group of secondary arsenates formed in the acidic zone. The minerals identified here suggest pH variation within fairly wide ranges, from about 2.0 to 5.5. Contrary to the first and second mineral assemblage, the Co-Ni-Mg arsenates formed under different geochemical conditions. Their crystallization took place under weak acidic to neutral conditions.
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Authors and Affiliations

Rafał Siuda
1
Anna Januszewska
1

  1. University of Warsaw, Faculty of Geology, Żwirki i Wigury 93, 02-098 Warszawa, Poland
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Abstract

Twenty silver minerals of the sulphide, arsenide, selenide, telluride, sulphosalt and chloride groups were found in 13 locations in the Variscan Karkonosze granitoid pluton. Previously only one of these minerals was known from this area. The findings include species characterized in publications as rare or exceptionally rare, e.g., muthmannite and tsnigriite. They occur in pegmatites and quartz veins; their parageneses are described. The studies include determination of chemical compositions, formulae calculations and recording of XRD patterns. Inclusion studies in paragenetic quartz indicate that they crystallized from epithermal fluids with a common but low component of CO 2. The results suggest that the minerals formed from trace elements (Ag included) in the Karkonosze granitoid due to very local degrees of recrystallization of the host granitoid.
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Authors and Affiliations

Andrzej Kozłowski
1
Witold Matyszczak
1

  1. University of Warsaw, Faculty of Geology, Żwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warszawa, Poland
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Abstract

The Northern Copper Belt is located in south-western Poland, a region well known for its copper and silver occurrences of varying significance. This area also includes the abandoned mines of the North-Sudetic Trough (Old Copper District), as well as the currently active New Copper District in the southern part of the Fore- Sudetic Monocline. The vast exploration programme of Miedzi Copper Corp. initiated in 2011 in the northern, deeper part of the Fore Sudetic Monocline provided new data about the deeper parts of this geological unit, located north of the known deposits. A number of prospective areas with Cu-Ag mineralization were investigated, which ultimately resulted in the discovery of three new Cu-Ag deposits. Both the prospective areas and the documented deposits form the so-called Northern Copper Belt, which as a whole has high potential for the identification of new ore deposits and an increase in resources. A description of these three new deposits is provided along with characteristics of the areas of their possible extension, and the additional prospective areas with hypothetical and speculative resources. The new deposits are compared to other Polish Cu-Ag ore deposits, with an emphasis on differences in their geological structure and mineralogy. The paper also presents a brief summary of the applied new exploration tools which have led to this discovery.
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Authors and Affiliations

Stanisław Speczik
1
ORCID: ORCID
Krzysztof Szamałek
1
ORCID: ORCID
Jan Wierchowiec
1
Krzysztof Zieliński
2
ORCID: ORCID
Alicja Pietrzela
1
ORCID: ORCID
Tomasz Bieńko
1
ORCID: ORCID

  1. University of Warsaw, Faculty of Geology, Żwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warszawa, Poland
  2. Miedzi Copper Corp., Al. Jerozolimskie 96, 00-807 Warszawa, Poland
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Abstract

Geochemical studies of CO 2-rich therapeutic waters in the Sudetes have provided new data on a wide range of trace elements, going beyond standard chemical analyses of such waters. A consistent set of physicochemical data obtained using the same analytical methods was subjected to statistical analyses, including hierarchical clustering, factor analysis and nonparametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis, Tau Kendall), to reveal geochemical relationships between physicochemical and chemical parameters in the waters, and their relationships with the aquifer lithology. Distinct differences in the composition of waters found in crystalline rocks (mainly gneisses and mica schists) and sedimentary rocks were identified. The wide range of elements can be associated with the hydrolysis of silicate minerals, including alkali and alkali earth metals (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be) and (mostly) transition elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Co, W, Mg). Carbonate equilibria are the next important factor as it determines the aggressiveness of the water towards the minerals of aquifer rocks and affects the concentrations of numerous solutes. The probable common origin of chlorides, bromides and sulphates together with Li, Na, Sr may be related to the relict saline component of deep circulating waters, a hypothesis that requires further investigations.
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Authors and Affiliations

Dariusz Dobrzyński
1
Marcin Stępień
1
Marzena Szostakiewicz-Hołownia
1
ORCID: ORCID
Włodzimierz Humnicki
1
ORCID: ORCID

  1. University of Warsaw, Faculty of Geology, Department of Hydrogeology and Geophysics, Żwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warszawa, Poland
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Abstract

The presented studies focus on changes in groundwater levels and chemistry, and the identification of important factors influencing these changes on short- and long-term scales in urban areas. The results may be useful for rational and sustainable groundwater planning and management in cities. The studies concerned three aquifers: (1) the shallow Quaternary aquifer, (2) the deep Quaternary aquifer, and (3) the Oligocene aquifer in the capital city of Warsaw (Poland). The spatial variability of groundwater recharge was determined and its changes in time were characterized. The characteristics of groundwater levels were based on long-term monitoring series. The results indicate that urban development has caused overall reduction in infiltration recharge (from 54 to 51 mm/ year), which is particularly clear in the city suburbs and in its centre, where land development has significantly densified during the last 30 years. Studies of groundwater levels indicate variable long-term trends. However, for the shallowest aquifer, the trends indicate a gradual decrease of the groundwater levels. In the case of the much deeper Oligocene aquifer, groundwater table rise is observed since the 1970s (averagely c. 20 m), which is related with excessive pumping. Based on the studied results, the groundwater chemistry in the subsurface aquifer indicates strong anthropogenic influence, which is reflected in multi-ionic hydrogeochemical types and the occurrence of chemical tracers typical of human activity. The Oligocene aquifer is characterized by a chemical composition indicating the influence of geogenic factors.
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Authors and Affiliations

Ewa Krogulec
1
Tomasz Gruszczyński
1
Sebastian Kowalczyk
1
Jerzy J. Małecki
1
Radosław Mieszkowski
1
ORCID: ORCID
Dorota Porowska
1
Katarzyna Sawicka
1
Joanna Trzeciak
1
Anna Wojdalska
1
Sebastian Zabłocki
1
Daniel Zaszewski
1
ORCID: ORCID

  1. University of Warsaw, Faculty of Geology, Żwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warszawa, Poland
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Abstract

Engineering activity may lead to uncontrolled changes in the geological environment. This paper presents an example of structural changes in fluvial sand of the Praski terrace (in Warsaw) caused by the activity of a temporary concrete batching plant. Our investigations made it possible to identify the material responsible for the structural anomalies observed in the bottom of the trench excavation. The compound responsible for the cementation phenomenon was identified as ettringite – hydrated calcium aluminosulphate: Ca 6Al 2[(OH) 12(SO 4) 3]·26H 2O. The source of ettringite were most probably significant volumes of contaminants coming from the temporary concrete batching plant (e.g., from the rinsing of concrete mixers and/or installations for concrete storage and transportation). While penetrating into the ground, ettringite caused extensive cementation of the soil mass, mainly in the saturation zone. As a result, the mineral (chemical) composition of the inter-grain space changed and the structure of the sand was strengthened. The estimated zone of volumetric changes in soil properties was about 6 thousand m 3. However, analysis of the chemical composition of groundwater for its potential sulphate contamination, did not reveal any anomalous concentrations of sulphates.
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Authors and Affiliations

Piotr Zawrzykraj
1
Paweł Rydelek
2
Anna Bąkowska
2
Krzysztof Cabalski
2

  1. University of Warsaw, Faculty of Geology, Department of Engineering Geology and Geomechanics, Żwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warszawa
  2. University of Warsaw, Faculty of Geology, Department of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, Żwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warszawa
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Abstract

Petroleum products influence the engineering behaviour of the soil. Neogene clays and glacial tills from Central Poland were tested under laboratory conditions to evaluate the changes of selected physical and mechanical parameters: particle size distribution, particle density, swelling, shear strength and permeability. Four petroleum products were used in the experiments: diesel fuel, kerosene, jet fuel and mineral engine oil. The study revealed that even for the lowest degree of contamination the values of physical and mechanical properties of the soils changed significantly. Greater variation can be expected in soils contaminated with high-viscosity compounds. Also, higher relative changes were found for glacial tills than for Neogene clays. Consolidation tests revealed changes in soil permeability depending on the soil composition and the physical properties of the contaminant – considerable reduction of permeability was observed for glacial tills contaminated with light Jet fuel, while the reduction was lower for Neogene clays. The obtained results indicate the role of mesopores and the dimensionless pore pressure coefficient in changes of soil permeability. The methodological issues regarding testing and analysing the hydrocarbon-contaminated soils were also presented and discussed, which might be useful for researchers studying contaminated soils.
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Authors and Affiliations

Paweł Dobak
1
Dorota Izdebska-Mucha
1
Piotr Stajszczak
1
Emilia Wójcik
1
Kamil Kiełbasiński
1
Ireneusz Gawriuczenkow
1
Tomasz Szczepański
1
Piotr Zawrzykraj
1
Anna Bąkowska
1

  1. University of Warsaw, Faculty of Geology, Department of Engineering Geology and Geomechanics, Żwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warszawa, Poland

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