Jafar Hassanpour Dept. of Engineering Geology, School of Geology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran author Sadegh Esmaeili Vardanjani Dept. of Engineering Geology, School of Geology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran author Akbar Cheshomi Dept. of Engineering Geology, School of Geology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, IRAN author Jamal Rostami Earth Mech. Inst. (EMI), Dept. of Mining Eng., Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, USA author text article 2019 eng The Chamshir water conveyance tunnel (CWCT) with a length of 7.4 km and boring diameter of 5.3 m is excavated using a refurbished single shield TBM, initially designed to work in hard rock formations. This study focuses on engineering geological issues, which are important for checking the suitability of this machine and proposing required modifications for improving its performance in soft rock. The main objective of the investigation was to predict geological problems and risks associated with TBM tunneling in the given ground conditions and to examine the ability of the selected TBM to overcome the anticipated challenges. Geotechnical parameters that could affect TBM operation are described in this paper. These parameters include the engineering geological and hydrogeological properties of the rock units, rock mass boreability and abrasivity, and assessment of geological problems (clogging potential, swelling, abrasive ground, unstable tunnel face and water inflow). Estimated tool wear in this project is also discussed using a new special prediction model, and the results are compared with actual disc cutter consumption in the excavated section of the tunnel. The actual observations in the first 1500 m of the tunnel indicate the validity of the assessments in the related engineering geological units. University of Tehran 2228-7817 9 v. 1 no. 2019 1 20 https://geopersia.ut.ac.ir/article_67389_0276b73e99e075170b5e492cf7ac3add.pdf dx.doi.org/10.22059/geope.2018.253479.648374 Mostafa Moradi Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad,Mashhad,Iran author Reza Muossavi Harami Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad,Mashhad,Iran author Asadollah Mahboubi Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad,Mashhad,Iran author Mohammad Khanehbad Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad,Mashhad,Iran author text article 2019 eng The present study focuses on facies analysis and the reservoir characteristics of the Asmari Formation in the Aghajari oilfield (located in the Zagros fold-thrust belt, southwest Iran), and how they are linked to depositional environments and reservoir characteristics. This formation consists of about 380 m carbonates with some siliciclastic intercalations. Based on the integration of 1200 m of core description and petrographic analyses of 2500 thin sections, 9 carbonate and 1 evaporite microfacies along with 2 siliciclastic petrofacies were identified. Facies analysis shows that the Asmari Formation sediments were deposited in a homoclinal carbonate ramp within open marine (facies association A), shoal (facies association B), restricted lagoon (facies association C), tidal flat (facies association D), and beach (petrofacies E) environments. Macroscopic and microscopic studies reveal that the main porosity types include interparticle, growth framework, vuggy, intercrystaline, moldic and fracture. Based on Routine core analysis (RCA), porosity of the studied reservoir varies from 0.001 to 25.8%, with an average of 12.5%. The permeability ranges from zero to 1514 mD with an average of 94.27 mD. There is a good relationship between trend of mercury injection capillary pressures (MICP) and depositional environment. Therefore, facies deposited University of Tehran 2228-7817 9 v. 1 no. 2019 21 41 https://geopersia.ut.ac.ir/article_67578_f6ccdc51f352c8331fe8611563e5093c.pdf dx.doi.org/10.22059/geope.2018.260775.648401 Seyed Hamid Vaziri Department of Geology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran author Eduard G. Reinhart School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada author Jessica E. Pilarczyk Division of Marine Science, University of Southern Mississippi, Stennis Space Center, Hattiesburg, USA author text article 2019 eng Extreme coastal inundation associated with the 2004 Indian Ocean and 1945 Makran tsunamigenic-earthquakes highlight the risk of tsunamis to coastlines of the northern Oman Sea. Foraminifera have been used as indicators of paleotsunamis in the past where allochthonous tests, found in low-energy environments such as in coastal lagoons, ponds, and marshes, indicate marine overwash. In this study, we constrain the modern distributions of foraminifera from coastal Iran so that they may be used to identify and interpret (e.g. assess provenance) paleotsunami deposits in the geologic record. We collected surface sediment samples from sixteen sites within the study area from Chabahar to Gawater Bays on the Makran coast of Iran, selecting locations impacted by the 1945 Makran tsunami. Foraminifera obtained from these locations are dominated by intertidal, subtidal, and supratidal species, with minor abundances of planktic taxa. Samples collected from study locations are characterized by abundances of iron-stained and heavily corroded (e.g. edge rounded and pitted) individuals. Cluster analysis was used to determine three foraminiferal assemblages within the Makran coastal zone: subtidal, intertidal and supratidal. Characterizing modern distributions of foraminifera along the Makran coast of Iran will aid in identifying the provenance of older overwash deposits previously identified in this region University of Tehran 2228-7817 9 v. 1 no. 2019 43 63 https://geopersia.ut.ac.ir/article_67844_75441aff09f38b27dd97d8bcfae7150f.pdf dx.doi.org/10.22059/geope.2018.255122.648378 Oliver Hampe Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz-Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung author Vachik Hairapetian Department of Geology, Islamic Azad University,Isfahan (Khorasgan) branch,Isfahan,Iran author Majid Mirzaie Ataabadi Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran author Zahra Orak Department of Environment, National Museum of Natural History (MMTT), Tehran,Iran author text article 2019 eng In this study we present the first description of a mysticete skeleton from the late Tortonian to Messinian greyish-green marl of the Coastal Makran, south of Negour in Chahbahar County, Sistan and Baluchestan Province. This specimen is neither completely excavated, nor completely prepared, and therefore all our findings are preliminary. The identifiable components of this fossil thus far consist of an excellently preserved cranium, both dentaries which are partially obscured by the cranium and matrix, a partial vertebral column with a minimum of 15 vertebrae, and one flipper element. Preliminary evaluation of the cranium reveals some morphological similarities with that of the living blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus but also with “Megaptera” miocaena from the Tortonian of California (former E Pacific) of which the taxonomic status is still unclear. The new fossil specimen has both modern and ancient rorqual characteristics, making the proper documentation of its anatomy of particular evolutionary importance. University of Tehran 2228-7817 9 v. 1 no. 2019 65 79 https://geopersia.ut.ac.ir/article_67884_8493dfb7186ee05710aadfcdb73610b2.pdf dx.doi.org/10.22059/geope.2018.258484.648391 Morteza Tabaei Department of Mining Engineering,Isfahan University of Technology,Isfahan,Iran author Shamsollah Ayoubi Department of Soil Science,Agriculture College,Isfahan University of Technology,Isfahan,Iran author Alireza Aghaei Department of Soil Science,Agriculture College,Isfahan University of Technology,Isfahan,Iran author text article 2019 eng This study was conducted for palynological investigation of recent deposits from east Isfahan in order to reconstruct past environmental conditions of this region. Segzi area is located in 30 km east Isfahan and Rangideh area is 65 km in south east Isfahan. In these areas it was seen, in depth of soil profile, dark layers containing organic matters. Soil samples were taken from five points and different depth of profiles and after preparation, palynological studies were conducted on them. The results of Palynological and Paleontological investigations on Segzi area indicated presence of different aquatic plants species and also shell of gastropods.The results showed that this region during cold and semi-glacial periods of young Dryas had received higher level of water than present due to increased effective moisture and has formed a swamp. Palynological studies on buried Rangideh paleosols show microfossils such as Dinoflagellate and Micrysteridium which indicated lake and marine environments. The Rangideh was influenced by further water of Gavkhouni, compared to Segzi area. University of Tehran 2228-7817 9 v. 1 no. 2019 81 87 https://geopersia.ut.ac.ir/article_67952_cb2f779459f2787836e11fda1f7a47b9.pdf dx.doi.org/10.22059/geope.2018.223548.648287 Zahra Hosseini Asgarabadi Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran author Saeed Khodabakhsh Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran author Hassan Mohseni Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran author Nasrollah Abbassi Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran author Galen Halverson Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, McGill University, Montr ́eal, Canada, QC H3A0E8 author Thi Hao Bui Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, McGill University, Montr ́eal, Canada, QC H3A0E8 author text article 2019 eng Rhythmical alternations between limestone and marls characterize the Pabdeh Formation, southwestern Iran. Three intervals of these rhythmites were studied using sedimentary, petrography and geochemical parameters analysis, to unravel the possible mechanisms responsible for the origin of these rhythmites. The microfacies analysis reflects calm deep-water sedimentation that were interrupted by sporadic traction currents from shallow-marine. The geochemical analysis indicates the primary difference between limestones and marls in interval 1. However, for the intervals 2 and 3, there is no significant difference in the geochemical results between intercalated lithologies. The isotope data (δ18O and δ13C) for limestones and marl rhythms compared with Eocene marine calcite show post depositional alteration. Limestone–marl alternations in the interval 1, therefore, originated from the cyclic changes in siliciclastic input by shallow-water derived currents (probably turbidity currents). However, for the intervals 2 and 3, although the field observations (such as extensive lateral continuity of individual beds and sharp contact between different lithologies) and some of the sedimentological parameters such as existence of the microfossils with similar preservation quality, suggest the primary rhythm as a major mechanism, the geochemical data do not strongly support this conclusion. University of Tehran 2228-7817 9 v. 1 no. 2019 89 109 https://geopersia.ut.ac.ir/article_68125_b84624e3a97a62c7df5477c88cd3465c.pdf dx.doi.org/10.22059/geope.2018.257280.648387 Farid Moore Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran author Farideh Amini Birami Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran author Behnam Keshavarzi Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran author Maryam Kamali Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran author text article 2019 eng Maharlu Lake, located in the SW of Iran, has acted as a sink for various wastewater discharges in the last few decades. This study aimed at assessing potentially toxic elements (PTEs) distribution in sediment, surface and pore water samples of Maharlu Lake. To achieve that, the samples were collected from each compartment and the total concentration of PTEs (Al, Fe, Sc, Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Sb, Cu, Pb, Mn, V, Cd, and Mo) analyzed by inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Based on enrichment factor (EF) analysis the lake sediments were categorized as: minimally enriched with Sb, Co, Zn, V, Cu, Pb, As, Mn, Fe, Al and moderately enriched with Mo, Ni, Cr, and Cd. Analysis of contamination factor (Cf) and potential ecological risk factor (Er) of PTEs in sediment samples showed that there was low to moderate level of contamination. The sediment-water partition coefficients (Kd for PTEs in both water groups decreased in the order of Fe> Al>Mn>Zn>Pb>Mo>Sb>Cd. The low value of Kd (log Kd University of Tehran 2228-7817 9 v. 1 no. 2019 111 124 https://geopersia.ut.ac.ir/article_68190_3fb900b82970e6b1863d21ad9057e8f8.pdf dx.doi.org/10.22059/geope.2018.260423.648396 Mohammad R. Ghassemi Research Institute for Earth Sciences, Geological Survey of Iran, Tehran, Iran author Eduardo Garzanti Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Univeristà di Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 4, 20126 Milano, Italy author text article 2019 eng This article provides a background for scientists interested in a general overview of the geology and geomorphology of Turkmenistan. The basement of Turkmenistan is a complex amalgamation of arc-related terranes developed in the Asiatic and northern Paleotethys oceanic domains during Late Paleozoic to Triassic times. A major part of the country coincides with the Turan Platform, where a thick sedimentary succession accumulated between Late Paleozoic and Cenozoic. Sedimentation rates culminated during Middle Jurassic times, being more eminent in the Kopeh-Dagh Province to the south due to backarc extension in remote regions of the Neotethys subduction zone. Closure of the Neotethys, and collisional events in the regions to the south resulted in inversion of the tectonic regime into a compressional setting in Early Cenozoic. The Caspian Province in western Turkmenistan recorded a geological and tectonic history very similar to that of the South Caspian Basin in Cenozoic times. Major gas and oil fields have developed in different petroleum systems of the Turan and Caspian Provinces. Dynamics of the Karakum desert and evolving drainages across it have a major bearing on the geomorphology and environment of Turkmenistan. Major structural features of the country are described, and attractive geological features are introduced. University of Tehran 2228-7817 9 v. 1 no. 2019 125 140 https://geopersia.ut.ac.ir/article_68258_7eaa5ea5986b0f9ded7536bf4b0a4b30.pdf dx.doi.org/10.22059/geope.2018.265613.648416 Mohammad Ghasem Fakhari Institute of Geophysics, University of Tehran,Iran author Hosein Hashemi Institute of Geophysics, University of Tehran,Iran author text article 2019 eng Automatic processes on seismic data using pattern recognition is one of the interesting fields in geophysical data interpretation. One part is the seismic object detection using different supervised classification methods that finally has an output as a probability cube. Object detection process starts with generating a pickset of two classes labeled as object and non-object and then selecting a set of attributes that are inputs to a classifier. As a crucial step before classification, a feature extraction algorithm shall be implemented to transfer data from input space to feature space resulting in dimensionality reduction. In this paper, two feature extraction methods Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Fisher Discriminant Analysis (FDA) in seismic object detection are compared. It is aimed to study fluid migration pathways in the North Sea and SVM classifier is used for classification thereafter. Finally, the obtained results show that in FDA classification error is less than PCA. The second and most important result is posterior probability in physical domain that in FDA is better and more interpretable than PCA. University of Tehran 2228-7817 9 v. 1 no. 2019 141 149 https://geopersia.ut.ac.ir/article_68510_b9e2fa12ea6a86591feec82450c7b7df.pdf dx.doi.org/10.22059/geope.2018.255999.648381 Mousa Zohrabzadeh Earth Science Group,Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Research and Science Branch,Tehran,Iran author Hossain Rahimpour-Bonab Department of Geology,Faculty of Geology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran author Mohsen Aleali Department of Geology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Tehran, Iran author text article 2019 eng Detecting karstification processes in hydrocarbon carbonate reservoirs is important because of their porosity, permeability and also the risk associated with their drilling. A very useful technique to locate buried karsts is 3D seismic. In this research, seismic frequency decomposition (spectral decomposition) and seismic inversion techniques used to identify these sub-surface diagenetic features that control quality of the Asmari reservoir of the Kupal oil field. The results point to numerous buried karstified features in the upper Asmari which can be regarded as the main targets for reservoir development. According to seismic inversion, the karstic interval (mainly channel) have lower seismic acoustic impedance, and at the same time higher effective porosity. Also, numerous geological evidence such as drilling fluid loss, tidal and supratidal facies, as well as the development of fenestrate porosity, vuggy and extended vuggy porosity in the upper Asmari, all point to the meteoric diagenesis and subaerial exposure. These confirm the likelihood for paleokarsts occurrence in this part of the Asmari Formation. Therefore, the results of this research can be very useful in designing new wells in order to increase the production rate, reduce the risk and cost, when drilling new wells in the Asmari reservoir of this oil field. University of Tehran 2228-7817 9 v. 1 no. 2019 151 167 https://geopersia.ut.ac.ir/article_68817_ef4246eec4f76852fddca746677c1504.pdf dx.doi.org/10.22059/geope.2018.265570.648414 Fatemeh Vaez-Javadi Department of Geology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran author Majid Mirzaie Ataabadi Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Islamic Republic of Iran author text article 2019 eng Jurassic deposits are discovered in the Shahreza area, southwest of Isfahan city, central Iran. They yield plant macrofossils belonging to 22 species assigned to 17 genera of various orders such as Equisetales, Filicales, Bennettitales, Cycadales, Ginkgoales and Coniferales. According to the occurrence of Annulariopsis simpsonii, Coniopteris hymenophylloides, Cladophlebis aktashensis, Nilssonia macrophylla, and Elatides thomasii, late Early-Middle Jurassic age is suggested for this assemblage. The relative abundance of Filicales, Coniferales, and Cycadales are 50%, 27.19%, and 8.77%, respectively. Although Iran was located in a humid and warm temperate biome during the Middle Jurassic, the flora of Shahreza area indicates that it occurred at various environments: upland, wetter/drier lowland, river and coastal with temperate and humid climate. Moreover, 16 miospore species belonging to 13 genera, and seven dinocyst species assigned to three genera were identified from the studied area. Therefore, it is concluded that Shahreza reflects a coastal plain along a shallow water environment where plant macrofossil remains and miospores were sedimented. University of Tehran 2228-7817 9 v. 1 no. 2019 169 193 https://geopersia.ut.ac.ir/article_68818_be41529320a9aded3f0fbfc2ca0efc8f.pdf dx.doi.org/10.22059/geope.2018.261588.648402 Hossein Sabbaghiyan Exploration Directorate of National Iranian Oil Company, Tehran, Iran author Mohammadreza Aria-Nasab Exploration Directorate of National Iranian Oil Company, Tehran, Iran author text article 2019 eng A Mississippian miospore assemblage has been recorded from well A in the Persian Gulf in Iranian offshore, for the first time. Fifteen species of spores have been recognized in the Early Carboniferous assemblage of this well which the most important of them are: Spelaeotriletes arenaceus, Aratrisporites saharaensis, Spelaeotriletes balteatus, Spelaeotriletes triangulus and Radiizonates arcuatus. Comparing this assemblage with their coevals from the North Africa, Middle East, western Australia and South America reveals a very close similarity indicating the Gondwanic nature of the assemblage. Also, the Carboniferous strata in this area can be correlated with the Berwath Formation in Saudi Arabia. Based on the palynological data two hiatuses have been rcognized at the base and top of the Carboniferous strata. University of Tehran 2228-7817 9 v. 1 no. 2019 195 202 https://geopersia.ut.ac.ir/article_68819_9ed7af13744185541d8aeeac51f89d60.pdf dx.doi.org/10.22059/geope.2018.264626.648412