Geology, Geophysics and Environment

Front page

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Editorial page

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Instruction for the authors

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An application of the NSGA-II algorithm in Pareto joint inversion of 2D magnetic and gravity data

Katarzyna Miernik, Elżbieta Węglińska, Tomasz Danek, Andrzej Leśniak — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Joint inversion is a widely used geophysical method that allows model parameters to be obtained from the observed data. Pareto inversion results are a set of solutions that include the Pareto front, which consists of non-dominated solutions. All solutions from the Pareto front are considered the most feasible models from which a particular one can be chosen as the final solution. In this paper, it is shown that models represented by points on the Pareto front do not reflect the shape of the real model. In this contribution, a collective approach is proposed to interpret the geometry of models retrieved in inversion. Instead of choosing single solutions from the Pareto front, all obtained solutions were combined in one “heat map”, which is a plot representing the frequency of points belonging to all returned objects from the solution set. The conducted experiment showed that this approach limits the problem of equivalence and is a promising way of representing the geometry of the model that was retrieved in the inversion process.

Selected aspects of modern seismic imaging and near-surface velocity model building in the area of Carpathian fold and thrust belt

Andrzej Michał Dalętka — Mon, 03 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Despite the increasing technological level of the reflection seismic method, the imaging of fold and thrust belts remains a demanding task, and usually leaves some questions regarding the dips, the shape of the subthrust structures or the most correct approach to velocity model building. There is no straightforward method that can provide structural representation of the near-surface geological boundaries and their velocities. The in-terpretation of refracted waves frequently remains the only available technique that may be used for this purpose, although one must be aware of its limitations which appear in the complex geological settings.

In the presented study, the analysis of velocity values obtained in the shallow part of Carpathian orogenic wedge by means of various geophysical methods was carried out. It revealed the lack of consistency between the results of 3D refraction tomography and both the sonic log and uphole velocities. For that reason, instead of the indus-try-standard utilization of tomography, a novel, geologically-consistent method of velocity model building is pro-posed. In the near-surface part, the uphole velocities are assigned to the formations, documented by the surface geologic map. Interpreted time-domain horizons, supplemented by main thrusts, are used to make the velocity field fully-compatible with the litho-stratigraphic units of the Carpathians.

The author demonstrates a retrospective overview of seismic data imaging in the area of the Polish Carpathian orogenic wedge and discusses the most recent global innovations in seismic methodology which are the key to successful hydrocarbon exploration in fold and thrust regions.

Assessment of the health risk associated with exposure to heavy metals present in particulate matter deposition in the Małopolska Province

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of the study was to investigate the content of trace elements in deposited particulate matter and to estimate the health risk to Kraków inhabitants, caused by the exposure to heavy metals in particulate matter deposition. The qualitative and quantitative assessments of selected heavy metals in deposited particulate matter have been carried out in the city of Kraków (Małopolska, southern Poland, 5 measuring points) for seven months, between February and September 2017. A comparative study was conducted at the same time in Małopolska (5 measuring points). The deposited particulate matter was collected gravitationally, using measurement plates covered with aluminum foil and paraffin jelly. The largest deposition of particulate matter was found in May and June. The highest amount of deposited particulate matter and metals present in it was determined in Kraków. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) evaluation for non-carcinogenic effect showed low risk for each metal. In the case of lead in particulate matter, the carcinogenic risk value did not reach 10⁻⁶ hence this risk is acceptable. The total carcinogenic risk for all routes of exposure to cadmium was higher, indicating the risk of cancer in children and adults, with children more exposed. However, the carcinogenic risk for cadmium was also acceptable. The study showed that the problem of poor air quality concerns not only the city of Kraków, but also the entire Małopolska region. Elevated metal concentrations in particulate matter indicate the need for monitoring it in the air.

A history of interdisciplinary research on Lake Wigry

Urszula Aleksander-Kwaterczak, Katarzyna Król — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Lake Wigry is one of the best explored lakes in Poland, a feat which has been achieved thanks to the pas-sion and efforts of numerous scientists. This tremendous endeavour was supervised and coordinated by Professor Jacek Rutkowski and January 2021 marked the fifth anniversary of the professor’s death. To mark this occasion, a history of research on the lake was compiled on the basis of oral accounts and an overview of the works that have been created thanks to his ideas, supervision, and boundless empathy. It is crucial to continue the research, since it will allow for the even better protection of the environment, as well as the natural and landscape attributes of the Wigry region.