Extinction events have played a pivotal role in shaping Earth’s biological and geological history, often leaving behind distinct markers in sedimentary and fossil records. These events, such as the Permian-Triassic and Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinctions, are characterized by significant biotic turnover, often triggered by catastrophic phenomena like volcanic eruptions, asteroid impacts, or rapid climate changes. The unique geological and sedimentary framework of the Bengal Basin, Bangladesh, constitutes an important archive with which to reconstruct these events at the regional scale. The paper is about potential geological markers of global extinction events within Bangladesh, focusing aspects of sedimentary sequences, isotopic anomalies, and fossil assemblages. The study examines key formations such as the Gondwana sediments, Sylhet Limestone, and Quaternary deposits, analyzing their potential to preserve evidence of mass extinctions and associated environmental changes. By correlating these markers with global extinction timelines, the research aims to provide new insights into the regional impact of these events, while addressing challenges posed by rapid sedimentation, tectonic activity, and erosion. The findings are very important in showing the need for interdisciplinary approaches and advanced analytical techniques to unearth the geological legacy of extinction events in Bangladesh, offering a foundation for future research on Earth’s dynamic history.

Groundwater is a vital natural resource for sustaining human and ecosystem needs. The advent of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has revolutionized groundwater research by providing a spatial framework for data integration, analysis, and visualization. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the applications of GIS in groundwater research. The review covers the use of GIS in groundwater exploration, monitoring, assessment, management, and modelling. Additionally, the paper highlights the advantages and limitations of using GIS in groundwater research and the future research directions.

The study investigated the importance and image behavior of integrated geophysical methods in mapping contaminant spread beneath the surface of a pollution site in Ogoniland, Southern Nigeria. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) techniques constrained by Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) data were employed to investigate the electrical properties of hydrocarbon contaminated soils that resulted from recent oil spills/leakage into the environment. Five (5) ERT and GPR lines and twenty-nine (29) VES data were acquired at the spill site. Basically, the electrical signatures from the resistivity measurements were able to image the subsurface layers and the associated contamination zone. GPR equally imaged the subsurface stratigraphy to a depth of 10.0 m beneath the surface. The interpretation of the five (5) ERT data showed consistency in the resistivity structure indicative of contaminant plumes with anomalously high electrical resistivity in the range of 1000-10,000 Ωm, a possible indication of hydrocarbon contamination. On the GPR radargram, regions of high electrical resistivities were in agreement with reduced GPR reflection behavior (shadow zones) and were limited to the near surface of the surveyed areas. Vertical electrical sounding delineated layers with high resistivity predominantly within the second and fourth geoelectric layers within pollution depths of 2.4 m and 11.9 m, respectively. As a result, the underground aquifer, relatively between 7.5 and 10.5 m, has been infiltrated by hydrocarbons. It can be seen from the study that geoelectric measurements on the surface can describe the distribution of hydrocarbon resistive zones as well as their conductive behavior that may be linked with the biodegradation of oil spills in the subsurface. Thus, the employment of these integrated methods for contaminant monitoring, hydrogeologic studies and remediation planning reduced the uncertainties, and they are of extensive relevance in mapping the geological behavior of polluted soils in contamination sites.

Mud logging is a vital process used to monitor, collect, process, analyze, and interpret drilling cuttings in relation to lag time, gas data, and drilling depth. This operation is conducted in a mobile laboratory, known as the mud logging unit, located at the well site during drilling. Equipped with specialized tools, the unit continuously detects gas in the drilling mud and intermittently analyzes gas in the cuttings. Often referred to as the “Eagle Eye” and the “General Secretary” of rig operations, mud logging plays a critical role in both real-time monitoring and comprehensive documentation. It provides uninterrupted surveillance of the drilling process, identifying changes in subsurface conditions, detecting potential hazards, and ensuring safety and efficiency. By observing and recording data such as gas shows, cuttings, and drilling parameters in real time, mud logging enables swift, informed decision-making and strategic adjustments to optimize performance and prevent costly incidents. Beyond its operational significance, mud logging enhances the understanding of subsurface conditions, contributing to improved reservoir characterization and guiding future exploration efforts. The data collected serves as a valuable archive for geological analysis, decision-making, and strategic planning. As such, mud logging is an indispensable component for the success and sustainability of drilling operations.

This study presents a gravity-based investigation of sedimentary thickness and structural trends within the Sokoto Basin, Northwestern Nigeria, bounded by latitudes 13°00′N–13°30′N and longitudes 4°30′E–5°30′E. Bouguer anomaly values in the area range from 66.16 mGal to 93.08 mGal, with lower values associated with thick sedimentary cover and higher values indicating basement uplift or intrusions. The regional Bouguer anomaly map shows gravity values between 64.07 mGal and 93.77 mGal, highlighting a north–south gradient likely related to basement relief and tectonic influence. The residual Bouguer anomaly map isolates local features, with anomalies ranging from approximately -5.98 mGal to +5.65 mGal, corresponding to variations in sedimentary thickness and shallow intrusions. Spectral enhancement through upward continuation to 1 km suppressed shallow noise and emphasized deep-seated structures, while the First Vertical Derivative (FVD) map revealed tectonic trends in SW–NE, NW–SE, and N–S directions, indicating active faulting and lithologic boundaries. Structural analysis using CET lineament mapping confirmed regional fault alignments and deep-seated fractures acting as potential hydrocarbon migration pathways. Depth estimations using Source Parameter Imaging (SPI) indicated basement depths ranging from 0.931 km to 5.174 km. Power Spectral Analysis revealed two depth layers: a deeper layer (D1) with depths from 0.92 km to 5.02 km (average: 2.505 km), and a shallow layer (D2) with depths from 0.132 km to 1.178 km (average: 0.568 km). Euler Deconvolution with Structural Index (SI) = 1 yielded depths between -683 m and 5078 m, while SI = 2 gave a broader range from -832 m to 5474 m. The central-western zone near 13.2°N and 4.8°E was identified as a major sedimentary trough, marked by the deepest basement relief and highest sediment accumulation. These findings underscore the Sokoto Basin’s resource potential and demonstrate the utility of gravity methods in characterizing sedimentary basins.

Interpretation of airborne magnetic and radiometric data in Birin Gwari area of Northcentral Nigeria reveal some anomalous areas which were further explored using ground Geophysics information of magnetic, induced polarization and resistivity survey. Combined results of the geophysical methods, reveal a wide range of linear structures likely veins, which are believed to host ore mineralization. Careful interpretation and technical assessment of the results, attributes some of these structures as probably mineralized veins with varying degrees of characterization. Their responses to physical parameters also revealed some as conductive and the others as non-conductive. Some are conductors within a resistive host while others are within a conductive host. Several of such bodies trending mostly N-S, NE-SW and NW-SE were identified. And it is instructive to note the high degree of correlation between the airborne and ground geophysical data. About seven of the anomalous zones characterized by high chargeability and high resistivity were identified from nine IP profiles within the study area. The geophysical characteristics of the identified vein lengths range from less than 50m to maximally 600m while the width ranges from few cm to maximally 20m. The identified veins were plotted on their mineral prospective maps. Test drilling should be carried out on the priority targets to authenticate the above submission. The mineral prospective priority target maps should be used as guides for the drilling. Other exploration methods such as geochemical sampling of soil and rock samples should be integrated with this geophysical report to see if high concentration of gold coincides with geophysical anomaly and priority targets; this will assist in more precise drilling of target location.

The sandstone of Inkisi, serving as support for infrastructure and construction materials in the city province of Kinshasa, is of interest for geomechanical studies in particular and geological studies in general. Given its outcrop almost everywhere in Kinshasa and its high consumption in the field of buildings and public works, we have set ourselves the main goal of its macroscopic petrographic characterization and on thin sections using a polarizing microscope, mineralogical by X-ray diffraction and geomechanical by Simple and Los Angeles compression tests using quarry samples from the Kimwenza and Kinsuka sandstones. Petrographically, they are essentially arkosic sandstones. X-ray diffraction reveals the abundance of quartz in our sandstones. It also allowed the detection of minerals containing titanium in addition to feldspars. The simple compression test showed that these sandstones follow mode A from the point of view of rupture and that these sandstones belong to the class of medium strength from the point of view of the classification of resistance to simple compression. The Los Angeles test suggests that these sandstones have a coefficient in the good to average range. And therefore, on a geomechanical level, the sandstones studied in the two quarries of Kimwenza and Kinsuka are suitable for various construction works.

The research area, site “G” is located in the city of Ibadan and is surrounded by the basement complex rock mainly migmatite-gneiss and been a hard rock, it is not alienated from the problem of water scarcity. In this region, water is usually encountered either in weathered zone or fractured basement which serve as a conduit for groundwater passage. It is also along this fracture that materials such as quartzo-feldsparthic minerals occur and tend to heal the fracture, hence the need for intensive geological and geophysical exploration to locate this important basement fracture. Very low frequency Electromagnetic (VLF-EM) alongside with geological survey was adopted and conductivity data were acquired along fifteen VLF traverses utilizing very low frequency of about 15 KHz using ABEM WADI survey equipment. 13 profiles were in the east-west (E-W) direction which is the dip direction of the structural elements, while the 2 profiles were in north-south (N-S) direction to serve as a control. The acquired data were analyzed, filtered and displayed inform of profiles and Karous-Hjelt (K-H) filtered pseudo-section to show conductivity and resistivity in 2-D. The results reveal pocket of conductive zones which have been considered as fractures with different dimension and orientation. Most are single fractures, while some are closely spaced double fractures, some of which are connected to each other in depth. Also, some of these fractures contain water while some are dry, some are even suspected to be healed with quartzo-feldsparthic minerals and all of these depend on the conductivity / resistivity signature exhibited by the fractures. Therefore, it can be concluded that VLF has effectively characterise the basement into fractures that contain water, barren fracture and even fracture that contain quartzo-feldsparthic vein.

Microscopic analysis and interpretation of the geochemical signatures of heavy minerals collected during stream sediment execution in the Kimpangu agglomeration and surrounding area have revealed the existence of four mineralogical families: ilmenites, garnets, spinels and pyroxenes. The geochemical signatures of these minerals confirm that they belong to Lherzolitic and pyroxenitic enclaves for the first three families, and to continental enclaves for pyroxenes. These mantle and crustal enclaves were eroded by kimberlitic magma, the two intrusions of which are located at Mbanza Yanga and south of Kimpangu.

The study investigated the physico-mechanical and petrographic properties of the basin-type granitoids of the Oyoko granitoid complex, to establish their strengths for engineering properties. The results obtained from this work will therefore be necessary in knowing the competences of the rocks for various engineering construction works. The purpose of this research is to determine the physico-mechanical and microstructural features of the granitoid suites of rocks at Oyoko. Thin sections were prepared and microscope used for the petrological studies of the rocks, whilst UCS test was conducted for the strength of the rocks. The Oyoko granitoid complex rocks were petrologically identified to be biotite gneisses, pegmatite and migmatite. The rocks at the study area have received little attention in mechanical and petrographic studies. These granitoid rocks have preserved porphyritic textures and consist of mineral assemblage such as biotite, quartz, plagioclase feldspar, alkali feldspar, amphibole, clino-pyroxene, chlorite, etc. The recrystallization of the plagioclase feldspar imply that these rocks have experienced some level of deformations. The foliated granitic gneisses intruded the older rock units, some of which had been subjected to earlier tectonism. The migmatite defines the area to be closer to a contact zone. The major structural features in the migmatite rocks were ptygmatic folds. The UCS value for the biotite gneiss of 91.6 N/mm2 gives a more representation of the general rock strength of the study area. The biotite gneisses at the study area may be classified to be mechanically strong and recommended for road construction and engineering works.