Geo-Eco-Marina is an annual scientific journal, published continuously since 1996, with a year-round invitation for publication open to marine scientists and geoscientists worldwide. Geo-Eco-Marina publishes novel research results primarily focused on studies performed along the Danube River- Danube Delta- Black Sea (and its coastal zone) macro-geo-system. Topics cover both modern and fossil sedimentary deposits, as well as present and past geological associations. ISSN: 1224-6808
National Institute of Marine Geology and Geo-Ecology (GeoEcoMar)
In Memoriam: Academician Dan P. Rădulescu (20.01.1928–11.11.2025)
Academician Dan P. Rădulescu – the geologist, the professor, the mentor; Honorary President of the Section of Geonomic Sciences of the Romanian Academy and President of the National Committee of Geologists of Romania – passed away on 11 November 2025, to the profound sorrow of his family and of the entire geological community. A leading personality of Romanian Geology, a professor by vocation and a man of exceptional moral integrity, Academician Dan P. Rădulescu devot ed his entire life to scientific knowledge and to the education of generations of geologists.
Assessment of Precipitation Trends in the Bârzava Catchment, Romania
Climate change challenges the stationarity assumption which is the base for the traditional hydraulic infrastructure design. This leads to the need to perform analyses of precipitation and temperature trends. This study examines long-term hydro-climatic changes in the Bârzava River basin, western Romania, a flood-prone catchment with cascade reservoir systems, that is critical for flood protection. Using mean monthly precipitation, along with maximum and minimum temperature data from eight meteorological stations spanning 1960–2021, we applied the Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimator to detect monotonic trends, complemented by Inverse Distance Weighting interpolation to assess spatial variability across the 1,190 km² catchment. Results reveal upward trends in monthly precipitation, with the strongest increases during June-August (Kendall’s τ up to 0.46, Sen’s slopes 0.05–0.07 per year) and additional significant increases from January through May and in December. September-November months showed no detectable trends, indicating non-uniform seasonal changes. Spatial patterns confirm highest precipitation in the Semenic Mountains and lowest in the plains, with June consistently recording peak monthly totals. These findings demonstrate that climate change altered intra-annual distribution rather than uniform annual increases, with implications for intensified warm season flood risk and potential low-flow stress.
Testing the Possibility of Palaeontology Dating via Gamma-Ray Spectrometry
Fossil age determination is essential for understanding the evolutionary chronicle of life. Relative dating by ordering fossils in accordance to rock layers sometimes needs support from absolute techniques based on radioactivity. Among the latter, well-established procedures help our understanding of how species changed in time intervals of thousands (radiocarbon) to millions (uranium-lead) of years. The uranium-thorium technique suits better the intermediary range, and is typically used by means of alpha spectrometry, but we intend to test the non-destructive gamma-ray protocol in order to date, or at least authenticate such samples. After carrying out the measurements with a HPGe detection system in low background, our first results indicate the method can be successfully applied on the condition the background is reduced even more; still, the possibility of authentication was evidenced from the f irst test. We also present a potential solution for future method development by thermal neutron irradiation.
Upper Cretaceous Depositional and Biotical Changes in the Gosau-Type Basins of the Getic Depression
This paper is focussed on the Upper Cretaceous successions that crop out in the central part of the Getic Depression (the Foreland of the Southern Carpathians). We have studied various aspects related to the litho- and biostratigraphy (based on calcareous nannofossils analysis) of outcrops situated in the Codricului, Olt, and Muereasca valleys. The identified rich and diversified nannofossil assemblages allow pointing out the biozones covering several intervals of the Upper Cretaceous (upwards the Coniacian stage). A progressive deepening of depositional basin belonging to the Getic Depression was observed from the Coniacian, constitutes of shallow-marine deposits, towards the end of the Maastrichtian, composed of a deep-marine facies. These features allow recognizing the Lower Gosau and Upper Gosau Subgroups in the studied area. Based on the observed changes, we advance hypotheses about the regional sea-level fluctuation that probably mirror the tectonics of those times.
Evaluating Point Absorber-Based Wave Energy Conversion in the Black Sea Using ANSYS AQWA
This study explores the wave energy potential of the Black Sea, with a specific focus on simulating the performance of a point absorber energy conversion system using ANSYS software. The simulation aims to evaluate the system‘s operational behaviour under realistic marine conditions specific to the Black Sea. Input data are include key environmental parameters, such as an average significant wave height typically ranging between 0.4 m and 0.6 m. The point absorber is identified as a suitable technology for this environment due to its efficiency in moderate wave conditions. Among the analysed locations, the coastal zone near Sinop shows the highest potential for energy capture. The results confirm movements for wave energy converters and the technical viability of wave energy exploitation in the Black Sea and support further development of sustainable marine energy solutions in the region.
Study on the Wind Energy Potential of the Black Sea Continental Shelf in the Coastal Area of Romania
The main objective of this paper is to analyse wind data from the western shore of the continental shelf of the Black Sea. For this study, wind data spanning a 10-year period (2014-2023) was collected and used from the ERA5 database. The analysis determined the seasonal nature of wind speed, with maximum values in winter and minimum values in summer. Using the Weibull distribution, the wind energy potential in the area was calculated, with values ranging between 528.9 – 757.7 W/m².
An Analogy of the Rainfall Trend over the Western Ghats and Their Surroundings
The study examines the monthly variation of rainfall in lower atmospheric level of different locations in Western Ghats (W.G.), and its nearby cities in the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. It uses high resolution gridded rainfall data from India Meteorological Department (IMD) with a resolution of 0.250 × 0.250 (approximately 25km×25km), which are used to analyze the trend of changing climate on the distribution of rainfall (measured in millimeters) in different topographical zones of the Western Ghats and their nearby cities in India, from 2016 to 2023. Additionally, datasets of wind direction from the power access data portal of NASA’s MERRA-2 and intensities of El Niño & La Niña reports from the Golden Gate Weather Services portal were also taken into account for this study. Daily rainfall data have been analyzed as monthly, seasonal, and annual variations. It indicates that there is an increase in pre-monsoon, post-monsoon and winter rainfall, while monsoon rainfall decreased in the selected study areas. It has been observed that Karkala in Udupi received the highest mean rainfall in the month of August, and Parameshwarpuram in Nagercoil received minimum mean rainfall in the same month over Western Ghats (W.G.). Also, based on the variation of rainfall trend in the selected regions, the locations can be classified as low rainfall, moderate rainfall, and heavy and/or very heavy rainfall region with reference to the Western Ghats (W.G.).
Characterisation of Floating Microplastic in Romanian Coastal Waters, Western Black Sea
Microplastic pollution has developed as a significant environmental challenge, particularly in marine ecosystems such as the Black Sea, where its impact over the ecosystem and on the biodiversity is concerning. This study focuses on the visual characterization and distribution of microplastics in the Romanian coastal waters of the western Black Sea, using samples collected in March 2024, from five key locations: Sulina, Sf. Gheorghe, Mamaia, Constanța, and Eforie. A total of 2526 microplastic particles were identified, with an average concentration of 3.07 particles per cubic meter. The microplastics were described based on their morphology, color, and size. Fibers were the most common type, followed by fragments, while the other appeared in smaller quantities. The most predominant color was black, particularly in areas near Mamaia and Sf. Gheorghe. Blue and red particles were also observed, but not as frequent as the black ones. The size distribution analysis showed that 1553 particles were smaller than 1 mm, while 973 exceeded 1 mm, indicating that there is a significant plastic degradation in the marine environment. Spectral analysis indicated that the predominant polymer types were polyethylene and polypropylene. Those are commonly used in packaging, fishing gears and industrial application. This research provides insights into the types, distribution, and possible sources of microplastics in the Black Sea, contributing to strategies for mitigating marine pollution in this region.
The Effect of Water Hyacinth on Phytoplankton Biomass in a Hydropower Reservoir: A 3D Modelling Approach
Eutrophication is a water quality issue around the world. However, its impacts in tropical developing countries are even stronger because of the temperature-dependent process rates and the lack of funding for efficient catchment measures. Alternative in-situ strategies need to be implemented to mitigate the most extreme effects of eutrophication such as toxic algal blooms, oxygen depletion and fish mortality. This paper investigates the use of water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) as a biofilter to reduce phytoplankton biomass in a hypereutrophic deep reservoir in Colombia. The effect was tested using a coupled hydrodynamic-ecological model in short term simulations. The results show that the model reproduces the hydrodynamic and ecological variables in selected sections of the system. The scenario for biofilter implementation suggests that an area of 100 ha covered with water hyacinth is required to decrease the level of health risk of cyanobacteria blooms in the reservoir. The use of such approaches can help decision makers to accurately assess the risks and costs of operating and maintaining a large biofilter.
Lithological Features and Titanium-Containing Minerals in Bottom Sediments of Small Rivers of Southern Ukraine
This paper provides a lithological description for the bottom sediments of small rivers from southern Ukraine. This research is focused on the first-order small rivers of the Azov Sea region: Obytichna, Solona, Mokra Bilosaraika, and Komyshuvatka rivers. Grain size compound, bulk density, and specific salt content were measured. According to the Folk diagram, the bottom fluvial sediments vary from sandy-gravel to gravelly-sand. All the mentioned parameters are described through comparative analysis of samples from different rivers. The results of mineralogical analysis showed the presence of different pollutants in the sediments. Pollutants are represented by metal spheres (magnetic and non-magnetic), metal flakes of various degrees of oxidation, wires, plastic particles, and technogenic glass. The titanium-containing minerals found in riverine samples from the northern Azov region include ilmenite, rutile, titanite and leucoxene. All these minerals are present only in the Obytichna River, yet ilmenite is present in the sediments of all studied rivers. The highest amount of ilmenite is in the sediments of the Obytichna River – up to 3042 grams/ton, though this amount is too low for economically purposes.
Assessment of Insular Vulnerability in South Western Mediterranean Countries: Case of Sidi Fredj in Algeria
The article provides a comprehensive evaluation on vulnerability of the Sidi Fredj islet, located along the southern Mediterranean coast, based on environmental and socio-economic data. The study indicates that the areas of the islet near the coast, which are exposed to significant threats, are the most vulnerable due to anthropogenic pressures, such as marine pollution, waste accumulation and human discharges. The analyses reveal high levels of fecal and chemical contamination, necessitating rigorous environmental management to preserve this ecosystem. This work highlights the importance of implementing targeted conservation measures and sustainable management practices to mitigate the negative impacts of human activities on this islet. This study confirms the specific vulnerability of coastal island areas to environmental and socio-economic disturbances. The assessment approach incorporates various indicators, such as water salinity, pH, and heavy metals, alongside socio-economic factors like tourism intensity, urbanization rates, and local economic activities. By integrating these diverse elements, the study provides a holistic understanding of the islet‘s vulnerability. The results demonstrate that the methodological approach used in this study could serve as a model for similar assessments in other Mediterranean regions, offering valuable insights for managing and conserving vulnerable coastal ecosystems. This holistic approach not only highlights the critical points that require attention but also serves as a foundation for ongoing surveillance and adaptive management. This study may provide valuable insights for the management and conservation of vulnerable island ecosystems, highlighting the need for integrated and sustainable approaches to address environmental challenges.
Nature-Based Solutions as a Way to Adapt to Climate Change in the Steppe Zone of the Ukrainian Part of the Danube River Basin
Today, the concept of nature-based solutions (NBS) is included in the main objectives of national development strategies of EU countries in the f ield of research and policy innovation. The aim of the study is to analyze the vulnerability of part of the Danube River basin, located in the steppe zone of Ukraine, to climate change and the possibility of adaptation to these changes through the implementation of nature-based solutions. The article shows the current characteristics of the temperature regime in the study area and their trends. There is a change in temperature conditions towards hotter and drier ones, which is clearly seen in the predominance of positive anomalies in mean monthly surface air temperature in recent decades, especially in the warm season. Heat waves have also become more frequent, with their frequency increasing sharply since the early 2000s. The main ways to reduce the risks caused by changes in climatic conditions towards hotter ones in urban areas, is the implementation by city authorities and local residents of the NBS, reducing the impact of heat stress, which will also have a positive impact on air quality and the aesthetics of the city, and will also contribute to improving public health and well-being. In rural areas, the implementation of the NBS, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing sustainability in agriculture, will help mitigate damage associated with climate change.
Evolution of the Downstream Region Morphology of the Oualidia Lagoon
The Oualidia lagoon, located between El Jadid and Safi, is one of the sites in Morocco where oyster farming has developed in an artisanal manner since the 1950s. Currently, the main problem in coastal areas is that they suffer from rising sea levels which are expected to increase coastal erosion. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Studies (IPCC, 2007), this rise in sea level is mainly due to global warming. Thus, among the problems that lagoons suffer from, as being partially closed areas, is the filling of these entities following an excessive supply of sediments of marine or terrestrial origin? As a result, the downstream part of the Oualidia lagoon has moved towards the southwest and tends to close the main channel by sedimentation of the sand. In response to this closure, a secondary channel was created at the northeastern part in front of the royal palace by erosion and transport of sand by the tidal current during the period of high and low tide of the lagoon. Also, the circulation of water in the lagoon remained intense and is characterized by strong hydrodynamics despite the change in the downstream morphology of the Oualidia lagoon.
A Preliminary Assessment of Options to Reconnect the Razelm-Sinoe Lagoon System to the Black Sea
Various studies emphasize the need to improve the water circulation in the Razelm-Sinoe lagoon system. A preliminary analysis on the possible effects of reopening the connection between the lagoon system and the Black Sea has been performed herein. Numerical modelling has been used to test several options to reconnect the lagoon system to the Black Sea. The analysis has been performed based on the water renewal time of the lagoon system, an indicator of the water quality. Our results show that reopening the connection to the sea is expected to lead to a lower water renewal time and, thus, to a better water circulation in the Razelm-Sinoe lagoon system, for all the considered options, while some of them are more efficient. In this way, the breeding habitats for many freshwater and marine fish species are expected to be restored. At the same time, monitoring of discharge and salinity in the lagoon system is highly needed. The present work can be considered as a first step in assessing the potential effects of several options and combinations of options to reconnect the Razelm-Sinoe Lagoon System to the Black Sea, and in demonstrating that this is an efficient way to improve the water circulation.
Storm-Induced Variability of Longshore Sediment Transport in Bou-Ismail Bay, Algeria
This study investigates the longshore sediment transport (LST) dynamics under extreme wave conditions along Bou-Ismail Bay, Algeria. A hindcast dataset covering 29 years (1992-2020) was analysed using a POT (Peak Over Threshold) extreme value approach, combined with DHI MIKE 21 spectral wave modelling to simulate wave transformation from offshore to nearshore. LST rates were then quantified using the recalibrated formulation of Mil-Homens et al. (2013). The results indicate that LST responds non-linearly to storms. An increase of only 1 to 2 m in significant wave height (Hs) was sufficient to multiply transport rates, highlighting the crucial role of extreme conditions relative to mild wave conditions. The Sidi Fredj headland proved to be a dominant geomorphological factor, protecting Khelloufi beach from northeast swells while exposing Colonel Abbas to the direct action of northern and western waves. Morphodynamic contrasts further explain the differences observed in the LST. The steeper breaking zone at Colonel Abbas (slope of 0.09) increased wave height, while the finer sands (260 μm) were more mobile than those at Khelloufi, where the slope is gentler (0.03) and the sediments coarser (330 μm). The integrated methodology proved to be robust and reliable revealing that extreme-event-driven LST must be incorporated into sediment budgets, risk assessments, and shoreline management for effective and sustainable coastal planning.
Shoreline Dynamics of the Danube Delta (2016–2023) Measured Using GNSS-RTK Technology
The Danube Delta shoreline has experienced significant changes due to both natural processes and human activities. This study investigates the shoreline dynamics of the Danube Delta from 2016 to 2023, focusing on its central and southern sedimentary cells, which include Sulina, Canalul cu Sondă, Câsla Vădanei, Sfântu Gheorghe, Sahalin North and South, Perișor, Periteasca, Portița North and South, and Periboina sectors. Using GNSS RTK technology, shoreline positions were measured annually during the summer months between 2016 and 2023. The measurements were analysed with QGIS software to calculate shoreline change rates and trends. The results highlight the variability in shoreline dynamics across different sectors. Erosion predominates in several areas, while other sectors exhibit stability or accretion. Key factors influencing these changes include sediment redistribution through waves, currents, and river processes, as well as human interventions such as coastal structures. Vegetation in certain areas may also play a role in mitigating erosion. This study provides an overview of the Danube Delta’s evolving coastline and the factors shaping it.
Romanian Journal of Marine, Earth and Environmental Sciences - Geo-Eco-Marina at its 30th issue
Romania benefits from a particularly favourable geographical position, being riparian of the Black Sea and at the same time of the main river in the European Union – the Danube, which flows on the country territory for more than 1000 km. Thus, Romania plays the role of an international node of economic, social and cultural relations between East and West, between Asia and Europe, ensuring the connection of the continental and maritime waterways between the Black and North seas and, at the same time, having access to natural resources in the region.
First mineral chemistry data on the exotic igneous clasts from the Cretaceous successions of the Moldavides (Eastern Carpathians, Romania) insights into magma evolution and geotectonic settings.
Igneous (granites, granodiorites and rhyolites) clasts of exotic (i.e. non-Carpathian) origin, can be found in the Cretaceous successions of the Moldavide flysch of the Eastern Carpathians. These clasts, with the age of ca. 600 Ma, are attributed to a presumed ridge located in the flysch basin in the Early to Late Cretaceous period, to the Cuman Cordillera. Here, we present for the first time mineral chemistry data on these exotic igneous clasts, using the information in the present paper to discuss the geotectonic setting and P-T conditions during the formation of the igneous rocks that made up the basement of the disappeared paleorelief known as Cuman Cordillera. Selected samples of intrusive rocks were investigated by means of optical microscopy and electron microscopy. Biotite, feldspar and amphibole chemistry data were used for thermobarometry, indicating crystallization temperature at ca. 730-780°C and depth of magma emplacement around 10 km, within a possible range of 5-15 km. Biotite chemistry favors magma generation in convergent plate margins geotectonic setting.
Lower Cretaceous calcareous nannofossils of the Romanian Carpathian bend
We have studied two successions located at the southern end of the Eastern Carpathians. Lithologically, the investigated sections are represented by calcareous turbidites. These successions have been thoroughly sampled (3 samples/1m) for calcareous nannofossil investigations. The oldest studied section is Berriasian in age, while the youngest was sedimented during the late Valanginian-early Hauterivian interval. Across the Valanginian-Hauterivian boundary interval, we identified several nannofossils such as Rucinolithus wisei, Rucinolithus pinnatus, Eiffellithus windii, Diloma galiciense, and Lithraphidites bollii, with biostratigraphic significance. The observed calcareous nannofossil assemblages are mainly composed of Watznaueria barnesiae and taxa largely confined to the Tethyan Realm, such as Nannoconus spp., Cruciellipsis cuvillieri, Calcicalathina oblongata, Diazomatholithus spp. and Rucinolithus spp.
Pollution monitoring for aquatic ecosystem integrity using biotic indices based on macroinvertebrates: Case study, Tonga Lake, North-East Alegeria
The aim of this study was to estimate the diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates and evaluate the water quality of Tonga Lake (Algeria). Tonga is about 2,700 ha with an average depth of 1.20 m. It is communicating with the Mediterranean Sea through an artificial channel called Messida. The collection of aquatic macroinvertebrates from the seven stations was carried out in the coastal area from March 2017 to February 2018. For this purpose, we used both physicochemical variables and three biotic indices: 1) the FBI (Family Biotic Index); 2) the BMWP (Biological Monitoring Working Party); and 3) the ASPT (Average Score Per Taxon). The indices were calculated using fauna collected from seven stations along the littoral of Tonga Lake. The fauna recorded in this work is composed of seven orders; the most dominant orders were Heteroptera (24.87%), Diptera (21.41%), followed by Coleoptera (19.39%), Ephemeroptera (17.20%), Basommatophora (13.56%), Odonata (3.46%), and Acari (0.12%). The results also revealed that the BMWP index value classified Tonga Lake as having medium biological quality, while the FBI and ASPT indices classified it as having poor biological water quality.
Analysing topo-geodetic, GPR and InSAR method integration for hydropower dam deformation monitoring: Case study on the Poiana Mărului Dam, Romania
In Romania, dams undergo extensive evaluations and rigorous surveillance on an annual basis to assess their structural integrity and safety. Conventional monitoring practices primarily involve topo-geodetic techniques, which are crucial for assessing both vertical and horizontal shifts in these structures. However, the application of geophysical methods, such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), has not yet been standardised in their analysis and monitoring protocols. This study explores the feasibility of the GPR surveys and their integration with data from annual levelling surveys from the Poiana Mărului dam, an embankment dam (rockfill with clay-core) located in Caraș-Severin County. Topo-geodetic data are instrumental in providing insights into surface-level changes. Our findings indicate that the GPR approach can significantly augment the existing monitoring framework. It offers valuable insights into the internal composition of specific dam segments, thereby enhancing our understanding of observed phenomena, such as displacements and deterioration, initially identified through topo-geodetic methods. Advanced Differential Interferometric SAR (A-DInSAR) processed data, publicly available from the European Ground Motion Service (EGMS) as a key component of the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service, are considered as well for assessing their suitability in highlighting relevant information about dam deformation monitoring, therefore complementing the ground penetrating radar and topo-geodetical surveys. All of the three methods seem to be correlated in overall general trend in terms of displacements throughout the dam’s body, offering insights and information from different perspectives and complementing for providing a much clearer overview of the behaviour of the vertical displacements in time of the dam.
Rapid terrain analysis in landslide zones: GPR and airborne photogrammetry as a complement for the levelling data. Case study near Poiana Ruscă Dam, Romania
This paper investigates rapid terrain analysis in landslide-prone areas, emphasising a case study near the Poiana Ruscă Dam, Romania. The research integrates Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and airborne photogrammetry, complemented by traditional levelling data, to assess a known landslide with small dimensions on the southwest side of the Poiana Ruscă Lake, near the dam‘s upstream side. This landslide is part of an annual topogeodetical monitoring campaign due to its potential impact on the dam‘s stability. The study utilises a compact drone to generate orthophotomosaics and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) for the road sections above the landslide, identified in topo-geodetical records. This method offers high-resolution surface deformation data, providing a clear view of the impact on the affected road. The GPR method, employing a 200 MHz antenna, plays a crucial role in revealing subsurface details, particularly in areas where traditional levelling surveys face challenges due to disappearing benchmarks caused by terrain movement. This method effectively highlights areas of interest in the form of potential subsidence areas and voids, correlating with surface observations. Notably, the GPR data indicates stronger signal attenuation at relatively shallow depths, suggesting alterations in the subsurface composition and moisture content. These findings are critical for understanding the landslide‘s structural characteristics and its ongoing dynamics. This research demonstrates the synergy of GPR, airborne photogrammetry, and levelling data in providing a comprehensive analysis of landslide zones at a relatively fast and efficient pace. It emphasises the importance of integrating various technological approaches for effective monitoring and management of such geohazards, particularly in the context of maintaining the safety and integrity of hydropower dams and their surrounding infrastructure.
Evaluation of the physico-chemical and biological quality of the eastern algerian coastal waters (southwestern mediterranean)
This study aimed to investigate the water quality of the eastern Algerian coastal area as well as the responses of the major phytoplankton groups to the variability of the physico-chemical parameters. The analysed parameters (dissolved oxygen, pH, sea surface temperature, and salinity) are found to be within the tolerated ranges. Whereas the nutrients surpassed the standards, especially on the western and central sides of Annaba Gulf, where anthropic ressures are constantly increasing. Those concentrations were less important on El Kala’s coast, which is considered a reference zone, with the exception of certain elevated levels of silicate, nitrate, and ammonium detected in August, but which do not exceed the tolerated standards. Nevertheless, adjacent to El Mellah Lagoon, double the phosphate permissible level was recorded. When it comes to the phytoplankton, the highest densities were detected on the onshore of Annaba, associated with the strong concentrations of nutrients coming from the terrigenous supply of Seybouse and Boudjemma wadis, as well as from Mafragh Estuary. Referring to previous studies conducted at the level of Annaba Gulf, we noticed that the enrichment of the coast in nutrients of various origins is intensifying, which disrupts the aquatic balance, starting with its basis, which is the phytoplankton.
Modified methodological framework for sustainability evaluation of existing hydraulic structures in Romania: The case study of Cincis Dam, Hunedoara
This study presents the development of a framework to evaluate the sustainability of existing dams and dikes infrastructures, after several years of being in operation. The proposed framework starts from the coherent and internationally recognized sustainability method of International Hydropower Association (IHA), which is defined for structures in design phase, and adapts it for existing in-operation infrastructures. As such, it highlights the opportunities for improvement and the development of a sustainability evaluation framework that is easy to understand. The framework can be used mainly by Romanian water boards, which are certifying in-operation structures, and can be equally used to check the sustainability of the infrastructures by its owners and stakeholders. As an example the proposed adapted framework is applied on the Cincis dam of Hunedoara County. The dam is checked for certification in accordance to Romanian standards and sustainability results based on the adapted protocol, showing that the dam performs well from sustainable point of view. The proposed protocol is valuable because it gives Romanian Waters more insights, than just the certification from structural point of view. Moreover, this proposed modified framework holds the potential to actively facilitate the fulfilment of the United Nations Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) committed to by Romania under the ambit of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
On the possibility of dating and isotopic pattern determination for samples from the Danube Delta region via gamma ray spectrometry
Several samples from the Danube Delta region are analysed by gamma ray spectrometry in an attempt to quantify timing and precision associated to isotopic pattern determination and dating of recent sediments in a laboratory under development. Various detectors, electronic configurations and shielding options were used to test the detection limits and system stability on samples which were prepared and encapsulated in several ways. The results evidence the capacity of dealing with some 300 samples per year and per detector of 30% relative eficiency for an overall 5 to 8% relative uncertainty associated to typical activities of environmental samples.
Prospects for the development of environmental sciences research infrastructures in Ukraine
The scientific potential regarding the human resources in Ukraine is high to support global scientific research activities, though, there are insufficient levels of provision for material and technical base of scientific and high academic degree institutions. To increase the competitiveness of scientific research, scientific-technical developments and improve the state of the national economy and the life quality of citizens, Ukraine needs to find new additional sources of funding for carrying out research activities and update the material and technical base from the scientific institutions. To this, closer cooperation between scientific institutions and the European research infrastructures is required. Research infrastructures, including the European Open Science Cloud, and technology infrastructures are the key elements of research and technological innovation, and the main drivers of multidisciplinary science in the EU. Today, Europe has a high-developed research infrastructure, which could be essential for Ukraine to take part in. Smart investments will be required now and in the future for stimulating the development of new research infrastructures to fill knowledge gaps, support emerging needs and scientific breakthroughs, and respond to new challenges, particularly in the context of green and digital technologies. Research in the field of renewable energy and environmental science should be highlighted among current research areas of particular interest.
The month of August 2023 brought sad news to the Romanian geological community, the passing of the research geologist Dr. Emil Avram, a member of the Geology-Geography Institute of the Romanian Academy and the Geological Institute of Romania, for 35 years. He was devoted for a long period of time mainly on paleontological studies, starting with the bachelor‘s thesis on fossil traces from Vrancea, presented in 1961 at the University of Bucharest. Following that year, as a co-author, he published the first paleontological monograph on vertebrate traces from the Miocene of the Romanian Subcarpathians, which became a classic and indispensable work for paleoichnological research all over the world.
Meiobenthos and taxocene of Nematodes under changes in ecological conditions in the coastal zone of the NorthWestern part of the Black Sea
Based on studies conducted in June - August 2023 at two marine sites in the in front of Odessa Bay (Cape Lanzheron and Cape Maly Fontan), an assessment was made on the response of meiobenthos and nematodes to the destruction of the dam of the Kakhovka reservoir (06 June 2023) in the coastal waters of the NW Black Sea. In the sublittoral zone (0.5 m) of Cape Lanzheron, the abundance of meiofauna varied from 4000 to 169830 ind./m2, averaging 28094 ± 10982.2 ind./m2. A low occurrence of meiobenthos taxa, a species diversity index, and a high percentage of dominance of Nematoda and Oligochaeta were noted. An increase in the number of r-strategists and a predominance of non-selective detritivores were recorded. According to the values of the maturity index (MI) and the index of trophic diversity (ITD), the water area of Cape Langeron during the study period changes the status of ecological quality (EcoQ) from Good (I-III survey) to Poor (IY-Y survey). The increase in eutrophicity in the waters of Cape Maly Fontan in the sublittoral zone (1 - 5 m), caused by the consequences of the disaster, contributed to an abnormally sharp increase in the abundance of meiobenthos, especially nematodes. The density of meiobenthos varied from 114000 to 9708310 ind./m2, averaging 1753412 ± 261350.7 ind./m2. Low MI values and an increase in ITD values due to the noticeable dominance of one trophic group (1B) indicate increased stress in the area of Cape Maly Fontan. The response of nematode assemblages to environmental changes, both in terms of density and diversity, has demonstrated significant potential for persistence and recovery. The increase in the density of Harpacticoida and juvenile Bivalvia during the last survey (08/24/2023) may be evidence of their ability to quickly recover when environmental conditions improve. In general, the status of the ecological quality of the environment (EcoQ) of the study area can be classified as (Bad) in the area of Cape Lanzheron and (Poor) in the area of Cape M. Fontan.
Marine flooding hazard mapping on the Mostaganem coastal zone using an empirical approach and geospatial tools
Significant global warming, particularly sea level rise, is expected to increase the intensity of marine flooding events on low-lying coastlines. Mostaganem Bay is one of the areas most significantly impacted by this phenomenon. The purpose of this study is to map the risk of marine flooding along the Mostaganem coast. It is based on empirical approach, considering several variables (wave surges, sea level rise and tide). All these variables are integrated within a Geographic Information System. Results show that 13% and 24% of the study area will be at risk of marine flooding, for minimum (8 m) and maximum (9.5 m) inundation levels, respectively. The most affected sectors are expected to be the port of Mostaganem, coastal tourism infrastructure and urban areas. Several adaptation options are proposed to reduce coastal vulnerability to marine flooding; however, these actions should be based on integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMP).
New approaches in the seismotectonics of the marginal Dacides Unit
The goal of this study is to perform a cross-correlation analysis of the earthquake sequences, recorded between 2014 and 2016 in the Caransebeș-Mehadia Area (CMA), in Romania, and to correlate the results with the surface geology, for a better understanding of the neotectonics processes taking place in the South-Western Carpathian Bend Zone. The apparent sparse seismicity between 1886 and 2005 in CMA is mostly due to the lack of seismic stations in the region before 2006. The image changed with 2006, when the recorded event rate increased to 3-15 events/year between 2006-2013 and 2017-2023 and to 45-70 events/year between 2014–2016-time intervals. The high number of events recorded between 2014 and 2016 is related to the occurrence of the three seismic sequences in the CMA: between 31/10/2014 and 20/02/2015, between 23/11/2015 and 28/12/2015 and between 27/07/2016 and 29/08/016. We apply the cross correlation analysis technique for the events recorded in the 2014-2016 time period to identify events belonging to a cluster and to identify new events undetected by routine seismic analysis. The templates used for the analysis were selected from the events recorded in ROMPLUS. We consider an event as belonging to a cluster if the cross-correlation coefficient is equal to or greater than 0.7. Four templates were used and the results show a detection of 37 new events belonging to the seismic sequences from CMA. The distribution of the epicentres shows a migration from west to east suggesting a possible post-triggering effect after the 2014 mainshock.