Landslide inventory and characteristics, based on LiDAR scanning and optimised field investigations in the Kutina area, Croatia

This paper presents the preliminary results of analyses of landsliding processes derived from detailed LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) scans supported by field prospection on the south-western slopes of Mt. Moslavačka gora, in the wider Kutina area. This area is known for frequent landslides, but dedicated regional landslide research has not been previously undertaken. High resolution LiDAR scanning and orthophoto imaging enabled the production of a reliable landslide inventory, but also enabled research on landslide properties and the morphology of the area. Field mapping and prospection, sampling and borehole coring assisted in the collection of information about the material characteristics and specific features of typical landslides. In the research area, which covers more than 71 km2, more than 1200 very small landslides were detected. The majority of landslides were discovered in just several geological units indicating their high susceptibility: Pleistocene silts and sands with clayey interlayers, followed by M2 silty sands and gravels, and M7 sands. Nearly half of the landslides are estimated to be of recent and younger age, while other landslides may be considered as being historical implying a “long tradition” of landslide events in the research area. Preliminary terrain surface roughness analysis also supported the conclusion that the inventory contains landslides of several historical generations which are still detectable. In addition to slides (1123), this research also discovered numerous earthflow processes (143), which are more frequent in the predominantly sandy units. The landslides in this area are largely located on the banks of the gullies and are directly related to the action of water. Regarding that situation and the engineering properties of the encountered geological units, four types of bank instabilities can be differentiated: slides on top of rock masses; slides in firm soil mixtures; landslides in sands; landslides in predominantly coherent soil complexes

Mineral assemblage and provenance of the Pliocene Viviparus beds from the Area of Vukomeričke Gorice (Central Croatia)

Viviparus beds are sediments deposited in lacustrine and fluvial freshwater environments (Lake Slavonia) during the Pliocene and the earliest Pleistocene. A detailed field study and mineralogical, petrographic and chemical analyses were carried out to determine their composition and origin in the area of Vukomeričke Gorice, Central Croatia. Viviparus beds are characterized by the vertical and lateral exchange of mineralogically and chemically mature pelites and sands. Pelitic sediments consist mainly of detrital quartz, calcite, dolomite and feldspar grains, with smectite as the most common clay mineral. Quartz and the most resistant lithic fragments dominate the sandy detritus. The composition of the sediments indicates their origin from the recycled orogen, while their textural immaturity suggests a short transport distance. Most of the material was re-deposited from the underlying Upper Miocene sediments, originally of Alpine provenance. A lesser proportion originated from Palaeogene sediments, Triassic carbonate rocks, basic or acidic magmatic rocks and metamorphites. The Medvednica and Žumberak Mts. were the most important source areas, while a smaller proportion of the material could have come from the Moslavačka gora Mt. and Banovina region. The uniform composition of the Viviparus beds over the entire vertical distribution of the sediments clearly indicates that the source areas did not change during their deposition. A significant change from the texturally and compositionally mature Upper Miocene clastic detritus of alpine origin, to the texturally immature material of the Viviparus beds of local origin is a consequence of compression and inversion of the previously extensional basin resulting in the uplifting and erosion of the mountains within the SW part of the Pannonian Basin System

Comparison of urban and rural soils based on speciation of heavy metals by BCR sequential extraction procedure: A case study in the historical and industrial city of Sisak, Croatia

Within the framework of the pan-European project “URban GEochemistry (URGE) in Europe – Soil, children, health”, pedological and geochemical investigations of the soils of the city of Sisak and its adjacent surroundings were carried out, and three urban and two rural soil profiles were examined. The mineralogical composition and concentration of selected potentially toxic elements (PTEs) Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in the soil were determined. The Community Reference Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction procedure (SEP) of these PTEs was undertaken and the potential risk to human health and the environment was assessed. The concentrations of Cr and Ni are generally similar in urban and rural soil profiles, while the concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn in soil horizons/layers are higher in urban profiles. The extracted fractions of PTEs gave the following general distribution: in urban soil profiles residual (RES) > reducible (ORG) or oxidisable (FEMN) > exchangeable (CARB), except for Cu where ORG > RES > FEMN > CARB, while in rural soil profiles RES > FEMN or ORG > CARB, except for Pb where FEMN > RES or ORG > CARB. The differences between soils in urban and rural profiles depend mainly on the historical land use, i.e. on the duration and intensity of anthropogenic influences on the soil and, to a lesser extent, on the geogenic origin of the parent material and the pedogenic processes. The studied elements in the urban soil profiles are predominantly of anthropogenic origin, indicating a possible influence of the ancient settlements of Segestica and Siscia and of heavy industry in the 20th century. The anthropogenic influences on the rural profiles are low and geogenic influences dominate. Risks to the environment were assessed in the soil profiles based on PTE concentrations in the CARB fraction and the sum of the CARB, ORG and FEMN fractions from BCR SEP. All calculated risks to human health and the environment were rated as no-risk, very low risk and low risk

Croatian diatomites and their possible application as a natural insecticide

In recent decades, there has been an increase in the use of diatomaceous earth (DE) as a natural insecticide because of its low mammalian toxicity, worker safety, low risk of food residues and the occurrence of resistant insect populations associated with the use of chemical insecticides.Therefore there is potential for research into known but previously undescribed Croatian mid-Miocene marine diatomites from the perspective of their potential as proper DE that could be mixed with plant extracts as a new formulation for grain storage protection. The marine diatomites belong to the Paratethyan near shore environment, deposited in the upwelling zone during a mid-Miocene temperate climate. Palaeontological, mineral and geochemical analyses were done on ten promising marly sediments from 26 outcrops and one borehole from the North Croatian Basin. The most important ingredient of diatomaceous sediments is silica (biogenic opal-Aand SiO2 bound in other silicate minerals including quartz, clay minerals, micas, etc.). The amorphous silica content of the tested Croatian diatomites is relatively low (<50%) in comparison with the Celatom® MN 51 standard (medium to high efficient DE) (73.6%), nevertheless they show insome part even slightly better efficacy against insects. It seems that the enhanced content of smectite in diatomaceous sediments also influences increased absorption of DE. Based on palaeontological results, the most efficient diatomites from the Podsusedsko Dolje and Markuševec (Medvednica Mt.) consist of the mid-sized planktonic Coscinodiscus group of species whereThalassionema nitzschioides dominate and is positively correlated with their absorption. The usage of Boströms’ standard formula for getting opal-A from geochemical data was abandoned because of negative results and the modified Murdmaas’ formula for hemipelagic sediments was applied. Preliminary results on the aforementioned diatomite (as inert dusts) show good efficacy against tested insects Sitophilus oryzae (LINNAEUS), Tribolium castaneum (HERBST) and Rhyzopertha dominica (FABRICIUS).</p

The Cenomanian–Turonian Boundary in the Northwestern Part of the Adriatic Carbonate Platform (Ćićarija Mtn., Istria, Croatia): Characteristics and Implications

The Cenomanian–Turonian boundary (CTB) in the Ćićarija Mountain region (northern Istria, Croatia) is characterized by calcisphere limestone successions with a firmground and glauconite horizon, bioturbated intervals, tempestites, and slumped structures as well as microbially laminated and organic-rich interbeds deposited in the northwestern part of the intra-Tethyan Adriatic Carbonate Platform (AdCP). Compilation of the results from three studied sections (Vodice–Jelovica, Martinjak and Planik) of litho-, bio-, and microfacies analyses, X-ray diffraction, SEM, EDS, and stable isotope analyses allowed reconstruction of marine paleoenvironmental conditions during this time period. Shallow-marine carbonate deposits of the Milna Formation underlie a drowned-platform succession of the Sveti (Sv.) Duh Formation. The contact between these two formations is sharp and commonly marked by slumped deposits. The Sv. Duh Formation consists of about 100 m of calcisphere wackestone enriched in organic matter. The results of preliminary δ13C and δ18O stable isotope analyses indicate the influence of the global Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE2) on the deposition of this carbonate succession. Anoxic and hypoxic conditions in the water column lead to major changes in the shallow-marine carbonate system of the AdCP. Numerous benthic foraminifera declined during that time, but planktonic foraminifera and calcareous dinoflagellates diversified and expanded greatly. The results of this research provide new insights into the character of the CTB interval in this part of the Tethyan realm. Local and regional synsedimentary tectonics combined with global upper Cretaceous sea-level dynamics allows the correlation of the investigated deeper-marine lithostratigraphic units with OAE2

Occurrence of vivianite in alluvial Quaternary sediments in the area of Sesvete (Zagreb, Croatia)

Boreholes Badel-1 and Badel-2, located in Sesvete near Zagreb, were drilled through 71.50 and 84.40 m of Quaternary sediments, respectively. Within these sediments, the occurrence of earthy aggregate and 1-2 mm nodules of the deep blue coloured mineral vivianite was observed. Interpretation of the depositional environment, provenance of the sediments and vivianite occurrence was based on sedimentological, mineralogical and palynological analyses. Three different facies within the alluvial environments were interpreted:1) gravels and sands typical of alluvial environments2) structureless beds of silts and clays deposited in oxbow lakes, marshes and floodplains3) chaotic sediments deposited in the upper part of the alluvial fan.Macroscopically, an earthy aggregate is essentially an occurrence of flattened vivianite crystals grouped in clusters. The studied sediments are the product of intensive weathering of different types of rocks from Medvednica Mt. with a prevalence of green-schists. Rocks from Medvednica Mt. as the source of ferrous iron (Fe2+) and phosphorus (P), and reductive depositional environments can indicate conditions for genesis of vivianite. </p

Paleoecological and sedimentological characterisation of Middle Miocene sediments from the Hrvatska Kostajnica area (Croatia)

The Miocene deposits of the Hrvatska Kostajnica (KOS-I) area belong to the south-western marginal part of the Pannonian Basin System (PBS). Investigation of the lithostratigraphical column included: mineralogical, geochemical, sedimentological and integrated palaeontological (calcareous nannofossil, foraminifers, ostracodes, palynomorphs) analyses. Badenian and Sarmatian sediments of this column were deposited in a marine offshore environment with local input of terrigenous material represented by marls and silty marls. Based on palaeontological data, the recorded palaeoclimate was subtropical in the late Badenian changing to a warm temperate climate of the early Sarmatian. Marly sediments predominantly consist of carbonate (calcite and aragonite) and clay minerals, while quartz and plagioclase are less abundant. Most samples contain a small amount of zeolite minerals from the clinoptilolite/heulandite series. Among the clay minerals, smectite and illite/muscovite are the most abundant. Based on provenance analyses we concluded that the Badenian-Sarmatian marls were predominantly formed by the weathering of acidic (Si-rich) source rock derived material from the neighbouring Inner Dinarides.</p

MORTALITY OF NEWBORNS IN CROATIA IN 2005

Rani neonatalni mortalitet (RNM) je sastavnica perinatalnog mortaliteta, i zadnjih godina je manji od fetalnog mortaliteta. RNM je u 2005. g. u Hrvatskoj bio 71% za skupinu novorođenčadi porodne težine (PT) 500–749 g, 32% za novorođenčad PT 750–999 g, 16% za novorođenčad PT 1000–1249 g, i 9% za novorođenčad PT 1250–1499 g. Mortalitet do otpusta iz bolnice (MOB) je za skupine novorođenčadi iste porodne težine bio 84%, potom 48%, zatim 20% i 10%. U skupinama novorođenčadi veće porodne težine RNM i MOB bili su još niži. RNM sve novorođenčadi >500 g bio je 3,4‰, neonatalni mortalitet (NM) je bio 4,1‰ i MOB je bio 4,4‰. RNM novorođenčadi PT >1000 g bio je 2,2‰, NM je bio 2,6‰ i MOB je bio 2,9‰. RNM je za svu novorođenčad PT >500 g činio prosječno 76,7% smrtnosti (145/189), dok je ostalih 44 djece (23,3%) umrlo nakon prvog tjedna života. To ukazuje da RNM nije podcijenjen na račun visokog kasnijeg moraliteta, i da pedijatrijska-neonatalna služba ne ostvaruje smanjenje RNM na račun kasnijeg povišenja ¬mortaliteta ili MOB. U 2005. godini je kao i u 2003. i 2004. tri četvrtine novorođenčadi PT 500–1499 g rođeno u rodilištima III. razine. Za vjerodostojnu analizu podataka ishoda novorođenčadi i djece planirana je izrada novih obrazaca perinatalnih zbivanja, uz prikupljanje podataka o postnatalnom transportu novorođenčadi i mjestu liječenja novorođenčeta. Potrebno je nastaviti prikupljati detaljne podatke o vitalnim događajima do otpusta iz bolnice. Ti podatci predstavljat će osnovu za planiranje potreba neonatološke službe, izradu smjernica za prenatalno i postnatalno usmjeravanje novorođenčadi i za davanje vjerodostojnijih prognoza roditeljima novorođenčadi najnižih porodnih težina.Early neonatal mortality (ENM) is one of components of perinatal mortality. In recent years ENM is smaller than fetal mortality. ENM was in 2004 in Croatia 71% for newborns of birth-weight (BW) 500–749 g; 32% for those 750–999 g, 16% for those 1000–1249 g, and 9% for newborns of BW 1250–1499 g. Mortality to discharge from hospital (MDH) for newborns in these birth-weight groups was 84%, 48%, 20% and 10%, respectively. In groups of newborns with larger BW over 1500 g ENM and MDH were even lower. ENM for all newborns BW >500 g was 3,4‰, neonatal mortality (NM) was 4,1‰, and MDH was 4,4‰, respectively. ENM for newborns of BW > 1000 g was 2,2‰, NM was 2,6‰, and MDH was 2,9‰, respectively. ENM made 76,7% mortality of all newborns (BW >500 g) (145/189), while the rest of 44 newborns (23,3%) died after the first week of life. Therefore, ENM was not underestimated due to possible higher late neonatal mortality, pediatric-neonatal services didn\u27t reduce ENM on expenses of higher late neonatal mortality or MDH. In the year 2005, as in 2003 and 2004, three fourths of newborns of BW 500–1499 grams were born in maternities of 3rd level. Within the aims of the proper analysis of newborns’ outcome data, is creation of new certificates of vital events with details of postnatal transport and place of treatment of newborn. It is necessary to continue to follow survival or mortality of all newborns to discharge from the hospital. These data will give us benchmark for planning of neonatal resources, development of recommendations in perinatology-neonatology for prenatal and postnatal transfer, and for more exact prognoses of the smallest newborns in the process of decision making

Discriminant Function Analysis of Upper Miocene and Pliocene Sands from the Southwestern Part of the Pannonian Basin System, Croatia

Multiple discriminant analysis (MDA) of Upper Miocene and Pliocene sands of SW portion of Pannonian Basin System is performed in order to find out optimum criteria of separating previously defined informal lithostratigraphic units - Ozalj, Andra&scaron;evec, Hum Zabočki, Cernik and Pluska. Heavy mineral association is employed as independent variables, or descriptors, in the process of discrimination and results of analysis established a clear and strong bond between characteristic heavy mineral assemblages in the Upper Miocene and Pliocene sands their affinity to particular lithostratigraphic units. In this respect, Pluska unit is especially highlighted, followed by Ozalj and Hum Zabočki units. Close heavy mineral/lithostratigraphic unit relationship was found very useful in unraveling the basic sedimentologic meaning hidden under specific discriminant functions in the mathematical model. The most prominent is DF1 accounting for almost three fourth of the total variance of the investigated sedimentary system. In accordance with its &ldquo;key&rdquo; mineral it is labeled kyanite function which indicates the (metamorphic) provenance of the siliciclastic mineral detritus. The second most important, DF2, is labeled garnet-zircon function and, being bipolar, it points at both provenance of siliciclastic material (older sedimentary rocks) and hydraulic conditions during the detritus transport and sedimentation. Finally, DF3 is of minor importance indicating stability of heavy mineral association in sandy sediments. Three lithostratigraphic units, namely Ozalj, Pluska and Hum Zabočki are clearly separated by the functions labeled after their distinctive (&ldquo;key&rdquo;) heavy minerals.</span