https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/13768 2026-06-30T18:53:51Z 2026-06-30T18:53:51Z Ibekwe, Kelechi N. Oguadinma, Vivian O. Okoro, Victory K. Aniwetalu, Emmanuel Lanisa, Ademola Ahaneku, Chibuzo V. https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147570 2026-06-22T07:28:27Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Reservoir characterization review in sedimentary basins Authors: Ibekwe, Kelechi N.; Oguadinma, Vivian O.; Okoro, Victory K.; Aniwetalu, Emmanuel; Lanisa, Ademola; Ahaneku, Chibuzo V. Abstract: Evaluating the subsurface characteristics of reservoirs is an important part of gas storage, hydrocarbon exploration, and production in sedimentary basins. This process combines geological, geophysical, and engineering data to understand the subsurface geology, and fluid distribution, determine reserves and predict the fluid movement in the reservoir. And in the case of empty reservoir, the storage capacity, sealing strength is analysed. The primary goal of reservoir characterization is to create a precise and dependable reservoir model to maximize the production procedure and reduce the associated risks of hydrocarbon exploration and production. This review examines different approaches used for reservoir characterization in sedimentary basins, including geological, geophysical, and engineering methods. Each method's advantages and disadvantages are discussed, alongside their uses in different reservoir contexts. The importance of combining multiple lines of evidence to enhance the accuracy of the reservoir models is also examined.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z Corradin, Cristina Thomas, Ariel T. Camerlenghi, Angelo Zini, Luca Giustiniani, Michela Busetti, Martina Foglia, Laura Bertoni, Claudia Micallef, Aaron https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147399 2026-06-15T09:33:22Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Characterization of an onshore–offshore aquifer system in the Venetian Friulian plain and north Adriatic basin : a 3D modelling approach Authors: Corradin, Cristina; Thomas, Ariel T.; Camerlenghi, Angelo; Zini, Luca; Giustiniani, Michela; Busetti, Martina; Foglia, Laura; Bertoni, Claudia; Micallef, Aaron Abstract: Continental coastal aquifer systems are well-studied worldwide and are often characterized on the basis of extensive and diverse borehole datasets. However, while it is postulated that in some cases, these aquifers may extend offshore, their seaward reach remains widely unknown due to the frequently limited availability of data, particularly for subsurface sediments and their pore water salinity. This paper presents a valuable characterization of the onshore aquifers in the Venetian-Friulian Plain (northeastern Italy) and their offshore extension in the Northern Adriatic Shelf, within ~20 km from the coastline. Three-dimensional digital geological and stratigraphic modeling was used to investigate geometries of the layered artesian aquifer system hosted in the Middle to Late Pleistocene sedimentary succession. Near-coastal and offshore aquifers are found to have mainly formed during coastline migration driven by sea level changes and low-permeability layers, sealing these aquifers, result from fine alluvial sediments during sea level lowstands or fine marine sediments during highstands. This study suggests that Quaternary glacio-eustatic fluctuations are mainly responsible for the genesis of the layered aquifer system in the study area. Given the consistency of depositional processes active in the Northern Adriatic Basin since Middle-Pleistocene, and that coastal fresh groundwater extends hundreds of meters below the topographic surface, this study confirms that the Northern Adriatic Basin has significant potential to host widespread offshore freshened groundwater aquifers. This resource might represent an additional freshwater supply in the future. Description: Supplementary Information is available within this record.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Tiralongo, Francesco Dimichino, Beniamino Nota, Alessandro Zambetti, Alessio Pignalosa, Paolo Marrone, Alessio Tibullo, Daniele Schembri, Jean-Paul Laspina, Matthew Deidun, Alan https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147163 2026-06-08T08:13:33Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The establishment of the northern brown shrimp Penaeus aztecus Ives, 1891 in the central Mediterranean : new fisheries records from Malta and the southern shores of Sicily Authors: Tiralongo, Francesco; Dimichino, Beniamino; Nota, Alessandro; Zambetti, Alessio; Pignalosa, Paolo; Marrone, Alessio; Tibullo, Daniele; Schembri, Jean-Paul; Laspina, Matthew; Deidun, Alan Abstract: The northern brown shrimp, Penaeus aztecus, a penaeid species native to the western Atlantic, has rapidly expanded across the Mediterranean since its first record in Turkey (2009). Here, we report data supporting the establishment of P. aztecus in Maltese waters and along the southern shores of Sicily in the central Mediterranean, following the recent first record of the species from the same waters, suggesting an aggressive expansion by the species within the region. On 16th December 2024, two P. aztecus specimens were captured in Marsaxlokk Bay at a depth of 2 m using a trammel net. Subsequently, new records were documented in other Maltese localities by professional fishers, as well as in Porto Santo Stefano (northern Tyrrhenian Sea) and southeastern Sicily (Ionian Sea), confirming the species’ continuous and widespread expansion. In several cases, P. aztecus cooccurred with the native and congeneric P. kerathurus, raising concerns about potential inter-specific competition. The species is already exploited in Turkey and Italy, yet its ecological and economic impacts remain uncertain. Further studies are needed to assess its interactions with native species and fisheries.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Tiralongo, Francesco Leotta, Paola Marrone, Alessio Deidun, Alan https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146844 2026-05-27T13:01:23Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A new alien arrival to the Sicilian coast of the Ionian Sea : Trachysalambria palaestinensis (Steinitz, 1932) Authors: Tiralongo, Francesco; Leotta, Paola; Marrone, Alessio; Deidun, Alan Abstract: Trachysalambria palaestinensis, a penaeid shrimp native to the Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf, has recently expanded its distribution within the Mediterranean Sea as part of the ongoing Lessepsian migration process. Here we provide the first confirmed records of this species from the Ionian sector of Sicily, representing not only the first evidence for the Sicilian Ionian coast, but also the first documented occurrence in the Ionian Sea at large. The species was recorded on four separate occasions between 2021 and 2025 from trammel net fisheries targeting cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis). Morphological analysis confirmed species identification. Specimens were deposited in the scientific collection of the Ente Fauna Marina Mediterranea located in Avola, Italy. These findings draw further attention to the growing number of Indo-Pacific crustaceans colonizing Mediterranean ecosystems. We discuss the biogeographical significance of this record, the possible ecological implications for native assemblages and fisheries, and the need for long-term monitoring.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z