https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/403 2026-06-22T22:09:37Z 2026-06-22T22:09:37Z 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 Palii, Paola Porrovecchio, M. Camilleri, Leanne Micallef, Greta Puglisevich, Erika Schmidbauer, Lena Mifsud, David Lanfranco, Sandro https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147463 2026-06-16T09:58:59Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Invasive alien plants as graded bioindicators of urbanisation : response patterns along an urban–rural gradient Authors: Palii, Paola; Porrovecchio, M.; Camilleri, Leanne; Micallef, Greta; Puglisevich, Erika; Schmidbauer, Lena; Mifsud, David; Lanfranco, Sandro Abstract: Invasive alien plant (IAP) species are a defining feature of urban floras worldwide, yet their ecological role as indicators of environmental transformation remains underexplored. Most studies of biological invasions in cities rely on floristic inventories and distribution censuses, documenting which species are present rather than asking what their distribution patterns reveal about the environments they occupy. This study proposes a shift in perspective: rather than cataloguing invasive aliens as a conservation problem, we use them as graded bioindicators of urbanisation intensity along an urban– rural gradient. [excerpt]

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z 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 Borg, Joseph A. Dandria, David Evans, Julian Knittweis, Leyla Schembri, Patrick J. https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147353 2026-06-11T12:01:23Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: An update to the critical checklist of the marine fishes of Malta and surrounding waters Authors: Borg, Joseph A.; Dandria, David; Evans, Julian; Knittweis, Leyla; Schembri, Patrick J. Abstract: The critical checklist of the marine fishes of Malta and surrounding waters published by the present authors in 2023 provided the first evidence-based assessment of the marine ichthyofauna of the Maltese Islands. Since then, new faunistic, fisheries-related, and molecular data have become available, justifying an update. The present work critically reviews the scientific and selected popular literature published up to April 2026, applying the same study area and authentication criteria adopted in the 2023 checklist. The update affects 22 species: six are newly reported from Maltese waters, of which two still require confirmation; nine species previously treated as unconfirmed and three species originally excluded are here confirmed; two species formerly known only from historical records are also confirmed; and two species are excluded on the basis of revised taxonomic or biogeographical knowledge. Consequently, the number of confirmed species increases from 412 to 426, the number of unconfirmed species decreases from 53 to 45, and the number of excluded species decreases from 78 to 77. Within the confirmed fauna, native species increase from 370 to 379, non-established alien species from 17 to 19, and non-established Atlantic immigrants from 3 to 6, whereas the numbers of established aliens, established Atlantic immigrants, and cryptogenic species remain unchanged. The changes documented here reflect improved sampling, especially of deep-water species, the resolution of taxonomic uncertainty through molecular analyses, and the continued arrival of newcomer species. This updated checklist provides a more accurate and current baseline for future faunistic, biogeographical, ecological, conservation, and fisheries-related studies on the marine fishes of Maltese waters.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z