Horizons in Earth Science Research. Volume 21

This monograph consists of six chapters that provide updates in the field of earth science research. Chapter One explicates the history of exploration of the Antarctic continent and tries to answer questions surrounding the initial discovery of Antarctica. Chapter Two describes the properties of the Kwanza Basin in terms of the presence of hydrocarbons and other aspects of interest to oil companies. Chapter Three includes information about the planktic foraminiferal biostratigraphy at the K/PG boundary at El Kef GSSP of the Tethyan realm. Chapter Four quantitively assesses the microfabric of the Kawabata Formation by evaluating rock specimens using magnetic techniques. Chapter Five presents the results of the research of distribution of rare-earth and other trace elements in relict zircons from restitogenic ultramafic rocks of Shaman massifs. Finally, Chapter Six introduces a new monitoring technology that could lead to the next generation of hydraulic fracture optimization and rejuvenate unconventional reservoir development.