Digital Commons Network^™

Ground Water Assessment Of Cache Valley Using Modern Tracing Techniques, Eric Humphrey, Bethany Neilson

Spring Runoff Conference

Monitor, analyze, and predict current and evolving dynamics of complex human and natural Earth-system interactions and to deliver actionable information at scales and timeframes relevant to decision makers.

Rethinking Harmful Algal Blooms In Utah Waters: A Paradigm Shift In Water Quality And Management, Kabilan Mani

Spring Runoff Conference

Droughts are intensifying in frequency and severity, straining already limited water supplies.

Hydrodynamics Of Bear Lake: Waves, Currents, Circulation, And Residence Times, Jeffrey Nielson

Spring Runoff Conference

Until we understand water movement, we’ll struggle to explain or manage what happens in Bear Lake.

Water Needs And Recovery Pathways For The Great Salt Lake, David Tarboton, Sarah Null, Bethany Neilson

Spring Runoff Conference

Main Points 

• Levels of GSL inherently fluctuate because of variability in precipitation and temperature that drive inflow and evaporation 
• Reductions in inflows due to water use are superimposed on this variability 
• Consistent delivery of conserved water offers the opportunity to shift the range of lake levels upwards reducing the occurrence of serious adverse effects and increasing the potential for healthy lake levels 
• Adding 250 thousand-acre ft/year reduces the occurrence of serious adverse effects from 61% to 28% over the long term 
• Adding 800 thousand-acre ft/year shifts the mean of variable lake levels to the lower end of the healthy lake …

Great Salt Lake Basin Integrated Plan, Laura Vernon

Spring Runoff Conference

What is the Great Salt Lake Basin Integrated Plan? A roadmap for managing water in ways that promote a healthy lake and a high quality of life in the basin.

Microplastics As Physical Hubs Amplifying Antiobiotic Resistance Under Mixed-Contaminant Selection In Wastewater Systems, Liyuan Hou

Spring Runoff Conference

Microplastics (MPs) are tiny plastic particles within the range of (0.1 mm to 5 mm) in size

Integrating Hydrology And Human Water Footprints: A Case Study Of The Great Salt Lake Watershed, Rocky Lynne Seeley

Spring Runoff Conference

A new model, comprehensively integrating hydrologic, water footprint, and virtual water data

A Conversation On Water, Camille Touton

Spring Runoff Conference

A conversation on water presentation at the 2026 Spring Runoff Conference.

What’S Next In Water Leasing Panel, Scott Hotaling, Adam Wickline, Hannah Freeze, Matt Anderson, Peter Stanton, Mitch Hancock

Spring Runoff Conference

Panel on water leasing at the 2026 Spring Runoff Conference.

Balancing Water Needs In Walker Basin, Peter Stanton

Spring Runoff Conference

Walker Lake 

Supported 50% of Mineral County economy 

Traditional homeland of Walker River Paiute Tribe (Agai Dicutta) 

World-class fishery

Annual Loon Festival

Utah’S Water Network Panel, Brad Mortensen, Kelly Pehrson, Nate Daugs, Brad Parry, Lindsie Smith, Camille Touton, Megan Nelson

Spring Runoff Conference

A panel on Utah's water network at the 2026 Spring Runoff Conference.

2026 Northern Utah Water Champion Award, Spring Runoff Conference

Spring Runoff Conference

Recognizes individuals who have demonstrated sustained, meaningful contributions to the stewardship, management, governance, or understanding of water in Northern Utah.

Utah State University’S Water Legacy, Brad Mortensen

Spring Runoff Conference

Utah State University's President, Brad Mortensen, presents at the 2026 Spring Runoff Conference.

Coupling Mechanisms Of Fracture Propagation And Proppant Transport Indeep Coalbed Methane Reservoirs, Guo Xiaodong, Zhang Shicheng, Zhang Jingchen, Zhou Changjing, Zhang Chengsheng, Qiu Shixin, Xi Xiangrui

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objectives and Methods Deep coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs commonly exhibit well-developed beddings, strong mechanical heterogeneity, and high in-situ stress gradients. These characteristics result in pronounced nonlinear fracture propagation and strong multi-field coupling effects during hydraulic fracturing. Consequently, it is challenging to accurately describe the mechanisms governing fracture complexity in deep coal reservoirs using conventional mechanical models for fractures. Using a super-large true triaxial system with dimensions of 2.0 m × 2.0 m × 1.0 m, this study conducted physical simulation experiments on hydraulic fracturing under varying injection rates and viscosities of fracturing fluids. In combination with fracture mechanics and energy …

Advances In Research On Mechanisms And Prevention And Control Technologies For Solid-Phase Production In Hydraulically Fractured Coalbed Methane Wells, Zhang Fengsan, Wu Jinqiao, Lin Jin, Li Yu, Zhang Ying, Li Bing, Zhang Guobiao, Sun Ying, Gan Yuke

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The effective coalbed methane (CBM) exploitation using hydraulic fracturing wells is severely constrained by two major solid-phase production issues: coal fines blockage and proppant flowback. The mechanisms behind both issues are associated with complex interplays between geological conditions and engineering disturbances. This study presents a systematic review of the current status of domestic and international research on the mechanisms of the solid-phase production, as well as relevant prevention and control methods. Furthermore, future research directions are proposed.Advances The solid-phase production in hydraulically fractured CBM wells essentially arises from flow-solid-chemical multi-field coupling processes under interplays between geological conditions and …

Predicting The Risk Of Water-Sand Inrushes From Coal Seam Roofs Based On A Small-Size Sample Dataset, Zhang Wenquan, Li Zixu, Zhu Xianxiang, Qiu Wei, Zhang Chengjie

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The eastern and northern regions of China exhibit thick unconsolidated layers and thin bedrocks, with water-sand inrush disasters occurring frequently. Therefore, accurately predicting the risk of water-sand inrushes from coal seam roofs holds great significance for safe coal mining. However, the water-sand inrushes in these regions exhibit complex disaster-causing mechanisms, which involve the coupling effects of multiple factors. Accordingly, the real-time prediction of the water-sand inrush risk in the field poses challenges including high risk and cost. These issues lead to difficult data acquisition and severely insufficient samples, limiting the accuracy and performance of traditional prediction models. Therefore, there …

A Dynamic Prediction Method For Coal Seam Thickness Based On The Kpca-Pso-Svr Model, Yang Tun, Ye Shugang, Ma Ming, Wang Qianyao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objectives and Methods With the development of high-precision and intelligent seismic exploration techniques, it is necessary to accurately quantify and interpret coal seam thickness to provide reliable data for constructing high-precision three-dimensional geological models. This will help ensure safe and efficient coal mining in coal mines. In coal seam thickness prediction, the comprehensive multi-attribute analysis method faces challenges such as the cumbersome selection of optimal seismic attributes and the low predictive accuracy of regression models. To address these challenges, this study proposed a support vector regression (SVR) prediction model based on kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) and particle swarm optimization …

Positive And Negative Pressure Distributions And Gas Migration Mechanisms Under Gas Drainage From Coal Seams Using Ultra-Long Directional Boreholes, Li Quanxin, Zhao Yuechen, Mou Quanbin, Wang Liang, Fang Jun, Wang Chenghao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Gas drainage via ultra-long directional boreholes plays a significant role in gas control in coal mines. To ensure safe and efficient gas drainage using these boreholes, it is critical to determine the mechanisms behind positive- negative pressure coupling, as well as the dominant mechanisms governing gas migration. However, the evolutionary patterns of positive-negative pressure zoning within the boreholes and the primary factors influencing gas drainage efficiency have yet to be accurately characterized. Methods Under the engineering background of the Shendong Baode Coal Mine, this study developed a multi-field coupling model integrating diffusion, seepage, and in-borehole flow fields based on …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

Biogasification Potential Of Medium- To High-Rank Coals And Its Controlling Mechanisms At A Molecular Structural Level, Bao Yuan, Li Jiajun, Li Dan, Chen Xueru, Wang Xiaojing

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Coals with varying metamorphic grades differ significantly in the potential for methane generation through microbial degradation. Medium- to high-rank coals can generate a substantial volume of methane through microbial degradation. However, key factors governing their biogasification potential remain poorly understood. This study aims to identify the dominant factors controlling the potential of medium- to high-rank coals for methane generation through microbial degradation, as well as relevant controlling mechanisms, from the perspective of molecular structures.Methods The Carboniferous-Permian medium- to high-rank coals along the eastern margin of the Ordos Basin were investigated in this study. Using experiments on the hydrocarbon …

Characteristics And Helium Generation Potential Of Ultra-Deep Marine Shales As Helium Source Rocks, Yuan Jiutao, Zhang Wenjin, Song Zezhang, Tian Xingwang, Luo Qingyong, Jin Shigui, Wang Shulong, Wu Meijia, Wang Li, Chen Hongbin, Gao Jiawei, Mikhail Spasennykh, Tagir Karamov

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Large-scale, effective helium source rocks serve as a material basis for the formation of a helium-rich gas field. In the Weiyuan area, Sichuan Basin, the helium-rich gas reservoirs within the Dengying Formation exhibit helium source rocks consisting of the pre-Sinian basement granites and the shales of the Cambrian Qiongzhusi Formation. Compared to the basement granites, studies on the shales of the Qiongzhusi Formation remain limited, including those on the occurrence characteristics of uranium (U)- and thorium (Th)-rich minerals and helium generation potential.Methods This study investigated the shales of the Qiongzhusi Formation, Weiyuan area, Sichuan Basin. By integrating field …

Mechanisms Behind The Controlling Effects Of Temperature-Pressure Conditions On The Dynamic Ch4–H2O Production From Bituminous Coal, Zhang Hewei, Shen Jian, Li Kexin, Wu Caifang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background For deep coalbed methane (CBM) exploitation, the temperature-pressure synergistic effect in the CH₄-H₂O two-phase flow remains poorly understood, restricting the establishment of efficient CBM production systems.Methods This study investigated the No.13 coal seam in the Guanjiaya Coal Mine along the eastern margin of the Ordos Basin. Using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) techniques, this study explored the dynamic process of CH₄ displacing water and associated gas-water production mechanisms under different displacement pressures (2‒8 MPa) and temperatures (25 ℃ and 60 ℃).Results and Conclusions The sample used …

Mechanisms Behind The Control Of Floor Failure In Deep Coal Mines By Hydraulic Fracturing Based On Power-Law Fracture Networks, Duan Hongfei, Ye Dayu, Zhao Lijuan, Zeng Yifan, Zou Junpeng, Yu Guofeng, Meng Xiang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Hydraulic fracturing of coal seam floors represents an important technical approach to mitigating damage to the floor rock masses through proactive pressure relief and to improving seepage pathways. However, there is a lack of systematic, quantitative insights into the evolutionary characteristics of floor fracture networks, as well as their impacts on the stress redistribution and rock stability of coal seam floors, during hydraulic fracturing.Methods This study aims to address the challenge that is prone to cause severe damage to the floor rock masses. First, a coal seam floor was considered a saturated porous medium containing multi-scale fractures based …

Comparison Of Models For Predicting The Floor Failure Depths Of Coal Seams With Moderate Thicknesses And Above Under Fully Mechanized Mining, Xu Bin, Zhong Cen, Dong Shuning, Yin Shangxian, Wang Hao, Li Shuxia, Du Yongwei, Zhang Kebin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The failure depth of a coal seam floor represents a critical parameter for assessing the risk of floor water inrushes. With the widespread application of fully mechanized mining with a large mining height, existing empirical equations suffer from insufficient accuracy when used to calculate the mining-induced floor failure depths of coal seams with moderate thicknesses and above.Methods Based on the compressive strength of coal seam floors (i.e., hard, moderately hard, and weak floors), 107 sets of data samples of the measured floor failure depths of coal seams with moderate thicknesses and above under fully mechanized mining were classified. …

Post-Grouting Subsidence Of The Overburden In Goaves At Major Engineering Sites: Fiber Optic Monitoring And Deformation Mechanisms, Cao Xiaoyi, Liu Xiaoping, Liu Haoqi

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The characteristics and mechanisms of residual deformations in goaves after engineering reinforcement (i.e., grouting filling) concern the design, construction, and long-term safety of major engineering projects. Furthermore, they are identified as the key to the efficient development of abandoned land in goaves within old mining areas. Therefore, it is necessary to explore methods and techniques for monitoring post-grouting subsidence of the entire strata in goaves. This will help acquire high-quality, long-term monitoring data on deformation in the field and reveal the mechanisms behind deformation associated with post-grouting subsidence in goaves.Methods This study investigated the Xiaohegou Bridge site (including …

Discovery Of Quasi-Carbon Nanotube Structures In Tectonically Deformed Coals And Their Formation Mechanisms, Li Yunbo, Wang Rongqi, Song Dangyu, Wang Chengtao, Li Qiang, Yi Ke, Wang Yuanyuan, Pan Jienan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted wide attention due to their unique structures and performance. However, their artificial synthesis requires stringent conditions, including high temperatures (700 ℃ to 2 300 ℃), stable carbon sources, and catalysts. Furthermore, these structures are rarely discovered in nature. As a carbon-rich medium, coals can form a variety of ordered carbon structures during their metamorphic and deformational processes, serving as an ideal carrier for exploring the formation mechanisms of natural CNTs.Methods Typical tectonically deformed coals from the Pingdingshan and Huaibei mining areas were investigated in this study. After demineralization and chloroform extraction, coal samples …

Dynamic Evolution Of Rock Mechanical Properties Of Coal Seam Roofs Under Thermal Loading: A Case Study Of The Baikouquan Area, Xinjiang, China, Sun Fangfang, Li Xin, Sang Shuxun, Qu Huailin, Yang Shuguang, Wei Bo, Wang Ziqiang, Zhang Bin, Chen Yanpeng, Tian Wenling

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Underground coal gasification (UCG) represents a key technology for the clean utilization of coal resources. However, during the UCG process, thermal damage to surrounding rocks under thermal effects directly affects the stability and engineering safety of gasification channels.Methods To address the thermal damage to surrounding rocks during UCG, this study investigated the silty mudstones and coarse-grained sandstones in the coal seam roof of the Xishanyao Formation, Baikouquan area, Xinjiang. Through high-temperature uniaxial compression experiments, combined with characterization methods like X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), this study delved into the dynamic evolutionary patterns of rock mechanical …

Characteristics And Mechanisms Of The Adsorption Of Shales For Ba2+ In Fracturing Fluids, Xie Chenyang, Liu Bo, Zhang Yuting, Zhu Fang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objectives and Methods Large-scale hydraulic fracturing represents a key technology for shale gas exploitation. However, engineering practices indicate that the flowback rates of fracturing fluids are low and vary significantly across different blocks. Furthermore, some components in fracturing fluids may cause groundwater contamination. To explore the adsorption characteristics and mechanisms of Ba²⁺ within fracturing fluids in shale reservoirs, this study investigated four typical types of samples, including shale and three shale samples with different compositions, from the Longmaxi Formation in the Changning Block, southern Sichuan Basin. Systematic experiments were conducted on the adsorption of shales with different mineral …

Enrichment Patterns And Accumulation Models Of Coalbed Methane Under Complex Geological Conditions: A Case Study Of The Xintian Coal Mine In Western Guizhou Province, China, Xu Shuai, Wu Caifang, Bie Xiaofei, Li Guangsheng, Fang Xiaojie, Wang Fangfang, Cheng Yi, Zhao Peng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The Xintian Coal Mine, a critical coal-producing mine in western Guizhou Province, faces high risks of coal and gas outbursts and the challenge of low underground coalbed methane (CBM) extraction efficiency, necessitating surface CBM extraction. However, the complex geological conditions in the area limit well placement and the fracturing and gas drainage effectiveness. Therefore, there is an urgent need to systematically elucidate the occurrence characteristics and enrichment patterns of CBM in the area.Methods Based on data from exploration boreholes in the Xintian Coal Mine, combined with experiment and test results and log interpretations, this study revealed the physical …

An Experimental Study On The Mechanical Property Evolution Of Granites Post-High-Temperature Treatment Under Loading And Unloading Conditions, Hao Wencai, Qiao Wei, Liu Huichen, Zhu Zhennan, Wang Hao, Liu Richeng, Guo Jie, Xie Jingyu, Cheng Xianggang, Lyu Ruijie

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The surrounding rocks of wellbores remain in a state of stress release during the drilling and heat extraction of deep geothermal reservoirs. Therefore, investigating the characteristic stresses of heat-treated granites under loading and unloading conditions is critical to understanding the crack evolution in deep hot dry rock (HDR) reservoirs during their stimulation. Methods Targeting the granite specimens after heat treatment at varying high temperatures (e.g., 200 ℃, 300 ℃, 400 ℃, 500 ℃, and 600 ℃), this study conducted triaxial loading and unloading tests under a confining pressure of 60 MPa, aiming to investigate the impacts of high temperature …