Digital Commons Network^™

L. Dots To Data: Manufacturing Digital Seismic Traces From Scanned Images Of The Paper Sign Bit Sections From The 1970 Flathead Lake Seismic Survey, Robert W. Lankston

1970 Flathead Lake Seismic Survey

PowerPoint slides and the recorded audio of a lecture presented by Robert Lankston on October 13, 2014 in the University of Montana, Department of Geosciences Colloquium lecture series.

M. Epilogue For The 1970 Flathead Lake Seismic Project Collection, Robert W. Lankston

1970 Flathead Lake Seismic Survey

Re-introduction of the 1980 Qamar-Kogan seismic survey at Flathead Lake with recommendations for building an archive for that project. Article includes a proof-of-concept for converting scanned images of seismic sections recorded in variable density to digital seismic traces.

A. Introduction To The Archive Of The 1980 Flathead Lake Seismic Survey, Robert W. Lankston

1980 Flathead Lake Seismic Survey

This attempts to provide details of the hardware used during the 1980 seismic survey on Flathead Lake beyond the references in the master's thesis that described the survey and the initial use of the data.

Vegetation Enhances Nitrogen Removal In Stormwater Ponds In Coastal South Carolina, Darcy Perin, Annie Bourbonnais

Faculty Publications

Coastal development and the increase in impervious surfaces lead to greater stormwater volumes, a key contributor to nonpoint source pollution. Stormwater ponds are generally highly efficient in eliminating particle-bound nutrients, such as phosphorus, but are often much less effective at removing dissolved nutrients, like nitrogen. Excess inorganic nitrogen can lead to coastal eutrophication, harmful cyanobacterial blooms, and coastal hypoxia. However, inorganic nitrogen can be removed from the environment through several different microbially facilitated processes. This research aims to estimate the rates of nitrogen removal (i.e., by denitrification), the net N₂ fluxes, and internal recycling (DNRA) across the sediment-water interface …

Electrocatalytic Degradation Of Methylene Blue Using Rgo, Sb2o3, And Rgo-Sb2o3 Composite Ink-Based Electrodes, Maria Irene Myers Armas, Andrea M. Fletes, Thomas Eubanks, Arnulfo Mar, Jason Parsons, Helia Magali Morales

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Water pollution from industrial dyes is a critical challenge due to the resistance of these types of compounds to degradation and potentially harmful effects on living organisms and human health. In this study, the electrochemical degradation of methylene blue (MB) was investigated using ink-based copper foam electrodes with reduced graphene oxide (rGO), antimony trioxide (Sb2O3), and rGO/Sb2O3 composites. The materials used to synthesize the electrodes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), which showed the successful synthesis of GO, rGO, and the Sb2O3-rGO composite. Additionally, the synthesized electrodes were examined using SEM. The MB degradation was studied using kinetic behavior and …

Systematic Synthesis Of Crispr/Cas Applications For Enhancing Salt Tolerance In Crops: A Decade Of Progress And Challenges, Xindi Sun, Fusheng Wu, Zhuanzhuan Ma, Guohao Liang, Shumei Chen, Xutong Hu, Shugao Fan, Ying Zhao

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

Soil salinity is a major constraint on global crop productivity, driving the need for salt-tolerant varieties. While CRISPR-Cas genome editing offers targeted solutions for trait improvement, significant biological and technical bottlenecks limit its application in conferring salt stress resilience. This systematic summarizes findings from 83 peer-reviewed studies (2015–2024) employing CRISPR/Cas technologies to improve salt tolerance in five major crops (rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, barley). Our systematic review reveals that early single-gene edits achieved modest gains (30–50% Na⁺ exclusion) but often showed limited yield gains in field settings, potentially due to compensatory regulation and environmental variation. The literature suggests that multiplex …

Exceptional Variety Of Baryte-Celestine-Series Speleothems In Lechuguilla Cave (New Mexico, Usa), Max Wisshak, Johannes Birkenstock, Andrea Schröder-Ritzrau, Norbert Frank, Hazel A. Barton, Harvey R. Duchene

International Journal of Speleology

An inventory of speleothems primarily composed of the closely related sulfate minerals baryte (BaSO₄) and celestine (SrSO₄) in Lechuguilla Cave (New Mexico, USA) has revealed an extraordinary variety. This includes subaerial stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, coralloids, wall crusts, floor crystals, snow, frostwork, and subaqueous pool crystals. Large baryte and celestine crystals have also been documented in hydrothermal veins in the host rock, predating the cave and truncated when intersected by it. The respective carbonate mineral phases witherite (BaCO₃) and strontianite (SrCO₃), in contrast, were found to be rare in the studied speleothem samples, …

Lake Powell And Lake Mead Are Moving In Opposite Directions -- What Gives?, Jack Schmidt, Eric Kuhn, Anne Castle, Kathryn Sorensen, Katherine Tara

The Traveling Wilburys of the Colorado River

No abstract provided.

The World's Largest Saddle Dam At Risk: Multisensor Geohazard Analysis And Downstream Impacts, Hesham El-Askary, Hesham Morgan, Surendra Maharjan, Ali Elgendy, Wenzhao Li, Rejoice Thomas, Austin Madson, Cyril Rakovski

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) Saddle Dam, which holds approximately 89% of the main reservoir's live storage, is one of the largest and most critical auxiliary dams globally; its construction on Ethiopia's Blue Nile has consequently raised significant regional and international concerns regarding potential environmental impacts and geohazard risks. This study presents a comprehensive risk assessment of the GERD Saddle Dam by integrating high-resolution satellite data (GRACE, Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, WorldView-3), hydrological modeling (SWAT), Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI), geospatial analysis, and advanced statistical techniques. The results highlight critical structural vulnerabilities, including groundwater infiltration estimated at approximately 41 ± 6.2 billion …

To Hold Or Sell Breeding Cattle In The Rangelands, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

In a dry season where feed, water and finances are limited, removing less productive animals as soon as possible is a good option. This will free up feed for more productive animals and help preserve ground cover.

This page provides some of the information and a process for making decisions about holding or selling breeding cattle.

Deep Amelioration Of Compaction And Acidity Doubled The Water Use Efficiency Of Cereal Crops On A Sandy Soil In A Long-Term Experiment In A Water-Limited Environment, Gaus Azam, Md. Shahinur Rahman, Craig Scanlan, Md. Hasinur Rahman, Ross Gazey, E G. Barrett-Lennard, Kanch Wickramarachchi, Bob Nixon, Chris Gazey

Natural Resources Research Articles

The co-occurrence of subsoil compaction and acidity commonly decreases the yield and water use efficiency (WUE) of agricultural crops around the world, yet the benefits of the complete amelioration of these constraints on yield and WUE remain unclear. We conducted a long-term field experiment in Western Australia (WA) to evaluate the effects of the complete removal of subsoil compaction and acidity through soil profile re-engineering — involving soil removal, replacement, and lime incorporation — on root architecture, yield, and WUE in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Treatments included an untreated control, and soil loosening to 0.45 …

Rivers Reimagined: Floods, Droughts, And The Future Of Hydrologic Systems In Aotearoa, Ryan Anderson '26

Annual Student Research Poster Session

Hydroelectric power plays a crucial role in New Zealand’s renewable energy system and depends on consistent and reliable rainfall and river flow. This study analyzes hydrologic variability in two Wairoa River catchments in the Northland Region of New Zealand, the Mangahahuru River (Site 46674) and the Kaihu River at Gorge (Site 46611). Over four months, streamflow data provided by the University of Otago, Department of Geography was analyzed using R in RStudio to examine flood frequency, seasonal drought periods, and long-term flow trends. Both catchments were evaluated with approximately 95% completeness. The comparison in flow trends between the rivers highlights …

Supporting Data – Urban Stream, Cardinal Court, Isu, Normal, November 9, 2023 To May 1, 2025, Eric Wade Peterson, Ava Miller

Faculty Publications - Geography, Geology, and the Environment

Between November 9, 2023 to May 1, 2025, water samples were collected upstream and downstream along a segment of a stream adjacent to Cardinal Court on the Illinois State University campus. At each location, samples were collected at the surface. In-situ measurements of Dissolved Oxygen, Specific Conductance, and Temperature were recorded with a YSI 85. Anion samples were analyzed using a Ion Chromatograph for fluoride (F^-), chloride (Cl^-), nitrate as nitrogen (NO3-N), phosphate (PO₄^3-), and sulfate (SO₄^2-). The available dataset provides the recorded field parameters and the analyzed ion concentrations.

Evaluating Groundwater-Surface Water Interactions At Selected Streams In The Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer, Usa, And Comparison To Regional Potentiometric Surfaces, Joshua Michael Blackstock, Oladipo S. Obembe, Aaron Shew, Phillip Hays, Phillip R. Owens, Christopher D. Delhom

Geosciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Field measurements of groundwater-surface water interactions (GWSW) are critical for quantifying stream leakage, but are often limited in availability. In the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer (MRVAA), USA, GWSW interactions are often inferred through interpolated potentiometric surfaces, which can provide information on GWSW changes through time, but are often limited in spatial resolution. Field measurements of GWSW interactions were conducted at several locations and compared with potentiometric surfaces using objectively calculated cell sizes. The potentiometric surfaces showed similar regional-scale groundwater-flow patterns irrespective of grid cell size. Field measurements of GWSW interactions exhibited a broader range of gaining and losing conditions …

Microplastics In St. John, United States Virgin Islands Sediments: Methodological Approaches And Variability Of Microplastics Concentrations And Accumulation Rates, Henry B. Arbaugh, Sarah C. Gray, Dimitri Deheyn

Theses

Sediment samples were collected from a near shore and reef site in Coral Bay, St. John, United States Virgin Islands (USVI) from 2007-2016, using tube sediment traps. These samples provide an opportunity to study microplastics (MPs) in an area where no previous MP studies have been performed. Most sedimentary MP studies utilize benthic samples which can only measure MP concentrations (#MP/g or #MP/mL sediment), while sediment traps can provide MP accumulation rates (#MP/cm²/day) as a function of time. However, the methods used for extracting MPs from benthic samples have not been tested using sediment trap samples whose characteristics, …

Asymmetric Positioning Errors In Gnss Time-Series: A Study From Different World Regions, Francesca Silverii, Emilie Klein, Roberto Devoti, Walter Szeliga, Sylvain Michel, Adriano Gualandi, Elisa Trastatti

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of the Sciences

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) plays a fundamental role in monitoring time-dependent ground displacement. However, GNSS daily position time-series can often contain significant outliers, reaching up to several centimetres. These are likely of non-tectonic origin, and, if not properly accounted for, they can significantly impact the accuracy and dependability of the estimation of key parameters for geophysical analyses, such as long-term velocities and transient deformations. Characterizing these outliers can provide information about their possible sources and help us implement mitigation strategies. Asymmetric outliers, that is, those characterized by a primary direction, therefore occurring on one side of the mean time-series, …

A High-Resolution Daily Precipitation Fusion Framework Integrating Radar, Satellite, And Nwp Data Using Machine Learning Over South Korea, Hyoju Park, Hiroyuki Miyazaki, Menas Kafatos, Seung Hee Kim, Yangwon Lee

Institute for ECHO Articles and Research

Accurate precipitation mapping is essential for effective disaster management; however, individual radar, satellite, and numerical weather prediction products often struggle in the topographically complex terrain of South Korea. This study proposes a high-resolution (~500 m) daily precipitation fusion framework that integrates Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) radar, Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Integrated Multi-Satellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG), and Local Data Assimilation and Prediction System (LDAPS) data. The framework employs a Random Forest model augmented with a monthly Empirical Cumulative Distribution Function (ECDF) correction. Auxiliary predictors are incorporated to enhance physical interpretability and stability, including terrain attributes to represent orographic effects, land-cover …

Mapping Post-Rainfall Recovery In Arid Regions Using A Hierarchical U-Net, Xin Hong

All Works

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced an extreme rainfall event between April 15 and 17, 2024, and that resulted in severe flooding in its coastal regions. Dubai was among the most affected regions. This study applies a hierarchical deep learning model on PlanetScope imagery to detect flood inundation, quantify flood extent by land cover, and examine short-term recovery dynamics. While earlier work detailed the methodological development of a hierarchical U-Net model (Hong et al., in press), here we emphasize its application for monitoring resilience trajectories in an arid urban environment. Results show that approximately 22 km² of land was …

Assessing Urban Flooding And Vegetation Impact In Dubai Creek Following The April 2024 Extreme Rainfall, Dana Alhammadi, Xin Hong

All Works

During April 2024, the United Arab Emirates experienced an unusual phenomenon of an intense rainfall episode between April 14 and 18 that resulted in massive flooding in urban environments, particularly low-lying areas such as Dubai Creek. As a tidal waterway with dense urban development and environmentally sensitive zones surrounding it, Dubai Creek is an ideal site for assessing environmental changes caused by to floods. The study employed pre-flood (14 April) and post-flood (18 April) high-resolution PlanetScope satellite images, in combination with QGIS analysis, to evaluate vegetation health and surface water changes. Quantification of affected areas from flooding was achieved through …

Mapping Urban Vegetation Changes Using Planetscope Imagery And Gis: A Case Study Of The 2024 Dubai Flood, Sumayya Almansoori, Xin Hong

All Works

In April 2024, unexpected heavy rainfall triggered one of the most severe flooding events in Dubai’s recent history, causing widespread concern for urban infrastructure and green spaces. This study evaluates the flood’s impact on urban vegetation in South Dubai using high-resolution PlanetScope satellite imagery and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Vegetation conditions before and after the flood (April 14 and April 18–19, 2024) were quantified and compared using NDVI analysis within QGIS to assess changes in vegetation health and coverage. Results indicate significant declines in vegetation health in areas dominated by intensive turf management, such as Damac Hills and …

Pitfalls Of Multiplied 3d Landforms Projection: Mapping Deep Multilevel Cave Systems In The Alps (Gamssteig Cave System, Göll Massif), Mateusz Golicz, Jacek Szczygieł

International Journal of Speleology

Cave mapping represents one of the most complex challenges in geomorphological cartography, as it must convey the true three-dimensional geometry of subterranean spaces such as overlapping passages, irregular cross-sections, and variable ceiling and floor morphologies, within a two-dimensional framework. This study examines the methodological and interpretive challenges of cave mapping, utilizing the Gamssteighöhle cave in the Austrian Alps as a case study. During the 11 years of exploration, over 10 km of passages were surveyed using the DistoX vector survey method. Yet, the complex morphological forms necessitated deviations from the standard symbology recommended by the International Union of Speleology. Several …

Research Progress And Prospects Of Full Flowsheet Coal-Based Ccus, Sang Shuxun, Liu Shiqi, Zheng Sijian, Huang Fansheng, Liu Tong, Chen Siming, Zhou Xiaozhi, Han Sijie, Tian Yuchen, Xiang Wenxin, Bai Yansong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The engineering-oriented, full flowsheet coal-based carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology is the key to efficient, clean coal utilization and carbon emission reduction. It represents a major technology that is urgently needed to ensure the energy security of China and achieve the strategic goals of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality of the country. Based on previous research efforts of the authors’ team, this study reviews the current status of this technology, reveals its integration mechanisms, and attempts to establish a pattern and scheme for CCUS cluster deployment in coal energy bases. Furthermore, it discusses the future …

An Experimental Study On Nonlinear Seepage Characteristics In Coal Seams During Ch4 Displacement Through N2 And Co2 Flooding, Li Zefeng, Huang Mengru, Zhang Hongzhong, Lan Jianping, Song Jinsuo, Fan Shixing

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Coal seams in China are generally characterized by low porosity (<5%) and low permeability (0.001×10^–3μm²), leading to low coalbed methane (CBM, dominated by CH₄) drainage efficiency. Gas flooding-enhanced CBM drainage technology plays a significant role in surface CBM drainage, underground CBM pre-drainage, and deep geologic CO₂ storage. Methods This study investigated four common types of gases: N₂ and CO₂ for flooding, CH₄ to be displaced, and He for blank control. Based on the physical properties of these gases and employing methods including the quasi-static method, the gas flow rate method, and the Reynolds …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

Numerical Simulations Of The Impacts Of Co2-Induced Calcite Dissolution On The Permeability And Elastic Parameters Of Rocks, Yang Bo, Xu Tianfu, Feng Guanhong, Zhu Huixing

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective CO₂ dissolution in water tends to induce mineral reactions, thus significantly changing the pore structure of rocks and further affecting their seepage and mechanical properties. This phenomenon poses a major impact on the suitability and long-term safety of geologic CO₂ sequestration engineering. Methods Using a simulation technology that combines the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and the finite element method (FEM), this study systematically investigated the calcite dissolution characteristics of calcite-bearing rock samples under varying injection rates of a saturated solution of CO₂. Furthermore, the dynamic evolution patterns of the permeability and elastic parameters (bulk and …

Advances In Research On Geochemistry Of Co2 Storage In Basalts: Microscopic Mechanisms And Reaction Pathways, Ma Shijia, Xia Changyou, Gao Zhihao, Rui Zhenhua, Liang Xi

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Method The urgent need to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions has driven the development of CO₂ mineral trapping in basalts. To gain further insights into the microscopic mechanisms and reaction pathways of the mineral trapping, this study systematically reviews the geochemical reaction mechanisms involved, with a particular focus on the differences in reaction pathways between supercritical and dissolved CO₂ injection, the coupling between mineral dissolution and carbonate precipitation, and the key factors influencing these reactions. Advances In the case of supercritical CO₂ injection, CO₂ mineral trapping is achieved through multi-step coupling reactions in nanoscale …

Research And Application Of A Decision Support Platform For Geologic Co2 Storage Siting Based On A Global Case Database, Zhou Yinbang, Wang Rui, Zhen Yan, Dai Quanqi, Cheng Chuanjie

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Under the strategic background of reaching the goals of peak CO₂ emissions and carbon neutrality, there is an urgent need to address the core issue of geologic CO₂ storage (GCS) siting in the advancement of large-scale GCS deployment. Establishing a decision support platform based on a global GCS case database can provide key data and historical experience references for GCS siting, reduce storage risks and costs, and accelerate industrial layout. Furthermore, the platform can offer a scientific basis for formulating related policies and conducting technological R&D.Methods This study proposed and developed a comprehensive evaluation system for …

Carbon Sequestration Technology: Challenges And Urgent Critical Scientific Issues, Li Xiaochun, Liu Tianyu, Zhang Liwei, Zhou Hong, Liu Guizhen, Wang Yan, Gan Manguang, Li Qi

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Carbon sequestration technology represents a core approach to achieving carbon neutrality. However, its large-scale application remains constrained by multiple technical and scientific challenges. Methods Based on an analysis of existing carbon sequestration projects, this study identified four major challenges in carbon sequestration: (1) high uncertainty in the assessment of CO₂ sequestration capacity; (2) low injectivity of low-permeability discontinuous reservoirs; (3) a limited understanding of long-term mechanical stability; and (4) significant difficulty in assessing the risks of CO₂ leakage. Results To address these challenges, this study proposes the common issues currently faced by carbon sequestration technology, and, accordingly, …

Designation And Classification Of Co2 Storage Technologies, Ma Fubo, Yang Xuechao, Zhou Zhengwu, Liu Hongliang, Chang Jia, Yi Jiayao, Wang Yan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Method Currently, there remains a lack of criteria for technical certification, designation, and classification of carbon dioxide (CO₂) storage technologies due to their cross-disciplinary nature and ambiguous scopes. To address this issue, this study proposes technical certification criteria and designation principles, as well as analyzes four types of common CO₂ storage technologies: geologic storage, underground space storage, ocean water storage, and utilization and storage. Accordingly, a classification philosophy and scheme for these technologies is determined.Results and Conclusions In terms for technical certification criteria, a CO₂ storage technology has to meet four criteria: (1) …

Concept Of Cccus Technology For Co2 Recycling In Deep Unmineable Coal Seams, Liang Weiguo, Yan Jiwei, Zhu Dijie, Guo Hongguang, Gong Li, Niu Dong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background China possesses substantial resources of deep unmineable coal seams, which hold considerable potential for CO₂ sequestration. However, simply sequestrating CO₂ in deep coal seams incurs high economic costs while also wasting deep coal resources. The microbial conversion of sequestrated CO₂ into methane (CH₄) enables circular carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCCUS), which is of great significance for the sustainable development of both resources and the environment.Methods Using a range of methods, including experimental study, theoretical analysis, and engineering simulations, CCCUS in deep unmineable coal seams is designed to (1) reveal the mechanisms behind …