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First Skulls Of Arctomeles Dimolodontus (Mustelidae: Melinae) From The Gray Fossil Site (Early Pliocene, Tn) Reveal Extreme Intraspecific Variation, Charles Bruce

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Here, a morphological description of the extinct meline badger Arctomeles dimolodontus from the Gray Fossil Site (GFS), Tennessee is provided with comparison to extant Meles meles. Originally described solely on upper teeth of a single individual, the recovery of several crania and jaws provides a sample of at least five individuals, affording the largest known fossil sample in North America of the enigmatic Melinae. Examination of A. dimolodontus skull material reveals extreme intraspecific variation in previously identified diagnostic characters, highlighting the need for caution when identifying fossil taxa based on similarly fragmentary remains. Dental variation is likely a result …

Identifying Taphonomic Distribution Patterns At The Gray Fossil Site, Shawn Haugrud

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Since the early days of the discovery of the Gray Fossil Site (GFS), meticulous efforts to preserve the spatial data were a priority. Direct surveying of fossils prior to recovery, as well as grid mapping the site, provided relative spatial data within a square meter. Such efforts meant that even fragments and microfossils, recovered during the screening operations and eventual concentrate picking, maintained some spatial data. Available spatial data are used to identify smaller deposits within the greater system, as well as non-random distribution patterns among a number of GFS taxa. Patterns are particularly pronounced in the large-bodied taxa, Teleoceras …

Modeling The Impacts Of Sea Level Rise In Coastal Virginia At Multiple Scales, George Murray Mcleod Iv

OES Theses and Dissertations

Relative sea level is increasing along the Mid-Atlantic coast of the United States and the rate of relative sea level rise (ΔRSL) for Coastal Virginia is approximately double the rate of global sea level rise (ΔSLRG)(1). The potential impacts posed to communities by ΔRSL are best understood by examining the spatial relationship between the upper limits of ocean-connected waters and the geographic positioning of critical natural and societal assets. This research examines this problem at three spatial scales to quantify the impacts of ΔRSL and storm flooding events on (i) structural and transportation infrastructure for the tide-influenced coastal zone of …

Dissolved Copper Distributions In The Western Mississippi Sound: Characterizing An Unrecognized Endmember, Megan Hansen

Honors Theses

This study examined the distribution of dissolved copper (Cu) in the western Mississippi Sound, as the element can be beneficial or harmful to organisms depending on its concentration and its chemical form. A mixing experiment eliminated flocculation as a control on Cu distributions during estuarine mixing in both dissolved and colloidal fractions. Field sampling of the western Mississippi Sound occurred during a low river discharge period, and distributions of Cu indicated conservative mixing between fresh ([Cu] ≈ 17 nM) and saline ([Cu] ≈ 2 nM) sources in mid-to-high salinities. Storm outfalls were sampled after rain events to evaluate the impact …

Glacialwater: A Dynamic Microbial Medium, Gilda Varliero, Pedro H. Lebre, Andrew G. Fountain, Beat Frey, Alexandre M. Anesio, Don A. Cowan

Geology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Microbial communities and nutrient dynamics in glaciers and ice sheets continuously change as the hydrological conditions within and on the ice change. Glaciers and ice sheets can be considered bioreactors as microbiomes transform nutrients that enter these icy systems and alter the meltwater chemistry. Global warming is increasing meltwater discharge, affecting nutrient and cell export, and altering proglacial systems. In this review, we integrate the current understanding of glacial hydrology, microbial activity, and nutrient and carbon dynamics to highlight their interdependence and variability on daily and seasonal time scales, as well as their impact on proglacial environments.

Daytime Versus Nighttime Sprinkler Irrigation Of Two Urban Crops In A Semi-Arid Climate At High-Elevation, Samikshya Pyakurel

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Nighttime irrigation scheduling is a longstanding water conservation approach to reduce evaporative losses in Utah's semi-arid, urban landscapes. However, residential demand now exceeds system capacity, and the efficiency of the practice has come under question. Therefore, the objectives of this study include: 1) quantify whether a water savings exists between day and night irrigation with a water balance and energy balance approach, and 2) analyze microclimate and crop quality effects to determine any changes to evaporative demand or plant stress by irrigation timing. In 2019, we established 12 field plots in North Logan, UT (41.77° N, -111.81° W, 1380 m …

Practical Improvements For Pivot And Surface Irrigation, Jonathan A. Holt

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Irrigation is critical to meeting global food and fiber demands. Optimizing agricultural irrigation may help sustain production levels, while reducing its demand for water. This research evaluated precision sprinklers and drip irrigation for pivots, five pivot track mitigation tools, three scientific irrigation scheduling (SIS) methods, sensors for surface irrigation cutoff, and automating surface systems to implement surge irrigation. With pivots and surface irrigation being the most common methods for irrigation in the West, small improvements from these tools could result in significant water savings.

Low energy precision application (LEPA) sprinklers and mobile drip irrigation (MDI) were tested on two pivots. …

Hydrodynamic Characteristics And Sediment Distribution Patterns In Wulan Delta Estuary, Demak, Indonesia, Max Rudolf Muskananfola, Sigit Febrianto, Diah Ayuningrum

Makara Journal of Technology

The Wulan Delta, located in Wedung, Demak, was formed due to the sedimentation process of the Wulan and Serang rivers. Sediment transport starts from rivers to the sea; the process carries nutrients and various chemicals derived from agricultural, industrial, or household activities. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of hydrodynamics, suspended sediment, and bottom sediments in the Wulan Delta waters, Demak. Field data were collected in transitional season two (October) 2022. The obtained data were then analyzed in the laboratory at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science. Results showed that the speed of the surface current in the …

Numerical Simulation On Development Effect Of Tar-Rich Coal Through In-Situ Conversion By Convective Heating In Huangling Mining Area, Dong Guangshun, Zhu Chaofan, Li Jiazong, Xu Shaotao, Guo Wei

Coal Geology & Exploration

The effective development of tar-rich coal to extract oil is of great practical significance to alleviate the oil and gas tension in China, and the convective heating technology of underground in-situ mining is one of the main technologies for the effective development of tar-rich coal. Herein, the mining effect and energy return rate of the two heating media (high-temperature steam and nitrogen) under different injection pressures were studied by convective heating technology for underground in-situ conversion mining based on the tar-rich coal seam of Yan'an Formation in Huangling Mining Area. The results show that: the heating efficiency of steam injection …

Mechanical Property Evaluation Of Coal Bed And Favorable Area Prediction Of Coalbed Methane (Cbm) Development Based On Well Logging: A Case Study Of No. 3 Coal Bed In Zhengzhuang Block, Southern Qinshui Basin, Qiu Feng, Liu Jinhua, Cai Yidong, Liu Dameng, Sun Fengrui

Coal Geology & Exploration

Accurately grasping the mechanical properties of coal is of great significance to reservoir reconstruction and CBM development. Herein, the prediction model of shear wave time difference in coal reservoir based on multiple logging parameters and the brittleness index evaluation model based on dynamic and static mechanical parameter conversion were established for the research horizon of No.3 coal bed in Zhengzhuang Block. The brittleness index of coal reservoir in the study area was comprehensively evaluated by elastic parameter method. By this way, it is found that the brittleness index of coal bed in single well is obviously affected by “boundary effect” …

Volcano Opto-Acoustics: Mapping The Infrasound Wavefield At Yasur Volcano (Vanuatu), J. B. Johnson, T. Boyer, L. M. Watson, J. F. Anderson

Geosciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

We explore the capabilities of volcano opto-acoustics, a promising technique for measuring explosion and infrasound resonance phenomena at open-vent volcanoes. Joint visual and infrasound study at Yasur Volcano (Vanuatu) demonstrate that even consumer-grade cameras are capable of recording infrasound with high fidelity. Passage of infrasonic waves, ranging from as low as 5 Pa to hundreds of Pa, from both explosions and persistent tremor, pressurizes and depressurizes ambient plumes inducing visible vaporization and condensation respectively. Optical tracking of these pressure wavefields can be used to identify spectral characteristics, which vary within Yasur's two deep craters and are distinct for explosion and …

Threshold Segmentation Method Of Ct Scanning Data Of Coal And Rock Samples Considering Beam Hardening Effect And Its Application, Wang Kai, Fu Qiang, Xu Chao, Ai Zibo, Wang Lei, Shu Longyong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Beam hardening is a common phenomenon in the application of industrial computerized tomography (ICT). It can cause different grayscale values in components with the same density, which affects the threshold segmentation and later reconstruction of components seriously. Herein, study was conducted on the distribution law of grayscale values under the effect of beam hardening, so as to segment the CT scanning data of coal and rock samples under the beam hardening effect accurately. Through the study, it is found that the change in grayscale value on the grayscale beam could truly reflect the change in component density, which is proved …

Sedimentary Coal-Controlling Effect And Coal-Forming Model Of Paleogene Coal Measures In Paralic Faulted Basin：A Case Study Of Huangxian Basin, Shandong Province, Wu Yue, Wang Dongdong, Wang Hailiang, Liu Haiyan, Li Zengxue, Zheng Xue

Coal Geology & Exploration

There are abundant coal-type oil and gas resources in Chinese sea area, but few researches have been conducted on the coal-type source rock, which seriously restricts the exploration of coal-type oil and gas resources in the sea area. Herein, this study on sedimentary coal-controlling effect and coal-forming model was carried out based on Huangxian Basin that is a paralic faulted basin with same coal-forming period, similar geological conditions and high degree of research for the coal basins in the sea area. Specifically, the pattern, evolution and sedimentary coal-controlling effect of paleogeography during the coal-forming period were reconstructed with full consideration …

Deterioration Characteristics Of Water-Rock Interaction On Combustion Metamorphic Rocks In Northern Shaanxi, Hu Xin, Sun Qiang, Yan Changgen, Zhao Chunhu, Wang Shaofei

Coal Geology & Exploration

There are a lot of combustion metamorphic (CM) rocks formed by high temperature baking of coal fires in the border area of Shaanxi, Shanxi and Inner Mongolia in the northeastern margin of Ordos Basin. Compared with the virgin rock, the rock mass subjected to combustion metamorphism is broken in structure, with pores developed, and a large number of dangerous rock masses are formed under the long-term water-rock interaction. Herein, 50 dry-wet cycle experiments were carried out with the CM rocks in Daliuta Area of Shenmu in Shaanxi Province. Meanwhile, the changes in the physical and mechanical properties of CM rocks …

Ecological Natural Restoration And Its Artificial Promotion Mode In Coal Mining Area, Liu Wei, Yin Qinrui, Liu Xianghong

Coal Geology & Exploration

The natural ecological restoration is an important direction of the national ecological restoration policy. Taking limited artificial measures to promote the natural ecological restoration in coal mining areas is in line with the actual engineering requirements under the context of "double carbon" goal and thus has a better prospect in market application. Herein, the research results in terms of natural ecological restoration were sorted out systematically for the three main types of damaged land in the coal mining areas. Meanwhile, the concept connotation of artificial promotion of natural restoration was studied and analyzed. Besides, the governance mode by zone and …

Hydrochemical Characteristics And Source Analysis Of Mine Water In Shallow Coal Seams In Shaanxi And Inner Mongolia Contiguous Area, Wang Yutong, Wang Hao, Wang Tiantian, Xue Jiankun, Shang Hongbo, Zhou Zhenfang

Coal Geology & Exploration

In order to study the hydrochemical characteristics and sources of mine water under the mining of shallow coal seams in the contiguous area of Inner Mongolia and Shaanxi, the hydrochemical characteristics and the formation action of mine water in this area were investigated through the study of hydrochemical characteristics, mathematical statistics, ion ratio coefficient method and the hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in combination, by collecting samples of the mine water, groundwater in different aquifers and surface water in the study area. Based on this, the main sources of mine water in the study area were identified. The results show that …

Automated Classification Of Pectinodon Bakkeri Teeth Images Using Machine Learning, Jacob A. Bahn

MS in Computer Science Project Reports

Microfossil dinosaur teeth are studied by paleontologists in order to better under- stand dinosaurs. Currently, tooth classification is a long, manual, error-ridden process. Deep learning offers a solution that allows for an automated way of classifying images of these microfossil teeth. In this thesis, we aimed to use deep learning in order to develop an automated approach for classifying images of Pectinodon bakkeri teeth. The proposed model was trained using a custom topology and it classified the images based on clusters created via K-Means. The model had an accuracy of 71%, a precision of 71%, a recall of 70.5%, and …

Visco-Elastic Full-Waveform Inversion Based On Multi-Objective Function, Liang Xu, Ma Yue, Liu Chao, Chen Zhen, Jia Dongdong, Li Zhiyong, Pan Wenyong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Full-waveform inversion (FWI) is one of the core technologies developed in exploration geophysics. Through FWI, the subsurface velocity structures can be constructed and the attenuation parameter (the quality factor Q) model can be inverted, which is helpful to characterize the types and structures of subsurface media (such as the fluid and collapse column in collapse column). This is significant for the exploration and development of natural resources such as coal, oil and gas. Parameter crosstalk is the key difficulty of visco-elastic FWI. Due to the influences of velocity errors, the inverted Q models contain very strong crosstalk noise. To …

Design Of Multi-Channel Continuous Cable Duct For Double-Bit Self-Balancing Drilling System, Zhao Yan, Ai Hongxin, Gao Ke, Zhang Congshan, Lyu Xiaoshu, Xie Xiaobo

Coal Geology & Exploration

The problems, such as low drilling efficiency, large disturbance to the hole wall and long assistance time of tripping caused by the “long arm jurisdiction” drive of the ground drilling rig to the underground drill bit, are faced during the drilling rescue of mine disaster. In order to solve these problems, the bionic self-balancing continuous cable duct drilling technology of double drill bit without drilling rig was proposed, the design of the multi-function continues cable duct is one of the key and challenging aspects of this technology. In terms of the technology, a multi-functional continuous cable duct with built-in channels …

A Preliminary Evaluation Method For Coal-Based Graphite, Liu Kang, Ning Shuzheng, Cao Daiyong, Wu Guoqiang, Wang Lu, Lin Zhongyue, Wang Anmin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Coal-based graphite is a type of strategic mineral resource and has unique advantages in the fields such as nuclear graphite and military aircraft tires. The evaluation of coal-based graphite is crucial to its exploration and development, upgrading and storage increase, and strategic resource security. Owing to the continuous transition between coal-based graphite and highly metamorphosed coals, some coal-based graphite tends to be wrongly treated as blind coal, and, accordingly, the identified resources of existing coal-based graphite may have been greatly underestimated. In fact, the resources of coal-based graphite are directly related to those of high-rank coals. Therefore, it is significant …

Study On Methane Adsorption/Desorption And Flow Law In The Nanopores Of Coal Based On Lammps, Shi Yu, Liu Yang, Xue Junhua, Li Shugang, Zhang Chao

Coal Geology & Exploration

In this work, the influence rules of driving force, pore size, temperature and pressure on methane adsorption/desorption and flow in coal nanopores were investigated by the molecular dynamic method based on Large-scale Atomic/Molecular Massively Parallel Simulator (LAMMPS). The investigation results show that the viscosity of methane gradually decreases with the increasing driving force, while its fluidity and flow velocity increase. Meanwhile, the absolute slip length decreases and the flow tends to the non-slip state. Generally, the adsorption density of methane is independent of the driving force, but greatly affected by the gas-solid action. Methane can be adsorbed on the pore …

Application Of Ecological Geological Layer Theory In Coal Seam Protection And Ecological Restoration—An Example Of Ecological Management Practice In Plateau Alpine Mining Areas, Wang Qingwei, Xing Xiafan, Zou Mingjun, Guo Biao, Zhao Xin, Wang Tong

Coal Geology & Exploration

The ecological management of alpine permafrost area in plateau is a global problem, with few precedents for coal resource protection while ecological management. In this paper, the following results achieved in the ecological management in Muli area of Qinghai Province were understood in accordance with the idea of systematic engineering for the purpose of ecological environmental protection, with consideration to the protection of residual coal resources. Specifically, study was conducted on the ecological vulnerability of Muli mining area to damage and the difficulty of restoration under the control of natural climatic characteristics. Meanwhile, the characteristics of soil erosion and vegetation …

Processing Of Coal Mine Csamt Data With Wide Field Electromagnetic Method, Zhu Yunqi, Li Diquan, Liu Zuiliang, Zhang Xin

Coal Geology & Exploration

A CSAMT detection test was carried out for a coal mine with V8 multi-functional electrical instrument. Due to the serious electromagnetic interference within the area, the Cagniard apparent resistivity was low in quality. In order to improve the quality and utilization rate of data, authors attempted to process the CSAMT data collected by V8 with the wide field electromagnetic method, which used single-component method and ratio method (Electric field divided by magnetic field) to calculate apparent resistivity. The results showed that there was some deviation between the single-component wide field apparent resistivity and the actual terrestrial electricity because the emission …

Experimental Study On Heat Transfer Performance Of Double U-Shaped Buried Tube Heat Exchanger, Li Lei, Zhang Weidong, Xu Shuanhai, Zhao Yongzhe, Dang Dongsheng, Wang Qilong, Gou Li, Lei Yanzi

Coal Geology & Exploration

Double U-shaped buried tube heat exchanger (DUBTHE) are prone to pipe crossing and thermal short-circuiting in the practical applications, resulting in the reduced heat transfer performance and directly affecting the operational efficiency of shallow geothermal heat pump system. Based on the initial line thermal average temperature, thermal conductivity theory and slope method, and taking a shallow geothermal heat pump project in Xi'an as the engineering background. Then, this study investigate the effects of initial average temperature, thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity of rock-soil, and tube clamp spacing on the heat transfer performance of DUBTHE through field geotechnical thermal response …

Quality Assessment Of Resistivity Monitoring Data Of Coal Mines, Cui Weixiong, Yuan Bo

Coal Geology & Exploration

Resistivity monitoring of coal mines is an important technical means of preventing water hazards on the roof and floor of a mining face. However, it is difficult to guarantee high-quality resistivity data monitored and collected due to the complex and extremely strong electromagnetic interference in the monitoring environment, as well as the limitations of the maximum emission current for the purpose of safe coal mining. To select and utilize highly reliable data from the massive data monitored daily, this study compared and analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used methods for quality assessment of data obtained using the DC …

Key Technology Of Automatic Loading And Unloading System For Dual-Pipe Directional Drilling Rig And Its Application In Soft–Fragmentized Coal Seam, Li Kun, Ting Ren, Yao Yafeng

Coal Geology & Exploration

To improve the automatic level and efficiency of loading and unloading of drilling rigs during the construction of dual-pipe directional drilling, an automatic loading and unloading device of dual pipe was developed to realize the fully automatic loading and unloading of drilling rigs under different working conditions and to solve the technical problems of loading and unloading the drill pipes and casing simultaneously during the dual-pipe directional drilling. Meanwhile, the device structure and control system was designed to restrict the load applied to the device during construction with the end-compliant technique. Besides, the key boundary conditions of the control program …

Effects Of Mos2 On The Matrix Performance Of Hot-Pressed Fe-Based Diamond Drill Bit, Zhang Wenjiao, Tan Songcheng, Pan Bingsuo, Jin Xin, Kong Xiangqing, Long Shanglin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Diamond drill bit is a common rock breaking tool in various exploration works, but the diamond in drill bit has poor thermal stability. As heat is constantly generated during the drilling process, the self-cooling of diamond drill bit under the condition of drought and water shortage is very important to improve the drilling efficiency. In order to decrease the friction coefficient between bit matrix and rock interface under dry drilling condition and reduce the thermal damage of diamond during drilling, molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) was added into the Fe-based diamond bit matrix, and research was performed for the effects …

Study On Construction Of Microbial Solid-Free Drilling Fluid System And Its Borehole Wall Enhancement Mechanism, Li Zhijun, Zhu Mao, Zhi Jingzi, Han Yi, Chen Junxiu, Zhao Gan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Broken formations are often encountered during drilling, which is prone to the instability of wellbore wall and induces serious downhole accidents. Enhancing the cementing force between the broken blocks and improving the mechanical strength of the surrounding rocks of a wellbore is one of the effective ways to solve the instability of wellbore in this type of formation, for which the microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) technology provides a good reference. To this end, the growth of Bacillus pasteurii in the solid-free drilling fluid system was analyzed through experimental study, and thus a solid-free drilling fluid suitable for its growth …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Amf-Maize Combination On Water And Salt Distribution In Soil Under The Dump Reconstruction Mode Of “Topsoil-Aquifer-Aquitard”, Bi Yinli, Yang Wei, Ke Zengming, Wu Chao, Li Mingchao, Xue Chao

Coal Geology & Exploration

The distribution of soil water and salt severely affects the ecological reconstruction and plant configuration modes at coal mine dumps. To investigate the characteristics of soil water and salt distribution under the three-layer reconstruction mode of “topsoil-aquifer-aquitard” in coal mine dump under the influence of mycorrhizal plants, laboratory soil column test was conducted, in which the soil was treated in three ways: planting maize and inoculating with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (YM+AMF), planting maize (YM) only, and no planting of maize + no inoculation with bacteria (CK). The results showed that: (1) The different treatments have no significant effect on the …