Earth Sciences Commons^™

Exploring The Vertical Heterogeneity Of Extremely Thick Aquifers In Coal Mines Through Layered Fine-Scale Pumping Tests, Guo Xiaoming

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Extremely thick aquifers in mining areas typically exhibit strong heterogeneity and high water yield. Therefore, they are prone to cause severe water inflow in mines and induce water disasters, representing a major factor affecting the mining safety of numerous mines in China. However, the vertical heterogeneity of these aquifers remains poorly understood, emerging as a primary bottleneck in the prevention and control of such water hazards. Methods To scientifically reveal the vertical heterogeneity characteristics of extremely thick aquifers, this study investigated the extremely thick Luohe Formation aquifer in a coal seam roof of a representative coal mine in the …

Mechanisms Behind Thermal Evolution Of The Structural Alignment Of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons In Coals: Implications For Structural Transition Of Coal Macromolecules, Song Yu, Jiang Bo, Cheng Guoxi, Zheng Sijian, Li Ming, Ge Yao, Dai Yan, Wang Qian, Feng Guangjun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Coals are highly sensitive to variations in temperature and pressure conditions. The structural evolution of coal macromolecules, driven by tectono-thermal processes, is the key to understanding coal rank transition and geological evolution. The structural alignment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in coals represents a critical indicator for characterizing coal rank transition and geological evolution. However, due to limited studies, there is a lack of systematic experimental demonstration and theoretical support for the structural alignment and microstructural characteristics of PAHs in coals, as well as their intrinsic relationships with the structural transition of coal macromolecules, during pyrolysis. Methods This study …

Sedimentary Characteristics And Coal Accumulation Patterns Of The Permian Shallow-Water Deltas In Shandong And Its Adjacent Regions, Feng Kai, Li Zengxue, Li Ying, Li Xuchao, Zhang Hui, Zhou Xiaojuan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The Shanxi Formation, deposited during the critical transitional period from the sedimentary filling of epicontinental sea basins to the sedimentation of continental basins, exhibits well-developed shallow-water delta systems and significant coal-forming processes. This study aims to reveal the characteristics of sedimentary environment transformation during the late stage of sedimentary filling of epicontinental sea basins in North China. To this end, the Early Permian shallow-water delta systems in Shandong and its adjacent regions during that period was investigated, including their primary sedimentary characteristics, the predominant bases of sedimentary transformation, and the lithofacies paleogeographic characteristics of coal-forming processes.Methods Based on …

Geological Characteristics And Enrichment-Accumulation Patterns Of Coalbed Methane Within The Jurassic Strata In The Miquan Area Along The Southern Margin Of The Junggar Basin, Wu Luofei, Yang Kangjun, Zhang Jie, Shi Yongxia, Fu Haijiao, Yang Shuguang, Wang Gang, Liu Mengmeng, Li Yueguo, Wang Xiaoming

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The southern margin of the Junggar Basin (also referred to as the southern Junggar) possesses abundant medium- to low-rank coalbed methane (CBM) resources, with significant progress achieved in CBM exploration and production. However, there remains a lack of systematic understanding of the genetic mechanisms of CBM within the Middle-Lower Jurassic strata, along with its accumulation and evolution laws, in the Miquan area, southern Junggar. This absence restricts the commercial development of CBM in these strata.Method Focusing on CBM within the Middle-Lower Jurassic Xishanyao and Badaowan formations in the Miquan area, this study further identified the CBM origins and …

Technologies For Controlling Water Inrushes From Coal Seam Floors Under Flowing Water And Their Water Plugging Performance, Yang Zhibin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Limestone water hazards in coal seam floors represent one of the two primary categories of mine water hazards in China. Limestone aquifers are generally characterized by abundant static water reserves and considerable dynamic water recharge. To reduce economic losses and casualties caused by water inrushes from limestone aquifers, post-disaster emergency rescue through grouting for water plugging is frequently carried out under flowing water.Methods Based on numerous cases of water inrush control under flowing water in China and the fundamental requirements for control scheme design, this study presents a systematic review of existing technologies for water inrush control under …

Joint Inversion For Heat Transfer Parameters Of Porous Media With Geothermal-Seepage Coupling Based On A Physics-Informed Neural Network, Zhang Xiao, Yang Duoxing, Cong Lin, Cheng Yimei, Zhang Lianzhong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The thermal diffusivity and vertical seepage velocity of porous media are critical to characterizing the mechanisms underlying subsurface heat transfer. These two parameters are typically determined through inversion using temperature data since they are difficult to measure directly. Fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing (FO-DTS) can yield high-resolution, continuous temperature profiles, providing data for parameter identification. However, conventional numerical inversion suffers from limitations such as mesh dependency and sensitivity to initial values when used to process continuous monitoring data. Methods This study proposed a joint geothermal parameter inversion method that integrates FO-DTS data with a physics-informed neural network (PINN). Specifically, the …

Joint Inversion Of Borehole-Surface Direct-Current Resistivity Data, Xu Kaijun, Jin Heran, Cao Danping, Mou Bin, Hu Zuzhi

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The conventional inversion of surface direct-current (DC) resistivity data faces challenges such as limited exploration accuracy and depth. This study aims to enhance the accuracy and reliability of exploration in complex engineering and geological settings through the joint inversion of borehole-surface DC resistivity data. Methods First, different geoelectric models were constructed through three-dimensional (3D) forward modeling of full-space DC resistivity. Then, the potential response characteristics under surface and borehole observation methods were systematically analyzed to determine the differences in detection sensitivity between surface and borehole observations. Accordingly, a joint 3D inversion technique for borehole-surface DC resistivity data was developed …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

Optical Mechanisms Behind Vitrinite Reflectance Suppression Caused By Strong Anisotropy: A Case Study Of Contact Metamorphic Coals, An Yanfei, He Shuyang, Chen Kaixin, Gao Junhan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective For vitrinite with weak anisotropy, which proves uniaxial and optically negative, replacing random vitrinite reflectance (R_ran) with the maximum vitrinite reflectance (R_max) allows for the accurate correction of vitrinite reflectance suppression induced by anisotropy. However, as its anisotropy intensifies, vitrinite exhibits increasingly complex optical properties, rendering it challenging to reflect the thermal metamorphic temperature of vitrinite using R_max. Methods This study investigated the strongly anisotropic vitrinite in coals and natural coke subjected to magma intrusion in the Shitai coal mine, Huaibei City, Anhui Province. Using a reflected-polarized light microscope (R-PLM), an …

Machine Learning-Based Prediction And Experimental Validation Of The Pyrolysis Product Distribution In Tar-Rich Coals, Dong Shuai, Li Hongqiang, Wu Zhiqiang, Yu Zunyi, Lyu Zitao, Guo Wei, Yang Panxi, Fu Keming, Hao Xuanzhi, Liu Gen, Yang Bolun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Tar-rich coals serve as an important coal-based oil and gas resource in China, while their pyrolysis product distribution is governed by the coupling effects of coal properties and reaction conditions. Therefore, rapidly identifying the pyrolysis product distribution patterns holds great significance for the resource evaluation and experimental design of tar-rich coals.Methods Existing studies on tar-rich coals suffer from the insufficient integration of exclusive data and limited synergistic prediction capacities for multiple products. To address these issues, this study constructed a dedicated dataset involving proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, elemental molar ratios, maceral composition, and pyrolysis conditions by systematically collecting …

Parameter Optimization And Field Application Of Roof Volume Fracturing Using Horizontal Wells For Coalbed Methane Extraction From Broken-Soft Coal Seams, Zhang Qingli, Sun Siqing, Li Haozhe, Wu Xiaoxuan, Yang Fan, Zheng Yuqi, Li Wenbo

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Method To achieve rapid coalbed methane (CBM) extraction from broken-soft coal seams using surface horizontal wells, this study proposed a volume fracturing technology for coal seam roof using horizontal wells. Focusing coal seam 4-1 in a mining area, this study established a numerical model using finite element analysis (FEA) software Abaqus Using this model, the impacts of in-situ stress on the cross-layer propagation characteristics of multiple fractures were investigated. Through true triaxial hydraulic fracturing experiments, the multi-fracture propagation patterns under varying injection rates of fracturing fluids, perforation cluster numbers, and cluster spacings were analyzed. Using 3D fracturing design …

Evaluation And Research Progress Of Co2 Sequestration In Deep Coal Seams, Xiong Yucan, Xu Shi’Ang, Zhang Pingsong, Lu Haifeng, Jia Yunzhong, Ge Binbin, Li Baiqiang, Liu Chang, Lei Jian, Fu Wenyu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background With increasing pressure for global carbon emission reduction, geologic CO₂ sequestration has emerged as a critical technical approach to achieving the goals of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality. Owing to their high CO₂ adsorption capacity and favorable sealing conditions, deep coal seams are considered one of the most promising media for CO₂ sequestration, following saline aquifers and depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs. Therefore, the exploitation and utilization of deep coal seams hold significant strategic importance for the green, low-carbon transformation of the coal industry. Methods Based on literature analysis and a review of outcomes from cutting-edge …

Dynamic Prediction On Goaf Surface Subsidence For The Last Two Periods Based On The Erf Time Function, Ren Lianwei, Li Shihui, Wang Wenchang, Li Zhenhua, Chen Shaojie, Dun Zhilin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The surface subsidence induced by coal seam mining represents a continuous dynamic evolution process. Constructing a full-time perdition model for surface subsidence in goafs holds significant theoretical and practical values for the rational utilization of land resources, the safety guarantee of engineering construction, and the transformation and development of resource-based cities. Methods To accurately predict the surface subsidence in goafs during its decline and residual periods, this study proposed a prediction model based on the error function (Erf). First, the evolution characteristics of Erf were analyzed, verifying that the subsidence, as well as its velocity and acceleration, predicted using …

Exploring Water Migration Patterns In Reconstructed Soil Layers For Waste Dumps Of Open-Pit Coal Mines Based On Ct Scanning, Fan Tingyu, Zhang Xinghui, Lu Akang, Yang Changde, Wang Shun, Wang Xingming, Sun Xueliang, Ji Quancai

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In the arid regions of western China, the ecological restoration of waste dumps within open-pit coal mines plays a key role in green mine construction, while creating a suitable soil profile structure serves as a prerequisite for the ecological restoration.Methods This study investigated the reconstructed soils with a three-layer sponge-like structure consisting of the topsoil, sandy-soil, and mudstone layers for the waste dump of the Hongshaquan open-pit coal mine in Xinjiang. Using computed tomography (CT) scanning, a three-dimensional (3D) pore network model (PNM), and water migration simulation, this study systematically analyzed the pore structures and water migration characteristics …

Performance Optimization Of Superfine Cement Through Composite Modification Using Coal-Based Solid Waste And Modifiers, Kang Zhipeng, Luo Yong, Xiao Diancai, Ren Shuai, Cai Zhiliang, Gao Xiang, Zhang Kunzhe

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Superfine cement-based grouting materials generally suffer from limitations including high bleeding rates, unfavourable rheological properties, poor stability, and strength retrogression. These issues can be mitigated by incorporating modifiers, which allows for the reutilization of coal-based solid waste while enhancing the performance of composite, superfine cement-based grouting materials. Methods Superfine cement-based grouting materials with different mixing ratios were prepared by using superfine cement as the basic material, fly ash (FA) and mineral fines (MFs) as primary admixtures, and modified bentonite, methyl cellulose ether (MCE), U-type expansive agent (UEA), and magnesium oxide (MgO) as modifiers. These grouting materials and pure superfine …

Mine Data Fusion Technology Based On Multi-Feature Joint Decision Making, Han Shanshan, Zhang Jifeng, Fan Tao, Liu Qiang, Song Xiaojiao, Qi Zhipeng, Zheng Hangzhou

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background In the field of geological exploration of coal mines, methods such as in-seam seismic exploration, the transient electromagnetic method, and audio-frequency electrical penetration offer unique technical advantages. However, each of these methods can only reflect a single physical property of a medium, suffering from limitations including the one-sidedness of information and the multiple solutions of interpretations, thus failing to adapt to the new situations of current coal mine exploration. Multi-source data fusion promotes a technological development by leaps from one-sided detection to comprehensive analysis through mechanisms of information complementation, feature enhancement, and field-source integration. Therefore, this technology can enhance …

Oil-Based Mud Electrical Imaging Logging Responses Of Carbonate Strata, Wu Yuyu, Lai Qiang, Pan Feng, Zhao Zuo’An, Wang Xiaoxing, Wang Yue, Cheng Lu, Wang Zeyu, Yin Rong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objectives This study aims to characterize the oil-based mud (OBM) electrical imaging logging responses of carbonate strata, highlighting the response characteristics of dissolution vugs, fractures, stratigraphical structures, and special minerals. Methods Tests were conducted on logging data acquisition of a drilled well within the Dengying Formation in the Sichuan Basin before and after OBM was replaced with water-based mud (WBM). Based on the fine-scale core-to-log (CTL) calibration, this study compared the WBM and OBM electrical imaging logging responses of different geological and pore structures. Furthermore, the characteristics of OBM electrical imaging logging responses were further discussed from the measurement principles …

A Cutting Trajectory Planning Technology Driven By Coal Seam Data In A Comprehensive Mining Face, Guo Yifeng, Xue Xusheng, Ma Hongwei, Zhang Guangming, Su Hao, Qi Ailing, Nie Zhen, Ma Kexiang, Wu Xuefei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Currently, the insufficient full-element digitization and the prevalence of “data silos” in fully mechanized mining faces (FMMF) result in poor cutting precision and operational instability of shearers under complex undulating and abrupt geological conditions. These factors pose significant challenges to high-precision proactive trajectory planning. Methods Guided by the academic philosophy that “mining is data acquisition”, this paper proposes a coal seam data-driven cutting trajectory planning method for FMMFs. It elaborates on three core technologies: high-precision digital coal seam modeling, generative model updating and digital twin construction, and data-driven trajectory planning.To address low modeling precision, an intelligent interpolation-based digital coal …

Mechanism Of Improved Miscibility Of Co2–Oil Systems By Multiester-Headgroup Surfactants, Ning Xu, Yanling Wang, Baojun Bai, Yu Zhang, Wenjing Shi, Zhaonian Zhang, Wenhui Ding, Peixu Ma, Zan Gao

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In the pursuit of carbon neutrality, the CO₂-enhanced oil recovery provides dual benefits by enabling both carbon sequestration and incremental oil production. However, its application is limited by high minimum miscibility pressure. CO₂-philic and oil-affinitive surfactants have emerged as an effective, low-dosage, and cost-efficient strategy to reduce the minimum miscibility pressure. In this study, macroscopic phase behavior experiments combined with molecular dynamics simulations were employed to systematically elucidate the influence of multiester-head surfactants on CO₂–oil miscibility. Using a modified pressure–volume–temperature apparatus equipped with optical power monitoring, we determined that multiester-head surfactants reduced the first-contact …

Using Geoscience To Empower A Community And Provide Access To Potable Groundwater, Hendratta Ali Dr

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Access to potable water remains challenging around the world and remains one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. Barriers to clean water access are exacerbated by the lack of technical expertise, limited funding for education and training, and the absence of reliable infrastructure that provides access to clean water. The Geoscientists Without Borders program, supported FHSU with funding to test, explore and provide access to clean potable groundwater to a rural community in Cameroon. We conducted water quality analyses, identified, mapped and located deep aquifers in fractured metamorphic rocks. Water quality analyses showed acidic pH and elevated amounts …

Mapping Of Petroleum-Prospective Structures In The Jurassic Complex Of The Western Aral Uplift Based On Seismic Attributes, Yuliya Leonidovna Salaydinova, Marina Georgievna Yuldasheva

Technical science and innovation

To solve the problems of identifying and mapping prospective structures, comprehensive analysis of 3D seismic attributes is widely used at the present stage of geological research; it was applied to assess the petroleum potential of the Jurassic rock complex in the Aral Sea offshore area of the Ustyurt region. The study integrates structural mapping on the tops of Permo-Triassic and Jurassic horizons, attribute volumes (Variance/Coherence, Sweetness, root-mean-square (RMS) amplitude, Envelope) and generalized spectral decomposition (GSD, 19-41 Hz), combined with well-log and well-test data from the Western Aral, Meros, Dengiz and Karakum areas. Variance attributes were used to delineate fault zones …

Elemental And Mineralogical Characterization Of Permo-Carboniferous Coal In The Ngaka Coalfield, Southwest Tanzania: Implications For Coal Quality Variation, John W. Gama, Justina J. Saroni, Remigius L. Gama

Tanzania Journal of Science

Coal from heterolithic seams exhibits distinct chemical characteristics due to interbedded non-coal beds, which influence its quality and usability. Despite extensive research in these settings, the elemental and mineralogical characteristics of the heterolithic sequences of the Mchuchuma Formation (K2) in the Ngaka Coalfield remain poorly documented. This study provides the first detailed assessment of K2 seams across five active mine sites. Eleven representative samples were analyzed using proximate, elemental, and mineralogical techniques, supported by Pearson correlation, binary analysis, and Principal Component Analysis. Proximate analysis revealed that ash content varies across mine sites, with values ranging from 9.17 to 25.03%, volatile …

Regional Drought Modulation By Enso And Iod As Indicated By The Standardized Precipitation Index, Arpit Tiwari, Preethi Nanjundan, Tanu Sharma, Ravi Ranjan Kumar, Satyaban Bishoyi Ratna

Northeast Journal of Complex Systems (NEJCS)

Understanding the modulation of drought by large-scale ocean–atmosphere teleconnections is crucial for strengthening drought prediction and resilience in India. This study investigates the influence of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) on meteorological drought characteristics across India from 1950 to 2024 using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) at a 12-month timescale. Drought events were quantified in terms of frequency, duration, severity, and intensity and linked to ENSO–IOD variability through composite, correlation, and mediation analyses. Results reveal that El Niño events consistently correspond to widespread and severe droughts, particularly over central and southern India, with drought …

Controlled Gelation Of Co₂-Resistant Polymer Systems For Improved Conformance In Co₂-Eor, Maryam Sharifi Paroushi

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

This presentation introduces a CO₂-resistant hydrogel developed to control fluid movement and improve CO₂ injection performance in subsurface reservoirs for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). Conventional polymer gels often lose strength in CO₂-rich environments, resulting in weak plugging, early breakdown, and ineffective flow control. To address this limitation, a sulfonated HPAM-based gel system crosslinked with chromium was developed. The effects of polymer concentration, molecular weight, crosslinker ratio, ionic strength, and pH were investigated to better understand gelation behavior and performance. The formulation exhibited controlled gelation, strong resistance to temperature and CO₂, and minimal shrinkage over …

Ecovoltaic Solar Energy Development Creates Novel Microclimate, Temperature, And Soil Moisture Patterns Under Solar Panels In A Warm Desert, Juan Pinos, Seth M. Munson, Claire C. Karban, Matthew D. Petrie

Life Sciences Faculty Research

Background As solar energy development expands in desert regions, new installation practices and solar technologies seek to balance ecosystem conservation and energy generation (ecovoltaics). The Gemini Solar Project, a large ecovoltaic facility located in the northeastern Mojave Desert, employed low impact installation methods to reduce disturbance of the desert ecosystem within arrays of bifacial panels mounted on solar tracking systems. We evaluated microclimate and environmental conditions across five locations: four within-facility microsites (underneath solar panels, east and west panel driplines, and interspaces between panel rows) and one in the undisturbed desert outside the facility. Results Under panel microsites experienced lower …

Sprinkler Package Runoff Risk Tool For Center Pivot Irrigation Systems, Will Bowers

Spring Runoff Conference

Center pivots in Utah 

• 403,524 acres = 67% of sprinkler irrigated fields in the open in Utah 
• Considered one of the most effective sprinkler systems available with technological advancements over the years

Evaluating Alternative Water Conservation Scenarios For Alfalfa In The Great Salt Lake Basin Using Integrated Climate Model Projections, Saddy Pineda-Castellanos, Masoumeh Hashemi

Spring Runoff Conference

Elevation of Great Salt Lake North and South Arms (1903-2026)

An Estimation Of Crop Evapotranspiration Using Soil Water Balance In Vineyards, Tarique Aziz, Burdette Barker, Michael Caron, Michael Pace

Spring Runoff Conference

Breakout Session presentation given at the 2026 Spring Runoff Conference

Immersive Modeling To Generate Holistic Strategies To Get More Water To Great Salt Lake, Hadia Akbar

Spring Runoff Conference

How to get more water to GSL?

Must Address

• Complex water rights
• Competing water needs
• Historical legacies
• Variable and arid hydrology
• Infrastructure limitations and opportunities
• Lack of trust

What Makes Smart Irrigation Work? Lessons From Producers In The Upper Colorado River Basin, Tejinder Singh, Matt Yost, Elisa Flint, Burdette Barker, Jessica Ulrich-Schad, Silas Ekadu

Spring Runoff Conference

Colorado River Basin Water Crisis

• Water allocations in the Colorado River Basin were set during wetter periods and now exceed current river flows, creating a gap between water supply (12.5 maf yr^-1) and demand (15 maf yr^-1).
• River flow has declined 19% since 2000.