Earth Sciences Commons^™

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 …

Spatiotemporal Variations And Their Influencing Factors For Vegetation Net Primary Productivity In The Shendong Coal Base, Yang Fei, Cui Kuankuan, Zhang Chengye, Li Jun, Dong Qiulin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The Shendong coal base, located within the arid and semi-arid regions in western China, is identified as the region with the most pronounced contradiction between coal resource development and ecological conservation in the country. Analyzing the spatiotemporal variations in the ecosystem and their influencing factors at the base scale provides a necessary foundation for green mine construction while also offering critical support for regional sustainable development.Methods In this study, the vegetation net primary productivity (NPP) was selected as an indicator for the ecological evaluation of mining areas. By integrating data on terrain, weather and climate, socio-economy, and human …

A Model For Predicting Coal Mining-Induced Surface Subsidence During Theinitial, Active, And Decline Stages, Zhang Liangliang, Liu Xiya, Cheng Hua, Du Shaoneng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objectives and Methods Presently, there remains a lack of theoretical models for predicting the coal mining-induced surface subsidence during the initial, active, and decline stages. Given this, this study derived the time-varying exponential function of the ratio of maximum to dynamic surface subsidence first using measured data from seven coal mines. Accordingly, an improved Knothe time function model was established. Then, the impacts of the model parameters on dynamic surface subsidence W(t), subsidence velocity v(t), and subsidence acceleration a(t) were analyzed. Subsequently, based on the improved Knothe model and the critical …

Soil Microbial Biomass And Organic Carbon Fractions Under Different Natural Restoration Years In Arid Coal Mining Subsidence Areas In Xinjiang, China, Xiao Li, Bi Yinli, Wang Dongdong, Li Jianfeng, Gong Hanlin, Deng Aojuan, Hou Wensheng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective This study aims to elucidate the influence of the natural restoration process on changes in soil microbial biomass and organic carbon fractions in coal mining subsidence areas. This effort will provide a crucial scientific foundation for understanding the natural ecological restoration process and carbon accumulation dynamics in arid coal mining subsidence areas.Methods Arid coal mining subsidence areas in Xinjiang, China were investigated in this study. Using the space-for-time substitution approach, sample plots were selected from an unmined area and areas having undergone natural restoration for one, three, eight, and 12 years. Subsequently, systematic analyses were conducted on the …

A Method For Fine-Scale Identification Of Collapse Columns Based On Offset Vector Tile Domain Seismic Data, Zhang Guangzhong, Liu Song, Shan Rui, Cai Wenrui

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objectives and Methods The YQ mining area in the Qinshui Basin is characterized by complex seismic and geological conditions, as well as well-developed collapse columns and flexure structures. Consequently, conventional three-dimensional (3D) seismic exploration fails to meet the precision requirements for safe coal mining. By constructing a physical model based on the actual geological conditions of the study area, this study conducted forward modeling for the seismic responses of collapse columns under varying azimuths. Accordingly, the azimuthal anisotropy of the collapse columns were systematically analyzed. By employing a regular noise suppression technique based on curvelet transform, combined with prestack migration …

Application Of A Generative Adversarial Network To Super-Resolution Reconstruction Of Fracture Images In Logging-While-Drilling Electrical Resistivity Imaging, Han Sen, Shen Chuanhai, Xu Chen, Tian Yimeng, Zhao Biao, Wang Ze, Liu Yongkang, Kang Zhengming

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Logging-while-drilling electrical resistivity imaging (LWD-ERI) enables the intuitive presentation of geobodies near wellbores in images, representing an important approach to the fine-scale evaluation of stratigraphic parameters while also providing significant geological guidance during the drilling of fractured reservoirs. However, this technique faces the challenge of low image resolution in real-time data processing due to its limited well-to-surface data transmission rates, exerting adverse impacts on the qualitative identification of wellbore fractures and the quantitative evaluation of their parameters. To address this issue, this study proposed a super-resolution image reconstruction method based on a generative adversarial network (GAN), aiming to achieve …

A Surface Wave Inversion Method Incorporating Interface Constraints And Its Application In The Assessment Of Ground Vibrations Caused By Mining-Induced Seismicity, Li Cheng, Qian Changbao, Liu Ying, Cheng Yi, Ni Shengjun, Yao Huajian

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In mining areas of western China, underlying interfaces with significant fluctuations affect seismic exploration accuracy while also posing challenges to the assessment of ground vibrations triggered by dynamic hazards such as mining-induced seismicity. To enhance the characterization of shallow velocity structures and to provide support for dynamic hazard prevention and control in mining areas, this study developed an inversion method incorporating prior information about geological interfaces.Methods A dense array consisting of 489 single-component and 108 three-component seismometers was deployed within a mining area in Longkou Town, Junggar Banner, Inner Mongolia. Accordingly, continuous ambient noise data for about one …

Drone Based Operational Cloud Seeding, Jared Smith

Spring Runoff Conference

Cloud Seeding: Next Generation Operations and Validation

What is Winter Cloud Seeding? 

• The act of introducing favorable dust particles into a cloud to promote ice crystal nucleation 
• Requires naturally occurring clouds and cold temperatures 
• Aimed at enhancing winter snowpack

Great Salt Lake Basin Integrated Plan – Longterm Actions, Jake M. Serago

Spring Runoff Conference

GSL’s water level is in long-term decline. Water users face shortages and challenges. Increased temperatures, greater precipitation extremes and population changes are stressing water supplies in the basin. 84% of Utah residents think the Government is accountable for resolving issues facing GSL.

Agricultural Water Leasing Opportunities & Updates, Hannah Freeze

Spring Runoff Conference

The framework for this leasing program is based on depletion savings from conservation practices not surplus or tailwater

Pheasant Forever Loan Program, Will Benkelman

Spring Runoff Conference

Bear River Watershed Community Conservation Program

Our Mission: Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever’s (QF) mission is to conserve pheasants, quail, and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public access, education, and conservation advocacy.

Logan River Watershed Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Zan Murray

Spring Runoff Conference

Agenda:

Program Overview: PL-566 & NEPA

Project Need and Purpose

Project Alternatives

Preferred Alternative Costs and Benefits

NEPA Timeline/Current Schedule

Questions

Cache Water District Conservation Program, Autumn Matthews

Spring Runoff Conference

Conservation and Education Programs.

Conservation Goals:

Increase community awareness through outreach, workshops, and community programs that support water conservation.

Expand and improve programs that encourage water savings and more efficient water use across the community.

Help residents save money by promoting water efficiency and reducing unnecessary water use.

Water Supply Update, Jordan Clayton

Spring Runoff Conference

Snowpack and Water Supply Conditions.

>95% of the water we use in Northern Utah comes from snow. Therefore, it’s critically important to quantify how much water is stored in our snowpack.

Legislative Summary Panel, Brian Steed, Scott Sandall, Jill Koford, Joel Ferry

Spring Runoff Conference

Legislative updates provided at the Spring Runoff Conference 2026.

Water In 2026, Spencer Cox

Spring Runoff Conference

Presentation by Utah Governor Cox.

How Do Water Utilities Meet Growing Demand And Maintain Resilience Through Water Reuse? A Systems Thinking Approach, Elizabeth F. Vicario

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Water and wastewater utility management is becoming increasingly complex due to factors like urbanization, climate change, new regulations, and rising costs. Utility leaders must balance competing political and financial pressures while managing aging infrastructure, rising demand, climate resilience planning, and customer concerns about affordability. Reuse of treated wastewater has emerged as a promising solution to address scarcity, declining source water quality, and new regulations on wastewater discharge in the United States. However, water reuse is not one-size-fits-all, and bespoke solutions are needed to optimize economic, environmental, and social returns from this finite resource. Despite growing interest, little is known about …

Development Potential Of The Ucg-Eg Industry In Guizhou Province, China, Wang Lingxia, Zhou Ze, Yi Tongsheng, Qin Yong, Yang Lei, Kong Weimin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods This study aims to promote the sustainable development of the underground coal gasification (UCG) industry and to extend the industrial chain of syngas development and utilization. To this end, this study analyzed the UCG-electricity generation (UCG-EG) potential of Guizhou Province based on the evaluation results of resources allowing UCG and the current status of energy and electric power structures of this province. A 3D analytical principle model for UCG-EG industry scenarios in Guizhou was constructed through scenario modelling. Using this model, the prospects of the UCG industry under low, medium, high, and ultra-high scenarios were quantitatively depicted. …

Factors Influencing Productivity And Production System Optimization For Deep Coalbed Methane In The Daning-Jixian Block, Ordos Basin, Zhao Haifeng, Jia Zhaojie, Chen Mengqi, Yang Ziyi, Wang Bin, Lin Hongliang, Yang Yanfeng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Deep coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs are characterized by ultra-low porosity, ultra-low permeability, and super saturation, rendering it impractical to copy the productivity models of shallow coalbed methane and shale gas. Furthermore, the production performance of deep CBM varies significantly across different well sections. However, the impacts of different factors on the productivity of deep CBM remain poorly understood. This study conducted a numerical simulation analysis of the productivity of deep CBM in the Daning-Jixian block along the eastern margin of the Ordos Basin based on the geological characteristics of the block, aiming to explore the impacts of various key …

Influence Mechanisms Of Cleats On Hydraulic Fracture Propagation In Deep Coalbed Methane Reservoirs, Wang Haiyang, Lu Chen, Su Xu, Wang Yufei, Zhou Desheng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Creating large-scale fracture networks through hydraulic fracturing serves as an important approach to the commercial development of deep coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs. However, these reservoirs contain extensively developed cleats. The significantly different cementation strengths of cleat fillings lead to complex interactions between cemented cleats and major hydraulic fractures during fracture propagation. Therefore, clarifying the mechanisms underlying the influence of cemented cleats on hydraulic fracture propagation is critical to improving the simulation effects of deep CBM reservoirs. Methods Using particle flow code (PFC) discrete element method, combined with quasi-triaxial mechanical test results of the No.8 coal seam within the Yichuan …

Seepage Dynamics And Damage Characteristics Of Shaft Lining Concrete Under Hydraulic Coupling, Xue Weipei, Zhou Yaya, Cheng Hua, Yao Zhishu, Rong Chuanxin, Wang Zhongjian, Wu Hao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Concrete serves as a lining material for support structures used in vertical shafts in coal mines, and its seepage performance and mechanical characteristics play a crucial role in ensuring structural safety. Furthermore, shaft lining concrete is placed under the groundwater level, subjected to a stress environment significantly different from that of surface concrete.Methods To investigate the impacts of groundwater seepage on the performance of shaft lining concrete under triaxial stress conditions, hydraulic coupling tests were conducted using a servo pressure testing machine equipped with a seepage apparatus, yielding data on permeability, elastic volumetric strain, crack volumetric strain, and …

Evolutionary Mechanisms And Control Strategies For Surrounding Rock Stability Of Inclined Shafts Under Groundwater Seepage, Zhang Cun, Zhao Xiangyu, Chen Yanhong, Ren Zhaopeng, Wu Runze

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The western coal mining area has emerged as China’s primary coal production base. In this area, multiple ten-million-ton-scale coal mines are constructed using inclined shafts. Since inclined shafts run through multiple aquifers, many of them are subjected to shaft wall rupture and water inrushes to varying degrees.Methods This study aims to determine the impacts of groundwater seepage on the surrounding rock stability of inclined shafts. Using field survey, theoretical analysis, and numerical simulation, this study investigated the shaft wall stability of the main inclined shaft in water-rich sections in the Xiaojihan Coal Mine.Results and Conclusions Theoretical analysis …