Earth Sciences Commons^™

[Discussions] Vol. 20 Iss. 1

Discussions

This issue of Discussions was published for the Spring 2024 cycle.

Assessment And Prediction Of Meteorological Drought Using Machine Learning Algorithms And Climate Data, Khalid En-Nagre, Mourad Aqnouy, Ayoub Ouarka, Syed Ali Asad Naqvi, Ismail Bouizrou, Jamal Eddine Stitou El Messari, Aqil Tariq, Walid Soufan, Wenzhao Li, Hesham El-Askary

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Monitoring drought in semi-arid regions due to climate change is of paramount importance. This study, conducted in Morocco’s Upper Drâa Basin (UDB), analyzed data spanning from 1980 to 2019, focusing on the calculation of drought indices, specifically the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) at multiple timescales (1, 3, 9, 12 months). Trends were assessed using statistical methods such as the Mann-Kendall test and the Sen’s Slope estimator. Four significant machine learning (ML) algorithms, including Random Forest, Voting Regressor, AdaBoost Regressor, and K-Nearest Neighbors Regressor, were evaluated to predict the SPEI values for both three …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

Factors Influencing The Productivity And Technology Optimization Of Horizontal Wells For Moderately Deep Coalbed Methane In The Northern Zhengzhuang Block, Zhang Cong, Li Kexin, Jia Huimin, Zhang Wuchang, Yang Ruiqiang, Li Jun, Wang Qi, Hou Weiming

Coal Geology & Exploration

[Objective] Hydraulic fracturing of vertical wells was adopted during the early production of moderately deep coalbed methane (CBM) of the northern Zhengzhuang block in the Qinshui Basin, generally yielding low productivity and inefficiency. In contrast, single-casing fracturing of horizontal wells has increased the single-well production to 10‒50 times that of vertical wells, establishing horizontal wells as the dominant development well type. However, the horizontal wells differ greatly in CBM production. This study aims to determine the factors influencing the productivity of horizontal wells using staged fracturing for moderately deep CBM in the northern Zhengzhuang block and improve the production performance. …

Characteristics Of The Pore And Seepage System Of Deep Coalbed Methane In The Baijiahai Uplift, Junggar Basin, Xinjiang, Chen Heqing, Yang Zhaobiao, Li Daoqing, Xu Miaomiao, Liang Yuhui, Liu Changqing, Wang Yuqiang

Coal Geology & Exploration

[Objective] Xinjiang boasts abundant deep coalbed methane (CBM) resources, with Jurassic coal seams in the Baijiahai uplift of the Junggar Basin identified as a favorable target area for deep CBM exploration and exploitation. The pore and seepage system of deep CBM directly determines its recoverability. [Methods] Based on appraisal well Caimei 2-004H drilled the most recently in the Xinjiang oilfield in 2023, this study investigated in detail the pore and seepage system of coals in the Jurassic Xishanyao Formation in the Baijiahai uplift using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP), low-temperature liquid nitrogen adsorption, and carbon …

Impacts Of Observation Line Layout Morphology And Survey Point Missing On The Inversion Of Predicted Parameters Of Mining Subsidence, Guo Qingbiao, Yu Qing, Zheng Meinan, Luo Jin

Coal Geology & Exploration

[Objective] Accurate prediction parameters for mining subsidence are important basis for full cycle green coal mining, while inversion based on the subsidence data of observation lines serves as the main method to obtain these parameters. [Methods] To quantitatively analyze the impacts of the observation line layout morphology and survey point missing on the inversion of prediction parameters for mining subsidence, this study developed a probability integral model-based inversion method for these parameters using the chimpanzee optimization algorithm (ChOA). Using this method combined with digital simulation experiments, this study predicted subsidence parameters under six observation line morphologies and survey point missing …

Fracturing Evolutionary Law And Energy Utilization Efficiency Of Green Sandstones Under Different Loading Rates, Zhao Huanshuai, Pan Yongtai, Qiao Xin, Wang Xingyu, Yu Chao, Huang Jiacheng

Coal Geology & Exploration

[Objective] This study aims to explore the fracturing evolutionary laws and energy utilization efficiency of rocks under different loading rates is a pressing issue in the field of rock fragmentation and processing. [Methods] To this end, the microscopic parameters of green sandstones were calibrated based on laboratory tests, followed by the identification of relationships between the macro- and microscopic mechanical responses of the sandstones. Using Particle Flow Code (PFC), this study investigated the stress-strain curves and stress chain distribution of green sandstones under different loading rates. Then, based on the fracturing and crack characteristics, this study analyzed the fracturing evolutionary …

Hydrochemical Characteristics And Genetic Mechanism Of Geothermal Water In The Wandong Geothermal Area Along The Moxi Fault In Western Sichuan, Huang Xun, Zhang Yunhui, Li Xiao, Lyu Guosen, Guo Hongyang

Coal Geology & Exploration

[Objective] Geothermal energy exploitation is identified as a vital way to achieve the goals of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality. The Moxi fault, located in the southern segment of the Xianshuihe fault zone in western Sichuan, boasts abundant geothermal resources, serving as a significant area for subsequent geothermal energy exploitation. [Methods] This study investigated the hydrogeochemistry of the Wandong geothermal area along the Moxi fault, analyzed the water-rock interaction process in the area based on the hydrochemical correlation, and calculated the reservoir temperatures and the mixing ratios of cold and hot water using geothermometers and the silica-enthalpy mixing …

Experimental Study On The Mechanics And Deformation Failure Characteristics Of Multi-Source Coal-Based Solid Waste Cemented Backfill, Yang Ke, Zhang Jiqiang, He Xiang, Wei Zhen, Zhao Xinyuan

Coal Geology & Exploration

[Objective] In order to study the mechanical properties and deformation failure laws of multi-source coal-based solid waste cemented backfill (CBSWCB), the uniaxial compression, acoustic emission response and microstructure test experiments were carried out with 5 types of typical coal-based waste. [Methods] The factors influencing the uniaxial compressive strength of CBSWCB, as well as their interaction, were analyzed, and a four-dimensional spatial visualization model of the factors influencing the compressive strength based on their interactions was established. Besides, the mechanical evolution characteristics and macroscopic deformation failure laws under uniaxial compression conditions were elaborated by referring to the acoustic emission and microstructure …

Application Of Microseismic Monitoring System For Coal Mines To The Prevention And Control Of Water Disasters On Working Face Roofs, Fan Xin, Cheng Jianyuan, Li Sheng, Duan Jianhua, Fan Tao, Li Bofan, Wang Yanbo

Coal Geology & Exploration

[Objective] Increasing coal mining depth in coal mines has caused increasingly prominent risks of water disasters on working face roofs, which restrict the green, safe, and efficient coal mining in China’s coal mines. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new technologies for the monitoring and early warning of these water disasters. [Methods] This study explored the application of the joint well-ground microseismic monitoring system to the prevention and control of water disasters on working face roofs, achieving transparent, intelligent monitoring and early warning of water disaster risks. In this system, microseismic sensor arrays are arranged on the surface above …

Geological Structures Fine Monitoring Using Seismic-While-Tunneling Technique In Wangpo Mine, Zhao Huibo, Qin Si, Chen Chao, Guan Qi, Zhao Xingwei, Che Jianhang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Traditional tunnel seismic advance detection technology is limited by the use of explosives, the need for mining stoppages, prediction speed, detection range, and capabilities, making it challenging to meet the high-precision geological structure detection requirements of intelligent tunneling faces. In response, the seismic-while-tunneling technique utilizes the vibration of the roadheader cutting the coal wall as the seismic source. This method employs real-time data upload, automatic processing, and dynamic imaging. By leveraging information technology and software support, and utilizing real-time continuous super-saturation stacking supported by massive data, the imaging precision of geological anomalies ahead of the mining face is significantly enhanced. …

Pneumatic Directional Drilling Technology And Equipment For Broken-Soft Coal Seams In Underground Coal Mines, Tian Hongliang, Zhang Jinbao, Wang Li, Fang Jun, Wang Jianqiang

Coal Geology & Exploration

[Objective] The geological conditions of coal seams in China are complex, with a wide distribution of broken-soft coal seams, and a large number of wells have the problems of high gas and coal-gas outburst. Currently, borehole gas drainage is an effective measure for preventing and controlling the gas disasters. [Methods] In response to the problems of uncontrollable drilling trajectory, shallow drilling depth, large blind spots of drainage in conventional rotary drilling process of broken-soft coal seams, as well as multiple stuck drilling accidents, great difficulty in drilling and low drilling efficiency in conventional directional drilling processes, the development history and …

Build-Up Rate Prediction Of Rotary Steerable Tools Based On Delay Differentiation, Li Fei, Zhang Nan

Coal Geology & Exploration

[Objective] Accurate build-up rate prediction of rotary steerable tools is a prerequisite to achieve the precise control of tools. In order to grasp the variation law of the build-up rate of the rotary steerable bottom-hole assembly (RSBHA). [Methods] Based on the structural charaeteristics of the tool, the Euler-Bernoulli beam equation method is used to analyz the forces outing on the composite RSBHA. At the same time, the calculation method of the tool deflection angle in different sections and the bit pre-drilling deflection angle was obtained with consideration to the geometric relationship of the bottom-hole assembly, and the distance between the …

Analysis Of Three-Dimensional Nonlinear Fluid-Solid Coupling Vibration Characteristics Of Coalbed Methane Abandoned Well Plugging String, Xu Zhixin, Wan Jifang, Hong Yi, Liu Hangming, Yi Xianzhong, Diao Binbin, Wang Yanbin

Coal Geology & Exploration

[Objective] The plugging quality of cement plug in abandoned coalbed methane wells is critical to preventing pollutant leakage. Current standards for handling these wells involve simple mud pump injection, which often results in cement plugs with issues like particle agglomeration, bubbles, and micropores. These defects reduce the strength of the cement plug and compromise its sealing performance. [Methods] To address this, vibration technology is applied to the plugging operation, using a specialized tool to induce vibrations in the pipe string. This process enhances the fluidity of the cement slurry via the transmission of vibration energy, thereby improving the plugging quality …

Spatial Distribution And Influencing Factors Of Microseismic Events In Unequal-Length Mining Faces In Coal Mines, Zhou Jinyan, Yang Hongzeng, Gao Jietao

Coal Geology & Exploration

[Objective] The varying length of a mining face along its dip direction or adjusting mining significantly increases water inrush risks of the mining face. This study investigate the hazards and influencing factors brought by unequal length arrangements to the mining face is one of the key issues in deepening the research on coal mine water hazard prevention and ensuring the safe mining face. [Methods] With the No. 15240 mining face, consisting of a narrow part, a wide part, and a slope, in the Jiulong Coal Mine of the Jizhong Energy Fengfeng Group as the engineering background, a large amount of …

Development And Application Of A Supercritical Co2 Pulsed Fracturing-Seepage Coupling Test System, Liu Jiajia, Zhang Yunlong, Nie Zishuo, Gao Zhiyang, Xu Wensong

Coal Geology & Exploration

[Objective] To effectively enhance the extraction effects of coalbed methane (CBM), this study proposed a novel approach for fracturing coals (rocks) using pulsation of supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂) by combining pulsed fracturing with supercritical CO₂ fracturing. [Methods] A true triaxial test system coupling supercritical CO₂ pulsed fracturing with seepage was independently developed, and its primary structure, characteristics, and functions were elucidated. Then, the supercritical CO₂ pulsed fracturing - seepage/acoustic emission monitoring tests under true triaxial conditions were conducted in the laboratory. The test system, controlling the triaxial stress by combining an independent servo system with …

Remote Sensing Monitoring And Spatiotemporal Characteristics Of Co2 And Ch4 Concentrations In Coal-Electricity Production Bases, Xu Yanfei, Chen Yongchun, Li Jing, Liu Xiaozhou, Miao Wei, Zhao Derong, Rui Chengqi

Coal Geology & Exploration

[Objective] CO₂ and CH₄ are identified as the primary greenhouse gases emitted from energy production in coal-electricity production bases. Mointoring these emissions and analyzing their spatiotemporal distribution are essential components of building a carbon monitoring system in the study area. [Methods] This study investigated Huainan City, Anhui Province as an example to explore the spatiotemporal characteristics of CO₂ and CH₄ in coal-electricity production bases. Specifically, this study examined the CO₂ and CH₄ concentrations in the study area based on data from the GOSAT，OCO-2, and Sentinel-5P satellites，determining the column concentration changes and distribution of CO …

Investigation And Comprehensive Utilization Of Resources In Closed Coal Mines In Anhui Province, China, Liu Feiyue, Chen Wanyun, Yang Ke, Duan Minke, Liu Qinjie, Yang Lingyue

Coal Geology & Exploration

[Objevtive] With the continuously intensive exploitation of coal resources and the structural reform of energy supply, many coal mines in Anhui Province have been closed due to resource depletion or backward production capacity. However, the closed coal mines still host resources such as underground spaces, residual coals, gas, mine water, land, and infrastructure equipment. Hence, reutilizing resources in closed coal mines holds significant engineering value and economic benefits. [Methods] Based on the general information and reutilization status of 59 coal mines in Anhui Province that have been closed since 2013, this study analyzed the distribution characteristics, residual resources, and reutilization …

Physical Simulation Experiments On Mining-Induced Water Inrushes From Coal Seam Floors: Advances In Research And Prospects, Zhang Pingsong, Ou Yuanchao

Coal Geology & Exploration

[Objective] Water inrushes from floors are subjected to the superimposed effects of factors such as specific geological structures, water-rock-stress coupling, and mining disturbance, proving complex, concealed, and abrupt. [Methods] Physical simulation experiments can effectively reproduce the environments of the floors and confined water, intuitively present the whole process of both mining-induced fracture propagation in the floors and the path evolution of water inrushes, and obtain multi-source data of all disaster stages in a real time manner. Therefore, such experiments enjoy unique advantages in investigating water inrushes from floors. [Results and Conclusions] This study reviews the research achievements in water inrushes …

A High-Resolution Method For Processing Coal Measures Seismic Data Based On Anisotropic Medium Theories And Its Application, Li Huiting, Chang Suoliang, Zhang Sheng, Guan Wenyuan, Zhao Xing, Wang Weiqian, Tantai Mingjun, Gao Kaixin

Coal Geology & Exploration

[Objective] The increasing importance of the exploration and exploitation of deep resources poses new requirements for high-precision seismic exploration. Given that conventional isotropy-based data processing methods are no longer applicable to the coal-bearing strata with strong anisotropy. [Methods] This study proposed a method for processing seismic data based on theories of both transverse isotropy medium with a vertical symmetry axis (VTI) media and transverse isotropy with a horizontal axis of symmetry (HTI) media. First, to characterize the depositional characteristics of coal-bearing strata, this study analyzed the features of VTI media, revealing that high-order dynamic correction can effectively eliminate anisotropy-induced event …

Using Historic Glacial Data And Gis To Predict Mount Rainier National Park’S Glacial Future, Daniel Kincaid

Geography and the Environment: Graduate Student Capstones

Will Washington state have glaciers 100 years from now (year 2124)? Due to generally warmer weather glaciers are largely in retreat globally, including the glaciers in Washington state. In Washington state summer glacial meltwater plays a vital role in the survival of wildlife and is needed for human purposes that include recreation, power generation, drinking, agricultural, and industrial. This project looked at the most resilient glaciers in Washington state, the glaciers at Mount Rainier National Park. Historic measurements were used in an exponential growth calculation to project the amount in acres each glacier at Mount Rainer will advance or retreat …

Monitoring Air Fluxes In Caves Using Digital Flow Metres, Claudio Pastore, Amir Sedaghatkish, Eric Weber, Nicolas Schmid, Pierre-Yves Jeannin, Marc Luetscher

International Journal of Speleology

Precise measurements of airflow within caves are increasingly demanded to assess heat and mass transfers and their impacts on the karst environment, including subsurface ecosystems, hydrochemistry of karst water and secondary mineral precipitates. In this study, we introduce a new, low-cost and lightweight device adapted to monitoring air fluxes in caves which addresses the need for reliable measurements, low power consumption, durability and affordability. The device was calibrated in a wind tunnel, showing the high accuracy and precision of the device. Field-related uncertainties were further investigated in a ventilated cave to determine the effect of local airflow conditions on the …

Western Kentucky University Stormwater Utility Survey 2024, Warren Campbell

SEAS Faculty Publications

The main goal of this survey is to identify as many U.S. Stormwater Utilities (SWUs) as possible. Because many stormwater professionals do not have the time to respond to questionnaires, our primary method of identification was Internet searches. We searched key terms such as “stormwater utility,” “stormwater fee,” and “drainage fee.” We scoured online municipal codes such as Municode, AmLegal, Sterling, LexisNexis, General Code, and others. We searched through many city web websites to find utilities. We have also had many people contact me to update fees and identify new utilities. However, the data primarily comes from Internet sources and …

Remediating History: A Review Of Restoration For Creeks Polluted From Historical Mining Sites, With The Red Boy Mine As A Primary Case Study, Kara Atiyeh

University Honors Theses

I conducted a literature review to examine the key aspects of restoring watersheds affected by pollution from historical mining. This review is then applied to a case study discussion of the Red Boy Mine and Clear Creek remediation project in Granite, Oregon. The goal of this discussion is to explore how an analysis of site conditions along with current literature on management practices can help guide these projects. Thousands of abandoned hard rock mines remain throughout the country, and many pose serious environmental health effects. Heavy metals like cadmium, nickel, and copper are brought to the surface from mining activity, …

A Pilot Study On Particulate Matter Concentrations From Cooking And Its Effects On Indoor Air Pollution In A Mexican American Household In Mission, South Texas, Usa, Sai Deepak Pinakana, Carlos Garcia Patlan, Esmeralda Mendez, Amit U. Raysoni

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

This pilot study focuses on particulate matter (PM) while cooking in a South Texan household. Dishes such as Beef, Burger, Fish, Chicken, Egg Sandwich, and Hotdog were prepared. Indoor PM levels were compared with outdoor PM levels. A DustTrak DRX was used to monitor the PM released during the cooking process. PM2.5 levels were highest while cooking beef, 162.79 + 209.62 μg m−3. Hot Dog preparation resulted in the lowest PM2.5 concentration of 27.72 + 5.58 μg m−3. Indoor PM2.5 levels were observed to be greater in contrast to outdoor levels when compared to the outdoor levels (96 words).

Using Bayesian Multispecies Models To Evaluate Fish And Invertebrate Detection Probability And Distribution In The Hypersaline Bahia Grande Tidal Basin, Roy M. Ulibarri, Catherine M. Eckert, David Hicks, David Montagne, Brandon Jones, David R. Stewart

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Objective

In 2000, the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge acquired the Bahia Grande (Texas) management unit, a space that had lain barren and arid for 70 years. A large cooperative partnership launched a restoration project to replenish the basin and recover its original tidal hydrology. In 2005, the construction of a pilot channel successfully restored water throughout the basin, and plans to eventually widen the channel were developed. Our study aims to evaluate an estuarine habitat restoration by assessing ecological drivers and the impacts on species diversity.

Methods

We evaluated species richness, detection/occupancy rates, and species–habitat relationships, and we estimated …

Amino-Modified Upcycled Biochar Achieves Selective Chromium Removal In Complex Aqueous Matrices, Kenneth Flores, Diego F. Gonzalez, Helia Magali Morales, Arnulfo Mar, Sergi Garcia-Segura, Jorge L. Gardea-Torresdey, Jason Parsons

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Chromium pollution of groundwater sources is a growing global issue, which correlates with various anthropogenic activities. Remediation of both the Cr(VI) and Cr(III), via adsorption technologies, has been championed in recent years due to ease of use, minimal energy requirements, and the potential to serve as a highly sustainable remediation technology. In the present study, a biochar sorbent sourced from pineapple skins, allowed for the upcycling of agricultural waste into water purification technology. The biochar material was chemically modified, through a green amination method, to produce an efficient and selective adsorbent for the removal of both Cr(VI) and Cr(III) from …

Environmental Fate And Transport Of Pfas In Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent Discharged To Rapid Infiltration Basins, Kai M. Trobisch

Masters Theses

Fate and transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent discharged to rapid infiltration basins (RIBs) is investigated using data from 26 WWTPs in Michigan and numerical modeling to assess the role of air-water interface (AWI) sorption in modulating mass fluxes to the saturated zone. Analysis of RIB physical properties yields a median separation distance of 6.5 meters between land surface and the water table, and a continuum of area-normalized effluent fluxes ranging from 0.01 to 0.62 meters per day. A subset of WWTPs with RIBs indicate higher PFAS concentrations in groundwater than effluent with …

What Climate Change Means For Nebraska

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Publications

Nebraska’s climate is changing. In the past century, most of the state has warmed by at least one degree (F). The soil is becoming drier, and rainstorms are becoming more intense. In the coming decades, flooding is likely to increase, yet summers are likely to become increasingly hot and dry, which would reduce yields of some crops, require farmers to use more water, and amplify some risks to human health.

Our climate is changing because the earth is warming. People have increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the air by 40 percent since the late 1700s. Other heat-trapping greenhouse …

Biotechnology For Sustainable Materials: Innovating Today For A Greener Tomorrow, Shashi Kant Bhatia, Saurabh Bhatia, Maria Eugenia Inda-Webb, Konstantina Kourmentza, Tae Seok Moon, Vijai Singh, Vishal Ahuja, Jingbo Li, Sanjeet Mehariya, Jikai Zhao

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.