Earth Sciences Commons^™

A U-Net-Based Denoising Method For Semi-Airborne Transient Electromagnetic Data And Its Application, Liu Dong, Feng Hao, Wang Yongxin, Zhou Xiaosheng, Yao Yuhong, Sun Huaifeng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods The semi-airborne transient electromagnetic (SATEM) method, an efficient geophysical exploration technique, has been extensively applied to mineral resource exploration, groundwater surveys, and geothermal resource surveys. However, the collected data are frequently susceptible to noise interference, significantly affecting the accuracy of subsequent data processing and interpretation. To address issues such as residual noise and the loss of effective signals, enhance denoising effects, and reduce the influence of subjective factors, this study proposed a denoising method for SATEM data based on the U-Net deep learning architecture (also referred to as the U-Net-based method) by applying U-Net to SATEM data …

Wind And Topography Underlie Correlation Between Seasonal Snowpack, Mountain Glaciers, And Late-Summer Streamflow, Elijah N. Boardman, Andrew G. Fountain, Joseph W. Boardman, Thomas H. Painter, Evan W. Burgess, Laura Wilson, Adrian A. Harpold

Geology Faculty Publications and Presentations

In a warming climate, net mass loss from perennial snow and ice (PSI) contributes a temporary source of unsustainable streamflow. However, the role of topography and wind in mediating the streamflow patterns of deglaciating watersheds is unknown. We conduct lidar surveys of seasonal snow and PSI elevation change for five adjacent watersheds in the Wind River Range, Wyoming (WRR). Between 2019 and 2023, net mass loss from PSI is equivalent to ~10-36% of August-September streamflow. Across 338 manually classified PSI features >0.01 km2, glaciers contribute 68% of the total mass loss, perennial snowfields contribute 8%, rock glaciers contribute 1%, buried …

China’S Cbm Exploration And Production And Associated Technological Advancements: A Review And Reflections, Ye Jianping

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods Based on extensive scientific and technical literature and technical data on coalbed methane (CBM) exploration and production projects, this study conducted a comparative analysis of the development process and latest advances in China’s critical technologies for CBM exploration and production and reviewed the CBM exploration and production history of this country over the past three decades. Accordingly, this study discussed the theoretical and technical challenges in CBM exploration and production and proposed future development directions. Advances The results indicate that the insights into conversion between adsorbed and free deep CBM prove to be a significant theoretical understanding. …

Critical Technologies And Geology-Engineering Integration Practices For Deep Cbm Production In The Yanchuannan Cbm Field, Chen Zhenlong, Wang Yunhai, Liu Xiao, Cui Bin, Yang Song, Li Xin, Fang Qilong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods This study introduces the adjustments for coalbed methane (CBM) production in the Yanchuannan CBM field‒the first deep CBM field in China. Deep CBM production in this CBM field faces challenges including strong heterogeneity of reservoirs, single arrangement mode of production well patterns, low applicability of conventional hydraulic fracturing, excessively long conventional production cycles, and a high proportion of inefficient wells. To address these challenges, a production capacity construction model for efficient deep CBM production of the field was developed through in-depth geology-engineering integration. Results and Conclusions The results indicate that the production capacity construction process of the …

Connotation, Research Status, And Development Directions Of Clean Coal Geology In China, Tang Yuegang, Wang Shaoqing, Wang Xiaoshuai, Guo Xin, Wang Yafeng, Xue Liping, Harold H. Schobert

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The exploration and assessment of low-carbon, zero-emission, and maximized utilization of coal resources, emerge as a focus of coal geology in the 21st century. [Research Advances] Based on the research content of coals and coal geology, along with the domestic and international development trends of clean coal technology (CCT), this study defines clean coal geology in the broad and narrow sense. Clean coal geology in the narrow sense focuses on the geological and geochemical issues related to efficiency enhancement and emission reduction in coal processing and utilization. In contrast, clean coal geology in the broad sense emphasizes …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

A Deep Learning-Based Method For The Intelligent Identification Of The Quantity Of Coals Flushed Out During Borehole Hydraulic Flushing, Li Xiaojun, Zhao Mingyang, Li Miao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Given the inaccurate and low-efficiency manual statistics of the quantity of coals flushed out during borehole hydraulic flushing, this study proposed an intelligent identification method that combines YOLOv8n, ResNet34, and PP-OCRv4 algorithms. Methods First, the first-level detection was completed using the YOLOv8n algorithm, which, combined with the ResNet34 and PP-OCRv4 algorithms via parallel cascade, was then employed to conduct second-level processing. Through the above processing and in combination with the method for classification status discrimination based on tracking frame numbers, the framework of an algorithm for automatically calculating the quantity of coals flushed out was established. Subsequently, the deformable …

Advances And Trends Of Modern And Contemporary Research On The Geology Of Coal-Measure Minerals In China, Qin Yong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Coal-measure minerals (CMMs) play a significant role in ensuring the safe supply of mineral resources in China. Reviewing the advances and trends of research on the geology of CMMs in China holds great historical significance and practical value while potentially providing some insights into subsequent research. Advances Based on textual research and the analysis of logical relations, this study generalized the advances in research on the geology of CMMs in China into four aspects. (1) Increasingly improved geological theory system of CMMs: China’s classic theoretical system of coal field geology was formed in the second half of the 20th …

Prospects For Mine Geological Work In The Intelligence Age: Architecture Of The Intelligent Geological Guarantee Technology System For Mine Exploitation, Xia Yucheng, Sun Xueyang, Miao Lintian, Guo Chen, Du Rongjun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background and Significance In response to the serious challenges posed by the goals of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality, the intelligentization of coal mines is an inevitable course and a significant sign of the high-quality, sustainable development of the coal industry in the New era. Mine geological work, providing geological foundation and guarantee for underground coal mining, plays an increasingly significant role in the transformation and upgrading of the coal industry for high-quality development. Constructing an intelligent geological guarantee technology system for coal mining by combining mine geology with artificial intelligence (AI) can provide a comprehensive, whole-process geological …

Gas Drainage And Utilization In Coal Mines In China: History, Technological Advances, And Prospects, Li Guofu, Li Chao, Zhang Bichuan, Xu Yun, Wang Zheng, Zhou Xianjun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods To promote the research and application of gas drainage and utilization technologies for coal mines, this study systematically summarizes the history of China’s coal mines transitioning from gas pumping to gas drainage, the accurate and effective gas drainage technologies for typical coal mining areas in China, and the latest applications of technologies related to safe gas gathering and transportation, as well as the utilization of gas with a full range of concentrations. This study aims to provide a reference for accelerating the advancement in gas drainage and utilization technologies for coal mines, achieving methane emission reduction, and …

Impacts Of Coal Fracture Roughness And Aperture On The Seepage Of Injected Water: An Experimental Study, Wang Gang, Chen Xuechang, Chen Hao, Long Qingming, Liu Yixin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Water injection into coal seams is recognized as a critical technical measure for dust removal and the prevention and control of coal and gas outbursts and rock bursts in coal mines. The effectiveness of this measure is significantly influenced by the morphological characteristics of fractures, such as their roughness and aperture. Methods This study prepared coal samples containing fractures with different roughness and apertures using sandpaper and polyimide tape, calculated the fracture roughness parameters accurately using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), and tested the seepage rate of fractured coal samples. Results and Conclusions The results indicate that the …

Key Experimental Technologies And Their Development Directions For The Exploration And Production Of Deep Coalbed Methane, Yan Xia, Xu Fengyin, Xiong Xianyue, Wang Feng, Li Chunhu, Zhang Jiyuan, Xu Borui, Cheng Qianhui, Hu Xiong, Zhu Xueguang, Liang Wei, Yuan Pu, Feng Yanqing, Wei Zhenji

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Deep coalbed methane (CBM) production enjoys advantages including rapid gas shows, high single-well yield, and continuous resource distribution, which establish deep CBM as a significant target for reserve growth and production addition of natural gas. However, the exploration and production of deep CBM are still confronted with many technical challenges, and there is a lack of studies on key experimental technologies related to the geological characteristics and engineering assessment of deep CBM reservoirs, the occurrence characteristics and production mechanisms of gas and water, the formulation of production systems, and methods for enhanced CBM recovery. Advances in Research Given the …

A Key Technology For Synergistic Backfilling Of Coal-Based Solid Waste And High-Salinity Wastewater, Dong Shuning, Yu Shujiang, Dong Xingling, Zhang Buqin, Guo Xiaoming, Wang Xiaodong, Wang Kai, Zhu Shibin, Wu Boqiang, Liu Lei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background and Objective Limited by locations, as well as economic and technical levels, most of the coal-based solid waste is still accumulated in the form of open-air landfills without treatment, thus occupying large quantities of land resources and causing secondary pollution to the environment. The proper treatment and reduction of high-salinity wastewater (e.g., high-salinity mine water and high-salinity water from the coal chemical industry) represent a key link in the achievement of zero liquid discharge. However, existing technologies for high-salinity wastewater treatment are generally confronted with issues such as great initial investment and high operation costs of the treatment engineering. …

Spatiotemporal Evolutionary Patterns Of The Hydrochemistry Of Jurassic Conglomerate Aquifers Under The Influence Of Curtain Walls, Chen Luwang, Wu Minghui, Hou Xiaowei, Hu Yongsheng, Zhang Miao, Cai Xinyue, Yin Xiaoxi, Shi Xiaoping

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Curtain walls, recognized as a primary project for the prevention and control of water disasters in coal mines, will change the dynamic field of groundwater. Furthermore, their dissolution will affect the chemical field of groundwater, leading to variations in its hydrochemical composition. Methods This study investigated the Jurassic conglomerate aquifers in the Zhuxianzhuang Coal Mine, Huaibei coal field. Based on the statistics of conventional hydrochemical composition, Piper diagrams, ion combination proportions, and principal component analysis (PCA), this study explored the impacts of curtain walls on the hydrochemistry of the aquifers and determined the spatiotemporal hydrochemical evolutionary patterns under the …

Characteristics Of Cenozoic Volcanic Edifices In The Pingnan Area, Xihu Sag, Sun Naiquan, Jiang Donghui, Pan Jie, Gao Yang, Pu Renhai, Dong Xinxu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Significance Igneous rocks are well-developed in the southern Pinghu slope zone, Xihu Sag, East China Sea Shelf Basin. In this zone, the increased local geotemperature caused by magmatic activity produced significant impacts on the thermal evolution of source rocks and the formation of secondary pores in sandstone reservoirs and also serves as a significant indicator of regional tectonic movements, thus holding great significance for understanding the regional geological history. Objective and Methods This study aims to determine the formation stages and distribution patterns of igneous rocks as the cap rocks in the southern Pinghu slope zone. Using previous study results …

Glacial Lakes Outburst Susceptibility And Risk In The Eastern Himalayas Using Analytical Hierarchy Process And Backpropagation Neural Network Models, Sandeep Kumar Mondal, Jyotindra Narayan, Chitesh Sharma, Rishikesh Bharti, Santosha Kumar Dwivedy, Pinaki Roy Chowdhury

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The Himalayan cryosphere is dynamic, and changing climate conditions threaten breach of glacial lakes. A number of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) occurred in the Himalayas in the recent past, affecting people and infrastructures. Assessment of high-altitude glacial lakes is required to avoid associated hazards and mitigate the impacts. In this study, we have made an inventory of naturally formed lakes within the Sikkim Himalayas, including Nepal, Bhutan, and China, and discussed the GLOF susceptibility. A total of 399 lakes have been identified, out of which 281 lakes have an areal coverage greater than 0.01 Km2. Monitoring temporal changes shows …

Can Trichoderma Spp. Contribute To The Bioremediation And Biostimulation Of Plants In Soil Contaminated With Herbicides?, Elaine Damiani Conte, Elton José Da Rosa, Gabriel Rieth Silvestrini, Daiane Da Silva Motta, Christiane Fernandes De Oliveira, Carine Cocco, Gabriel Fernandes Pauletti, Taísa Dal Magro, Joséli Schwambach

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

This work aimed to evaluate the potential of Trichoderma spp. in the bioremediation of herbicides and biostimulation of plants in herbicide-contaminated soils. In the first phase, the experiment followed a completely randomized design in a 4 × 3 × 4 factorial scheme with five replications, four strains of Trichoderma spp., three herbicides, and four herbicide doses. The mycelial growth speed index (MGSI) of Trichoderma spp. was obtained by growing it in a Petri dish with PDA associated with different doses of herbicides and evaluated every 24 h for 10 days. Results indicated the selection ofTrichoderma harzianumT1A to continue …

Geospatial Machine Learning Approaches For Studying Urbanization Impact, Surface Reflectance Patterns, And Groundwater Health Risks, Bibhash Nath

Theses and Dissertations

Geospatial machine learning techniques have been used to study: the impact of urbanization on land use and land cover change, surface reflectance patterns in boreal regions, and groundwater health risks from arsenic in India. These studies combined spatial data, remote sensing, and predictive models to gain valuable insights for sustainable living and protecting human health.

Investigating Drivers In Phytoplankton Between Lentic And Lotic Ecosystems Within Twelvepole Creek Watershed, Devin Lee Farmer

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) threaten aquatic ecosystems, local economies, and water quality. While extensively studied in lakes (lentic systems), their impact on flowing waters (lotic systems) remains underexplored. This study examined algal drivers in both ecosystems within the same watershed, focusing on Beech Fork Lake (lentic) and Twelve Pole Creek (lotic). Key environmental factors, including pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient levels, were measured using in situ sensors and laboratory analysis. Water samples were analyzed for nitrogen, phosphorus, and algal biomass for comparison to environmental conditions. Phytoplankton was preserved for identification in future research. By comparing these environments, this study …

Influence Of Biochar On Rooting And Establishment Of Chamaecyparis And Thuga Species, Megan Mudd

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study investigated the effects of biochar amendment on the rooting and establishment of evergreen propagules, thus addressing the critical need for improved nutrient use efficiency and water retention in containerized substrates within the horticulture and floriculture industry. Biochar, a product of biomass pyrolysis, offers promising potential due to its high porosity and surface area, which contribute to enhanced soil fertility and water retention. Two experiments were conducted, one in a greenhouse and the other in a cold frame, using cuttings from Chamaecyparis obtusa, Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Vintage Gold’, and Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald Green’. Treatments included varying percentages of biochar …

Caves, Calculus, And Climate Change: Measuring And Modeling The Discharge Of Biz Falls In Mammoth Cave National Park, Ava Lich

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Climate change poses a significant global challenge, with increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide as a primary driver of rising temperatures and environmental disruptions. Karst systems, such as those in South-Central Kentucky, play a role in sequestering atmospheric CO₂ through the dissolution of limestone, a process that forms unique landscapes while mitigating climate impacts. This study investigates the discharge dynamics of Cascade River in Great Onyx Cave to enhance understanding of the relationship between hydrology and carbon sequestration in karst environments. A barrel weir equipped with pressure transducers was employed to collect and measure water flow, and Torricelli’s law was …

The Influence Of Glacial Topography On Fluvial Efficiency In The Teton Range, Wyoming (Usa), Sarah E. Johnson, Meredith Swallom, J. Ryan Thigpen, Michael M. Mcglue, Jason M. Dortch, Sean Gallen, Edward W. Woolery, Kevin M. Yeager

Earth and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications

This study examines the role of topography as a dynamic boundary condition that limits the efficiency of fluvial erosion in the post-glacial Teton Range landscape. The volume of sediment currently stored in two major catchments was estimated using high-resolution LiDAR and geometric reconstructions of depth to bedrock. Seismic reflection data in Moran Bay reveals post-glacial sediment preserved behind a submerged moraine, which isolates the bay from the larger Jackson Lake depocenter. The volume of post-glacial sediment stored in the canyons and bay totals 173.82 ± 19.5336.0 (×10−3 km3), which translates to a catchment-wide sediment production rate of 0.17 ± 0.02 …

Geological And Environmental Sciences - 2025, Dept. Of Geological And Environmental Sciences

Geological and Environmental Sciences News

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Assessing The Dallas-Fort Worth Urban Microclimate And Surface Ozone Variability Under Differing Drought Conditions, Patrick Sumner

Earth & Environmental Sciences Theses - Archive

The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in North Central Texas is the 4^th largest and fastest growing region in the United States. In this study, the response of the urban microclimate and ozone levels to drought conditions will be assessed. The urban heat island (UHI), defined as the temperature difference between an urban and rural weather station, was filtered for low wind speeds (≤ 3 m s^-1). An in-depth analysis of the UHI at 1200 CST was done from 2008-2023 to identify trends. A significant correlation exists between the Palmer drought severity index and the UHI at 1200 CST, …

Investigating Woody Vegetation Recruitment Post Riparian Enhancement Extraction Along The Baduwa't, Rize Martins De Oliveira, Wiley Hughes, Owen Lenox

Forestry, Fire, & Rangeland Management Senior Capstones

The Baduwa’t River in Humboldt County, California, faces a legacy of channelization, poor land management, and severe flooding that has left high, dry floodplain terraces disconnected from the river and dominated by invasive vegetation. In response to sediment deficits during drought years, Riparian Enhancement Extractions (REEs) were introduced as an alternative gravel mining method that simultaneously presented opportunities for habitat restoration. This study evaluates five REEs along the Baduwa’t to identify the construction features and site conditions that promote successful riparian vegetation establishment. Findings show that REEs can create seasonal wetlands conducive to native riparian habitat reestablishment, when excavation is …

Water Quality And Microplastic Contamination In An Urbanizing City Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, Boonyarak Chuanchit

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Microplastics (MPs) are synthetic polymer particles less than 5 mm in size that originate from both primary manufacturing and the breakdown of larger plastics. Extensive studies have examined their occurrence in other environments, while little is known about their presence and behavior in groundwater, especially in urbanizing regions in Southeast Asia. This study investigates the occurrence and abundance of microplastics within groundwater systems of Nakhon Pathom, an urbanizing province in central Thailand.

Groundwater was collected representing shallow and deep aquifers between May 2023 and May 2025. The analyses included physical-chemical parameters, major ions, heavy metals, and microplastic abundance and composition. …

Spatiotemporal Economic Impact Analysis Of The Taal Volcano Eruption Using Electricity Consumption And Nighttime Light Data, Ma Flordeliza P. Del Castillo, Toshio Fujimi, Hirokazu Tatano

SOSE Affiliate: Manila Observatory

Analyzing the spatiotemporal dimension of the economic impacts of disasters is critical for providing timely and proportionate support. However, traditional economic impact measures often lack spatiotemporal details. Hence, we estimated the daily electricity consumption (EC) loss using high-frequency EC data and analyzed temporal dimensions of the immediate impacts of Taal Volcano’s eruption on January 12, 2020. Subsequently, we computed the nighttime light (NTL) change using high-resolution NTL data to analyze the spatial distribution of these impacts. The temporal analysis revealed two EC loss peaks. The first peak coincided with the power outage and decreased energy demand, followed by a brief …

The Effects Of Return To Prairie In Barber County, Kansas: A Case Study Using Ndvi And Dendrochronology, Elijah O. Joy

Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

This study aims to evaluate the impact of prairie restoration efforts in Barber County, Kansas, with a focus on removal of Eastern Red Cedar. Restoration effectiveness was assessed using remote sensing of satellite scenes via NDVI, density analysis, and dendrochronological methods. The tree density analysis revealed a 66% reduction across the study area and a 99% reduction in the fully restored zones. NDVI analysis from 2010 to 2024 showed higher summer vegetation health and seasonal fluctuations influenced by climate variability and fire events. Dendrochronological data from tree cores reveals growth patterns and establishes a baseline for future dendrochronological chronologies. The …

Restoring Rattlesnake Creek: Using Citizen Science To Assess The Ecological And Morphological Impacts Of Dam Removal In Western Montana, Bethany Blakey

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

As dam removals increase in frequency across the U.S., most research has focused on the impact of larger dam removals, despite the removal of small dams being much more common. Given the hundreds of small dams in Montana, this research uses citizen science data collected over eight years spanning before and after a 2020 small dam removal in Rattlesnake Creek, Montana, to investigate impact on stream ecology and morphology. We analyzed pebble count grain size distributions and aquatic macroinvertebrate biotic indices from 2017 to 2024 to assess changes in sediment transport and macroinvertebrate population as well as evaluate the efficacy …

Multi-Scale Analysis Of Karst Aquifer Vulnerability To Climate Change And Contamination Processes, Shishir Sarker

Theses and Dissertations--Earth and Environmental Sciences

Karst aquifers represent some of the world’s most productive yet vulnerable groundwater systems, supplying freshwater to approximately 10% of the global population across 15% of Earth’s ice-free land surface. Their distinctive hydrological characteristics— including rapid recharge, preferential flow paths, and limited natural filtration— create unique vulnerabilities to both climate variability and contamination that pose significant challenges for sustainable water resource management. This dissertation presents a comprehensive multi-scale analysis of karst aquifer vulnerability through three interconnected studies that examine climate change impacts, microbial contamination dynamics, and contaminant transport processes across diverse geographic and hydrogeologic settings.

Chapter two investigates climate change impacts …