Earth Sciences Commons^™

Common Midpoint Gather Constraint-Based Impedance Inversion Of Ground Penetrating Radar, Dai Qianwei, Ning Xiaobin, Zhang Bin

Coal Geology & Exploration

GPR impedance inversion is an effective method to obtain accurately the intrinsic parameters of the subsurface medium. This method relies on low frequency information provided by logging data, but it is rarely accompanied by drilling in practical applications. To solve the problem, the common midpoint velocity analysis is employed to provide more low frequency component information for impedance inversion of GPR to finely reconstruct the dielectric parameter of subsurface in the framework of velocity-constrained inversion technique. Firstly, a layer model is specifically set up as an example to verify the feasibility of the developed velocity- constrained inversion to regulate the …

Climate Change Impacts The Subsurface Transport Of Atrazine And Estrone Originating From Agricultural Production Activities, Renys Enrique Barrios, Simin Akbariyeh, Chuyang Liu, Khalid Muzamil Gani, Margarita T. Kovalchuk, Xu Li, Yusong Li, Daniel D. Snow, Zhenghong Tang, John Gates, Shannon L. Bartelt-Hunt

Nebraska Water Center: Faculty Publications

Climate change will impact soil properties such as soil moisture, organic carbon and temperature and changes in these properties will influence the sorption, biodegradation and leaching of trace organic contaminants to groundwater. In this study, we conducted a modeling case study to evaluate atrazine and estrone transport in the subsurface under current and future climate conditions at a field site in central Nebraska. According to the modeling results, in the future, enhanced evapotranspiration and increased average air temperature may cause drier soil conditions, which consequently reduces the biodegradation of atrazine and estrone in the water phase. On the other hand, …

A Hydrometeorological Assessment Of The Historic 2019 Flood Of Nebraska, Iowa, And South Dakota, Paul Xavier Flanagan, Rezaul Mahmood, Natalie Umphlett, Erin M.K. Haacker, Chittaranjan Ray, Bill Sorensen, Martha Shulski, Crystal J. Stiles, David Pearson, Paul Fajman

High Plains Regional Climate Center: Staff Publications

During early 2019, a series of events set the stage for devastating floods in eastern Nebraska, western Iowa, and southeastern South Dakota. When the floodwaters hit, dams and levees failed, cutting off towns, while destroying roads, bridges, and rail lines, further exacerbating the crisis. Lives were lost and thousands of cattle were stranded. Estimates indicate that the cost of the flooding has topped $3 billion as of August 2019, with this number expected to rise.

After a warm and wet start to winter, eastern Nebraska, western Iowa, and southeastern South Dakota endured anomalously low temperatures and record-breaking snowfall. By March …

Storm Surges In The Bohai Sea: The Role Of Waves And Tides, Yuanyi Li, Huan Feng, Guillaume Vigouroux, Dekui Yuan, Guangyu Zhang, Xiaodi Ma, Kun Lei

Department of Earth and Environmental Studies Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

A storm surge is a complex phenomenon in which waves, tide and current interact. Even though wind is the predominant force driving the surge, waves and tidal phase are also important factors that influence the mass and momentum transport during the surge. Devastating storm surges often occur in the Bohai Sea, a semi-enclosed shallow sea in North China, due to extreme storms. However, the effects of waves on storm surges in the Bohai Sea have not been quantified and the mechanisms responsible for the higher surges that affect part of the Bohai Sea have not been thoroughly studied. In this …

A Comparison Of Fuel Reduction Methods For Wildfire Risk Management And Climate Change Resiliency In Mixed Conifer Forests In The Sierra Nevada, Heather Navle

Master's Projects and Capstones

Wildfires in the mixed conifer forests of California’s Sierra Nevada have been a common and natural disturbance for thousands of years, historically occurring every 3 to 30 years. The flora and fauna of the mixed conifer forest have evolved to depend on low to moderate severity wildfires for reproduction, foraging, and habitat. However, the Sierra Nevada has experienced dramatic environmental changes over the past ~150 years as a result of three main factors: wildfire suppression, climate change, and habitat loss. Because of the threat wildfires pose to human lives, property and timber harvest, they have been suppressed to an extent …

Zenneck Waves In Decision Agriculture: An Empirical Verification And Application In Em-Based Underground Wireless Power Transfer, Usman Raza, Abdul Salam

Computer Information Technology Faculty Publications

In this article, the results of experiments for the observation of Zenneck surface waves in sub GHz frequency range using dipole antennas are presented. Experiments are conducted over three different soils for communications distances of up to 1 m. This empirical analysis confirms the existence of Zenneck waves over the soil surface. Through the power delay profile (PDP) analysis, it has been shown that other subsurface components exhibit rapid decay as compared to the Zenneck waves. A potential application of the Zenneck waves for energy transmission in the area of decision agriculture is explored. Accordingly, a novel wireless through-the-soil power …

Shifting Public Perception: Climate Change Means Living With Fire And Smoke, Robert Froembling

Seattle Journal of Technology, Environmental, & Innovation Law

The urgency to prepare for the climate crisis has never been greater. We are currently living in the sixth mass extinction and the effects are only going to accelerate. We will inherit more wildfires, larger wildfires, and more frequent wildfires.

This piece is not meant to stoke fear in its readers or be depressing, but to shift public perception on what our future holds by evaluating the laws and science presented to us. This piece will look at regional and federal regulations and assess the increased rate of forest fires and the grave public health concerns from stagnant smoke specifically …

Building Adaptive Capacity In Tribal Communities Of The Missouri River Basin To Manage Drought And Climate Extremes: A Case Study From The Wind River Indian Reservation, Crystal J. Stiles, Natalie Umphlett, Mitch Cottenoir

High Plains Regional Climate Center: Staff Publications

Native American peoples of the Northern and Central Plains have long endured harsh climate conditions, such as floods and droughts, and they possess valuable traditional knowledges that have enhanced their resilience to these extreme events. However, in recent times, limited capacity to adapt to a rapidly changing climate combined with a lack of resources have increased tribes’ vulnerability to climate extremes and their associated impacts. In response, a number of projects have been developed to assist tribes with their self-identified climate- and drought-related needs, particularly in the context of on-reservation decision-making. In this case study, we present an engagement strategy …

Year Long Water Quality Analysis Of White Horn Brook, Kevin Dyer

Senior Honors Projects

KEVIN DYER (Marine Biology)

Year-long Analysis of the Water Quality of White Horn Brook

Sponsor: Thomas Boving (Geological Sciences)

Water is the foundation for all life on earth and is the most vital resource on this planet. Despite this, oceans and waterways all over the world are being polluted and exploited in ways detrimental to their fundamental hydrologic functions. For instance, excess nitrate levels can lead to eutrophication which gives rise to harmful algae blooms. Low pH can cause the breakdown of CaCO3 exoskeletons of organisms, such mollusks. High temperature variations are major stressors to living things and can cause …

Applications Of Digital Remote Sensing To Quantify Glacier Change In Glacier And Mount Rainier National Parks, Brianna Clark

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Digital remote sensing and geographic information systems were employed in performing area and volume calculations on glacial landscapes. Characteristics of glaciers from two geographic regions, the Intermountain Region (between the Rocky Mountain and Cascade Ranges) and the Pacific Northwest, were estimated for the years 1985, 2000, and 2015. Glacier National Park was studied for the Intermountain Region whereas Mount Rainier National Park was representative of the glaciers in the Pacific Northwest. Within the thirty year period of the study, the glaciers in Glacier National Park decreased in area by 27.5 percent while those on Mount Rainier only decreased by 5.7 …

Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Emissions And Ammonia Volatilization From Soil Amended With Excreta From Ruminants Fed Alternative Forage-Based Diets, Samuel Park

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Forage-based ruminant diets supplemented with condensed tannins or polyphenolic-containing legumes may alter nitrogen (N) metabolism in the animal and reduce gas emissions from soil receiving excreta. The objective of the study was to determine if soil receiving urine or manure from sheep fed forage diets supplemented with condensed tannin or polyphenolic-containing legumes would decrease N gas emissions. Two field trials were conducted: in the first trial, sheep were fed alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) silage diets supplemented with 0, 9, 18, or 27% sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneate [Dumont de Courset] G. Don) (n = 4). In the second trial sheep were …

Analyzing The Effects Of Of Seasonal Land Cover And Precipitation On The Sediment Delivery Ratio Of An Agriculture Dominated Watershed., Jonah Liebman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Soil erosion is of escalating importance as increasing population and climate change have put increasing pressures on agricultural food production. Vegetation and precipitation are two factors that control the amount of soil erosion extant within a region. Sediment delivery ratios (SDRs) assess the ratio of soil eroded from a watershed system that is permanently removed from the system through stream sediment discharge. Using 1) river discharge and sediment concentration data and 2) the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), this thesis analyzes fluctuations in monthly SDRs for an average hydroclimatological crop-harvest season for the Senachwine Creek watershed, IL. Through calculating …

Sediment Outflow Under Simulated Rainfall Conditions With Varying Geotechnical Properties, Pranjay Joshi, Akhilesh Kumar, P. V. Singh, Jahangeer Jahangeer

Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute: Faculty Publications

The vulnerability of soil toward erosion might be reduced by having a good vegetative cover over the soil surface, slope improvement, and improving soil properties so that it is not easily detached and transported. However, the establishment of proper vegetative cover is a long process because it takes time for seeds to germinate and attain maturity. As an alternative approach, if soil resistance was increased by increasing the shear strength of soil against erosive forces offered by eroding agents, the soil system would become capable of withstanding the detachment of its particles on the application of shear stress. To achieve …

Earth Observation And Cloud Computing In Support Of Two Sustainable Development Goals For The River Nile Watershed Countries, Wenzhao Li, Hesham El-Askary, Venkat Lakshmi, Thomas Piechota, Daniele Struppa

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

In September 2015, the members of United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with universal applicability of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets. The SDGs are consequential for the development of the countries in the Nile watershed, which are affected by water scarcity and experiencing rapid urbanization associated with population growth. Earth Observation (EO) has become an important tool to monitor the progress and implementation of specific SDG targets through its wide accessibility and global coverage. In addition, the advancement of algorithms and tools deployed in cloud computing platforms provide an equal opportunity to use EO …

Key Technology For Rapidly Drilling Large Diameter Destressing-Drillhole In Rockburst Coal Seam, Wei Hongchao, Wang Yi, Wang Bo

Coal Geology & Exploration

In order to improve the hole forming rate and construction efficiency of large diameter destressing-drillhole in rockburst mine, based on the analysis of the stress characteristics of coal rock in rockburst coal mine, the dynamic instability characteristics of destressing-drillhole and the construction features, the key points for drilling large diameter destressing-drillhole, the efficient discharge of cuttings and fast drilling/lifting were proposed. Combining with the discharge of cuttings method by dual-power, the technology and equipment for rapidly drilling large diameter destressing-drillhole in rockburst coal seam were formed finally after the design and optimization of key equipment, drilling tools, technology and drilling …

Foam Drilling Technology And Application For Broken Soft Coal Seam In Underground Coal Mine, Ji Qianhui, Dong Mengmeng, Liu Jianlin, Shi Lei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Aiming at the limitation of middle pressure air drilling for gas drainage in soft and broken coal seam, such as limited drill cutting removal capacity, and dust pollution, foam drilling technique research in underground coal mines was carried out. CFD simulation of the flow field during the drilling process was conducted to obtain the optimized drilling tool structure parameters for efficient drill cutting transportation. Optimal structural parameters of wide-blade milled auger drill rod with the number of heads 3, the groove width 26 mm, and the pitch 110 mm were determined. A foam perfusion system suitable for underground coal mining …

Distribution And Resource Prospect Of Metal Ore Spots(Deposits) In Coal Of Different Coal-Forming Ages In Northern China, Ning Shuzheng, Huang Shaoqing, Zhang Li, Huang Wenhui, Cao Daiyong, Yuan Jianjiang, Zhang Jianqiang, Zhu Shifei, Yan Deyu, Liu Kang

Coal Geology & Exploration

In some cases, metals such as germanium, gallium, lithium and rare earth elements can be enriched in coal, which is an important potential source of these metals. There are abundant coal resources in northern China, and a large number of coal-metal ore spots(deposits) have been found, and the distribution of these ore spots(deposits) shows certain temporal and spatial characteristics: Metals in Permo-Carboniferous coal occur mainly as gallium and lithium-enriched ore spots, mainly are distributed in the northern coalfields of North China coal bearing regions and mining areas such as Pingshuo and Jincheng in Shanxi Province; the metal enrichment in Early-Middle …

Causes Of Anomaly Of Rare Earth Elements Of Seam 2 Of Yan’An Formation In The Northern Margin Of Ordos Basin And Its Geological Significance, Yang Yi, Lyu Dawei, Zhang Jianqiang, Wu Dun

Coal Geology & Exploration

The cause of rare earth elements(REE) anomalies in No.2 coal seam of the Yan’an Formation in the northern margin of the Ordos basin has been controversial. This paper takes Dahaize coal mine, Yulin area with well developed No.2 coal as an example to analyze REE, mineralogical characteristics of coal and partings, and to reveal the causes of anomaly of REE by Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry(ICP-MS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM). The results show that the total rare earth element(∑REE) concentration in the coal samples ranges from 3.71 to 46.21 μg/g. Light rare earths elements(LREE, La-Eu) are more abundant than heavy …

Influencing Factors Of The Dynamic Permeability Of Cbm Reservoir And Cbm Well Drainage Control Measures, Wang Qing, Yang Fei, Gong Weicheng, Xu Tianxin, Li Yichao

Coal Geology & Exploration

The drainage and production control method has significant impact on the permeability of coalbed methane reservoir. Based on the main control factors of the permeability at different stages of drainage and production of coalbed methane wells, this paper puts forward targeted drainage and production countermeasures with the goal of improving the permeability. When the bottom-hole flow pressure was greater than the original reservoir pressure, the step-down velocity was between 0.08 and 0.1 MPa/d to reduce fracturing fluid and velocity-sensitive damage. When the bottom hole flow pressure was between reservoir pressure and desorption pressure, the pressure could be reduced at a …

Dynamic Evolution Law Of Water Accumulation Range In Coal Mining Subsidence Area With High-Level Groundwater, Chen Xiaoxie, Zhang Wentao, Zhu Xiaojun, Liu Hui, Zhang Min, Sun Aiguo, Yang Xiaoyu

Coal Geology & Exploration

In order to study the dynamic evolution law of the water accumulation range with high-level groundwater, the working face 1031 of Wugou coal mine was taken as the research area. Based on Landsat-8 remote sensing data, the evolution law of water accumulation range above working face 1031 during 2013-2017 was summarized and the influence of factors such as net rainfall, groundwater depth and working surface propulsion distance on the evolution of water accumulation range was analyzed. The concept of the boundary angle of the water accumulation range was proposed, and the functional relationship between the angle and the mining time …

Preparation Of Underwater Quick-Set And Expansion Polyurethane Grouting Material And Its Properties, Yang Zhu, Xue Ren, Wang Jun, Lan Zhili

Coal Geology & Exploration

Quick plugging and dynamic grouting technology under complex geologic conditions in mines is a technical problem in the field of grouting and one of the effective solutions is to develop new chemical grouting materials. Based on the reaction principle of polyurethane materials, we carried out the research and development on production formula of polyurethane grouting materials. By analyzing the polyurethane synthesis reaction temperature and the way of adding reagents as well as conducting contrast experiments on various auxiliaries and additives the best formula for the material was determined. It was found that the grouting material prepared by 4% nano silica …

Classification Of Hidden Faults In Coal Seam Floor And Measures For Water Inrush Prevention, Liu Zewei, Liu Qisheng, Liu Yang

Coal Geology & Exploration

The floor hidden faults with mine water bursting coefficient between 0.06 and 0.1 MPa/m have not been classified scientifically in combination with mining. Based on the characteristics of hidden faults in coal seam floor and the vertical relationship between the location of the top interface of the hidden fault and the " Three Underlying Belts", the hidden faults in coal seam floor are classified into three types: high, middle, and low from the perspective of mine water prevention of the floor. Through theoretical analysis and case analysis of water inrush, it is pointed out that the high hidden fault with …

Application Of Mjs Construction Method In Gravel Layer And Pile Forming Difference, Zhang Yan, Tian Zenglin, Cao Haidong, Dang Yakun, Wang Hai, Li Heping, Han Qiang

Coal Geology & Exploration

During the construction of water cutoff curtain in an open-pit coal mine in China, parts of the grouting groove couldnot be constructed due to many obstacles such as overhead high-voltage wire, buried optical cable and buried drainage pipe, and MJS construction method was chosen instead to build the cutoff curtain. The results of MJS pile tests show that the quality of piles formed by this method was obviously different in the construction area of gravel layer on the east and west sides. By the methods of geological exploration, gravity penetration test and pumping test, this paper makes a comparative analysis …

Mineralogical Characteristics And Genesis Of The Illite In Jurassic Coal Of The Jingxi Coalfield, North China, Huang Bo, Zheng Qiming, Shi Songlin

Coal Geology & Exploration

In order to study the indicating effect of illite for coalification and sedimentary environments, the Jurassic coal seam gangue in Jingxi coalfield of North China was taken as the research object. X-ray diffraction(XRD) and X-ray fluorescence(XRF) were used to determine the mineral composition and chemical composition of the gangue sandwiched in the coal seam gangue. The mineralogical characteristics and genesis of illite in the gangue were studied. The results indicated that the intra-seam partings are mainly composed of illite, chlorite and quartz, followed by small amount of calcite and albite. The illite has an average proportion of 62.92%. According to …

Changes Of Petrographic Characteristics And Quality Of Contact-Metamorphosed Coals In The Datong Coalfield, Ma Hongtao, Song Xiaoxia, Li Kaijie, Zhao Jingui, Zhang Tianguang, Liu Jianping

Coal Geology & Exploration

Igneous intrusions in the Datong coalfield caused a considerable amount of contact metamorphosed coal, reducing the industrial value of coal. The effect of a dike in roadway 5222 in Tashan coal mine was determined from analysis of 16 samples collected near the intrusive body. Microscopic and macroscopic observation, proximate and ultimate analysis were used to determine the petrographic characteristics. The results demonstrate that contact-metamorphosed coal experienced significant thermal alteration during intrusive event. Microscopically, various natural coke microstructures, such as mosaic structure, flow structure and pyrolytic carbon were formed under excess heat; instant heating for coals resulted in the elevation of …

Creep Acoustic Emission And Fractal Characteristics Of Coal Rock Under High Temperature Pre-Damage, Shi Hongcai

Coal Geology & Exploration

The thermal damage and triaxial creep acoustic emission experiments of coal samples at different temperatures were carried out to investigate and analyze the mechanical characteristics of coal and rock after high temperature pre-damage. The results show that the thermal damage of coal and rock increases exponentially with the increase of temperature; the brittle-ductile failure characteristics of coal and rock appear at lower temperature(≤200℃) and the accelerated creep characteristics are not obvious; the brittle-brittle failure characteristics of coal and rock appear at higher temperature(＞200℃) and the accelerated creep characteristics are more obvious; the value of steady creep rate is between pre-damage …

Directional Drilling Technology And Equipment Of Pneumatic Screw Motor In Soft Seam, Zhang Jie, Wang Yi, Huang Hanjing

Coal Geology & Exploration

Aiming at the drilling problems of shallow depth, uncontrollable trajectory and blind area of extraction in soft coal seam, the directional drilling technology of pneumatic screw motor was invented, and the directional drilling equipment consisting of pneumatic screw motor, narrow structure directional drilling rig and MWD system were formed. The air directional drilling technology and hole-completion technology were studied and developed. The technology of drilling and hole-completion solves the problem of long-distance safe drilling and hole protection of directional drilling along soft coal seam. The technology has been successfully tested in a coal mine, Huainan, with 30 test boreholes with …

Numerical Simulation Of Propagation Law Of Pore-Fracture Under Uniaxial Stress, Guo Xiucheng

Coal Geology & Exploration

in order to study the law of crack propagation under different pore-fracture conditions, the crack propagation process, acoustic emission law and stress-strain curve under different crack inclination angle and different heterogeneous coefficient were numerically simulated by using RFPA software. At the same time, the results are compared with the experimental results. The results show that the cracks of the intact specimen are produced along the shear direction, while the cracks of the specimens with pores occur along the side of the crack tip and the orifice. The secondary cracks in horizontal direction and bifurcation at the prefabricated crack tip or …

Joint Correction Method Of Errors Of Mwd Inclinometer In Underground Coal Mine, Qiao Meiying, Wang Bo, Xiao Xuejun, Xu Chengkuan, Yan Shuhao

Coal Geology & Exploration

In order to reduce the error of measuring the drilling attitude angle parameter of MWD inclinometer in coal mine, a mathematical model of error compensation based on recursive least squares was established, the joint correction method of ellipsoid fitting method, dot product invariance method and rotation plane fitting method were used in the error compensation correction for MWD inclinometer. Numerical simulation experiment and double-axis turntable experiment were carried out on the developed MWD inclinometer, error compensation correction of experimental data was conducted with joint correction method, the maximum absolute errors of pitch angle and azimuth angle before correction are 4.7° …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.