Earth Sciences Commons^™

Groundwater System Characterisation: Fortescue Alluvial Fan, Michael J. Donn, Olga V. Barron, Axel Suckow, Chris Turnadge, John A. Simons, Robert J. Paul, Christopher Schelfhout Dr

Natural resources commissioned reports

This report focuses on groundwater system characterisation in the region north of Newman, based on analysis of pre-existing data and data newly acquired during project activities. Groundwater system characterisation was an important research component supporting the assessment of managed aquifer recharge opportunities, using mine dewatering surplus generated (due to mining below the watertable) at large BHP Billiton Iron Ore operations in the eastern Pilbara mining zone, and aiming to support irrigated agriculture. The assessment area is located north of Ethel Gorge and covers the Upper Fortescue River floodplain and surroundings. The project added much knowledge to this largely ‘data-poor’ region, …

Transforming Agriculture In The Pilbara: Newman Managed Aquifer Recharge (Mar) Feasibility Assessment, Michael J. Donn, Joanne L. Vanderzalm, Olga V. Barron

Natural resources commissioned reports

In the Newman region, DPIRD commissioned an assessment of the potential for managed aquifer recharge (MAR) near Newman using surplus water resulting from mine dewatering as the water supply for irrigated agriculture. The objectives of the MAR assessment were to:

• identify focus area for MAR feasibility assessment within the initial larger area of interest for MAR
• assess the viability of MAR with mine dewater near Newman to support development of irrigated agriculture, in keeping with national and state MAR guidelines
• identify key risks associated with MAR with mine dewater for irrigation supply, and identify knowledge/investigation required to adequately assess risks …

Water Efficiency & Sustainability In The Mountain West, 2022, Zachary Billot, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Environment

This fact sheet analyzes the effectiveness of state-level policies related to water usage, conservation, and sustainability for the Mountain West states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah in 2022. The original data are published in the “2022 State Policy Scorecard for Water Efficiency and Sustainability” report written by the Alliance for Water Efficiency.

Examining The Corn Seedling Emergence–Temperature Relationship For Recent Hybrids: Insights From Experimental Studies, Sahila Beegum, Charles Hunt Walne, Krishna N. Reddy, Vangimalla Reddy, Kambham Raja Reddy

Nebraska Water Center: Faculty Publications

Corn seedling emergence is a critical factor affecting crop yields. Accurately predicting emergence is crucial for precise crop growth and development simulation in process-based crop models. While various experimental studies have investigated the relationship between corn seedling emergence and temperature, there remains a scarcity of studies focused on newer corn hybrids. In the present study, statistical models (linear and quadratic functional relationships) are developed based on the seedling emergence of ten current corn hybrids, considering soil and air temperatures as influencing factors. The data used for model development are obtained from controlled soil plant atmospheric research chamber experiments focused on …

Analysis Of Wastewater Samples To Explore Community Substance Use In The United States: Pilot Correlative And Machine Learning Study, Marie A. Severson, Sathaporn Onanong, Alexandra Dolezal, Shannon L. Bartelt-Hunt, Daniel D. Snow, Lisa M. Mcfadden

Nebraska Water Center: Faculty Publications

Background: Substance use disorder and associated deaths have increased in the United States, but methods for detecting and monitoring substance use using rapid and unbiased techniques are lacking. Wastewater-based surveillance is a cost-effective method for monitoring community drug use. However, the examination of the results often focuses on descriptive analysis.

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore community substance use in the United States by analyzing wastewater samples. Geographic differences and commonalities of substance use were explored.

Methods: Wastewater was sampled across the United States (n=12). Selected drugs with misuse potential, prescriptions, and over-the-counter drugs …

A New Physics-Informed Method For The Fracability Evaluation Of Shale Oil Reservoirs, Li Yuwei, Li Zijian, Shao Lifei, Tian Fuchun, Tang Jizhou

Coal Geology & Exploration

The accurate evaluation of reservoir fracability is an essential prerequisite for the fracturing design and post-fracturing productivity evaluation of reservoirs. Rock mechanical parameters have been applied to the fracability evaluation of shales presently, exhibiting great field application performance. Accordingly, it is crucial to obtain accurate rock mechanical parameters. This study developed a physics-informed neural network (PINN) model. Driven by data and physical information, the PINN model can accurately predict rock mechanical parameters using only a small amount of data. To verify its performance, the PINN model was compared with the artificial neural network, random forest, and XGBoost models. The comparison …

An Attention Mechanism-Based Cnn-Bilstm Real-Time Transient Electromagnetic Method, Gu Yao, Xie Haijun, Zhou Zipeng, Li Lu

Coal Geology & Exploration

The one-dimensional transient electromagnetic (TEM) method is time-consuming and suffers other drawbacks such as difficult parameter adjustment and heavy dependence on the initial model. Therefore, this study proposed a real-time TEM inversion method—the Attention mechanism-based convolutional neural network (CNN) - bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) (AC-BiLSTM). By fully utilizing the time difference, the AC-BiLSTM performed model training in non-observation time and the real-time inversion of the collected data in observation time. With the measured data mixed with a certain proportion of data obtained from forward modeling as the dataset, the sampling time and apparent resistivity as the input features in …

Research Progress Of Rotary Steerable System And Its Control Methods, Li Wei, Mou Lei, Zhou Xiancheng, Tan Xianhui, Fu Quan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Rotary steerable system is a shining pearl in directional drilling technology and an important technical means to realize the low-cost and efficient development of oil and gas resources. First of all, the basic structure of the rotary steerable system was introduced. According to the different steering modes and bias effects, the rotary steerable system is divided into five categories: static push-the-bit type, dynamic push-the-bit type, static pointing type, dynamic point-the-bit type and mixed type, for which the steering principle was analyzed one by one. Secondly, according to the research and application of rotary steerable system technology at home and abroad, …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

Gas Expansion Energy Of Coals With Different Metamorphic Degrees: Evolutionary Characteristics And Their Implications For The Outburst Prediction, Liu Gaofeng, Li Baolin, Zhang Zhen, Liu Huan, Guan Wenbo, Si Nian

Coal Geology & Exploration

To achieve an elevated accuracy in the prediction of coal and gas outbursts, this study conducted mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) tests and isotherm adsorption experiments on selected six coal samples with different metamorphic degrees. Furthermore, it calculated the gas expansion energy of coals and analyzed the evolutionary characteristics of the gas expansion energy of coals with different metamorphic degrees, as well as their relationships with the prediction indices of coal and gas outbursts. The results of this study are as follows: (1) The differences in the pore structures and adsorptivity of coals with different metamorphic degrees led to different …

Water-Blocking Performance Of Laterite In Weak Deposition Areas Of Neogene Baode Formation And Its Significance Of Resource Exploitation, Zeng Yifan, Bao Han, Wu Qiang, Meng Shihao, Hua Zhaolai, Miao Yanping, Zhang Ye, Bu Wenyang

Coal Geology & Exploration

The in-depth study on the water-blocking performance of laterite in the weak deposition areas of the key aquiclude is of significant importance for mine production safety and ecological water resource protection. Specifically, the borehole data were re-optimized based on the regional sedimentary characteristics, the thickness distribution pattern of laterite deposit in Yushen mining area was studied, and the micro-engineering characteristics and control factors related to the water-blocking performance of laterite were explored. The results show that the deposition thickness of laterite gradually increases from northwest to southeast, the distribution of laterite becomes extremely uneven with the evolution of rivers, and …

Prediction Of Rockburst Intensity Grade Based On Convolutional Neural Network, Li Kangnan, Wu Yaqin, Du Feng, Zhang Xiang, Wang Yiqiao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Rockburst is one of the urgent problems to be addressed in the process of deep resource extraction. In order to predict the rockburst disasters safely and efficiently, a rockburst intensity grade prediction model (MICE-CNN) based on the Multiple Imputation by Chained Equations (MICE) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) was proposed. Specifically, a predictive indicator system was established based on the main influencing factors and the acquisition conditions of rockburst. A total of 120 sets of raw data from rockburst cases were collected, with the outliers processed by pauta criterion. Then, the missing data were interpolated with the four interpolation models …

Status And Development Of Intelligent Drilling Tools For Coal Mine, Gao Xiaoliang

Coal Geology & Exploration

As an important part of intelligent drilling, the intelligence of drilling tool system plays a crucial role in the intelligent development of coal mine underground drilling. In order to deeply explore the development direction of intelligent drilling tools, the research results and technical characteristics of intelligent drilling tools in coal mines were systematically sorted out from the aspects of directional drilling tools, measurement while drilling (MWD) system, intelligent drilling pipes and drill bits with reference to the experience in development of oil and gas industry, and the existing shortcomings were also summarized. It is pointed out that screw motor is …

Methods For Estimating Carbon Emissions From Coals In Underground Mines: A Case Study Of The Western Fukang Mining Area, Peng Rendong, Wei Bo, Li Xin, Zhang Ji, Zhang Zizhao, Wang Bo, Zhang Na, Cui Deguang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Carbon emissions have come into sharp focus of human society. The carbon emissions from coals rank as the most predominant part of China’s total carbon emissions. Presently, there is no available study on the accurate calculation of carbon emissions from coals in typical underground mines in Xinjiang, with the CH₄ emission even overlooked. This study centers on the carbon emissions from coals in underground mines in the western Fukang mining area. As per the occurrence laws of CH₄ and CO₂ in coal seams, as well as coal mining plans, this study classified the sources of carbon emissions …

A Method For Identifying Faults Within Mining Faces Based On Spatial Statistics, Feng Yajie, Wen Guangchao, Wu Bingjie, Hu Zudong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Minor faults within mining faces of coal mines severely affect gas drainage and coal seam mining. Accurately identifying parameters such as positions, throws, and attitudes of these faults is of great significance for the safe production of coal mines. To effectively reduce gas emissions, prevent gas explosions, and exploit and utilize gas resources, many gas drainage holes have been drilled during the construction of coal mines, providing favorable engineering conditions for identifying minor faults within coal seams. Compared with the conventional fault identification methods, which rely on the expertise of geologists, the identification model based on mathematical statistics and space …

An Improved Automated Testing Model For Maceral Groups In Coals Based On Deeplabv3+, Hu Jinwei, Xi Zhenghao, Xu Guozhong, Li Zhongfeng, Liu Xiang

Coal Geology & Exploration

The identification of maceral groups in coals plays a critical role in analyzing the chemical properties of coals. However, manual identification is laborious and requires high expertise. Existing computer-assisted identification methods, mostly adopting deep learning-based semantic segmentation models, fail to accurately identify maceral groups in coals due to complex compositions of microscopic coal images and the presence of transitional components. Therefore, this study proposed an improved DeeplabV3+ semantic segmentation model integrating the Swin Transformer backbone network and the SkNet. First, to deal with the challenge of feature extraction caused by the intertwined maceral groups and the presence of transitional components …

Discovery And Generation Mechanisms Of Epigenetic Biogenic H2S From Coal Seams In The Fukang Block, Southern Junggar Basin, China, Yan Peipei, Su Xianbo, Zou Chenglong, Zhao Weizhong, Wang Lufei, Fu Haijiao

Coal Geology & Exploration

In the Fukang block located in the eastern part of the southern Junggar Basin, coalbed methane (CBM) from CBM wells exhibits a gradually increasing H₂S concentration in the process of CBM production via water drainage, severely threatening production safety. Based on the CBM exploration and extraction data, as well as the anaerobic fermentation experiments, this study preliminarily investigated the causes of abnormal H₂S concentrations during the CBM production in the Fukang block. As indicated by the gas content test in the CBM exploration stage, the original CBM showed a low H₂S concentration of only …

Pfc Numerical Analysis On Crack Initiation Mechanism Of Fracture Grouting In Top Of Ordovician Limestone, Liu Zhaoxing, Zhang Qi

Coal Geology & Exploration

The advanced regional grouting is an effective means to prevent and control the water hazard of limestone in coal seam floor, and the fracture grouting projects is a key link to determine the effect of the grouting in floor against water hazard. However, due to the unclear understanding of the fracture initiation mechanism of the injected limestone stratum, the grouting pressure, grout water-cement ratio and other grouting parameters in the process of fracture grouting are not effectively controlled. Thus, it is difficult to guarantee the grouting effect. In order to solve the above problems, numerical simulation calculation was conducted for …

Water Inrush Mechanism Of Coal Mine Shaft Fracture Under Fluid-Solid Coupling, Xue Weipei, Shen Lei, Yao Zhishu, Cheng Hua, Rong Chuanxin

Coal Geology & Exploration

The occurrence of coal mine shaft fractures and water inrush accidents is alarmingly frequent, endangering the lives of underground personnel and compromising mine safety. To comprehend the influence of confined groundwater in the process of shaft fracture and the formation mechanism of water inrush channels, a model test was devised using similarity theory and coupled fluid-solid numerical simulation technology. The findings reveal that direct contact between the shaft lining and pressurized water hinders the development of load-bearing and deformation capacities. This is specifically evidenced by the premature appearance of the yield point, a reduction in peak strength and strain, and …

Zoned Prediction Of Water Inflow After Dewatering Of Working Face Based On Waterrichness Zoning Of Aquifer, Yang Lei, Lei Fangchao, Hou Enke, Lu Bo, Feng Dong, Zhao Kaixing

Coal Geology & Exploration

As the weathered bedrock and burned rock aquifers seriously threaten the production safety of mines in the Jurassic coalfield of northern Shaanxi Province, accurate prediction of their waterrichness and water inflow at the working face is of great significance for water control in mines. Aiming at the weathered bedrock and burned rock aquifers with close hydraulic connection, the area where working face 15217 of Shaanxi Hongliulin Coal Mine is located was taken as the study area. Meanwhile, the aquifer thickness, lithological combination index, index of rock burning and weathering degree and core recovery was taken as the evaluation indexes. The …

Numerical Model Of Two-Region Flow By Constant-Head Pumping In An Unconfined Aquifer, Shi Pengyu, Zong Yijie, Teng Kaiqing, Liu Jianjun, Xiao Liang

Coal Geology & Exploration

In order to reveal the mechanism of two-region Darcian and non-Darcian flow induced by constant-head pumping tests in unconfined aquifers, a numerical model of well flow by constant-head pumping underground based on finite difference solution was proposed. In the model, it is assumed that the aquifer is divided into two regions according to the pumping flow characteristics: the finite non-Darcian flow region near the pumping well and the semi-infinite Darcian flow region far away from the pumping well. Specifically, the flow regime in the non-Darcian flow region was simulated by the Izbash’s equation, and the reliability of the proposed solution …

Study On Mesoscopic Failure Characteristics Of Layered Red Shale, Ma Zhenqian, Zhou Lang, Zuo Yujun, Zhang Jimin, Zou Yihuai, Cao Yunqin

Coal Geology & Exploration

To study the mesoscopic failure characteristics of the layered red shale, uniaxial mechanical experiments were carried out by applying DSTD-1000 electro-hydraulic servo rigid pressure on the red shale with different bedding angles. Meanwhile, SEM and XRD experiments were implemented on debris to obtain its mechanical parameters, failure characteristics, microstructure, and relative content of components. Based on this, models of the red shale with different bedding angles were constructed using the discrete element PFC^3D for the uniaxial compression experiments to study the mesoscopic failure characteristics of red shale. The results show that: (1) When the bedding angle θ=30°, 45°, …

Numerical Simulations And Wavefield Analysis Of In-Seam Wave Advance Detection In Viscoelastic Media, He Dixiu, Ji Guangzhong, Jiao Wenjie, Zhang Yawei, Yu Kun

Coal Geology & Exploration

In-seam waves are commonly applied to the advance detection of hidden faults in front of mining faces. However, coal seams, which have viscoelasticity actually, imposing absorptive and attenuation effects on in-seam waves. To investigate the wave field characteristics and propagation patterns of in-seam waves in viscoelastic coal seam media, this study built a three-dimensional geological model of coal measures with faults based on Kelvin-Voigt’s first-order velocity-stress equation. Using this equation, three-dimensional finite-difference numerical simulation was carried out. The results indicate that (1) for reflected in-seam waves in viscoelastic media, which exhibit high energy attenuation, their propagation and attenuation characteristics are …

Manipulator Trajectory Planning Method Of Anchor Drilling Robot, Lei Mengyu, Zhang Xuhui, Yang Wenjuan, Dong Zheng, Wan Jicheng, Zhang Chao, Du Yuyang

Coal Geology & Exploration

In order to improve the support efficiency of coal mine roadway and the automation intelligence of heading face, an anchor drilling robot integrating the cantilever roadheader and the six-degree-of-freedom manipulator was designed, and studied on the anchor drilling sequence planning strategy and the drilling boom trajectory planning method. Firstly, the kinematics model of the manipulator structure was established based on the improved DH method. On this basis, the forward and inverse kinematics solutions were analyzed, and the spatial position and the corresponding joint variable values of the drilling rig were calculated. Secondly, the manipulator space was analyzed based on Monte …

Characterization Of Environmental Levels Of Pesticide Residues In Household Air And Dust Samples Near A Bioenergy Plant Using Treated Seed As Feedstock, Jabeen Taiba, Eleanor G. Rogan, Daniel D. Snow, Chandran Achutan, Muhammad Zahid

Nebraska Water Center: Faculty Publications

Exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides is associated with adverse human health outcomes. There is environmental contamination in Saunders County, Nebraska, due to the accumulation of fungicides and insecticides from a now-closed ethanol plant using seed corn as stock. A pilot study quantified environmental contamination in nearby houses from residual pesticides by measuring dust and air (indoor/outdoor) concentrations of neonicotinoids and fungicides at the study site (households within two miles of the plant) and control towns (20–30 miles away). Air (SASS^® 2300 Wetted-Wall Air Sampler) and surface dust (GHOST wipes with 4 × 4-inch template) samples were collected from eleven study …

Does Drought Stress Eliminate The Benefit Of Elevated Co2,/Sub> On Soybean Yield? Using An Improved Model To Link Crop And Soil Water Relations, Wenguang Sun, David Fleisher, Dennis Timlin, Chittaranjan Ray, Zhuangji Wang, Sahila Beegum, Vangimalla Reddy

Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute: Faculty Publications

Crop simulation models are indispensable tools that facilitate studies to assess climate impacts and adaptation responses, but have not been adequately tested in terms of accurately predicting crop growth and water stress responses to high carbon dioxide concentrations [CO₂]. The soybean model, GLYCIM, previously modified with a coupled leaf-level gas exchange – energy balance model, was integrated with a two-dimensional convectivediffusive root growth module which linked soil and leaf water potentials with the regulation of stomatal conductance. We evaluated the accuracy of this modified GLYCIM using experimental data from a Free-Air CO₂ Enrichment (FACE) site, SoyFACE, and …

Leaching Performance Of Nanotechnology-Induced High-Arsenic-Bearing Tooeleite-Like Mineral Nanowaste, Arindam Malakar, Sanjit Das, Samirul Islam, Rajneesh Singh, Sugata Ray

Nebraska Water Center: Faculty Publications

For arsenic decontamination from groundwater, arsenic crystallization is becoming adopted due to its sustainability and economic benefits. However, arsenic crystallization technology is a two-step process, which makes it complex and generates hazardous waste. Successful efforts toward making it a single-step process are presented here. The addition of nanorods and ball-milled zinc sulfide nanoparticles to arsenic-contaminated water result in highly monodispersed and higharsenic- containing mineralized nanowaste with a crystalline structure similar to the mineral Tooeleite ((Fe³⁺₆(As³⁺O₃)₄SO₄(OH)₄•4H₂O)). This study reports the results of a short-term stability test …

Cross-Scale Urban Land Cover Mapping: Empowering Classification Through Transfer Learning And Deep Learning Integration, Zhe Wang, Chao Fan, Xian Min, Shoukun Sun, Xiaogang Ma, Xiang Que

I-GUIDE Forum

Urban land cover mapping is essential for effective urban planning and resource management. Thanks to its ability to extract intricate features from urban datasets, deep learning has emerged as a powerful technique for urban classification. The U-net architecture has achieved state-of-the-art land cover classification performance, highlighting its potential for mapping urban trees at different spatial scales. However, deep learning approaches often require large, labeled datasets, which are challenging to acquire for specific urban contexts. Transfer learning addresses this limitation by leveraging pre-trained deep learning models on extensive datasets and adapting them to smaller urban datasets with limited labeled samples. Transfer …

Assessing The Performance Of Agricultural Systems In The Inland And Coastal Regions Of Northern Portugal Using Indicators: Establishing The Foundation Towards Better Agricultural Practices, Genevieve Gehlken

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study conducts a comprehensive evaluation of agricultural systems in the distinct coastal and inland regions of Northern Portugal. Employing key indicators, including soil erosion, nitrogen surplus, irrigation practices, Agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and crop yield, the analysis reveals statistically significant disparities and unique challenges in each region. The coastal areas, marked by higher agricultural GDP, exhibit distinct economic dependencies on agriculture, while the inland regions face challenges related to water scarcity, soil erosion, and rural isolation. The looming threat of climate change adds complexity to these dynamics, further highlighting the need for region-specific, sustainable agricultural practices. In the …

Self-Organization For Community Resilience In An Invisible Agricultural Community, Anna Erwin, Chelsea A. Silva, Zhao Ma

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

This study investigates how self-organizing efforts by residents of informal settlements, primarily migrant and informal farmworkers, shape community resilience in Majes, a water-scarce irrigation district in the Atacama Desert of Peru. We collected 45 semi-structured interviews with residents and authorities in Majes and analyzed findings through a framework of self-organizing. Analyses revealed that self-organizing by residents of informal settlements incorporated the three components of White’s theory of Community Agency and Community Resilience, which contends that marginalized communities increase resilience by fostering a commons praxis, practicing a prefigurative politics, and developing opportunities for economic autonomy. We also found …