Earth Sciences Commons^™

Carbon Dioxide Dynamics In The Carbonate Critical Zone, Savoy Experimental Watershed, Arkansas, Usa, Michael Darvin Jones

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The dynamics of carbon dioxide (CO₂) within the Earth’s critical zone (CZ) are essential for driving spatial and temporal variations of carbonate dissolution and precipitation, which are fundamental to subsurface porosity and permeability development. However, there is still a significant knowledge gap regarding the patterns of CO₂ transport and production within the carbonate critical zone (CCZ). In this study, we investigated these dynamics within a mantled karst terrain at the Savoy Experimental Watershed (SEW) in Northwest Arkansas.

Previous monitoring of partial pressure of CO₂ (PCO₂) and dissolution rates at karst springs in …

The United States National Security And Policy Implications Of Desertification, Eric Olvera

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Contemporary climate security literature reveals that desertification appears to be overlooked as a climate change security threat to the United States (US). This investigation demonstrates that an inequity exists between sea-level-rise- and desertification-based climate security literature. This inequity may reveal that the US may be ignoring desertification at a time when land use in some dryland areas is reaching a critical point where it can no longer support human activity. Due to the interdisciplinary nature (science and security) of this work, a review of the terminology used in the article is provided to establish a baseline understanding of “desertification” and …

Landslide Inventory And Unstable Slope Monitoring Along Highways In Eastern Tennessee, Robert Mcsweeney

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research introduces an unstable slope management program (USMP) for Tennessee based on federal slope management standards, along with improved methods for landslide monitoring with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) lidar and photogrammetry. In mountainous regions, monitoring slope hazards is a critical function of transportation management. A mobile field assessment form created with Survey123 was used to collect 22 unstable slope ratings in eastern Tennessee. Location points were appended with photographs, notes, and site information. Landslide scores ranged from 325 (Fair) to 1005 (Poor). UAS monitoring of a slow-moving soil landslide along I-40 near Rockwood, TN, produced high-resolution lidar and photogrammetry …

Impact Of Weather Systems On Uav Parameters Using Computational Fluid Dynamics, Saif Aljuhaishi, Yaseen K. Al-Timimi, Basim I. Wahab

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Since drones cannot fly in any kind of weather, they are not safe for time-sensitive activities. The study examines how the passage of weather systems in Iraq leads to the ban on drone flights, and how these weather conditions impact the aerodynamic forces of the drone. Hourly climate data for the study area were obtained from ECMWF ERA5 and CAMS in NetCDF format for four climate stations (Erbil, Baghdad, Rutbah, and Basrah). A ScanEagle drone was chosen for this study. The Python programming language was used to perform mathematical operations to calculate the ban on drone flights. ArcGIS 10.8 was …

Multi-Scale Thermal Mapping Of Submarine Groundwater Discharge In Coastal Ecosystems Of A Volcanic Area, Ebony L. Williams, Christopher B. Kratt, Raymond S. Rodolfo, Mark R. Lapus, Ryan R. Lardizabal, Aya S. Bangun, Amber T. Nguyen, Scott W. Tyler, M. Bayani Cardenas

Environmental Science Faculty Publications

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) in volcanic areas commonly exhibits high temperatures, concentrations of metals and CO2, and acidity, all of which could affect sensitive coastal ecosystems. Identifying and quantifying volcanic SGD is crucial yet challenging because the SGD might be both discrete, through fractured volcanic rock, and diffuse. At a volcanic area in the Philippines, the novel combination of satellite and drone-based thermal infrared remote sensing, ground-based fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing, and in situ thermal profiling in coastal sediment identified the multi-scale nature of SGD and quantified fluxes. We identified SGD across ∼30 km of coastline. The different approaches revealed …

Evidence For Subsidence Rate Variation In The Newark Basin And Its Influence On The Deposition Of Fluvial Sediments Of The Stockton Formation, Jane L. Alexander, Sean T. Thatcher, Jay Tobon, Victoria Rivelli

Publications and Research

The Stockton Formation of the Newark Basin represents an exciting time in Earth history during the early stages of rifting of the North Atlantic, with rapid subsidence and sediment deposition. Much of the previous work on this formation has been done using drill cores, with development limiting surface exposure. While this allows us to build a full stratigraphic sequence of deposition, it has the potential to miss smaller-scale variability and sedimentary structures. It is also difficult to understand the three-dimensional geometries, architecture and relationships between the depositional elements from drill core alone. An outcrop in North Bergen, NJ that was …

3d Reconstruction Of Surface Temperature Field In Spontaneous Combustion Coal Gangue Dump Fire Area And Its Practice, Shao Zhenlu, Zhang Huisong, Deng Rong, Yang Tong, Ma Dong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The spontaneous combustion of coal gangue dumps has severely damaged the ecological environment and affected the production safety, which has become a bottleneck in the process of ecological civilization construction in China. In order to formulate a fire extinguishing plan and implement a fire extinguishing project, it is very important to accurately detect the fire area of the spontaneous combustion coal gangue dump. Methods Herein, the idea of detecting the three-dimensional distribution of high-temperature areas using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based thermal infrared oblique photogrammetry technology was proposed. Meanwhile, the multi-scale Gaussian filtering detail enhancement technology for thermal infrared …

Impacts And Regulation Mechanisms Of Phase-Change Wall Microspheres On Cement Slurry Performance In Well Cementing, Zheng Mingming, Wu Zurui, Yan Shichun, Hu Yunpeng, He Juan, Zhang Yawei, Xiong Liang, Zhu Chengtao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The current design of low-heat cement slurries prepared by adding microspheres with phase change materials as wall materials for well cementing in strata bearing natural gas hydrates (NGHs) fails to fully account for the impacts of the particle size and mass fraction of the microspheres on the performance of cement slurries. This leads to impaired cement slurry performance and increased costs, further inducing many problems with well cementing quality. Hence, it is significant to analyze the impacts and controlling mechanisms of the microspheres on cement slurry performance. Methods To eliminate the interference of the heat storage effect of the …

Design Method For Active Slope Reinforcement: A Case Study Of Excavated Slopes, Qin Hui, Yin Xiaotao, Tang Hua, Cheng Xu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Slope instability and failure exhibit extinct spatiotemporal characteristics. Existing design methods for passive reinforcement have resulted in the engineering instability of numerous excavated slopes. Therefore, analyzing the spatiotemporal evolutionary patterns of slopes during excavation and exploring the design methods for active slope reinforcement are particularly important for the information technology (IT)-based construction and safety control of slopes. Methods Using on-site investigations and numerical simulations, this study analyzed the causes of excavation-induced failure of high slopes, as well as the evolutionary pattern of the principal stresses in the sliding zone. Consequently, this study revealed the progressive failure mechanism of slopes …

Natural Gamma-Ray Log-Derived Heat Production Rates Of Strata And Lithospheric Thermal Structure In The Central Depression, Yinggehai Basin, Zhang Jiahao, Song Rongcai, Zheng Feng, Zhang Yan, Tang Xin, Li Bo, Dong Shuyi

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Understanding the lithospheric thermal structure is significant for exploring the dynamics of a basin's thermal evolution, as well as for the assessment, exploitation, and utilization of geothermal resources in a basin. However, the limited data on heat production in the Yinggehai Basin has constrained research into the lithospheric thermal structure of the basin. Methods Using natural gamma-ray (NGR) logs from 23 wells in the Yinggehai Basin, this study calculated the heat production rates of strata in the central depression using the fitted gamma-ray value (GR) - radiogenic heat production rate (A) empirical formula. Based on the ocean …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

A Python Pipeline For Rapid Inversion Of Gravity Data Aimed At Early Career Researchers: Application To The Lost River Fault, Idaho, Bradford C. Mack

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Gravity data and modeling can be used to create a 3D view of basin and fault geometries, a valuable tool for seismic hazard assessment. Additionally, access to a high-speed, easy-to-use modeling workflow will enable more researchers to supplement their work with a new method and allow students to be exposed to modeling earlier in their academic careers. The primary goals of this work are to create a widely usable 3D gravity and basin model, to create an introduction to modeling teaching module for undergraduate geology students, and to apply the model to the northernmost two segments of the Lost River …

3d Reconstruction And Comparative Anatomical And Kinematic Analyses Of The Foot Of Archaeopteryx, Alexander M. Kirk

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Research on the evolution of dinosaur flight has long been dominated by the wing, often overlooking the foot. The foot of Archaeopteryx, the “icon of evolution”, thus offers a unique opportunity to investigate this critical evolutionary stage. Chapter I of this dissertation integrates advanced 3D reconstruction techniques, combining photogrammetry with X-ray data, to create a high-resolution model of the foot of the Thermopolis specimen of Archaeopteryx for visualization and analysis. Driven by 3D coordinate axes derived from joint surface topology, the analyses in Chapter II reveal terrestrial adaptations -- such as a medially oriented hallux (81°), serially shorter phalanges on …

State Of The Art And Future Directions In Groundwater Contamination Risk Assessment, Xu Beiyi, Wang Ce, Zhou Guangyang, Zhou Pengpeng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Rapid global socio-economic development has intensified the resource crisis and contamination of groundwater, rendering groundwater contamination risk assessments critical to contamination prevention, control, and remediation. Advances Through a systematic summary of domestic and international studies, this study reviews the development of theories on groundwater contamination risk assessments and the formation of the theoretical system. Based on the source-pathway-receptor assessment system, this study presents a summary of the research methods for the assessments of contamination source load risks, groundwater vulnerability, and contamination hazards. Groundwater contamination risk assessments have evolved from unidimensional qualitative assessments to quantitative process models highlighting contamination mechanisms …

Techniques For Coal Resource Conservation During The Ecological Restoration Of Alpine Mining Areas On Plateaus, Li Congcong, Wang Tong, Zhao Xin, Wang Weichao, Liang Zhenxin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The prolonged coal mining of the Muli coalfield, located in an alpine region in the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, has posed many ecological challenges, which especially include the presence of considerable quantities of disturbed coal resources in open-pit mining areas. This study aims to achieve scientific and effective coal resource conservation during the ecological restoration of coal mines. Methods Focusing on the Jvhugeng mining area of the Muli coalfield, this study investigated the destruction characteristics of the coal resources in the open-pit mining area. From the perspective of geological mechanisms behind the destruction, this study artificially constructed the roofs of …

Underground Coal Gasification In The Aidinghu Mining Area, Turpan-Hami Coalfield: Geological Evaluation System And The Selection Of The Optimal Coal Seam, Zeng Zhiwei, Lai Peng, Tian Jijun, Yang Shuguang, Hu Zhenpeng, Wang Bo, Yu Yu, Wang Haichao, Liu Yunxuan, Yuan Yixuan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Underground coal gasification (UCG) is an innovation in traditional coal mining technology. The prerequisites for successful UCG include developing a systematic geological evaluation system and scientifically selecting the optimal coal seam.Methods Using mathematical analysis methods such as analytic hierarchy process (AHP), coefficient of variation method, and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), this study systematically analyzed the coal quality, coal seam occurrence, hydrology, surrounding rocks, geological structures, hazardous elements, and geological exploration degree of coal reservoirs in the Aidinghu mining area, Turpan-Hami coalfield. Accordingly, this study deeply explored the feasibility of UCG in the …

Detrital Zircon Ages Of The Permian Coal-Bearing Rock Series In The Zhongtiao Mountain Area And Their Sedimentological Constraints On Regional Tectonic Activity, Wu Fang, Li Zhenhong, Jing Xianghui, Kou Linlin, Du Zhuang, Liu Bohua

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The changes in the material composition of detrital sediments in a sedimentary basin are intimately associated with the uplift and denudation processes of provenance areas. The southern margin of the North China Craton, a primary tectonic unit of the continental area of China, preserves relatively complete geological records of the Permian. The Zhongtiao Mountain area is located in the core of the Fen-Wei graben system on the southern margin of the North China Craton, with the southern margin of the North China Craton and the adjacent Qinling orogenic belt potentially serving as its provenance areas. Therefore, the Zhongtiao Mountain …

A Smogn-Based Mpso-Bp Model To Predict The Height Of A Hydraulically Conductive Fracture Zone, Liu Qi, Liang Zhihao, Zi Jianxiao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The height of a hydraulically conductive fracture zone, a significant factor influencing roof water inrushes and groundwater resource loss, is identified as a research focus of the prevention and control of mine water disasters. Methods To accurately predict the heights of hydraulically conductive fracture zones in coal seam roofs, five parameters were selected as the primary factors influencing hydraulically conductive fracture zones the mining depth: mining height, coal seam inclination, the length of the mining face along its dip direction, proportional coefficient of hard rocks (i.e., the ratio of the cumulative thickness of hard rocks within the statistical height …

A Nanoindentation-Based Study On The Micromechanical Properties Of Red Shales, Zhou Lang, Ma Zhenqian, Huang Qingrong, Shuai Yunlin, Zhang Jimin, Liu Rongke

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Investigating the micromechanical properties of minerals using nanoindentation tests is of great significance for revealing the microscale mechanisms behind mineral failure. Methods Focusing on the primary minerals in the surrounding rocks of red shales in a phosphate deposit, this study conducted qualitative and semi-quantitative analyses of these minerals, including their spatial distributions, using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and targeted nanoindentation tests, determining the micromechanical properties of the minerals. This study developed a discrete numerical calculation model for the microscopic nanoindentation of minerals based on Voronoi tessellation and compared the simulation results with …

Fine And Intelligent Interpretation Of Key Geological Structures In The Metal Metallogenesis Of Coal Measures, Yang Yi, Zhao Jingtao, Li Wenyu, Shi Suzhen

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In order to identify the key geological structures in the metallogenic process of coal measures metal deposits, the Linxing block of Ordos Basin was taken as the research object. Based on the previous research results, geological data of the block, seismic and logging data, a geological model including tectonic volcanic activities and other events was constructed to analyze the key geological factors of deposit formation. Methods Firstly, based on the post-stack seismic data, the diffraction wave separation and imaging are realized by using the plane wave destruction filter technology, and the small-scale key geological information is extracted. Secondly, the …

Acoustic Velocity Inversion Based On Convolutional Autoencoder Embedded With Fourier Neural Operator, Li Chen, Zhao Haixia, Bai Zhaowei, Hao Yufan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Seismic wave inversion serves as an effective method for obtaining the characteristics of structures, lithology, and physical properties of subsurface media using the arrival times, amplitude, and waveforms of seismic waves. Seismic inversion methods based on wave equations iteratively update model parameters using forward modeling. This generally involves extensive numerical simulations and optimization calculations, requiring large quantities of computational resources and time. In recent years, neural operators for deep learning, represented by the Fourier neural operator (FNO), have gained widespread attention. However, the original FNO structure fails to effectively learn the wavefield information with sharp changes in geological structures …

Intelligent Noise Suppression For 3d Post-Stack Seismic Data Of The Junggar Basin, Mao Haibo, Zhou Xin, Li Xiaofeng, Pan Long, Lin Juan, Liu Dawei, Wang Xiaokai

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The Junggar Basin is recognized as a significant petroliferous basin in China, and its hydrocarbon exploration targets have shifted to deeper strata. However, the 3D seismic data of this basin suffer from low signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and high data volumes due to the basin's complex near-surface conditions, the great depths of exploration targets, and seismic data acquisition methods characterized by wide azimuths, broadbands, and high density. This complicates the identification of hydrocarbon exploration targets, rendering the improvement in the quality of the 3D seismic data by noise suppression vitally important. Methods The progress in the deep learning theory and …

Transient Electromagnetic Numerical Simulation Based On The Transformer Neural Network, Wang Yunhong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The deep learning-based transient electromagnetic (TEM) forward and inverse modeling methods are data-driven, requiring considerable numerical simulation results as supervisory data to train and assess neural networks. The conventional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method for TEM numerical simulation necessitates an iterative solution of time-domain Maxwell's equations. Therefore, this method is time-consuming and computationally intensive, failing to meet the data demand of deep learning-based TEM inversion. Methods This study introduced deep learning for TEM numerical simulation. Based on the transformer neural network architecture, a neural network for deep learning-based TEM numerical simulation was designed using an encoder-decoder structure. This neural network …

Surfaced-Related Multiple Attenuation Using The Cnn Method In The Nmo Domain, Huang Zhufu, Liu Jianfeng, Fang Wenqian, Fu Lihua

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The presence of surface-related multiples results in a lower accuracy in seismic data interpretations, and the effective multiple attenuation is a key step in seismic data processing. Multiples are coherent noise signals with similar characteristics to effective signals. It is difficult impossible to distinguish multiple signals from full-wave field data using a traditional convolutional neural network (CNN). Additionally, since the surface-related multiples vary significantly with surveyed areas, the CNN method will face more severe challenges when being transferred to other networks. Methods This study developed a CNN method based on the normal moveout correction (NMO) domain by introducing physical …

Research Progress On Variation Pattern And Monitoring Control Technology Of Negative Pressure For Gas Drainage In Directional Long Borehole, Li Quanxin, Cheng Zhuoer, Fang Jun, Mou Quanbin, Liu Fei, Cong Lin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Significance Near-horizontal directional long borehole is an important technical approach and effective means for preventing and controlling the gas disasters of coal mine. Negative pressure is an important factor affecting the gas drainage effect of directional long borehole. Advances Herein, the research progress on gas drainage through near-horizontal directional long borehole was systematically summarized from three aspects: the attenuation mechanism and distribution law of negative pressure in the borehole, gas drainage parameter monitoring technology, and intelligent control system for gas drainage. Regarding the attenuation mechanism and distribution law of negative pressure in the borehole, the basic theoretical research results concerning …

An Intelligent Identifying-While-Drilling Method For Geological Features Of Roof Strata In Coal Roadways Based On A 1dcnn-Bilstm-Cbam Model, Lei Zhiyong, Wang Jiawen, Fan Dong, Lu Feifei, Chen Weiming

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Most roof accidents in coal roadways occur in potential caving zones such as primary fissure-bearing zones and rock fracture zones. A significant approach to preventing roof accidents is to understand the geological features of roof strata in an accurate and timely manner and optimize support schemes and parameters of roofs. However, current methods for identifying the geological features of roof strata in roadways suffer from issues such as slow identification speeds, low efficiency, and high costs, thus failing to meet the demand for safe, efficient, and intelligent coal mining. Methods This study proposed a neural network model based on …

A Method For Intelligent Identification Of Weak Interlayer Characteristics During The Drilling Of Anchor Boreholes, Gao Dan, Yue Zhongwen, Wang Peng, Yue Xiaolei, Yan Yifei, Zhou Xingyuan, Li Yang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The drilling quality of anchor boreholes is significantly influenced by the structural planes of weak interlayers within rock masses. Weak interlayers, tending to be hidden hazards within rock masses, affect the drilling stability and efficiency, further influencing the stability and safety of the whole support structure. Once drilled by drill bits, weak interlayers exhibit significant dynamic responses, which reflect the changes in rock mass structures during the drilling. Methods From the perspective of drilling specific energy, this study conducted digital drilling experiments on rock mass-like specimens bearing weak interlayers using the independently developed measurement while drilling (MWD) system, which …

Compositional Characteristics And Relationships Between Oceanic Basement, Sediment, And Volcanic Arc Rocks: Geochemical Evolution Of The South China Sea And Luzon-Taiwan Arc, Antonio J. Luna

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, I have characterized the geochemical signatures of the South China Sea (SCS) igneous basement and marine sediments with the intent to examine the results in the context of the understanding the origin and evolution of the SCS oceanic mafic crust, the type of sediments found in the SCS, and finally their impact on the composition of the island arc lavas within the northern Luzon Arc. This dissertation research has three main objectives:

1. Examining the origin, composition, and evolution of the SCS mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB), as well as the preexisting crustal rocks recovered near the continent-ocean transition …

Investigating Drought Response And Paleoclimate Potential Of A New Network Of White Oak Chronologies In Western Kentucky, Usa, Audrey J. Heichelbech, Megan Gibson, Maegen Rochner

The Cardinal Edge

In Kentucky, historic and paleo-climate data are limited, and current understanding of long-term climate change in the state relies on instrumental data spanning only 1895-present. Proxy data are necessary to extend the temporal and spatial span of climate information. One potential proxy source for Kentucky is tree ring data, but currently, only four such datasets are publicly available on the International Tree Ring Data Bank (ITRDB). Archaeological and archival timber sources may help to fill in this gap. In the 1940s, Florence Hawley-Ellis, the first woman dendrochronologist, collected samples of white oak (Quercus alba L.) from four counties in western …

Invertebrate Functional Diversity Of Fossils From Arrow Canyon, Nevada, Nathaniel Valentine

Undergraduate Research Symposium Podium Presentations

Paleontology can be used to study how ecosystems evolve and respond to changes in the environment. Here we examine invertebrate fossils from the Pennsylvanian, a time period that ranged from 323.2 to 298.9 million years ago, which are preserved along the walls of Arrow Canyon (Nevada) in the Bird Spring Formation. We surveyed three sites within the canyon, and used data from the Paleobiology Database to create a list of taxa found on the canyon from this time interval. Although ecosystems have traditionally been studied using the composition of the ecosystem (the number of species), recent work has shown that …