Earth Sciences Commons^™

Field Tests On The Capillary Barrier Effect Of Covers For Comprehensive Utilization Of Solid Waste In Waste Dumps, Duan Xu, Chen Chuangchuang, Qiu Xun, Wang Bo, Shi Luyu, Yan Hanyang, Zou Yu, Qu Jin, Hu Zhaojiang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background In the arid and semi-arid regions of northwestern China, the open-pit waste dumps of mining areas suffer from severe water erosion and the limited water-holding capacities of shallow cover soils. This restricts the ecological restoration of abandoned mine lands. Capillary barrier covers can enhance the water-holding capacities of water storage layers due to the differential hydraulic properties at the interface between fine- and coarse-grained layers. However, both the feasibility of constructing layered covers by mixing solid waste slags from waste dumps with clay and the water regulation performance of the covers are yet to be verified in the field. …

An Experimental Study On The Compressive Shear Failure Characteristics Of Mining-Induced Fractured Rock Blocks In The Absence Of Lateral Confinement And Under Unilateral Confinement, Wang Wenxue, Zhang Shicheng, Li Linyang, Zhang Ruochen, Liang Yankun, Chang Jian, Pan Xuwei, Zhao Guizhang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Rock bridges exert a controlling influence on the deformation, fracture field evolution, and structural stability of mining-induced fractured rock masses. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate their deformation and failure characteristics, as well as the underlying controlling mechanisms, under different confinement conditions. Such investigations will provide theoretical support for the safe mining of underground coal seams and the prevention and control of mining-induced disasters. Methods Mechanical models of fractured rock blocks containing rock bridges were established. Specimens with different fracture dip angles, rock bridge widths, and material strengths were prepared using rock-like materials. Furthermore, an independently developed compressive shear …

An Image Recognition And Multi-Parameter Quantitative Characterization System For Fractures In Roadway Rocks, Xiong Yu, Jiang Lichun, Kong Dezhong, Li Jinzhu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Conventional measurement methods for rock fractures suffer from low efficiency and high subjectivity. On the other hand, simple image recognition techniques struggle to achieve high-precision multi-parameter integrated analysis of rock fractures in complex roadway environments. To address these challenges, this study aims to develop an image recognition and multi-parameter quantitative characterization system for rock fractures. Methods At the core of the system is the formulation of a combined image preprocessing strategy. Specifically, fracture segmentation is conducted based on adaptive threshold binarization, isolated noise points are removed using morphological opening, and median filtering is introduced to perform the refined polishing …

A Method Of Reflected In-Seam Wave Imaging Based On The Structural Similarity Index Of Adjacent Gathers, Wang Ji, Wei Zhongli, Ye Hongxing, Wu Guoqing, Liu Shuo, Niu Huan, Su Xiaoyun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Reflected in-seam wave detection represents a major method for exploring geological anomalies in underground coal mines. This method is well suited to detecting concealed structures (e.g., faults and collapse columns) within coal seams in the tunneling direction of roadways or along their side walls. In recent years, to meet the safety requirements of green mine construction, explosive sources have been substituted with mechanical hammer impacts in increasing reflected in-seam wave detection. However, compared to conventional explosive sources, hammer impacts exhibit significantly lower instantaneous energy intensity and consistency. These limitations lead to reduced quality of reflected in-seam wave imaging, thus …

A Seismic Prediction Technology For Coalbed Methane Sweet Spots And Its Engineering Application In The Ordos Basin, Zhang Mengbo, Li Fei, Zhang Dong, Peng Jiankang, Cui Xiaojie, Ni Na, Long Shengfang, Tao Yu, Zhu Jun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Deep coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs tend to exhibit significant tuning effects of thin interbeds, leading to challenging localization of actual coal seam boundaries, limited identification accuracy of micro-amplitude structures in the coal seam roof, and poor stability of the seismic responses of the reservoirs' gas-bearing properties. To address these challenges, this study investigated the No. 8 coal seam of the Benxi Formation in the Mizhi area, Ordos Basin. Accordingly, a method with the prediction of gas-bearing properties as the primary controlling factor was developed for the seismic prediction and comprehensive evaluation of CBM sweet spots. Methods First, the actual …

Molecular Interactions Of The Gas–Solid Interface: Svocs On Swelling Clays And San Joaquin Soil Surfaces, Liesl T. Jensen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Soil-derived mineral dust plays an important role in atmospheric chemistry by acting as a reactive interface for gas–particle interactions that influence the fate and transport of organic contaminants. Among soil components, clay minerals dominate surface reactivity due to their high surface area, structural complexity, and the presence of chemically active sites arising from cation exchange capacity and surface acidity. Environmental conditions, particularly relative humidity, further regulate these interactions by altering surface accessibility and competitive adsorption processes.

Despite the recognized importance of mineral dust, gas-phase interactions between organic compounds and clay minerals remain insufficiently understood, particularly under atmospherically relevant conditions. This …

Hydrogeophysical Assessment Of Groundwater And Saltwater–Freshwater Interface In A Quaternary– Neogene Coastal Aquifer, Kilwa Kisiwani Island, Southeast Tanzania, Simon R. Melchioly

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study aims to identify and explore new potential sites of groundwater resources using geophysical methods, and to demarcate the depth to the saltwater-freshwater interface. Kilwa Kisiwani Island is geologically covered mostly by Neogene and Quaternary alluvial sediments, sand and gravel. The geophysical techniques employed during the research include Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES), Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), and Transient Electromagnetics (TEM). The Island has the potential for groundwater occurrences, but the layer with fresh water is shallow and thin. Out of the 18 VES sites, 2 (11%) points have shown non-potential, but the remaining 16 (89%) of the VES sites …

Aeroradio-Spectrometric Geothermal Analysis Of Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria, Fidelis O. Ogunsanwo

Tanzania Journal of Science

Weathered basement terrains of Precambrian origin are increasingly recognized as important targets for geothermal assessment and renewable energy exploration; yet systematic assessments integrating airborne radiometric data remain limited in south-western Nigeria. This study applies an aeroradio-spectrometric approach to evaluate and quantify the radiogenic heat production, geothermal gradient, and lithospheric heat flow associated with the diverse lithological assemblages of the Abeokuta area, southwestern Nigeria. The study area comprises of six lithological units, namely; biotite–garnet gneiss and schist, porphyroblastic gneiss, migmatite, pegmatite intrusions, and sedimentary successions of sand-clay-shale and sandstone–limestone. The concentrations of uranium (238U), thorium (232Th), and potassium (40K) were extracted …

Assessment Of The Radionuclide Concentration Levels Of Water And Sediments Along The Mara River, Gasper Kachenge, Abubakary Salama, Abdalah Kileo, Furaha Chuma

Tanzania Journal of Science

For many years, several factors have impacted the water quality of the Mara River, including population growth, agricultural expansion, livestock keeping, mining, and industrial activities. These factors have intensified water pollution and climate change effects around the river. While previous studies have mainly focused on assessing heavy metal pollution risks on the Mara River, this study evaluates the concentration levels of radionuclides in boreholes, water, and sediments along the river and its tributaries. Naturally occurring radioactive materials, including 226Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K, were evaluated. A high-purity germanium radiation detector (HPGe) with a coaxial detector system coupled with Gamma Vision software …

The Effectiveness Of Bacillus-Coated Npk Fertilizer On Broccoli Growth, Nutrient Status, Rhizosphere Bacillus Population, Yield, And Flower Quality, Betty Natalie Fitriatin, Rara Rahmatika Risanti, Reginawanti Hindersah, Fasa Aditya Hanindipto, Gita Bina Nugraha

Jurnal Kultivasi

Efforts to increase the availability of macronutrients in soil have relied on inorganic fertilization, particularly NPK fertilizers. However, global challenges in the fertilizer raw material supply chain, including price fluctuations and availability, are driving the need for more efficient and sustainable fertilizer alternatives. The field experiment was conducted in Baruajak, Lembang District, West Java, Indonesia, to evaluate the effectiveness of Bacillus-coated NPK fertilizer on broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) growth, nutrient status, rhizosphere Bacillus population, yield, and flower quality. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with 15 fertilizer treatments and three replications. Treatments consisted of two coated NPK …

The Effect Of Silica-Enriched Rice Husk Biochar And Npk Fertilizer On Soil Total Nitrogen, Nitrogen Uptake, And Yield Of Lowland Rice, Emma Trinurani Sofyan, Oviyanti Mulyani, Ania Citraresmini, Meddy Rachmadi, Kharmelia Sandra Livia

Jurnal Kultivasi

Rice production in Indonesia increasingly relies on agricultural intensification, which can accelerate soil degradation and reduce fertilizer-use efficiency. Therefore, sustainable soil management is needed to maintain soil fertility. Silica-enriched rice husk biochar (biochar-silica) is a promising soil amendment because it improves soil properties and nutrient retention. This study evaluated the effects of biochar-silica and NPK fertilization on soil total nitrogen, nitrogen uptake, and yield of lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was conducted from September 2025 to January 2026 using a two-factor randomized block design with nine treatment combinations and three replications. The treatment consisted of three levels of …

Effects Of Ab Mix Hydroponic Solution And Ameliorant Mixtures On Cayenne Pepper Growth And Yield In An Inceptisols, Tien Turmuktini, Betty Natalie Fitriatin, Tualar Simarmata, Firda Widayanti, Nuryanti, Lia Amalia, Elly Roosma Ria, Linlin Parlinah

Jurnal Kultivasi

Cayenne pepper (Capsicum frustescens L.) cultivation faces several problems, including acidic pH and inadequate nutrient management. These problems can be addressed by using a mixture of various ameliorants and AB mix nutrient solutions. This study aimed to determine the effect of ameliorant mixture dosage and AB mix solution concentration on soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of cayenne pepper. The experiment used a randomized block design, consisting of two factors: nutrient solution concentration and ameliorant dosage. The factor of nutrient solution concentration consisted of four levels, i.e., 700, 1000, 1300, and 1600 ppm, while the factor of ameliorant dosage also …

Land-Use Transitions And Carbon Emissions Of Aquaculture Expansion In The Brazilian Amazon, Felipe S. Pacheco, Sebastian A. Heilpern, Rafael M. Almeida, Suresh A. Sethi, Marcela Miranda, Nicholas Ray, Laura Greenstreet, Joshua Fan, Brendan H. Rappazzo, Marcelo Gomes Da Silva

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Accounting for land-use change underlying food sector expansion is critical for conserving ecosystem integrity. This challenge is particularly acute in the Amazon, where the conversion of forests for food production is pronounced and has broad implications for global biodiversity and the cycling of water and carbon. Here, we analyze land-use transitions associated with aquaculture development in the Brazilian Amazon. We found that a 450-fold increase in aquaculture pond area from 1985 to 2022 occurred primarily on pasturelands (87%) but also included wetland conversion (4%) and deforestation (5%). Notably, continued growth can be sustained within already altered landscapes: In Rondônia, the …

Long-Term Effects Of Harvesting Disturbance And Site Preparation On Soil Properties And Tree Growth In A Loblolly Pine (Pinus Taeda) Forest, Kyle M. Caccamesi

LSU Master's Theses

Productivity decline between rotations has long been a concern in intensively managed forest plantations. Research done over the last century has provided greater clarity on why this phenomenon occurs. The objective of this research was to observe long-term soil and tree growth characteristics that are likely to be influenced by operational harvesting activities. The experiment was conducted in Washington Parish, Louisiana on a site dominated by Ruston soil series, a well-drained, fine loamy, siliceous and thermic typic Paleudult. A randomized complete block design with 2 x 2 x 2 factorial treatments was used. The treatment factors were harvesting method, fertilization, …

Earthquake-Resistant Design And Base Isolation Techniques, Christian George, Jacob Sweeten, Gabriela Cotto, Savion Stewart

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Earthquake-resistant design has become a critical feature in construction near active fault lines, where seismic activity is most frequent and potentially destructive. In recent years, technological advancements have significantly improved methods for protecting buildings from earthquake damage. Among these innovations, base isolation systems have appeared as one of the most effective solutions. By decoupling a building from ground motion, base isolators reduce the transmission of seismic forces, helping to prevent structural damage and support building stability during earthquakes. In addition to improving safety, base isolation systems can also reduce long-term costs associated with earthquake-related repairs and maintenance. Base-isolated structures are …

System And Method For Detecting Subsurface Voids Using Controlled Heat Addition, Chase Nilsson

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This study evaluates controlled heat addition in a confined space to estimate enclosed volumes for irregularly shaped spaces. The intent is to detect hidden voids in cave environments. Conventional methods for identifying such voids are often costly, logistically difficult, and limited in accuracy. Preliminary experiments were conducted with a controlled heat source, a temporary thermal barrier to isolate the test chamber, and simple temperature sensors. Temperatures were recorded for the pre-test baseline, the heating interval, followed by a cooling period. The thermal response showed clear engineering trends that warrant further exploration and modeling. Preliminary results indicate that transient temperature changes …

Temperature And Hydrologic Context Influence Methane Variability In A Low-Salinity Marsh, Zoie Brauser

Dissertations and Theses

Coastal wetlands are biogeochemical hotspots that capture and transform carbon and nutrients. Wetland restoration is increasingly used as a climate mitigation strategy because of wetlands' capacity to sequester large amounts of carbon. However, low-salinity tidal marshes exhibit high variability in methane (CH₄) emissions, which could partially offset carbon sequestration under certain conditions. Understanding the drivers of CH₄ variability is crucial for restoration and conservation work. This project uses an observational research approach to assess the relationships between environmental factors and carbon dioxide (CO₂) and CH₄ soil gas fluxes in a restored low-salinity tidal marsh …

Understanding The Long-Term Patterns Of Change Of A Tidal Marsh In Mission Bay, San Diego, California, Carrie A. Shuster, Theresa Sinicrope Talley Ph.D., Drew Talley Ph.D., Zhi-Yong Yin Ph.D., Kellie Uyeda Ph.D.

Theses

Coastal marshes are among California’s most productive ecosystems and the most impacted, having been extensively modified by dredging, filling, and urban development. This thesis investigates over a century of change for a marsh in Northern Mission Bay, San Diego, California using ecological and spatial analyses.

Chapter 1 provides an overview of the environmental history and current land use of the Northern Mission Bay marsh, tracing changes from pre-contact Indigenous stewardship through colonial and modern urban development. It also introduces a restoration plant palette derived from historical and contemporary species occurrences, ecological functions, and documented cultural uses. By integrating ethnobotanical knowledge …

Phenotypic And Biochemical Responses Of High-Yield Tomato Varieties To Salinity And Drought Stress, Shahida Ferdousee, Myung Hwangbo, Md Sakil Arman, Muhammad Abul Kalam Azad, Ajit Ghosh, Jongsun Kim

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Abiotic stresses can influence plant growth and productivity by causing physiological, biochemical, molecular, and morphological changes. Salinity and drought are increasing in frequency and intensity because of climate change. Therefore, this study assessed four high-yield tomato cultivars under 150 mM NaCl and 260 mM mannitol treatments to characterize physiological (i.e., chlorophyll level, root/shoot length, and relative water content) and biochemical responses (i.e., GLY I/II and DLDH enzyme activities, proline, and hydrogen peroxide). Results indicated that the four BARI tomato varieties showed genotype- and treatment-specific physiological and biochemical responses rather than a single uniform tolerance pattern. BARI tomato 2 maintained relatively …

Process From Noise: Erosion Threshold Variability And The Morphology Of Gravel-Bed Rivers, Robert Paul Kostynick

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Rivers are remarkably consistent as their geometry, width, depth, and slope change systematically downstream in response to differences in fluid discharge and sediment transport throughout a channel. Rivers move both water and sediment through terrains that depend on these downstream geometric adjustments influencing water quality, ecology, infrastructure, channel morphology, and landscape evolution at increasing timescales respectively. Rivers thus influence all aspects of life and define our spatial landscapes that shape boundaries, whether physical, politically, or socially. Nevertheless, a river is dynamic and does not adhere to human-defined boundaries, making it vital that we understand how these features change over time …