Sustainability Commons^™

Indigenous Science And The Legacy Of Fire: Resilience, Fuels, Mosaics, And Eco-Cultural Landscapes In Oregon’S Coastal And Cascade Range, Julia Alcalá

University Honors Theses

Most of Oregon's western Cascade and Coastal range is a landscape that has historically been considered devoid of mid to low-intensity fires by Western science. However, for time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have been stewarding the forests through the use of "good fire," creating diverse and heterogenous landscapes with mixed fire regimes, ranging from less than a decade to several centuries since the last fire, resulting in a mosaic of patchy forest, oak savannas, prairies, and wetlands. Yet centuries of Indigenous displacement, cultural assimilation, and suppression of cultural burning contributed to this prevailing belief. Despite that, in recent decades, Western scientists …

Rebuilding Consent: Fear, Trust, And The Future Of Nuclear Energy, Austin Dunham

University Honors Theses

This thesis traces the cultural and emotional roots of nuclear fear in the United States and explores how those inherited anxieties continue to shape public resistance to nuclear energy in the face of a worsening climate crisis. Drawing on personal narrative, risk perception theory, and the history of nuclear discourse - from Hiroshima to Chernobyl to today - the research examines how trust, rather than technology, remains the largest barrier to progress. By analyzing the stories we tell about energy, disaster, control, and overall perceived risk, this work asks what it would take for Americans to imagine nuclear energy not …

Myceli-Yum: Elucidating Structure-Property Relationships For Polymer Degradation By Mycelial Digestion, Jordan Scott Ford

Master's Theses

Since the industrial entrance of polymer plastic materials, plastic has become ubiquitous in both everyday use and waste. Due to inefficiencies and knowledge gaps, current recycling methods are not able to account for the high scale of plastic waste, resulting in the bulk of this waste being landfilled, mishandled, and deposited in the environment. Mycelium, the microorganism responsible for fruiting mushroom bodies and mold growth, holds potential to reduce plastic waste and can potentially be utilized as a method of industrial recycling. Following a drug-design approach, the active site of mycelial enzymes responsible for natural biopolymer degradation have been assessed …

State And Transition Models For Mulga Rangelands Of Western Australia, Alison O'Donnell, Anna E. Richards, Suzanne Prober, Peter-Jon A. Waddell, Sarah Luxton, Ian Watson, Brett Abbott, Philip Thomas, Joshua E. Foster

Natural resources published reports

This report details a collaborative project between the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and CSIRO that focused on developing State and Transition Models (STMs) for mulga rangelands in Western Australia. The overarching aim of the project was to improve the common understanding of the characteristics and dynamics of mulga rangeland ecosystems and the expected impacts of management. Specifically, the project aimed to collate expert knowledge and monitoring information using a nationally consistent framework to develop quantitative and dynamic STMs. The geographic scope of the project covers the extensive mulga rangelands of Western Australia, particularly the Gascoyne …

Tree Story, Jia Hu

Masters Theses

What is Nature?

Nature is a system of intelligence. It means designing for efficiency—often by learning from strategies that have evolved over time. In my research, I use patterns to interpret and decode nature.

To explore nature, I began with the red cedar tree, aiming to simulate and predict its growth patterns—forms shaped by both internal biology and external forces. By analyzing its geometry, I sought to understand how trees embody the dynamic relationship between organism and environment. These patterns reveal the adaptive logic of life.

Patterns are central to understanding nature. While tree geometry may appear chaotic, it follows …

Field Journal: The Excluded Middle, Carrie E. Kouts

Masters Theses

What does it look like to engage with organisms and landscapes at the periphery of anthropocentric value structures? How does one break the internalized myth that the “built” environment is excluded from the natural world? When does a hyper-mobile and hyper-commodified society confront the exponential crisis of animal death? Within this series of journal entries, field notes, collection observations, weird prose, and sensory musings, one will find questions on the nature of being human and the complex narratives of care we encounter in a world shared with more-than-humans. Each handwritten vignette and photograph from daily life weaves a non-linear and …

Mechanisms And Collaborative Prevention And Control Techniques For Various Disasters In Coal Seam Roofs, Zheng Kaige, Zhang Jian, Sun Siqing, Chen Dongdong, Wang Zeyang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The multistage sedimentary and tectonic evolution of coal seams in China has led to the formation of environments with the coexistence of multiple disasters including gas outbursts, water inrushes, and rock bursts. To address the chain evolution of these disasters induced by the coupling of high in situ stress, high water pressure, and intense mining under the condition of deep coal mining, this study systematically investigated the coupling mechanisms and collaborative prevention and control techniques of multiple dynamic disasters in coal seam roofs. Methods Based on the regional tectonic characteristics and the delineation of coal-bearing tectonic units, this study …

Mechanisms And Equation Improvement For Gas Seepage In Coal Seams Around Boreholes Subjected To High-Pressure Co2 Foam Fracturing, Pang Mingkun, Zhang Tianyu, Pan Hongyu, Song Xianfeng, Wu Shan, Zhang Tianjun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The special low-porosity, low-permeability structures of high-gas-content coal seams restrict efficient gas drainage. To address this issue, this study accurately determined the seepage parameters of annularly fractured coals around boreholes subjected to CO₂ foam fracturing to enhance both the design accuracy of boreholes for gas pre-drainage from coal seams and gas drainage efficiency. Methods Using an independently developed apparatus for gas seepage experiments on fractured coals around boreholes, this study investigated the coals with pores and fractures distributed in an annular pattern around boreholes from the perspective of varying initial pore structures. Specifically, this study analyzed the evolutionary …

Dominant Geological And Engineering Factors Controlling The Productivity Of Horizontal Wells For Deep Coalbed Methane In The Southern Shenfu Block, Guo Guangshan, Liu Yancheng, Zhao Gang, Chen Zhaohui, Li Chen, Kang Lifang, Wang Yuchuan, Wang Jianan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The southern Shenfu block along the eastern margin of the Ordos Basin hosts one of the rare gas fields with reserves of over 100 billion cubic meters (bcm) in China, serving as a pilot demonstration area for the exploration and production of deep coalbed methane (CBM) conducted by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC). In this block, the gas production of horizontal wells is 2-10 times that of vertical wells. However, the horizontal wells are challenged by significantly different and rapidly declining gas production. Determining dominant factors controlling the productivity of horizontal wells for deep CBM is the …

Impacts Of The Hydrochemical Characteristics Of Coal Seam Water On The Structures And Metabolic Functions Of Microbial Communities, Wang Gaohao, Duan Shengjie, Wang Bei, Niu Guobin, Liang Yongping, Yu Feilong, Ma Kai, Zhao Weizhong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The core of coalbed methane (CBM) bioengineering is to inject bio-fracturing fluids rich in efficient methanogenic bacteria into coal reservoirs to promote the conversion of coals to methane. However, the relationships of the hydrochemical characteristics of coal seam water with the structures and metabolic functions of microbial communities remain unclear. Methods This study investigated coal seam water from 12 typical mining areas in Ningxia. Based on microbial classification and sequencing, as well as statistical analysis, this study explored the relationships of pH, anions, cations, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of coal seam water with the structures and metabolic functions …

Construction And Application Of A Model For Drainage Via Directional Boreholes Against Water Hazards In Deep Vertical Shafts, Zhao Chunhu, Zhu Mingcheng, Ji Yadong, Wang Shidong, Zhang Wenzhong, Zhu Kaipeng, Liu Yingfeng, Shang Hongbo, Li Chaofeng, Fan Min, Li Kai

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Vertical shafts are typically employed in the deep mining areas of Jurassic coalfields in western China. However, the direct exposure of extremely thick Cretaceous aquifers frequently leads to significant water inflow in shafts. Meanwhile, the continuous sand-carrying water inflow and scouring in vertical shafts pose serious safety hazards to the overall quality of shaft walls. Methods In underground water exploration and discharge boreholes, water outlets are below the floors of aquifers to be drained. This allows unpowered water discharge. In other words, water can flow out naturally. By fully leveraging this advantage, combined with the favorable condition of spatial …

Diffusion Mechanisms Of Power-Law Grouts In Water-Rich Sand Layers During Permeation Grouting, Xie Bao, Cheng Hua, Wang Xuesong, Li Mingjing, Liu Xiangyang, Han Xueyu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective This study aims to clarify the spherical diffusion patterns of power-law grouts in water-rich sand layers during permeation grouting and their influential factors. To this end, permeation grouting experiments were conducted to gain insights into the quantitative impacts of varying grouting parameters on grout diffusion.Methods Using model experiments on spherical diffusion during permeation grouting, this study analyzed the macroscopic diffusion morphologies and microscopic infilling effects of grouts, as well as the trends of permeation and soil pressures during grouting. Then, based on the spherical diffusion equations for permeation grouting that consider multi-effect coupling, this study analyzed the factors …

A Phase Transition-Induced Fracturing Permeability Enhancement Technology Using Carbon Dioxide Capsules For Low-Permeability Coal Seams And Its Application, Li Mao, Fan Xinchuan, Fu Hui

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods To address engineering challenges like high gas content, high pressure, and low drainage efficiency in the mining of low-permeability coal seams, this study developed a phase transition-induced fracturing and permeability enhancement technology using carbon dioxide (CO₂) capsules for low-permeability coal seams. This technology leverages the feature that CO₂ transitions into the supercritical state under high pressure. A capsule encapsulating critical CO₂ is placed into a conduit, which is then placed within a coal seam. Subsequently, phase transition-induced blasting is triggered using a heating blasting start device. Consequently, liquid CO₂ vaporizes rapidly and …

Assessing The Potential And Suitability Of Geothermal Resources Using Monte Carlo Simulation And Game-Based Combination Weighting Method, He Yixiang, Ding Pengpeng, Liu Shaohua, Wang Mingzhu, Zhu Lei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Geothermal energy in porous sandstone reservoirs is recognized as stable, efficient clean energy. However, these reservoirs feature heterogeneity and exploration uncertainty, posing serious challenges to probabilistic resource assessment and the identification of suitability for resource development.Methods This study investigated the geothermal resources in the Guantao Formation within the northwest Shandong plain. Using the volumetric method and Monte Carlo simulation, this study assessed the uncertainty of the resource potential. Then, considering the characteristics of geothermal resources, the attributes of geological structures, and the social economy, this study developed a multi-dimensional evaluation index system for the suitability of sandstone geothermal …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

Sedimentary Patterns And Exploitation Practices Of Tight-Sand Gas Reservoirs In Coal Measure Strata: A Case Study Of The 3rd Submember Of The Second Member Of The Permian Shanxi Formation In The Daning-Jixian Block, Zhang Lei, Huang Li, Zhao Longmei, Wang Feng, Zhang Yixin, Shi Shi, Zhang Wen, Zhao Haoyang, Chen Tong, Tong Jiangnan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The third submember of the second member of the Permian Shanxi Formation (also referred to as the Shan 2³ submember) in the Daning-Jixian block along the eastern margin of the Ordos Basin is identified as a primary target layer for tight-sand gas production in the block. In the early stage of the block development, play fairways were initially identified through fundamental studies on provenance areas and sedimentary systems. Accordingly, a gas field with an annual production of 10 × 10⁸ m³ was constructed in the block. However, further exploitation reveals that the sandstones in the Shan …

Application Of A Uav-Borne Gpr System In The Detection Of Water Bodies And Cavities, Wang Ying, Sun Chenchen, Zhang Lu, Chen Yifei, Lu Song, Zhou Feng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-borne ground-penetrating radar (GPR) system, enjoying the advantages of high resolution and non-contact detection, is applicable to the detection of water accumulation in coal seams and goaves in mines. Therefore, this study proposed a rapid detection method based on a UAV-borne air-coupled GPR system to enhance the exploration efficiency of mining areas and reduce the time and risks of manual explorations. Given the limitations of the test scenarios in actual coal mines, this study investigated the water body of the Fanxiong reservoir in Ezhou City and surrounding drainage culverts for equivalent validation, aiming …

Transparent Prevention And Control System For Water Hazards In Mine Floors Under Empowerment Based On Spatiotemporal Information Fusion, Liu Zaibin, Yan Junsheng, Wang Jianghong, Gao Yaoquan, Yang Hui, Bai Baojun, Lu Jingjin, Wang Hongwei, Wang Gang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Water hazards in coal mines frequently cause heavy casualties, severely affecting the safe mining of coal mines. Methods With the continuous advancements in both the construction of real scene 3D views and coal mine intelligentization, this study examined the development of the intelligent geological guarantee system for the Tangjiahui Coal Mine in Inner Mongolia, as well as the prevention and control of water hazards in the Ordovician limestones in the coal mine floor. Accordingly, this study elaborated on enhancing the prevention and control capacity against water hazards in coal mines during the mining cycle of a mining face using …

Experimental Study On Unloading Confining Pressure Deformation And Damage Failure Of Multi-Source Coal-Based Solid Waste Cemented Backfill, He Xiang, Wei Longqiang, Yang Ke, Zhang Tong, Zhang Cun, Zhang Zilong, Chen Yanjun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The preparation of multi-source coal-based solid waste into filling materials for interval strip filling mining is one of the important means of green coal mining. The deformation and failure law of multi-source coal-based solid waste cemented backfill during strip coal pillar mining directly affects the stability of the stope.Methods Five typical solid wastes were mixed with cement to prepare cemented backfill. The conventional triaxial and constant axial pressure unloading confining pressure stress tests of backfill specimens were carried out. The stress-strain curves and failure characteristics of backfill under two stress loading paths were analyzed. The evolution law of …

A Seismic Random Noise Suppression Method Based On Cnn-Mamba, Wei Xiujuan, Liu Xingye, Zhou Huailai

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Seismic random noise suppression is recognized as a key step to improve the quality of seismic data. Data-driven deep learning provides an intelligent solution for the noise suppression. However, mainstream random noise intelligent methods based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are constrained by their local receptive fields. This limitation results in insufficient collaborative optimization between local details and macroscopic structures during denoising, further reducing the noise suppression accuracy. Transformer models, which are widely applied to global feature extraction, can effectively capture long-distance dependencies through the self-attention mechanism, theoretically overcoming the limitations of CNNs in global modeling. However, these models …