Search

The article of Blatnik et al. (2019) “Groundwater dynamics between Planinsko Polje and springs of the Ljubljanica River, Slovenia” published in Acta Carsologica, 48/2 focused on describing the hydrogeological behaviour of the aquifer between Planinsko Polje and the springs of the Ljubljanica River. The authors analysed the effect of different high water events that occurred between January 2015 and May 2018. Interpretations were based on hydrographs obtained by continuous measurements of water level, temperature and specific electric conductivity in selected ponors, springs and water active caves located in the area between Planinsko Polje and the springs of the Ljubljanica River. Through these interpretations, different conceptual hydrological models about the dynamics and directions of the flow in the aquifer have been proposed and tested. A flow connection was proposed between the Hrušica Plateau, estavelles located at the NW border of Planinsko Polje, and caves Gradišnica (W2) and Gašpinova Jama (W3) close to town Logatec. In this supplement, we provide new data recorded during an unusual hydrological event in August 2018. These further support and stress the importance of the connection between the Hrušica Plateau and Logatec region (W2 and W3).

Based on the comparison of zircon ages with source terranes, they inferred that the likely source for Cenozoic zircon grains was the Eastern Alkaline Province of Mexico, which comprises various volcanic fields of Cenozoic age. Armstrong-Altrin et al. (2021) reported the detrital zircon grain surface features, chemistry, and U-Pb ages in the Chachalacas beach sediments, Gulf of Mexico. Armstrong-Altrin et al. (2020) discussed the U-Pb ages of detrital zircon grains, which we reported from the Chachalacas beach in the western Gulf of Mexico. [Extracted from the article]

ABSTRACT: We reformulate the original model of Hatchell and Bourne and Røste, Stovas and Landrø that couples fractional velocity change to subsurface strain via a fundamental constant R. The new model combines elastic compressibility of a dual‐porosity system for a sand–shale mixture with horizontal planes of inter‐granular weakness. The majority of observed R‐factor magnitudes from post‐stack 4D seismic data in both the reservoir and overburden can thus be explained. R is predicted to depend strongly on lithology and also initial strain state. The model is also extended to predict the observed angle‐dependence of time‐lapse time‐shifts from pre‐stack data. An expression for the gradient of time‐shift with incidence angle is obtained in terms of the background VP/VS, and also the ratio of tangential to normal compliances BT/BN representing loss or creation of inter‐granular coupling. If accurately estimated from data, this compliance ratio can be used as an additional parameter to assess the post‐production state of the overburden. It is concluded that whilst R remains the over‐arching parameter controlling the magnitude of time‐shifts measured from 4D seismic data, BT/BN is a subtler parameter that may also prove of future value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the Journal of Palaeogeography (Chinese Edition and English Edition) continually received manuscripts, in which some authors are from China and some are from Pakistan, Lithuania, Morocco, South Africa, etc. The authors of these manuscripts, according to the viewpoint and method of Miall's paper (1985), selected rocks from each bed in the clastic sections of their study areas and induced some rock types, such as conglomerates, sandstones and fine-grained stones, and considered them as lithofacies. It does not conform to the definition of lithofacies. I wrote some papers, i.e., Feng (2018, 2019, 2020), to point out the problems and hope that the authors worldwide, especially Chinese authors, will not continually cite, spread and follow Miall's paper (1985) viewpoint and method blindly. Prof. Miall is the first person who considered rocks (in fact, the sediments) as lithofacies and proposed a facies analysis method. His viewpoint and facies analysis method confused the definition of facies and facies analysis method. My current paper is a special article to discuss the principal problems of Miall's paper (1985), i.e., he considered the sediments as lithofacies and utilized lithofacies to analyze facies, but not to discuss the contributions and less strictness of architectural elements of his paper. Here, I have to declare that the facies in my current paper is the facies of sedimentary petrology, but not of other geological disciplines, such as igneous petrology, metamorphic petrology, palaeontology, stratigraphy, geophysics, geochemistry. Certainly, the definitions of facies and lithofacies are controversial. My current paper will adhere to the policy of "A hundred flowers blossom and a hundred schools of thought contend". I hope that through academic discussions, contends and geological practice, these problems will be solved gradually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eclogites were relatively recently found in the Belomorian Mobile Belt (BMB) (Volodichev et al., 2004; Shchipanskii et al., 2005; Konilov et al., 2004). The very first isotopic dates (Volodichev et al., 2004; Mints et al., 2010) were obtained for these rocks in the northwestern (in the Salma and Kuru-Vaara areas) and central (Gridino area) portions of BMB and corresponded to the Archean: approximately 2.72-2.87 Ga. Because no crustal eclogites older that 2.0 Ga (Möller et al., 1995) had been known before these dates were obtained, these eclogites were regarded as unique. It is commonly believed that no crustal eclogites could be formed in the Archean because the crust was then relatively thin (Kröner, 2010), and hence, the find of crustal eclogites of Archean age in BMB called for a fundamental revision of geodynamic reconstructions of the crustal evolution and was one of the main arguments invoked to support the hypothesis that currently operating geodynamic mechanisms of plate tectonic can be extrapolated to the Early Precambrian (Rozen et al., 2008). However, these finds were practically immediately followed by serious doubts that the primary estimates of the timing of the eclogite metamorphism in the Belomorian Belt may be incorrect (Mitrofanov et al., 2009; and others). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I recently published " Lithosphere thickness controls the extent of mantle melting, depth of melt extraction and basalt compositions in all tectonic settings on Earth – A review and new perspectives " in this journal to demonstratively summarize a major component of my 30-year dedicated research on the basalt problem with the emphasis that the paradigm "mantle potential temperature controls the extent and pressure of mantle melting and basalt compositions" that is inconsistent with observations and experimental petrology must be abandoned. As the change from "temperature control" to "lithosphere thickness control" is fundamental and unfamiliar to many, I encourage members of the community for debate. The community interest in the theme of the paper is reflected by more than 1000 reads and 50 recommendations in RG within 10 days of its publication. In addition to a few email exchanges, the commentary by Lustrino et al. (2022) is the first written discussion with interesting comments of both breadth and depth. Overall, their commentary is more highly affirmative rather than criticism. Most of the comments are not about Niu (2021) but more general and may be shared by the scientific community. Therefore, my response is intended to be thorough, in particular on issues and concepts that I consider the community needs to be correctly informed of. My reply follows four basic principles: [1] I maintain " Objectiveness and open-mindedness (vs. 'confirmation bias') are requisite twins for insights and discoveries. "; [2] I express my views based on observations, experimental petrology, well-understood concepts, logical reasoning and objective analysis, rather than personal opinions to " believe " or " disbelieve "; [3] I emphasize that some misattributions may be innocent, but should be avoided because they serve no favor to our science and scientific discussion; and [4] I try to use plain language to ensure my writing readily understood by the reader. For clarity, my reply follows the same numbered questions as in the commentary and I do not discuss issues on which the commenters agree with me. Figures referenced in quotations are those in Niu (2021). For consistency, mantle potential temperature is denoted with T MP (vs. T P) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Among the wide range of thermal, petrologic, hydrological, and structural factors that potentially affect subduction earthquakes, the roughness of the subducting seafloor is among the most important. By reviewing seismic and geodetic studies of megathrust locking/creeping state, we find that creeping is the predominant mode of subduction in areas of extremely rugged subducting seafloor such as the Kyushu margin, Manila Trench, northern Hikurangi, and southeastern Costa Rica. In Java and Mariana, megathrust creeping state is not yet constrained by geodetic observations, but the very rugged subducting seafloor and lack of large earthquakes also suggest aseismic creep. Large topographic features on otherwise relatively smooth subducting seafloor such as the Nazca Ridge off Peru, the Investigator Fracture Zone off Sumatra, and the Joban seamount chain in southern Japan Trench also cause creep and often stop the propagation of large ruptures. Similar to all other known giant earthquakes, the Tohoku earthquake of March 2011 occurred in an area of relatively smooth subducting seafloor. The Tohoku event also offers an example of subducting seamounts stopping rupture propagation. Very rugged subducting seafloor not only retards the process of shear localization, but also gives rise to heterogeneous stresses. In this situation, the fault zone creeps because of distributed deformation of fractured rocks, and the creep may take place as transient events of various spatial and temporal scales accompanied with small and medium-size earthquakes. This process cannot be described as stable or unstable friction along a single contact surface. The association of large earthquakes with relatively smooth subducting seafloor and creep with very rugged subducting seafloor calls for further investigation. Seafloor near-trench geodetic monitoring, high-resolution imaging of subduction fault structure, studies of exhumed ancient subduction zones, and laboratory studies of low-temperature creep will greatly improve our understanding of the seismogenic and creep processes and their hazard implications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, we discuss the implementation of artificial self-awareness mechanisms and self-reflection abilities in deep neural networks. While the current limitations of research prevent achieving cognitive capabilities on par with natural biological entities, the incorporation of basic self-awareness and self-reflection mechanisms in deep learning architectures offers substantial advantages in tackling specific problems across various scientific fields, including geosciences. In the first section, we outline the foundational architecture of our deep learning approach termed Self-Aware Learning (SAL). The subsequent part of the paper highlights the practical benefits of this machine learning methodology through synthetic tests and applications addressed to automatic classification and image analysis of real petrological data sets. We show how Self-Aware Learning allows enhanced accuracy, reduced overfitting problems, and improved performances compared to other existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dong Van Karst Plateau (DVKP) is a deep and remote area in the north of Vietnamwhich has numerous notable geoheritage characteristics. Karst coverage in the DVKP is among the largest compared to other regions in the country: up to 60% of the DVKP. However, to now, the relevant geoheritage information remains incomplete. The terrigenous rock cover of the remaining part is also underlaid by limestone. The aimof this paper is to identify territorial geoheritage with palaeontological, geomorphologic, structural-tectonic, stratigraphical, and lithology characteristics. Our research results have enabled the DVKP to be recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Studying geology to identify unique natural features and transform impoverished and underdeveloped areas into a tourism destinations, like DVKP, is a common aspiration among people. Before 2000, DVKP was an underdeveloped economic region. With the efforts of geologists, the unique geoheritage of the DVKP have been discovered. Currently, DVKP has become a famous destination, known as the Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark, which was recognized in 2010. In this paper, the author introduces new geomorphosites of the DVKP. At the same time, it shows how Vietnam seeks to increase the quality of geotourismto drawmore tourists and encourage socioeconomic growth by adding geomorphosites and creating awareness in society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real-time intelligent lithology identification while drilling is vital to realizing downhole closed-loop drilling. The complex and changeable geological environment in the drilling makes lithology identification face many challenges. This paper studies the problems of difficult feature information extraction, low precision of thin-layer identification and limited applicability of the model in intelligent lithologic identification. The author tries to improve the comprehensive performance of the lithology identification model from three aspects: data feature extraction, class balance, and model design. A new real-time intelligent lithology identification model of dynamic felling strategy weighted random forest algorithm (DFW-RF) is proposed. According to the feature selection results, gamma ray and 2 MHz phase resistivity are the logging while drilling (LWD) parameters that significantly influence lithology identification. The comprehensive performance of the DFW-RF lithology identification model has been verified in the application of 3 wells in different areas. By comparing the prediction results of five typical lithology identification algorithms, the DFW-RF model has a higher lithology identification accuracy rate and F1 score. This model improves the identification accuracy of thin-layer lithology and is effective and feasible in different geological environments. The DFW-RF model plays a truly efficient role in the realtime intelligent identification of lithologic information in closed-loop drilling and has greater applicability, which is worthy of being widely used in logging interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a commentary on a paper concerning the petrology and geochemistry of the granitoid rocks of the Johannesburg Dome in Central Kaapvaal Craton, South Africa. It examines the subdivision of the Johannesburg Dome (JD) granitoids into three main suites by the authors of the article. It also suggests that there is not justification for invoking a separate sanukitoid magmatic intrusive event anywhere on the JD.

The article comments on the paper "Timing of Magmatism and Metamorphism in the Gruinard Bay Area of the Lewisian Gneiss Complex: Comparisons with the Assynt Terrane and Implications for Terrane Accretion" by C. R. L. Friend, P. D. Kinny and G. J. Glove. According to the author, the paper expands the readers' understanding of the geological relations in the Complex at Badcall Bay, Lochinver and Gruinard Bay in Northern Scotland. The paper also presents new insights on the systematics of zircon in high-grade rocks, however, it also contains some dubious interpretations that ignore or misrepresents available evidence.

In historical architecture, which includes many types of monuments and ancient buildings, natural stone was used as the main building material because of its natural beauty, availability and durability. The results reported in the papers published in this Special Issue highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the study of stones in order to obtain information on composition, and physical and mechanical properties. 10.3390/app12094588 4 Santo A.P., Agostini B., Garzonio C.A., Pecchioni E., Salvatici T. Decay Process of Serpentinite: The Case of the San Giovanni Baptistery (Florence, Italy) Pavement. [Extracted from the article]

It is senseless to study modern volcanism in Kamchatka and therewith ignore the Kurile Islands, which are a natural continuation of Kamchatka. The authors compare the petrography, mineralogy, and geochemistry of the lavas with those of the products of summit eruptions and demonstrate that all the rocks are similar in phenocryst associations and petrography. The complex geological history of Kamchatka and the diversity of its active modern volcanism make it an ideal "natural laboratory" for studying the most topical problems of petrology and geology. [Extracted from the article]

The technical challenges associated with deep underground space activities have become increasingly significant. Among these challenges, one major concern is the assessment of rockburst risks and the instability of rock masses. Extensive research has been conducted by numerous scholars to mitigate the risks and prevent occurrences of rockburst through various assessment methods. Rockburst incidents commonly occur during the excavation of hard rock in underground environments, posing severe threats to personnel safety, equipment integrity, and operational continuity. Thus, it is crucial to systematically document real cases of rockburst, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms and triggering conditions. This understanding will contribute to the advancement of rockburst prediction and prevention methods. Proper selection of an appropriate rockburst assessment method is a fundamental aspect in underground operations. However, there is a limited number of studies that summarize and compare different prediction and prevention methods of rockburst. This paper aims to address this gap by analyzing global trends using CiteSpace software since 1990. It discusses rockburst classification and characteristics, comprehensively reviews research findings related to rockburst prediction, including empirical, simulation, mathematical modeling, and microseismic monitoring methods. Additionally, the paper presents a compilation of current rockburst prevention measures. Notably, the paper emphasizes the significance of control strategies, which provide key insights into the effective utilization of stored energy within rock. Finally, the paper concludes by suggesting six directions for implementing intelligent management techniques to mitigate hazards during underground operations and reduce the probability of rockburst incidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We reply to the comments of Beccaluva et al. (2013) on the paper “A crustal-upper mantle model for southeastern Sicily (Italy) from the integration of petrologic and geophysical data” by Manuella et al. (2013). We entirely reject their speculative comments and strongly confirm our viewpoint on the aged oceanic nature of the lithospheric basement of southeastern Sicily and its offshore area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

On 8 June 2017, a heavy storm struck the parallel ridge-valley area of western Chongqing, resulting in serious urban waterlogging and landslides, which led to severe impacts on infrastructure and damage to private property. Based on high-resolution optical satellite images, this paper comprehensively identified the landslides triggered by this rainfall event, and established a corresponding landslide database. The database takes the landslide area density and landslide number density as the main indicators, and combines the lithology characteristics to analyze the spatial distribution of landslides. The results show that this event triggered 487 landslides in an area of 583 km2, involving an area of about 485,587 m2, accounting for about 0.083% of the study area. The average landslide number density is 0.84 num/km2, the highest value of landslide number density can reach 55.6 num/km2, and the maximum landslide area density is about 6.4%. These landslides are mainly distributed in the southern foothills of the Huaying Mountain, especially in the weak interlayer lithology area. The database provides scientific reference and data support for exploring the mechanism of landslides in western Chongqing and reducing the risk of landslide disasters under the background of rapid development of local society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intelligent identification of the different lithology of outcrops has been a major research challenge in the field of geology. The manual identification of outcrop lithology is labor-intensive and lacks systematicity and consistency. Intelligent lithology identification based on deep convolutional neural networks can significantly reduce such workload and also serves as the foundation for intelligent outcrop research. In this paper, we propose a workflow based on the DeepLabV3+ semantic segmentation neural network algorithm. The algorithm can intelligently identify the lithology of outcrop photos obtained by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) oblique photography. Based on this workflow, we can complete the tasks of dataset creation, model training, intelligent identification of outcrop lithology, and model accuracy evaluation. The dataset used in this paper is composed of high-resolution photos of the Fugu Tiansheng Bridge Shihezi Formation profile collected by UAV, which are annotated with three major categories and five subcategories of lithology. Then, we input the data into four types of neural networks, including a fully convolutional network (FCN), SegNet, U-Net, and DeepLabV3+, for training. The results indicate that the recognition accuracies of the four neural network algorithms, FCN, SegNet, U-Net, and DeepLabV3+, for outcrop lithology classification tasks based on UAV oblique photography images are 90.81%, 90.44%, 92.03%, and 93.88%, respectively. Among such algorithms, the DeepLabV3+ semantic segmentation neural network algorithm is reliable and accurate, and can provide a basis for intelligent lithology recognition. This is fundamental for promoting the automation, intelligence, and digitalization of geological outcrop research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many scientists have begun to refer to the earth surface environment from the upper canopy to the depths of bedrock as the critical zone (CZ). Identification of the CZ as a worthy object of study implicitly posits that the study of the whole earth surface will provide benefits that do not arise when studying the individual parts. To study the CZ, however, requires prioritizing among the measurements that can be made - and we do not generally agree on the priorities. Currently, the Susquehanna Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory (SSHCZO) is expanding from a small original study area (0.08km2, Shale Hills catchment), to a much larger watershed (164 km2, Shavers Creek water shed) and is grappling with the necessity of prioritization. This effort is an expansion from a monolithologic first-order forested catchment to a watershed that encompasses several lithologies (shale, sandstone, limestone) and land use types (forest, agriculture). The goal of the project remains the same: to understand water, energy, gas, solute and sediment (WEGSS) fluxes that are occurring today in the context of the record of those fluxes over geologic time as recorded in soil profiles, the sedimentary record, and landscape morphology. Given the small size of the original Shale Hills catchment, the original measurement design resulted in measurement of as many parameters as possible at high temporal and spatial density. In the larger Shavers Creek watershed, however, we must focus the measurements. We describe a strategy of data collection and modelling based on a geomorphological framework that builds on the hillslope as the basic unit. Interpolation and extrapolation beyond specific sites relies on geophysical surveying, remote sensing, geomorphic analysis, the study of natural integrators such as streams, ground waters or air, and application of a suite of CZ models. In essence, we are hypothesizing that pinpointed measurements of a few important variables at strategic locations will allow development of predictive models of CZ behavior. In turn, the measurements and models will reveal how the larger watershed will respond to perturbations both now and into the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fields of dislocated boulders and blocks record catastrophic coastal flooding during strong storms or tsunamis and play a pivotal role in coastal hazard assessment. Along the rocky carbonate coast of Eastern Samar (Philippines) we documented longshore transport of a block of 180 t and boulders (up to 23.5 t) shifted uphill to elevations of up Knickpoints are fascinating and common geomorphic features whose dynamics influences the development of landscapes and source-to-sink systems - in particular the upstream propagation of erosion. Here, we study river profiles and associated knick-points experimentally in a micro flume filled with a cohesive substrate made of silica, water and kaolinite. We focus on the effect on knickpoint dynamics of varying the distribution of base-level fall (rate, increment, and period) and substrate strength, i.e. kaolinite content. Such simple cases are directly comparable to both bedrock and alluvial river systems. Under a constant rate of base-level fall, knickpoints of similar shape are periodically generated, highlighting a self-organized dynamics in which steady forcing leads to multiple knickpoint events. Temporary shielding of the bed by alluvium controls the spacing between these unit knickpoints. Shielding is however not effective when base-level drops exceed alluvium thickness. While the base-level fall rate controls the overall slope of experiments, it is not instrumental in dictating the major characteristics of unit knickpoints. Instead the velocity, face slope and associated plunge pool depth of these knickpoints are all strongly influenced by lithology. The period between knickpoints is set by both alluvium thickness and base-level fall rate, allowing use of knickpoint spacing along rivers as an indicator of base-level fall rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The country of the Republic of Kosovo is situated in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula. In the Southwest, it is bordered by Albania, in the West by Montenegro, in the North and East by Serbia and in the Southeast by North Macedonia. In this scientific paper was done the identification detailed for rocks found on the researched region. it was done the identification detailed for rocks found in the researched region. The region research it's done scale by 1:25 000 for comparison map of geology scale by 1:200 000 and paper will be treated the mineralogical content, petrography microscope preparation, and geochemistry. For the region of Gjilan, the analysis was performed: for large elements, for small elements and traces, and for rare soils. The processing of the analysis of large elements, traces, and sub-traces was performed in the geochemical-petrological software MINPET. Constructed diagrams show that we are dealing with rocks generated in differentiated geodynamic environments. Most of the rocks analyzed fall in the field of basic and acid rocks, and only a small part of them belong to the medium and ultrabasic rocks. Acid rocks are represented mainly by their Metamorphism types - gneiss and less of those ages with them younger - granite. They generally show geochemical features of volcanic type than orogenic in acid magmatism. The purpose of the paper it the proposal of the paper is the identification rocks in the exploration zone for the preparation petrographic of microscope and processing of the analysis of large elements, traces, and sub-traces was performed in the geochemical-petrological software MINPET. It was done by the evidencing and detailed description of all the types of rocks found in the researched region. The samples were taken from those rocks for the preparation of petrography microscope preparation. The analyses were completed at the certified laboratory of Geology-Mining Faculty (Polytechnic University of Tirana) - Geosciences Institute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent exploration has revealed that the Middle Triassic Leikoupo Formation 32 Submember (T2/32) in the Sichuan Basin contains unconventional marl reservoirs with significant natural gas potential. Due to limited cores, old wells, and conventional logs, however, the lithological understanding of T2/32 is incomplete and relies solely on inaccurate mud logs. This lack of lithological foundation challenges geology and petroleum research. To identify complex lithology, this paper presents a double-hierarchical workflow to identify seven types of lithology using logs. The first order distinguishes salt, anhydrite, and marl, while the second order further subdivides marl into anhydrite marl, argillaceous limestone, shaly limestone, and limy shale. Different rocks' logging response characteristics are summarized based on quantity-limited cores and micro-resistivity imaging logs. Lithological identification of 2D and 3D plots is established using sensitive GR, DEN, and RT. Corresponding identification standards are built in two hierarchies. According to these standards, the lithology of T2/32 is identified in a total of 119 wells. Finally, the lithological characteristics of vertical, horizontal, and plane are discussed in the research area. The research results may aid in comprehending the entire lithological characteristics of the complex marl reservoir in T2/32 of the Sichuan Basin. It would help the exploration potential of petroleum systems in turn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

William Wordsworth writes frequently about stones, rocks, megaliths. He ponders the stories that stones can tell in 'Michael' ('There is a straggling heap of unhewn stones'), and poets who 'in their elegies and songs / Lamenting the departed call the groves ... And senseless rocks' in 'The Ruined Cottage' (later The Excursion, Book I). He writes of casual inscriptions in 'Poems on the Naming of Places', the ancient stone circle Long Meg and her Daughters in his Guide to the Lakes, and of course ponders Stonehenge in 'Salisbury Plain'. In her influential, if flawed, book Romantic Things: A Tree, a Rock, a Cloud (2012), Mary Jacobus makes a case for a number of objects, attributes, and activities that preoccupy Romantic poetry (particularly the poetry of Wordsworth) and which can change our perception of the world. This has since become a major area of interest in contemporary philosophy, notably in cultural environmentalism and in object-oriented ontology (OOO), both of which have swiftly generated a significant and wide-ranging bibliography. Although it would be a major undertaking to approach the entire corpus of Tolkien's work in this way, several important points can be made to form an introduction to such an approach by building on Jacobus's work and bringing it up to date with more contemporary thinking. This paper will therefore investigate one aspect - stones and rocks in The Lord of the Rings - arguing that Tolkien engages with a theme in Romantic poetry that, once neglected, now appears to be central to their conception of the natural world and the place of humans within it. From the enigmatic stone ruins that litter Middleearth to the new brick-built mill in Hobbiton, from the natural wonder of the bejewelled Glittering Caves to animate (and inanimate) beings such as trolls, to magical artefacts such as the palantíri and Silmarils, Tolkien develops a poetics of minerality that forms a bedrock to his work, part of the same stratum as Romanticism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper delves into the intriguing Early Islamic mold-decorated Buff Ware jugs found in the rural Negev region, shedding light on the broader phenomenon of imitations, in general and particularly, within the context of a rural farmstead situated on the southern bank of Na'al Be'er Sheva'. To accomplish this, we analyzed petrographically 22 sherds from nine sites spanning various geographic areas within modern-day Israel, aiming to reveal invaluable insights into mold-decorated Buff Ware production and distribution. The primary objectives of this study were twofold: first, to explore the degree of centralization in mold-decorated Buff Ware production, and second, to determine whether some of these vessels were manufactured locally within rural settlements, alongside their production in large urban centers such as Ramla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to accomplish a thorough identification of rock types occurring within the Mitrovica region by describing in detail all encountered varieties. The authors aim to determine the discontinuity or continuity of all inter-formational boundaries, crucial for accurate delineation on the ground and complete reflection on a 1:25000 scale map. Additionally, the objective is to identify the nature of contact between rock types and provide a detailed their description. Methods. Field exploration in the Mitrovica region was conducted for several months. Rock identification involved detailed sampling and petrographic analysis, including thin section preparation of magmatic rocks. The method included sample preparation, polarized light source interactions with minerals and observation of optical properties. Key properties observed are birefringence, interference colors, extinction angles, identification and analysis. Findings. Based on the study of stratigraphic units and geological descriptions of mineral outcrop areas, various types of rocks through petrographic microscope preparation, as well as chemical and geochemical analyses, have been differentiated. The Mitrovica area encompasses the following lithostratigraphic units: harzburgite, gabbro, diabase, metasandstone, sandstone, quartzite and grainstone with calcium (Aeolisaccus sp.; Bioclastic grainstone with dacycladal algae and small milliolides; Salpin-goporella sp.). Originality. The originality of the research lies in employing an optical microscope for the precise identification of rocks. Through the re-search carried out in the study area, we obtained a comprehensive petrographic description of mineral composition, texture, and mineralization, facilitating the assessment of the area exploitation potential. Practical implications. The petrographic exploration yielded the conclusion that the Pb-Zn mineralization is present in the study area, which is a sig-nificant finding for the advancement of the mining sector and the local community, provided that environmental preservation measures are upheld and responsible methods of area exploitation are implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote sensing (RS) technology has significantly contributed to geological exploration and mineral resource assessment. However, its effective application in vegetated areas encounters various challenges. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities associated with RS-based lithological identification in vegetated regions which includes the extensively reviewed prior research concerning the identification of lithology in vegetated regions, encompassing the utilized remote sensing data sources, and classification methodologies. Moreover, it offers a comprehensive overview of the application of remote sensing techniques in the domain of lithological mapping. Notably, hyperspectral RS and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) have emerged as prominent tools in lithological identification. In addition, this paper addresses the limitations inherent in RS technology, including issues related to vegetation cover and terrain effects, which significantly impact the accuracy of lithological mapping. To propel further advancements in the field, the paper proposes promising avenues for future research and development. These include the integration of multi-source data to improve classification accuracy and the exploration of novel RS techniques and algorithms. In summary, this paper presents valuable insights and recommendations for advancing the study of RS-based lithological identification in vegetated areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an updated understanding of the reservoir stratigraphy, sedimentology, palaeogeography and diagenesis of the Upper Permian Hauptdolomit Formation of the Zechstein Supergroup ("Hauptdolomit") in a study area on the southern margin of the Mid North Sea High. The paper is based on the examination and description of core and cuttings data from 25 wells which were integrated with observations based on existing and new 3D seismic. Based on thin‐section petrography of cuttings and core from the wells studied, it is evident that Hauptdolomit microfacies are distributed in a relatively predictable way, and well‐defined platform interior, platform margin, slope and basin settings can be distinguished. Platform margins are typically characterised by the development of ooid shoals and, to a lesser‐extent, by microbial build‐ups. High‐energy back‐shoal settings are characterised by a more complex combination of peloid grainstones, thrombolitic and microbial build‐ups, and fine crystalline dolomites. Lower energy lagoons which developed further behind the platform margin are characterised by a variety of microfacies types; fine crystalline dolomites are common in this setting as well as peloidal facies and local microbial build‐ups. Intertidal and supratidal settings are typified by increased proportions of anhydrite and the development of laminated microbial bindstones (stromatolites). Platform margins are in general relatively steep and pass into slope and basinal settings. Only a few wells have penetrated Hauptdolomit successions deposited in a slope setting, and these successions are characterised by a range of resedimented shallow‐water facies together with low‐energy laminated dolomicrites and fine crystalline dolomites. Slope zones in the study area are interpreted from seismic data to be typically 1‐1.5 km in width. Basinal Hauptdolomit deposits have been strongly affected by post‐depositional diagenesis and are dedolomitised to variable degrees. The original depositional facies are rarely preserved. Diagenetic studies show that dolomitisation has affected almost the entire Hauptdolomit Formation throughout the study area in both basinal and platform settings. The dolomite is considered to result from seepage‐reflux processes and is an early diagenetic phase. Mouldic porosity is present in many facies types as a result of dissolution, especially in ooid grainstones, thrombolitic build‐ups and peloidal facies. The dissolution cannot be associated with any one diagenetic phase but was most likely a result of the dolomitisation process itself. Stable isotope analyses indicate that all dolomites were precipitated from Permian marine‐derived pore fluids. Fluid inclusion analyses of dolomite cements indicate that cementation continued into the burial realm. Anhydrite cementation occurs in two phases: early anhydrite precipitation was associated with dolomitisation, and can be distinguished from a later, pore‐filling cement which is highly detrimental to reservoir quality. The Hauptdolomit succession in basinal wells (and in some slope wells) in the study area has undergone significant dedolomitisation. Dedolomitisation was a shallow burial process which affected precursor dolomites, whereby excess calcium from the transition of gypsum to anhydrite during burial combined with CO2 and organic acids derived from basinal sediments. The process was triggered by excess calcium reacting with excess carbonate ions from dissolution. 3D seismic volumes supplemented by numerous 2D lines were available in the study area and allowed an interpretation to be made of Hauptdolomit gross depositional settings; platform margins and base‐of‐slope polygons were mapped, with the greatest confidence in areas of 3D seismic. The basin, slope and platform settings were distinguished using seismic data integrated with the results of micro‐facies analysis and incorporating seismic‐to‐well ties. The data shows that large parts of the study area are characterised by the presence of polyhalites within the overlying (Z2) Stassfurt Halite Formation, which may create particular seismic geometries at the Hauptdolomit slope. These are interpreted to be intra‐Stassfurt Halite features, providing an alternative model to the thickened, prograded Hauptdolomit which has been suggested in previous publications. Because few wells drilled in the study area had the Hauptdolomit as the primary target, cores were limited but significant data was obtained from cuttings analyses. More than 400 thin sections were evaluated, allowing depositional models based on microfacies observations to be developed, verifying the seismic‐scale observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petrography of recrystallised ikaite from Ocean Drilling Program material has been presented previously from Nankai Trough and Congo (ex-Zaire) deep-sea fan. This paper expands on the Nankai Trough ikaite observations, drawing on evidence from Laptev Sea, South Georgia, Okhotsk Sea, and coastal lagoon Point Barrow. However, even though many ikaite and glendonite sites occur at high latitudes, it cannot be that ikaite forms exclusively in polar environments, as demonstrated by the occurrences in the low latitude low temperature deep sea sediments offshore Gulf of Guinea (Angola Congo) and mid-latitude deep-sea trenches offshore Japan. Recrystallised ikaite occurs as mm large, zoned calcite crystals in all samples, along with secondary phases of calcite. Our data set is unique in that the origin, storage, and recrystallisation process of natural formed ikaite is recorded in detail and confirms that glendonite petrographic characteristics are a consequence of the structure and chemistry of recrystallising ikaite and not the physical or geochemical environment. The transformation of man-made ikaite to calcite as recorded in laboratory studies, is a process very similar to the one we have observed for natural ikaite. Most significant is that there is variation in the order of the calcite types within a single sample, leading to the conclusion that the variation is a consequence of impurities and geochemical variability in the ikaite, not the external environment. Morphological observations reveal similarities in ikaite and glendonite, this and the similarity in internal textures in glendonite and recrystallised ikaite confirms that glendonite may be used as an indicator of past presence of ikaite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reconnaissance study of the Ash-Sharqi area displays that this area is covered by Tertiary rift-related volcanic rocks and their associated plutonic rocks with some exposures of Mesozoic sandstones. These volcanic rocks belong to the Yemen Trap Series (YTS) that form the lower part of the Yemen Volcanic Group (YVG), which consists of a part of the Afro-Arabian continental flood basalt province. The plutonic rocks are represented by intrusion composed of granitoid rocks located in the center of the study area, which is the subject of this paper. These granitoid rocks range in composition from granite (G) to quartz-monzonite - quartz-monzodiorite - quartz diorite (QM-QMD-QD) and are composed of plagioclase (An32-46: Andesine), K-feldspars, quartz, hornblende with minor, biotite, opaques, allanite and zircon. Secondary minerals are represented by chlorite, sericite calcite sphene, hematite epidote, and kaolinite. These rocks show variations in their colors (color index 6 to 47 vol. %) and grain sizes, which reflect changes in mineral composition and textures. They have equigranular, porphyritic, rapakivi, and anti-rapakivi textures and contain enclaves of various sizes of basalt and diorite blocks. Xenocrysts of pyroxene and plagioclase are found and detonated during the magma-mingling processes. Finally, these granitoid rocks are subjected to various degrees of hydrothermal alterations, including silicification, argillization, hematitization, chloritization, epidotization, sericitization, carbonation and spheronization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pipe jacking is a trenchless technology used to install buried pipelines, such as sewer lines in wastewater management systems. Existing mechanistic approaches based on geomaterial strength parameters (i.e., friction angle and apparent cohesion) can provide an estimation of the potential jacking forces during construction. However, extracting intact rock cores for strength characterisation is challenging when dealing with highly weathered 'soft rocks' which exhibit RQD values of zero. Such was the case for a pipe jacking drive traversing the highly weathered lithology underlying Kuching City, Malaysia. Furthermore, mechanistic approaches face limitations during construction when jacking forces are dependent on operation parameters, such as jacking speed and lubrication. To address these knowledge gaps, the primary objectives of this study are the development of rock strength parameters based on in situ pressuremeter testing for the purpose of estimating jacking forces. Furthermore, this study investigates the influence of various pipe jacking operation parameters, with a particular focus on their impact on jacking forces in weathered 'soft rocks'. To achieve this, a novel deep learning model with an attention mechanism is introduced. The proposed methods of rock strength parameters derived from pressuremeter testing and the utilisation of deep learning will help to provide insights into the key factors affecting the development of jacking forces. This paper successfully shows the use of in situ pressuremeter testing in developing Mohr–Coulomb (MC) parameters directly from the site. In addition, the developed deep learning model with an attention mechanism successfully highlights the significance of pipe jacking operation parameters with an accuracy of 88% in predicting the jacking forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lavas erupted in Continental Flood Basalt (CFB) provinces are not primary magmas; they are differentiated products that result from large volumes of melt migrating and stalling in the lithosphere prior to eruption, resulting in complex liquid lines of descent. Geochemical models can be used to constrain the various influencers of magma differentiation (recharge, assimilation, fractional crystallization (FC), eruption, and mixing). Temporal constraints for changes in plumbing system dynamics are recorded in the petrography and stratigraphy of the erupted lava flows. This study focuses on the flow‐stratigraphy preserved within the Oligocene Ethiopian low‐Ti flood basalt province, located on the NW Ethiopian Plateau. We present new bulk rock geochemistry from 107 lavas and interpret these data within a petrostratigraphic framework. Our model results suggest that both a deep (∼0.6 GPa) and shallow (<0.2 GPa) magmatic system are active throughout the main phase of volcanism. Our recharge evacuation assimilation and fractional crystallization models (REAFC) show that during the main phase of magmatism evacuation from both the deep (65%) and shallow (55%) systems reached an apex. During the terminal phases, magma evacuation from the deeper system ceases while evacuation from the shallow system is much reduced (25%). The degree of crustal contamination predicted by REAFC (4%–10%) is lower than previous estimates determined for this region using assimilation with FC only models (12%–25%). Our study highlights the importance of evaluating petrography while interpreting geochemical models in CFB. Plain Language Summary: Large eruptions of lava known as "flood basalts" have occurred several times in Earth's history. These eruptions have been linked to changes in Earth's climate, mass extinctions, the dawn of human civilization, and the splitting of large continents. Despite the impact these eruptions have, there is little understood about the journey of magma to the surface. As magma travels through Earth's crust, it changes physically and chemically. Consequently, each lava flow erupted is a record of these changes. There are multiple paths that magma can take to the surface, each leaves a unique signature on the lava. If we think of each lava flow as pages in a book, and groups of lava flows as chapters in a novel, then we can begin to tell the story of how some of the largest eruptions on Earth changed the world. In this paper, we explore one of the youngest and most complete sequences on flood basalt lavas on Earth, the Ethiopian Flood Basalt Province. We use physical and chemical signatures to identify and model key changes in eruption behavior. The results show how magma becomes shallower, and the volume of magma increasing and then decreasing over time. Key Points: Combining petrographic and geochemical datasets yields a more complete picture of changes in magmatic flux in a continental flood basalt provinceRecharge‐evacuation models indicate lower crustal contribution for the Ethiopian Flood Basalt province than previously suggestedSeveral geochemical trends in the Ethiopian low‐Ti province can be explained using recharge‐evacuation‐assimilation‐fractional crystallization models [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volcaniclastic deposits are cynosures for reconstructing volcanic archives and evaluating the tectonic imprints of the study area. This paper presents an elaborate geological field litholog, petrography and geochemistry of ~1.2 km thick sequence of the quartz-feldspar porphyry (QFP) and rhyolites in the Kadiri–Hindupur section of the Kadiri Greenstone belt from Eastern Dharwar Craton (EDC). The QFP exhibits primary stratification; the thickness of the beds varies from very thin to thick (3–8 cm) and shows large-scale tabular cross-bedding in the lower half of the section. The bedding surfaces of QFPs are marked by current crescent-shaped marks (long axis: 5–25 cm, short axis: 2–8 cm), speculated as possible remnants of volcanic bombs and pyroclastic debris during the explosive volcanism. Petrographically, these QFPs are characterised by spectacular blue opalescent quartz grains with embayed grain boundaries, anhedral feldspar with sieved texture, fractured plagioclase and polycrystalline groundmass suggesting a volcaniclastic origin. They are also endowed with significant post-depositional textures such as domino-listric faulting and sigma-shaped porphyroblasts. Geochemically, QFPs are unaltered with trachyte-trachy dacite compositions showing high-potash, calc-alkaline nature displaying shoschonitic affinity. The primitive mantle normalised trace and rare earth elements are marked by an enriched LREE-LILE pattern coupled by negative zircon–hafnium, niobium–tantalum and titanium anomalies affirming their common genetic link to a prominent island arc–back-arc system where explosive volcanism produced the felsic crystal tuffs that were deposited and preserved as volcaniclastic QFP. The associated blocks and bombs produced the current crescent-shaped marks preserved on the bedding surfaces of QFPs. Research highlights: Research Highlights Quartz-feldspar porphyry (~1.2 km thick) occurs in the Kadiri Greenstone Belt, Eastern Dharwar Craton. Blue opalescent quartz and deformed plagioclase porphyry indicate volcaniclastic origin. Enigmatic current crescent-shaped marks represent remnants of volcanic bombs and pyroclastic debris. The primitive mantle normalised REE diagram is characterised by LREE-LILE enrichment. They represent Neoarchean pyroclastic volcanism and sedimentation in an island arc–back-arc setup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, detailed petrology, mineral chemistry and geochemistry of lamprophyres from the Rongjeng–Nongchram area, Meghalaya, northeast India, is being reported. These dykes are intruded into the Proterozoic Assam Meghalaya Gneissic Complex and Neoproterozoic porphyritic granites with limited field exposures in two separate clusters controlled by lineaments. These lamprophyres are alkaline, potassic to ultra-potassic, and metaluminous and have been classified into camptonite and sannite from their petrography and geochemical affinity. Resorption texture of biotite in camptonite and compositional zoning in clinopyroxene of sannite indicate their crystallization under in-equilibrium conditions and subsequent interaction with changing composition of the magma(s). Detail geochemistry indicates fractionation as the imperative mechanism during the evolution of the magma(s) and shows heterogeneity at the mantle source and evidence for minimal crustal contamination. Various tectonic discrimination diagrams indicate the emplacement of the lamprophyres in a post-collisional and within plate setting, signifying a possible plume mechanism involved in their emplacement. The affinity of the lamprophyres towards an OIB setting was recorded from the chondrite-normalized REE and primitive mantle-normalized multielement patterns. The geochemistry of the lamprophyres points towards the presence of possible enriched metasomatic pods in the mantle, which might have melted due to the heat from the mantle plume and triggered the emplacement of the lamprophyres in the Rongjeng–Nongchram area. Research highlights: New lamprophyre bodies from Garo Hills, Meghalaya Plateau, NE India, are being reported with detailed petrology, geochemistry, and mineral chemistry. The lamprophyres are of alkaline affinity. The Kerguelen plume played a vital role in the generation of these lamprophyres. There are geochemical signals of the presence of enriched metasomatic pods in the mantle, which were melted due to plume interaction. The study also indicates a distinctive mantle source heterogeneity across the Meghalaya Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of mountain tunnel mining through the drilling and blasting method, the recognition of lithology from palm face images is crucial for the comprehensive analysis of geological conditions and the prevention of geological risks. However, the complexity of the background in the acquired palm face images, coupled with an insufficient data sample size, poses challenges. While the incorporation of deep learning technology has enhanced lithology recognition accuracy, issues persist, including inadequate feature extraction and suboptimal recognition accuracy. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a lithology recognition network integrating attention mechanisms and a feature Brownian distance covariance approach. Drawing inspiration from the Brownian distance covariance concept, a feature Brownian distance covariance module is devised to enhance the network's attention to rock sample features and improve classification accuracy. Furthermore, an enhanced lightweight Convolutional Block Attention Module is introduced, with upgrades to the multilayer perceptron in the channel attention module. These improvements emphasize attention to lithological features while mitigating interference from background information. The proposed method is evaluated on a palm face image dataset collected in the field. The proposed method was evaluated on a dataset comprising field-collected images of a tunnel rock face. The results illustrate a significant enhancement in the improved model's ability to recognize rock images, as evidenced by improvements across all objective evaluation metrics. The achieved accuracy rate of 97.60% surpasses that of the current mainstream lithology recognition neural network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kresty volcano–plutonic complex (KVPC) is one of the representatives of the alkaline–ultrabasic magmatism in the Maymecha-Kotuy Alkaline Province in Polar Siberia. The geological structure of the KVPC consists of intrusive formations of olivinite–pyroxenite and melilitolite–monticellitolite bodies, a series of rocks that break through dikes of trachydolerites, syenites, granosyenites, alkaline picrites and lamprophyres. This paper summarizes the results of the authors' long-term research on the geological structure and features of the material composition of the intrusive magmatic rocks, including geochemistry, mineralogy, distribution of rare earth elements (REE), as well as the results of isotope studies. The multielement composition of the KVPC intrusions demonstrates a complex geodynamic paleoenvironment of the formation as plume nature with signs of subduction and collision. For the ultrabasic series with normal alkalinity from the first phase of the KVPC, a Sm-Nd isochron age yielded an Early Triassic (T1) result of 251 ± 25 Ma. Here, we present U-Pb dating of zircons and perovskite of high-calcium intrusive formations and a dyke complex of alkaline syenites. Thus, for the intrusion of kugdite (according to perovskite), the age determination was 249 ± 4 Ma, and for the crosscutting KVPC dykes of syenites (according to zircon) 249 ± 1 Ma and 252 ± 1 Ma. The age of the most recent dike is almost identical to the age of the main intrusive phases of the KVPC (T1), which corresponds to a larger regional event of the Siberian LIP—251 Ma. According to isotopic Sr-Nd parameters, the main source of KVPC magmas is a PREMA-type material. For dyke varieties, we assume there was an interaction of plume melts with the continental crust. The new age results obtained allow us to further constrain the episodes of alkaline–ultrabasic intrusions in Polar Siberia, taking into account the interaction of mantle plume matter and crustal material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid and accurate identification of the formation lithology encountered during the drilling of oil and gas fields is an important step to control the trajectory of the drilling tool borehole and improve the optimal reservoir encounter rate. At present, the main way to distinguish the lithology of the formation encountered by drilling is to use artificial detection elements, which does not form a set of intelligent formation identification system. In view of the above problems, this paper proposes a method to identify the lithology of drilled formation by using element and gamma spectrum measurement and establishes a reasoning model of intelligent identification of formation lithology by using improved fuzzy clustering algorithm-SVM (IFCM-SVM) method. Field application shows that the accuracy of IFCM-SVM intelligent formation identification method proposed in this paper can reach 90.9%, and verifies the feasibility of using element and gamma spectrum measurement to realize the intelligent identification of formation lithology in drilling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a response to a commentary on a paper concerning the petrology and geochemistry of the granitoid rocks of the Johannesburg Dome (JD) in Central Kaapvaal Craton, South Africa. The authors of the paper explain the basis for the subdivision of the JD granitoids proposed in the paper. They also suggest a reexamination of the JD granitoids.

This study uses landslide inventory of a single typhoon event and Weight of Evidence (WOE) analysis to establish landslide susceptibility map of the Laonung River in southern Taiwan. Eight factors including lithology, elevation, slope, slope aspect, landform, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), distance to geological structure, and distance to stream are used to evaluate the susceptibility of landslide. Effect analysis and the assessment of grouped factors showed that lithology, slope, elevation, and NDVI are the dominant factors of landslides in the study area. Landslide susceptibility analysis with these four factors achieves over 90%of the AUC (area under curve) of the success rate curve of all eight factors. Four landslide susceptibility models for four typhoons from 2007 to 2009 are established, and each model is cross validated. Results indicate that the best model should be constructed by using landslide inventory close to the landslide occurrence threshold and should reflect the most common spatial rainfall pattern in the study region for ideal simulation and validation results. The prediction accuracy of the best model in this study reached 90.2%. The two highest susceptibility categories (very high and high levels) cover around 80% of the total landslides in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reservoir lithology identification is an important part of well logging interpretation. The accuracy of identification affects the subsequent exploration and development work, such as reservoir division and reserve prediction. Correct reservoir lithology identification has important geological significance. In this paper, the wavelet threshold method will be used to preliminarily reduce the noise of the curve, and then the MKBoost-MC model will be used to identify the reservoir lithology. It is found that the prediction accuracy of MKBoost-MC is higher than that of the traditional SVM algorithm, and though the operation of MKBoost-MC takes a long time, the speed of MKBoost-MC reservoir lithology identification is much higher than that of manual processing. The accuracy of MKBoost-MC for reservoir lithology recognition can reach the application standard. For the unbalanced distribution of lithology types, the MKBoost-MC algorithm can be effectively suppressed. Finally, the MKBoost-MC reservoir lithology identification method has good applicability and practicality to the lithology identification problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban development continues to reduce the amount of available ground space. The development of underground space is thus gathering increasing attention to alleviate ground congestion. However, there is currently a lack of a three-dimensional (3D) evaluation method to systematically evaluate the geological conditions of underground space and possible geological disaster risks caused by rock and soil masses. This paper presents an engineering geological suitability assessment framework based on 3D geological modeling and an analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-cloud model. As the basis for 3D evaluation, a 3D structural model of the study area is established based on the drilling data and geological profiles. Then the structural model is partitioned to obtain interpolation grids, and the ordinary Kriging interpolation method is applied to attribute interpolation. All the attributes are exported from the geological model, and the rock and soil masses are divided into four categories according to their engineering properties, namely soft soil, sandy soil, cohesive soil, and rock, upon which a targeted hierarchy structure is established based on the attributes that impact the suitability. This paper introduces the cloud model to characterize the uncertainty of these evaluation indexes, which synthesizes an AHP method, thus it is referred to as the AHP-cloud model. This new model is used to evaluate the geological suitability of underground space in the Sanlong Bay district, Foshan City, Guangdong, China. In addition, we also determine the excavation difficulty at different depths according to the lithology and weathering degree of the study area. The limitations and future directions of the proposed method are discussed, including the influencing factors and weight determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithology discrimination plays an important role in characterizing deep-hydrocarbon reservoirs, particularly for tight sandstones with special petrophysical properties. Stable prediction of lithological-sensitive parameters for deep tight sandstones is a significant challenge. In this paper, a direct inversion method of elastic impedance is developed to estimate lithological-sensitive parameters from pre-stack seismic data to improve the stability of the inversion. Elastic and physical parameter models extracted from actual wells are used to analyze the influence of petrophysical parameters on amplitude variation with offset characteristics. Cross-plots and sensitivity analysis of elastic parameters illustrate that the elastic-sensitive parameter Poisson impedance (PI) can distinguish gas-bearing sandstone and abnormal limestone in deep tight-sandstone reservoirs. In addition, a pragmatic elastic impedance direct inversion under the framework of Bayesian theory is implemented for the lithology indicator PI from pre-stack seismic data. And the Cauchy regularization and low-frequency regularization constraints are used to construct the objective function for improving the robustness of inversion. Field data examples show that the inversion results are in good agreement with the well logging interpretation results, and validate the feasibility and stability of the proposed method in the estimation of inverted parameters. Finally, we can conclude that this method has great application potential in the lithology discrimination of deep tight-sandstone reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Source protection area delineation has evolved over recent decades from fixed radius, analytical and numerical methods, which do not consider uncertainty, to more complex stochastic numerical approaches where uncertainties are often considered in a Monte Carlo framework. Representation of aquifer heterogeneity in these studies is typically based on geostatistical representation of hydraulic properties. In this paper we present a transition probability analysis of lithol ogical descriptions, sourced from regional council records of drillers' bore logs. Lithologies are categorised according to their inferred hydraulic flow and transport properties, using two to four hydrofacies groupings. The spatial connectivity of these hydrofacies is described by the probabilities of transitioning from one hydrofacies to another at discrete lags. This geostatistical representation of heterogeneity can often provide more realistic depictions of preferential flow paths, which are of great importance for the simulation of transport processes in alluvial gravel aquifers. We present the steps that are required for the geostatistical analysis, the assumptions that practitioners will need to make in similar applications, particularly around the categorisation of lithologies into hydrofacies, and the implications of these assumptions for practical applications. The outputs of this paper illustrate challenges and uncertainties associated with the characterisation of aquifer heterogeneity for contaminant transport simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the summer of 1838, Arnold Guyot was asked by Louis Agassiz to gather information on Alpine glaciers, with the aim of reporting their findings in September, at the annual gathering of the French Geological Society. Guyot's observations of the internal structure of the ice and interpretations on glacier movements, reported orally at the conference, were new to science. Unfortunately, because of purported illness, Guyot did not send his manuscript to be published and missed his first opportunity to be recognized as a pioneer in glacier studies. During the years 1841 to 1847, Guyot published a series of notes, detailing results of his field work in tracing erratic blocks in the central Alpine region, in the Alpine foreland and in the Jura Mountains. The level of detail in his work was unprecedented and has not been replicated since. Recognizing that erratic blocks of similar lithology could be followed along organized paths of deposition, Guyot could invalidate those theories that sought to explain their deposition by chaotic means, such as floods, debacles or drifting icebergs loaded with rock debris. Only moraines, composed of material transported by glaciers, could explain the mapped arrangements of erratic blocks. Geological proofs for extensive glaciations in central Europe had just been found, and Guyot could demonstrate them on his hand-drawn map. But, in 1848, a revolution broke out in Neuchâtel. The local academy where Guyot was engaged as a professor shut down and all staff were left without pay. Answering a call from Agassiz who had emigrated to the USA in 1846, Guyot departed Switzerland and joined his friend there in the fall of 1848. In his luggage were all the papers on his unfinished project, including his map, and a full collection of erratic rock specimens. After arrival in the USA, Guyot had to begin a new professional life and could not devote significant attention to the subject of erratic blocks. In 1849, he showed his map of the erratic basins of Switzerland and discussed his results with various members of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS); he also shared his novel ideas about the climatic conditions required for the formation of large glaciers; however, he did not formally publish the results of his work in the Alps, and he thus lost his second opportunity for wider peer recognition and for driving the acceptance of the glacial theory. Only in 1874, 26 years after his arrival in the USA and a year after Agassiz's death, did Guyot open his boxes of alpine rock specimens and display his unpublished map in the Museum of the College of New Jersey (later Princeton University), where he was engaged as a professor. In 1883, at age 77, his memory of the unpublished 1838 report on glaciers was still in his conscience which finally pushed him to submit it for printing at Neuchâtel. It passed largely unnoticed, however, and Guyot died one year later without recognition attached to his name for his original, innovative work. This paper reviews Guyot's work and analyses his relationship with Agassiz while both were working in Neuchâtel. It seeks to evaluate his pioneering work on glaciers and on erratic blocks. It includes a copy of Guyot's map of the erratic basins of Switzerland, kept to this day in the archives of Princeton University. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents research papers on sedimentology published in the December 1983 issue of "Sedimentology."

Presents forthcoming papers on sedimentology published in the journal "Sedimentology." Genesis of lateral accretion deposits; Occurrence of quartzine in pelagic sediments; Microbial processess in the Negev phosphorites.

This large and relatively poorly studied part of the Karelian craton was cloaked in many geological mysteries, into which Vyacheslav Stepanovich and Viktoria Vladimirovna delved when working at the Institute of Geology of the Karelian Research Center, Academy of Sciences of the Soviet Union (and then Russia). In the year of 2020, Yana Vyacheslavovna Bychkova (nee Kulikova), Viktoria Vladimirovna Kulikova, and Vyacheslav Stepanovich Kulikov, a family of geologists, passed away. Vyacheslav Stepanovich Kulikov, Viktoria Vladimirovna Kulikova, and Yana Vyacheslavovna Bychkova (Kulikova). [Extracted from the article]

The physical parameter derived from the inversion of electromagnetic surveys, the distribution of subsurface conductivity, is interesting in itself only in very few instances. In most cases, the conductivity distribution will have to be interpreted in terms of the target properties of the survey, for example: a geological interpretation of lithology; a hydrogeological interpretation of hydraulic conductivity; a biohazard/geotechnical interpretation of polluted/not‐polluted ground; and/or an archaeological interpretation of manmade/natural finds. The parameters of interest in these categories are often called derived products, indicating that the parameter of interest is not the same as the parameter whose distribution is found in the inversion process of the geophysical data. The interpretation process can be done in a wide variety of ways; from a predominantly cognitive approach based on professional experience, to an application of rigorous quantitative relations found from scientific endeavours. In most practical situations, the number of locations with independently measured information on the derived product is considerably smaller than the number of geophysics locations. It is precisely this sparsity of primary information on the derived product that encourages the use of geophysical inversion results as a sort of qualified interpolator through a formulation of a correlation between a geophysical parameter and the parameter characterising the derived product. In this paper, a general, quantitative approach to deriving the parameter of interest is presented using statistical analytic measures and an advanced use of an interpolation method that takes uncertainties into account. The approach is demonstrated in a field example from Ølgod, Denmark, where the cumulated clay thickness in the upper 30 m is estimated using a combination of borehole drilling records and an airborne transient survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]