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Through the examination of calcite twins, this research outlines the tectonic development and paleo stress patterns of the Paleozoic Routshon complex situated in the southeastern segment of the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone, a hinterland region of the Zagros orogeny in southeastern Iran. The study of orogenic phase indicates that the deformation event affecting the southern sector of the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone aligns with the Cimmerian orogenic phase of the Late Triassic period. A variety of structural features at both map and outcrop scales highlight the importance of slip partitioning in the structural evolution of this region, driven by inclined transpression. Observations suggest that the deformation related to contractional components includes steeply to moderately plunging folds, dipslip domain deformation primarily involving thrusts, and ongoing deformation by strike-slip component motion, which results in thrust-related ductile shear zones. The analysis of calcite c-axis fabrics from mylonite samples obtained from these shear zones indicates a low-temperature monoclinic pattern of non-coaxial deformation. This deformation type underscores the impact of the strike-slip component in the development of progressive simple shear within thrust-related shear zones in this segment of the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone. Dynamic analysis of caxis fabric data reveals a NE-SW orientation for the principal compressive axes (σ1) in this area. This direction, corroborated by additional data such as fault surface, GPS, and earthquake focal mechanism data, confirms that the orientation of the compressive axes (σ1) has remained consistent from the Late Triassic to the present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on coalbed methane (CBM) wells in high-ranking coal seam as the research subject. Considering the influence of effective stress and matrix shrinkage, a comprehensive permeability calculation model for CBM reservoirs is established. Based on this model, the variations in pressure and permeability during well production are quantified. By integrating static geological parameters, a finely classified classification of CBM wells is achieved using self-organizing map (SOM) neural network. Subsequently, an analysis of production dynamic characteristics and productivity differences among different types of CBM wells is performed, followed by providing drainage optimization suggestions. The results of SOM analysis show that 7,000 m3/d and 1,500 m3/d can be used as the production boundaries for the wells with different productivity in Block P. The daily gas production of exceptional well exceeds 7,000 m3/d, and the permeability remains relatively stable throughout the drainage process of this well. The daily gas production of the potential well ranges from 1,500 to 7,000 m3/d, and the permeability exhibits a significant decrease during the drainage process. The daily gas production of Inefficient well is consistently below 1,500 m3/d with moderate permeability variation. In addition to well location and structural geology, production variability is also influenced by the matching of reservoir conditions and drainage systems. This is primarily manifested in discontinuous drainage systems and rapid decline in bottom hole pressure (BHP) during early production. The analysis of drainage parameters indicates that in order to achieve optimal production from CBM wells, the BHP should exhibit an initial rapid decline followed by a slowly decrease during the early production period, with an average pressure drop ranging from 0.005 to 0.02 MPa/d. The research findings can offer technical guidance for the future advancement of CBM in the P Block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The region surrounding Zermatt (SW Switzerland and NW Italy) displays some classic examples of imbrications between continental and oceanic units. In particular, the studied units, called Cimes Blanches and Frilihorn or Faisceau Vermiculaire, consist of a set of thin bands of continent-derived metasediments intercalated at different levels within the ocean-derived units. These bands are locally reduced to only one meter thick but can be traced for several tens to more than one hundred kilometers across the Pennine Alps. The mechanisms leading to such imbrications are a long-standing and still-debated question. Based on detailed mapping and structural analysis of key areas, we present new data on the structure and stratigraphy of the Faisceau Vermiculaire in the area surrounding Zermatt, with particular focus on the Täschalpen sector, where the Faisceau Vermiculaire is locally in contact with basement units. Our observations allow: (i) to confirm the presence of widespread breccias of probable Jurassic age in the Faisceau Vermiculaire; (ii) to interpret the contacts between the Faisceau Vermiculaire and the overlying non-ophiolitic Schistes Lustrés (Série Rousse) as stratigraphic; (iii) to show that the stratigraphy of the Faisceau Vermiculaire and associated Série Rousse contrasts strongly with the cover of the Siviez-Mischabel nappe and that these sequences originate from different paleogeographic domains (Prepiemont basin and Briançonnais platform respectively); (iv) to interpret as stratigraphic the contact of the Faisceau Vermiculaire and the Série Rousse with the basement forming the Alphubel anticline; the local unconformity is interpreted as the result of the activity of synsedimentary Jurassic normal paleofaults; (v) to highlight the trace of a major Jurassic normal fault, that should have marked an abrupt thinning of the paleomargin; it corresponds now to the contact between the Faisceau Vermiculaire (and associated Série Rousse) and the Siviez-Mischabel basement in the hinge of the Mischabel backfold. We propose a new tectonic scheme for the structure of the Faisceau Vermiculaire and adjacent units involving an early northward folding of the Faisceau Vermiculaire with the Série Rousse and the ophiolitic Schistes Lustrés of the Tsaté nappe, followed by major backfolding responsible for the southward emplacement of these units above the HP Zermatt-Saas and Monte Rosa nappes. Our study at regional scale shows that the group formed by the Alphubel basement, the Faisceau Vermiculaire and the Série Rousse share a tectonic position and stratigraphic sequences identical to those of the Mont Fort nappe, which outcrops on the other side of the Dent Blanche klippe. It leads to the proposition that this group constitutes the eastern extension of the Mont Fort nappe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of geophysical methods in saline environments is limited in their ability to discern shallow subsurface geology and tectonics due to the high subsurface conductivity, which can play havoc with the geophysical signal. Recent changes in the hypersaline Dead Sea provided the opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness and adequacy of the terrestrial frequency domain electromagnetic (henceforth FDEM) method in such settings. Since the International Continental Drilling Program (ICDP) 5017-3-C borehole was cored in 2011 in a water depth of ~2.1 m, the lake level has dropped by almost 15 m, exposing some 320 m of a new, salt-encrusted shore. An FDEM survey was carried out on what is now land across the borehole. The results of the survey were compared to downhole gamma ray logging data. Three lithologies were found based on gamma-ray cutoff values, and they are in agreement with changes in apparent electric conductivity. The FDEM survey supplied additional spatial information on the subsurface geology, highlighting areas of fluid flow and fracturing, which were found to be aligned with the trend of small strike-slip faults and earthquake clusters from previous studies. The FDEM method is a reliable way of discerning shallow subsurface geology, even in harsh conditions where other geophysical methods are limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mapping of rock types, structural geology, and hydrothermal alteration, supported by geochronology and thermochronology, sheds light on the original spatial relationships of hydrothermal systems to intrusions in the northern Shoshone Range in north-central Nevada. Rocks in the Hilltop district are tilted ~35–40°E, as indicated by orientations of flattened pumice fiamme and bedding in sedimentary rocks along a single set of presently low-angle normal faults that initiated at 60–70°W dips. New U-Pb zircon geochronology from two sets of dikes in the Lewis district could suggest late Eocene–early Oligocene extension, but definitive crosscutting relations are lacking to demonstrably support this potential earlier period of normal faulting. Reinterpretation of previously reported apatite fission-track cooling ages with a new palinspastic restoration in the Lewis mining district concurs with middle Miocene extension as documented to the south at the Caetano caldera; however, the depth of burial of the Lewis district—and thus the significance of the apatite fissiontrack cooling ages—is uncertain. The comparable orientations and tilting history, supported by fault scaling relations, suggest that the temporally coincident extension in the Caetano caldera to the south represents the along-strike continuation of the same system of normal faults as in the Hilltop and Lewis districts, with changes in observed offset, percent extension, and fault spacing attributed to the gradual tipping out of the fault system northward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of lineament analysis in structural geology gained renewed interest when remote sensing data and technology became available through dedicated Earth observation satellites like Landsat in 1972. Lineament data have since been widely used in general structural investigations and resource and geohazard studies. The present contribution argues that lineament analysis remains a useful tool in structural geology research both at the regional and local scales. However, the traditional "lineament study" is only one of several methods. It is argued here that structural and lineament remote sensing studies can be separated into four distinct strategies or approaches. The general analyzing approach includes general structural analysis and identification of foliation patterns and composite structural units (mega-units). The general approach is routinely used by most geologists in preparation for field work, and it is argued that at least parts of this should be performed manually by staff who will participate in the field activity. We argue that this approach should be a cyclic process so that the lineament database is continuously revised by the integration of data acquired by field data and supplementary data sets, like geophysical geochronological data. To ensure that general geological (field) knowledge is not neglected, it is our experience that at least a part of this type of analysis should be performed manually. The statistical approach conforms with what most geologists would regard as "lineament analysis" and is based on statistical scrutiny of the available lineament data with the aim of identifying zones of an enhanced (or subdued) lineament density. It would commonly predict the general geometric characteristics and classification of individual lineaments or groups of lineaments. Due to efficiency, capacity, consistency of interpretation methods, interpretation and statistical handling, this interpretative approach may most conveniently be performed through the use of automatized methods, namely by applying algorithms for pattern recognition and machine learning. The focused and dynamic approaches focus on specified lineaments or faults and commonly include a full structural geological analysis and data acquired from field work. It is emphasized that geophysical (potential field) data should be utilized in lineament analysis wherever available in all approaches. Furthermore, great care should be taken in the construction of the database, which should be tailored for this kind of study. The database should have a 3D or even 4D capacity and be object-oriented and designed to absorb different (and even unforeseen) data types on all scales. It should also be designed to interface with shifting modeling tools and other databases. Studies of the Norwegian mainland have utilized most of these strategies in lineament studies on different scales. It is concluded that lineament studies have revealed fracture and fault systems and the geometric relations between them, which would have remained unknown without application of remote sensing data and lineament analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dangkhar Landslide is an extremely large landslide located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. The landslide is situated in a remote high mountain desert within the Tethys Himalaya at elevations between 3400 m and 5600 m. It is amongst the five largest continental landslides on earth, covering an area of approximately 54 km2 and having an estimated volume of 15–20 km3. Geomechanical evaluations based on the block theory indicate that the Dangkhar Landslide formed as a result of unfavorable combinations of structural geological features and complex surface morphology. A massive kinematically removable block is created by a regional synclinal flexure that is crosscut and kinematically liberated by bounding side valleys. Three-dimensional block kinematics are necessary to permit the release of the giant block and its sliding along the synclinal flexure. Pseudostatic slope stability sensitivity analyses incorporating estimates of site seismicity and shear strength parameters suggest that earthquake shaking could have triggered instability if the static factor of safety was less than or in the range of about 1.5–1.9. Considering the glacial history of the region, ice debuttressing represents an additional potential triggering mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the occurrence of surface displacements in the Canto do Amaro (CAM) onshore oil field, situated in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, using Sentinel-1 data. The persistent scatterer interferometry (PSI) technique was used to perform the analysis based on 42 Sentinel-1 images, acquired from 23 July 2020 to 21 December 2021. Moreover, information regarding the structural geology of the study area was collected by referencing existing literature datasets. Additionally, a study of the water, gas, and oil production dynamics in the research site was conducted, employing statistical analysis of publicly available well production data. The PSI points results were geospatially correlated with the closest oil well production data and the structural geology information. The PSI results indicate displacement rates from −20.93 mm/year up to 14.63 mm/year in the CAM region. However, approximately 90% of the deformation remained in the range of −5.50 mm/year to 4.95 mm/year, indicating low levels of ground displacement in the designated research area. No geospatial correlation was found between the oil production data and the zones of maximum deformation. In turn, ground displacement demonstrates geospatial correlation with geological structures such as strike-slip and rift faults, suggesting a tectonic movement processes. The PSI results provided a comprehensive overview of ground displacement in the Canto do Amaro field, with millimeter-level accuracy and highlighting its potential as a complementary tool to field investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We applied an interdisciplinary approach to analyze the late Quaternary activity of the Sava Fault in the Slovenian Southern Alps. The Sava Fault is an active strike-slip fault, and part of the Periadriatic Fault System that accommodated the convergence of Adria and Europe. It is one of the longest faults in the Southern Alps. Using high-resolution digital elevation models from lidar and photogrammetric surveys, we were able to overcome the challenges of assessing fault activity in a region with intense surface processes, dense vegetation, and relatively low fault slip rates. By integrating remote sensing analysis, geomorphological mapping, structural geological investigations, and near-surface geophysics (electrical resistivity tomography and ground penetrating radar), we were able to find subtle geomorphological indicators, detect near-surface deformation, and show distributed surface deformation and a complex fault pattern. Using optically stimulated luminescence dating, we tentatively estimated a slip rate of 1.8 ± 0.4 mm/a for the last 27 ka, which exceeds previous estimates and suggests temporal variability in fault behavior. Our study highlights the importance of modern high-resolution remote sensing techniques and interdisciplinary approaches in detecting tectonic deformation in relatively low-strain rate environments with intense surface processes. We show that slip rates can vary significantly depending on the studied time window. This is a critical piece of information since slip rates are a key input parameter for seismic hazard studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the world's glaciers recede in response to a warming atmosphere, a change in the magnitude and frequency of related hazards is expected. Among the most destructive hazards are glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and their future evolution is concerning for local populations and sustainable development policy. Central to this is a better understanding of triggers. There is a long‐standing assumption that earthquakes are a major GLOF trigger, and seismic activity is consistently included as a key hazard assessment criterion. Here, we provide the first empirical evidence that this assumption is largely incorrect. Focusing on the Tropical Andes, we show that, of 59 earthquakes (1900–2021) the effects of which intersect with known glacier lakes, only one has triggered GLOFs. We argue that, to help develop climate resilient protocols, the focus for future assessments should be on understanding other key GLOF drivers, such as thawing permafrost and underlying structural geology. Plain Language Summary: Climate change is increasing glacier melt in high mountains and increasing the size and number of glacial lakes. Over time, these lakes may drain catastrophically to generate glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs), which can devastate downstream communities and destroy valuable infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and hydroelectric power facilities. As a result, many risk assessments have been carried out to understand what the triggers of GLOFs might be, in order to better predict their occurrence. One of the main triggers has been assumed to be earthquakes, but this association has not been properly tested. In this paper, we use earthquake and GLOF data from the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes to test this and find that there is little association between earthquakes and GLOFs. We conclude by arguing that focus needs to be on other GLOF triggers, and earthquake activity should be used as a secondary – not primary – indicator in GLOF susceptibility studies. Key Points: Glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are a major risk concern, with earthquakes being commonly considered effective triggers in hazard assessmentsOf 59 earthquakes (1900–2021), the effects of which intersect lakes in the Tropical Andes, only one triggered GLOFsWe suggest that earthquake activity should be used as a secondary – not primary – susceptibility indicator for GLOFs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Middle Eocene to early Oligocene intrusions, widespread in the Ruby Mountains– East Humboldt Range metamorphic core complex, Nevada, USA, provide insights into a major Paleogene magmatic episode and its relation to tectonism in the northeastern Great Basin. These intrusions, well-exposed in upper Lamoille Canyon, range in composition from gabbro to leucomonzogranite. They form small plutons, sheets, and dikes that intrude the metamorphic and granitic infrastructure of the core complex. Two types of Paleogene monzogranite were recognized. The first is exemplified by two of the larger intrusive bodies, the Snow Lake Peak and Castle Lake intrusions, which occur as sheet- like bodies near and at the structural base of metamorphosed Neoproterozoic and Cambrian Prospect Mountain Quartzite where it is inverted above Cambrian and Ordovician marble of Verdi Peak in the Lamoille Canyon nappe. Swarms of dikes are associated with these intrusions. U-Pb (zircon) ages range ca. 40– 33 Ma and typically display relatively simple and minor inheritance. The rocks have the lowest εHf (zircon) and εNd (whole rock) of any of the middle Cenozoic granites. The second type of monzogranite, Overlook type, typically occurs as thin, isolated dikes and leucosome- like bodies in Late Cretaceous granites of the infrastructure, with no obvious relationship to the large monzogranite bodies. Overlook- type monzogranite displays complex zircon inheritance, yields igneous ages ca. 37– 32 Ma, and has εHf (zircon) and εNd (whole rock) identical to those of Late Cretaceous granites in the core complex. These isotopic and field data indicate that Overlook- type monzogranite formed in situ through anatexis of host Cretaceous granites. A pervasive thermal event was required to stimulate this crustal melting. Gabbros from Lamoille Canyon and quartz diorite dated from 32 km away signal mantle- derived magmatism ca. 39– 37 Ma (U-Pb, zircon) was a driver of crustal melting and hybridization. Eocene 40Ar/39Ar apparent ages on hornblende and biotite are consistent with syn- to post- magmatic extensional exhumation and decompression. Thus, the core complex provides a window into trans- crustal magmatism and insight into how such magmatism affected the Nevadaplano orogenic plateau. This Paleogene thermal pulse, which may relate to removal of the Farallon slab by delamination of mantle lithosphere, involved partial melting of the upper mantle and transfer of magma and heat to the Nevadaplano crust. Lower- crustal melting of Archean(?) to Paleoproterozoic rocks resulted in Snow Lake Peak– type magmas, and middle- crustal melting of granite in the infrastructure yielded Overlook- type magmas. This crustal magmatism, as exemplified by the intrusions in the core complex, likely played a role in destabilizing the Nevadaplano and its later collapse during middle Miocene extension. The Paleogene intrusions and associated structural features also provide insight into the evolution of the core complex through either the buoyant upwelling of a melt- rich diapir (gneiss- dome model) or buoyant upwelling of the melt- rich middle crust synchronous with a west- rooted mylonitic shear zone (extensional shear- zone model). We favor a hybrid that incorporates both models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite gravity data can be used in this study to characterise hitherto unexplored regions and enhance scientific understanding of the studied area. However, the geological ambiguity of the study area makes it challenging to figure out the geological interpretation within and around the area. Therefore, this work focused on the Garyan area in the northwest part of Libya for the purpose of identifying geological structures. The Garyan region is a part of Jabal Nafusah (central Jabal) due to its geographic location and the character of the escarpment. The gravity data was analysed, designed, and developed into a geophysical model using the Oasis Montaj programme. Several analytic techniques are applied to gravity datasets for subsurface structure investigation, including (TDR) tilt derivative, (THG) total horizontal gradient, (PS) Power spectrum technique, (AS) Analytical signal, and (ED) Euler deconvolution. The results identified the presence of faults trending in different orientations (N-S, NW-SE, E-W, NNW-SSE, NE-SW), with source depths ranging between 300 and 2300 m, which indicates a complex tectonic history in the area. Clearly, this work will reduce the ambiguity of geological interpretations and provide better information on the dominant trends for future exploration activities in the study region. It also detects the contacts of density variation and estimates the depth of the gravity sources from satellite-EIGEN-6C4 gravity data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study models the geomechanical deformation of a depleted gas field, wherein gaseous hydrogen is stored in a North Sea reservoir, and is cyclically injected and withdrawn. A fault is modeled within the underburden, and its slip is investigated during a three year storage period. Parametric simulations are conducted to study the influence of the underburden mechanical properties, such as Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and permeability on induced seismicity. The fault is predominantly in stick during the bulk of the injection, storage, and withdrawal periods, but minor fault slip (0.25), low Biot coefficient, and low permeability (

The belt of basic-ultrabasic rocks within the Curaçá River Valley Province of the Bahia State, northeastern Brazil, has been known for enclosing several Cu-orebodies that helped sustain the industrial development of Brazil in the last five decades. Caraíba, Vermelhos, Surubim, Terra do Sal, Angicos, Sussuarana are the most prominent of these deposits. The Caraíba Cu-Orebody, so far the most important of all, is part of a body of Archean hypersthenites and norites that underwent poly-deformation and granulitization in the roots of the Paleoproterozoic Itabuna-Salvador-Curaçá orogen, which records the continental collisions responsible for building the São Francisco-Congo paleocontinent in Rhyacian times, ca 2.0 Ga ago. The Caraíba Mine setup happened during the 1970 decade, together with the rush to free the country's economy from the costs of importations, exactly when the first international oil crisis (1974-1978) was suffocating the economy in many countries. Although that time coincided with the boom of geological knowledge associated with the worldwide acceptance of plate tectonics, the study of high-grade metamorphic terrains was still embryonic. In particular, the meaning of the poly-phased tectonic structures in areas recording a high degree of plasticity during deformation remained unraveled. Due to the international economic crisis, everything necessary for running the Caraíba Mine was done under pressure. Nonetheless, the coeval geological studies required for deciphering the area's structural evolution and the mineralization controls, vital for the booming mining planning and profitable exploitation of the Cu ore, had to keep the academic standards for surviving the hurry. Part of this text is a historical novel as it describes in detail how the convenient geological knowledge of the Caraíba-Cu Orebody could be achieved progressively in the years 1980-1990, well in the middle of the rush affecting everything and everybody working in the Caraíba Mine Project.We emphasize thedetailed structural geology studies as the primary tool for guaranteeing timely technical accuracy during the ore's exploitation and profitability in the mine project.As such, it means a historical but profoundly scientific document necessary for those interested in academic and technical purposes related to large-scale mine projects everywhere. Moreover, it highlights the human drama lived by many fortunate professionals in that forgotten semi-desertic area of northeastern Brazil. The experience gained when studying several generations of tectonic structures and metamorphism at Caraíba transformed for the better and forever the lives of several geologists and other professionals equally in charge of operating the Caraíba Mine during those pioneer years.

Through the examination of calcite twins, this research outlines the tectonic development and paleo stress patterns of the Paleozoic Routshon complex situated in the southeastern segment of the Sanandaj–Sirjan zone, a hinterland region of the Zagros orogeny in southeastern Iran. The study of orogenic phase indicates that the deformation event affecting the southern sector of the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone aligns with the Cimmerian orogenic phase of the Late Triassic period. A variety of structural features at both map and outcrop scales highlight the importance of slip partitioning in the structural evolution of this region, driven by inclined transpression. Observations suggest that the deformation related to contractional components includes steeply to moderately plunging folds, dip-slip domain deformation primarily involving thrusts, and ongoing deformation by strike-slip component motion, which results in thrust-related ductile shear zones. The analysis of calcite c-axis fabrics from mylonite samples obtained from these shear zones indicates a low-temperature monoclinic pattern of non-coaxial deformation. This deformation type underscores the impact of the strike-slip component in the development of progressive simple shear within thrust-related shear zones in this segment of the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone. Dynamic analysis of c-axis fabric data reveals a NE-SW orientation for the principal compressive axes (σ1) in this area. This direction, corroborated by additional data such as fault surface, GPS, and earthquake focal mechanism data, confirms that the orientation of the compressive axes (σ1) has remained consistent from the Late Triassic to the present.

ABSTRACTThe formation of straight impact crater rims is widely accepted to be influenced by preexisting lithospheric structure. We investigate the distribution and orientations of straight crater rim segments across Mercury. We devise a mapping workflow aimed at minimizing distortions of length and orientation that arise when working on projected image mosaics on a global scale and produce a global map of the rims of 7,145 impact craters with diameters between 20 and 400 km. We extract straight rim segments that maintain consistent orientations for at least 10 km to assess their frequency and orientation. Our dataset shows that 83% of craters have straight rim segments that show strong east–west orientations at the poles and weak north–south or random orientations at lower latitudes. This emphasizes the importance of lithospheric structure for impact cratering on Mercury. Our map dataset provides valuable insights for future investigations into the tectonic evolution of Mercury.

A characteristic of the Pannonian Basin is its strong geothermal flow. Geothermal water is present in aquifers in the Miocene and Pliocene sediments of the Lendava, Murska Sobota, and Mura formations, as well as in pre-Neogene sedimentary rocks, at a depth of several 1000 s to several 100 s of meters. The water from the deep Miocene and Pliocene aquifers is mainly pumped for use in the spas of the region, which is separated by national borders. Pumping water from the aquifers lowers the hydraulic head of the water in the aquifers. The consequence of the drop in hydraulic head is a reduction in the yield of the aquifers, which has a negative impact on the neighboring wells. In order to prevent the effects of this influence—especially in the case of transboundary influences, as in our case—the construction of an additional well was proposed, through which the cooled water would be pumped back into the deep aquifer. For the specific case of the Terme Korovci project, which is located directly on the national border, a 3D structural model of the aquifer was created. The hydrogeological and thermal properties of the aquifer were determined on the basis of the lithological profile of the wells in the region, along with well logs and pumping tests. As detailed data on the thicknesses of the layers have not been available until now, we have envisaged several scenarios for different layer thicknesses. As will be evident from our data, in the case of a 10 m-thick layer, the temperature falls to below 70 °C in fewer than 6000 days, and this period extends with increasing thickness such that with a 200 m-thick layer, the period extends to well over 100,000 days. The findings are important because the potential investor requires at least 20 years of operation of the pumping–reinjection pair of wells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rock fractures are a key contributor to a broad array of Earth surface processes due to their direct control on rock strength as well as rock porosity and permeability. However, to date, there has been no standardization for the quantification of rock fractures in surface process research. In this work, the case is made for standardization within fracture-focused research, and prior work is reviewed to identify various key datasets and methodologies. Then, a suite of standardized methods is presented as a starting "baseline" for fracture-based research in surface process studies. These methods have been shown in pre-existing work from structural geology, geotechnical engineering, and surface process disciplines to comprise best practices for the characterization of fractures in clasts and outcrops. This practical, accessible, and detailed guide can be readily employed across all fracture-focused weathering and geomorphology applications. The wide adoption of a baseline of data collected using the same methods will enable comparison and compilation of datasets among studies globally and will ultimately lead to a better understanding of the links and feedbacks between rock fracture and landscape evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of straight impact crater rims is widely accepted to be influenced by preexisting lithospheric structure. We investigate the distribution and orientations of straight crater rim segments across Mercury. We devise a mapping workflow aimed at minimizing distortions of length and orientation that arise when working on projected image mosaics on a global scale and produce a global map of the rims of 7,145 impact craters with diameters between 20 and 400 km. We extract straight rim segments that maintain consistent orientations for at least 10 km to assess their frequency and orientation. Our dataset shows that 83% of craters have straight rim segments that show strong east--west orientations at the poles and weak north--south or random orientations at lower latitudes. This emphasizes the importance of lithospheric structure for impact cratering on Mercury. Our map dataset provides valuable insights for future investigations into the tectonic evolution of Mercury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Geothermal reservoirs are highly anisotropic and heterogeneous, and thus require a variety of structural geology, geomechanical, remote sensing, geophysical and hydraulic techniques to inform Discrete Fracture Network flow models. Following the Paris Agreement on reduction of carbon emissions, such reservoirs have received more attention and new techniques that support Discrete Fracture Network models were developed. A comprehensive review is therefore needed to merge innovative and traditional technical approaches into a coherent framework to enhance the extraction of geothermal energy from the deep subsurface. Traditionally, statistics extracted from structural scanlines and unmanned aerial vehicle surveys on analogues represent optimum ways to constrain the length of joints, bedding planes, and faults, thereby generating a model of the network of fractures. Combining borehole images with seismic attributes has also proven to be an excellent approach that supports the stochastic generation of Discrete Fracture Network models by detecting the orientation, density, and dominant trends of the fractures in the reservoirs. However, to move forward to flow modelling, computation of transmissivities from pumping tests, and the determination of hydraulically active fractures allow the computation of the hydraulic aperture in permeable sedimentary rocks. The latter parameter is fundamental to simulating flow in a network of discrete fractures. The mechanical aperture can also be estimated based on the characterization of geomechanical parameters (Poisson's ratio, and Young's modulus) in Hot Dry Rocks of igneous-metamorphic origin. Compared with previous review studies, this paper will be the first to describe all the geological and hydro-geophysical techniques that inform Discrete Fracture Network development in geothermal frameworks. We therefore envisage that this paper represents a useful and holistic guide for future projects on preparing DFN models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between normal fault displacement (D) and length (L) varies due to numerous factors, including fault size, maturity, basin tectonic history, and host rock lithology. Understanding how fault D and L relate is useful, given related scaling laws are often used to help refine interpretations of often incomplete, subsurface datasets, which has implications for hydrocarbon and low-carbon energy applications. Here we provide a review of D/L scaling laws for normal faults, discuss factors that could influence these relationships, including both geological factors and errors in measurement, and provide a critique of previously published D/L databases. We then present our newly assembled database of 4059 normal faults from 66 sources that include explicit information on: 1) fault length and displacement, 2) host rock lithology, 3) host basin tectonic history, and 4) maturity, as well as fault D and L through time when these data are available. We find an overall scaling law of D = 0.3L0.92, which is similar to previously published scaling equations and that varies in response to the aforementioned geological factors. Our data show that small faults (<1m length) tend to be over-displaced compared to larger faults, active faults tend to be under-displaced compared to inactive faults, and faults with stiffer host rock lithologies, like igneous and carbonate rocks, tend to be under-displaced with respect to faults within softer, more compliant host rocks, like clastic sedimentary rocks. Our dynamic D/L through time data show that faults follow the hybrid fault growth model, i.e., they initially lengthen, during which time they will appear under-displaced, before accumulating displacement. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive, integrated, critical study of D/L scaling laws for normal faults and the factors influencing their growth. These revised relationships can now be utilized for predicting fault length or displacement when only one variable is available and provide the basis for general understanding D/L scaling laws in the context of normal fault growth. This underpinning database is open-access and is available for analysis and manipulation by the broader structural geology community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sivrice earthquake (Mw 6.8) occurred on 24 January 2020 along the East Anatolian Fault (EAF) zone of Türkiye, and epicentral information and focal mechanism solutions were published by two national and six international seismic stations. Here, we analyzed epicentral locations and the major fault trace using aerial photogrammetric images taken two days after, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry. Although the focal mechanism solutions were similar, the epicenters were largely displaced. Several bright lineaments with a stair-like geometry were observed in aerial images of the Euphrates River channel along the fault trace. These lineaments, also called en echelon fractures in structural geology, are like right-lateral segments of a fault plane aligning the river channel, cut and offset by those similar in trend with the EAF and with alignments of a left lateral sense, as is the EAF motion sense. We interpret that the river local channel follows a right-lateral fault structure. The traces were lost a few days later, which proves the essentiality of remote sensing technologies for obtaining precise information in large regions. The time series analysis for one year period from Sentinel-1 SAR data also illustrated the displacements in the region sourced from the earthquake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to growing demand for ground-truth in deep learning-based remote sensing satellite image fusion, numerous approaches have been presented. Of these approaches, Wald's protocol is the most commonly used. In this paper, a new workflow is proposed consisting of two main parts. The first part targets obtaining the ground-truth images using the results of a pre-designed and well-tested hybrid traditional fusion method. This method combines the Gram-Schmidt and curvelet transform techniques to generate accurate and reliable fusion results. The second part focuses on the training of a proposed deep learning model using rich and informative data provided by the first stage to improve the fusion performance. The demonstrated deep learning model relies on a series of residual dense blocks to enhance network depth and facilitate the effective feature learning process. These blocks are designed to capture both low-level and high-level information, enabling the model to extract intricate details and meaningful features from the input data. The performance evaluation of the proposed model is carried out using seven metrics such as peak-signal-to-noise-ratio and quality without reference. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms state-of-the-art methods in terms of image quality. It also exhibits the robustness and powerful nature of the proposed approach which has the potential to be applied to many remote sensing applications in agriculture, environmental monitoring, and change detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zaer granitic massif is one of the most important Variscan granitoids in the Central Zone of the Western Moroccan Meseta. It is characterized by a deformation which is manifested by a network of fractures of different scales. Thanks to the technology currently available, many geological studies rely heavily on the mapping of geological lineaments, especially in structural geology. This has become more reliable with access to earth observation data using optical and radar sensors as well as the various remote sensing techniques. Therefore, the objective of this work is to determine the potential of Landsat 8, ASTER, Sentinel 2 and radar Sentinel 1 datasets using the automatic method to extract lineaments. Furthermore, this work focuses on quantitative lineament analysis to determine lineament trends and subsequently compare them with global and regional tectonic movement trends. The lineaments obtained through different satellite images were validated by including the shaded relief maps, the slope map, the correlation with the pre-existing faults in the geological maps as well as the field investigation. Comparison of these results indicates that Sentinel 1 imagery provides a better correlation between automated extraction lineaments and major fault zones. Thus, Sentinel 1 data is more effective in mapping geological lineaments. The final lineament map obtained from the VH and VV polarizations shows two major fault systems, mainly oriented NE-SW and NW-SE to NNW-SSE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cross-referencing of two databases, namely the compartmentalization into groundwater bodies (GWB) and the quality monitoring (2830 observations including 15 physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters, on 662 collection points and over a period of 27 years) is applied to better understand the diversity of the waters of the island of Corsica (France) and to facilitate the surveillance and quality monitoring of the groundwater resource. Data conditioning (log-transformation), dimensional reduction (PCA), classification (AHC) and then quantification of the information lost during grouping (ANOVA), highlight the need to sub-divide the groundwater bodies in the crystalline part of the island in order to take better account of lithological diversity and other environmental factors (slope, altitude, soil thickness, etc.). The compartmentalization into 15 units, mainly based on structural geology, provides less information than the grouping into 12 units after subdivision of the crystalline region. The diversity of the waters in terms of chemical and bacteriological composition is discussed, and the results encourage a review of the compartmentalization of the island's GWBs, with a view to more targeted monitoring based on this diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex and often unobservable STEM constructs and processes are represented using a variety of representations, including iconic gestures in which the body is configured or moved to resemble a referent's spatial properties or actions. Earlier researchers have suggested links between gesturing and expertise, leading some to recommend instructional gestures. Earlier research, however, has been largely correlational; furthermore, some gestures may be made with misleading positions or movements. Using the illustrative topic of strike in structural geology, we investigated the existence and impact of inaccurate instructional gestures. In Study 1, we examined videotapes of participants who had been asked to explain strikes to another person. We observed inaccurate (non-horizontal) strike gestures not only among novices (first introduced to strike during the study itself, n = 68) but also among participants who had greater expertise in geology (n = 21). In Study 2, we randomly assigned novices (N = 167) to watch video lessons in which the instructor accompanied verbal explanations of strikes with accurate, inaccurate, or no iconic gestures and tested students' learning on a strike-mapping task. Students with low spatial-perception skills showed no impact of their gestural condition on performance. Students with high spatial-perception skills showed no advantage from accurate gestures but performed significantly worse in the inaccurate-gesture condition. Findings suggest that recommendations to use gestures during instruction should include professional development programs that reduce the occurrence of inaccurate gestures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The part of China, east of the Hu Huanyong Line, is commonly referred to as eastern China. It is characterized by a high population density and a well-developed economy; it also has huge energy demands. This study assesses and promotes the large-scale development of geothermal resources in eastern China by analyzing deep geological structures, geothermal regimes, and typical geothermal systems. These analyses are based on data collected from geotectology, deep geophysics, geothermics, structural geology, and petrology. Determining the distribution patterns of intermediate-to-deep geothermal resources in the region helps develop prospects for their exploitation and utilization. Eastern China hosts superimposed layers of rocks from three major, global tectonic domainsd namely Paleo-Asian, Circum-Pacific, and Tethyan rocks. The structure of its crust and mantle exhibits a special flyover pattern, with basins and mountains as well as well-spaced uplifts and depressions alternatively on top. The lithosphere in Northeast China and North China is characterized by a thin, low density crust and mantle, whereas the lithosphere in South China has a thin, low density crust and a thick, high density mantle. The middle and upper crust contain geobodies with high conductivity and low velocity, with varying degrees of development that create favorable conditions for the formation and enrichment of geothermal resources. Moderate-to-high temperature geothermal resources are distributed in the MesozoiceCenozoic basins in eastern China, although moderate temperature geothermal resources with low abundance dominate. Porous sandstone reservoirs, karstified fractured-vuggy carbonate reservoirs, and fissured granite reservoirs are the main types of geothermal reservoirs in this region. Under the currently available technical conditions, the exploitation and utilization of geothermal resources in eastern China favor direct utilization over large-scale geothermal power generation. In Northeast China and North China, geothermal resources could be applied for large-scale geothermal heating purposes; geothermal heating could be applied during winter along parts of the Yangtze River while geothermal cooling would be more suitable for summer there; geothermal cooling could also be applied to much of South China. Geothermal resources can also be applied to high value-added industries, to aid agricultural practices, and for tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Lembang groundwater basin has an area of 209 km2. Increased tourism activities in the Lembang Groundwater Basin require sufficient groundwater resources to support the sustainability of these tourism activities. The purpose of this study was to analyze the hydrostratigraphy of the groundwater recharge zone of the Lembang groundwater basin in the Cikole-Lembang. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) with dipole–dipole electrode array and seismic refraction was used to analyze the hydrostratigraphy. The results of ERT and seismic refraction inversion show that Tangkubanparahu Pyroclastic Fall 2 can be characterized as aquifers. This layer consists of low (123–292 Ω m) and intermediate (293–700 Ω m) resistivity value and also has low (300–1350 m/s) to medium (2700–1350 m/s) velocity. Tangkubanparahu lava (Tl) layer has a high resistivity value (701–3875 Ω m) and high (1350–2999 m/s) velocity. The Tangkubanparahu Pyroclastic Fall 1 has a resistivity of 300–700 ohms. Tangkubanparahu (Tl) lava deposits can be characterized as fracture aquifer and impermeable layers in the Tangkubanparahu volcanic hydrogeological system depend on the historical structural geology event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well recognized that PVT data are essential in oil and gas production facilities as well as in the determination of the reservoir fluid composition in reservoir engineering calculations. In the current work, the studied borehole is located in Tawke oilfield in the High Folded Zone. The structural geology and lithological facies of rocks are studied and found to comprise fine crystalline dolomite and anhydrite interbedded with claystone and dolomite. In addition, the practical PVT data of black oil from Tawke oilfield, Zakho, from reservoirs to transgressive–regressive cycles, are studied. The PVT data are investigated to derive the empirical models that rule and correlate the properties of the reservoir fluids in terms of the amount of natural gas (methane, ethane, and propane) dissolved in reservoir fluids and evolving from the wells. The characteristics of the reservoir fluid, including °API, viscosity at reservoir pressure and bubble-point pressure, reservoir pressure and temperature, gas–oil ratio (GOR), coefficient of compressibility at reservoir pressure, gross heating value, and sample depth, are correlated. The lithological part reveals that the carbonate and some clastic rock facies are conducive to enhancing natural gas adsorption. The reservoir fluid properties show adverse effects on the amount of natural gas constituents evolving from the wells, while it shows positive effects on the dissolved reservoir fluids. The estimated empirical correlations can help indicate the quantity of natural gas that is dissolved in reservoir fluids and liberated from the wells depending on the characteristics of the reservoir. In addition, they can be used in numerical simulators to predict oil well performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is an editorial on orogenic gold deposits, which are found in metamorphic terranes and contribute to approximately one-third of the world's total gold production. The research topic focuses on understanding the geological processes involved in the formation of these deposits, including the source of metals and fluids, alteration of mineral assemblages, and the role of different geological terranes. The papers in this research topic cover a range of topics, from detailed mineralogical analysis to regional-scale synthesis. The article acknowledges that there is still debate surrounding the models explaining the sources of metals and fluids in orogenic gold deposits. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the underrepresentation of women in the field of structural geology and tectonics. It highlights the historical contributions of women in these fields, both in academia and in rural and nomadic societies. The article also addresses the challenges that women face in pursuing careers in structural geology, such as balancing family responsibilities and experiencing harassment. The authors present a compilation of research papers authored by women scientists in the field, aiming to provide a platform for showcasing their work and addressing the gender imbalance. [Extracted from the article]

We applied an interdisciplinary approach to analyze the late Quaternary activity of the Sava Fault in the Slovenian Southern Alps. The Sava Fault is an active strike-slip fault, and part of the Periadriatic Fault System that accommodated the convergence of Adria and Europe. It is one of the longest faults in the Southern Alps. Using high-resolution digital elevation models from lidar and photogrammetric surveys, we were able to overcome the challenges of assessing fault activity in a region with intense surface processes, dense vegetation, and relatively low fault slip rates. By integrating remote sensing analysis, geomorphological mapping, structural geological investigations, and near-surface geophysics (electrical resistivity tomography and ground penetrating radar), we were able to find subtle geomorphological indicators, detect near-surface deformation, and show distributed surface deformation and a complex fault pattern. Using optically stimulated luminescence dating, we tentatively estimated a slip rate of 1.8 ± 0.4 mm/a for the last 27 ka, which exceeds previous estimates and suggests temporal variability in fault behavior. Our study highlights the importance of modern high-resolution remote sensing techniques and interdisciplinary approaches in detecting tectonic deformation in relatively low-strain rate environments with intense surface processes. We show that slip rates can vary significantly depending on the studied time window. This is a critical piece of information since slip rates are a key input parameter for seismic hazard studies.

Geothermal reservoirs are highly anisotropic and heterogeneous, and thus require a variety of structural geology, geomechanical, remote sensing, geophysical and hydraulic techniques to inform Discrete Fracture Network flow models. Following the Paris Agreement on reduction of carbon emissions, such reservoirs have received more attention and new techniques that support Discrete Fracture Network models were developed. A comprehensive review is therefore needed to merge innovative and traditional technical approaches into a coherent framework to enhance the extraction of geothermal energy from the deep subsurface. Traditionally, statistics extracted from structural scanlines and unmanned aerial vehicle surveys on analogues represent optimum ways to constrain the length of joints, bedding planes, and faults, thereby generating a model of the network of fractures. Combining borehole images with seismic attributes has also proven to be an excellent approach that supports the stochastic generation of Discrete Fracture Network models by detecting the orientation, density, and dominant trends of the fractures in the reservoirs. However, to move forward to flow modelling, computation of transmissivities from pumping tests, and the determination of hydraulically active fractures allow the computation of the hydraulic aperture in permeable sedimentary rocks. The latter parameter is fundamental to simulating flow in a network of discrete fractures. The mechanical aperture can also be estimated based on the characterization of geomechanical parameters (Poisson’s ratio, and Young’s modulus) in Hot Dry Rocks of igneous-metamorphic origin. Compared with previous review studies, this paper will be the first to describe all the geological and hydro-geophysical techniques that inform Discrete Fracture Network development in geothermal frameworks. We therefore envisage that this paper represents a useful and holistic guide for future projects on preparing DFN models.

Abstract On February 6, 2023, two earthquakes shook the southern and central Türkiye causing significant loss of human life and devastating many cities. These are related to the active East Anatolian Fault (EAF). In this study, the digital image correlation (DIC) technique is applied to map the coseismic displacements. For that, a pair of scenes from the Sentinel-2 satellite acquired before and after the seismic events was used. The results showed that the methodological approach can be effectively used to map and monitor large-scale geological phenomena and can assist in seismic risk assessment.

ABSTRACTIn this study, we combined regional geology and geostatistical analytical processing to model the top surface of the Variscan basement in Italy. This surface, which is overlain by the pre-Alpine sedimentary cycle (Upper Carboniferous – Permian) followed by the Alpine Mesozoic and Tertiary cycles, covers a significant portion of the Italian peninsula and the Adriatic Sea.We integrated crustal seismic profiles, deep well litho-stratigraphic information and small-scale geological maps of Italy. A regional scale map of the depth of the investigated surface was thus produced using geostatistical processing.The level of reliability of our map varies depending on the distribution of subsurface data from wells and seismic profiles. However, this method is easily replicable, providing quick updates when new data become available. The map can help to identify areas with high potential for natural deep georesources and guide the exploration.

Abstract The Bonsucesso zinc-lead (Zn-Pb) sulfide deposit is hosted in carbonate rocks from the Vazante Group (transition of the Mesoproterozoic to the Neoproterozoic time), northwest of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Regional deformation is associated with the thin-skinned tectonics that led to the formation of the foreland zone of the Brasília Orogen during the Neoproterozoic. These orogenic processes are the trigger of Zn-Pb mineralization in many base-metal deposits in the Vazante Group. Here, we describe the ore textures and the structures of the deposit to define its structural controls in deposit scale and formulate hypotheses about its forming process in the context of other Vazante Zn-Pb deposits. Mineralization distribution is controlled by a high-angle fault zone striking NNW and dipping 60° to WSW. Fault-related fractures functioned as pathways for Zn-Pb-rich fluids to be redistributed and crystallize where chemical conditions were adequate. Mineralization was likely formed in an extensional setting in breccia zones controlled by flexurally induced normal faults related to development of the foreland basin of Brasília Orogen. Later, the entire Vazante sequence underwent an inversion process and extensional structures were reactivated or obliterated. Finally, an understanding of local controls may be of good use to target exploration for new orebodies in the district scale.

The Goulfey-Tourba sedimentary basin (GTSB) is a portion of the West and Central African Rift System whose studies on its structural geology remain very limited. Belonging to the vast semi-arid Sahelian region, this sedimentary basin covers several localities in Cameroon and Chad, whose economic and social activities are highly impacted by the shortage of drinking water. In this work, a new look is taken at the geological features of this local sedimentary region. To perform this, a preliminary synthetic study is carried out to assess the performance of some classic and recent edge detection methods. The effectiveness of the recent Improved Logistic (IL) method is approved, given its ability to highlight low amplitude and deep features with a refined resolution. A regional/residual separation was applied to Bouguer gravity disturbances to avoid blurring some upper crustal structures by high-frequency anomalies. The effectiveness of this regional/residual separation has been validated by checking the absence of ringing artifacts (Gibbs phenomenon). The application of the IL method on residual gravimetric disturbances of the study area revealed a series of lineaments not yet identified by previous scientific studies. The results show a slight fracturing of the basement, with geological features mainly trending in an NW-SE direction. A newly identified geological discontinuity continuously crosses the study area from 12o45'N latitude to the southeast. Utilizing a modified and recent form of the Euler deconvolution theory (Improved Tilt-Euler method) has enabled the detection of several density sources in the GTSB, most of which correlate well with the lineaments outlined by the IL method. The improved Tilt-Euler method results show anomalous sources at more than 6 km depth beneath the Bodélé sedimentary series of the Upper Tertiary. The Euler's linear solutions attributed to basement fractures show an average depth of 1 km. These results are undoubtedly a major contribution to refining the research of hydrogeological resources in this Sahelian area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]