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Volume 15
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Geosciences, Volume 15, Issue 9 (September 2025) – 38 articles

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24 pages, 4497 KB  
Article
Geomagnetic Signatures of Moderate Earthquakes from Kumaun Himalaya, India
by Rahul Prajapati and Kusumita Arora
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090365 (registering DOI) - 16 Sep 2025
Abstract
In this study, a statistical analysis of ground geomagnetic data has been attempted to extract the seismo-electromagnetic (SEM) signatures associated with moderate earthquakes in the region of the seismic gap in the Kumaun Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India. We applied the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) [...] Read more.
In this study, a statistical analysis of ground geomagnetic data has been attempted to extract the seismo-electromagnetic (SEM) signatures associated with moderate earthquakes in the region of the seismic gap in the Kumaun Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India. We applied the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) method to the geomagnetic data to identify the ULF energy of the signal. The ULF energy obtained in the central frequency range of 0.01 Hz was further filtered to extract the anomalous ULF energy, which is associated with pre-earthquake processes. We also applied multifractal analysis to the geomagnetic data to classify the complexities in the signal, which are indicative of the seismotectonic environment. We observed enhancements in the ULF energy anomalies associated with large-magnitude earthquakes occurring in the western part of Nepal, even over large epicentral distances (~120 km). The multifractal analysis shows the overlap of anomalies in the Hwp and Hwn signatures in most cases, which suggests that multiple mechanisms generate low- and high-frequency components in the anomalous data. This reflects the complex nature of seismicity in this region of the Main Central Thrust (MCT). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geophysics)
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29 pages, 31569 KB  
Article
Simulation-Based Tsunami Evacuation Training Framework Aimed at Avoiding the Negative Consequences of Using Cars
by Toshiya Arakawa, Fumiaki Obayashi, Kazunobu Kobayashi, Tomoki Itamiya, Shintaro Uno, Shigeyuki Yamabe, Takahiro Suzuki and Jun Tajima
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090364 - 15 Sep 2025
Abstract
A framework utilizing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in tsunami evacuation training is proposed to counteract the adverse effects of evacuation by car despite the evacuation on foot principle during tsunamis. This approach involves tsunami evacuation simulation technology and Kiken Yochi (hazard prediction) [...] Read more.
A framework utilizing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in tsunami evacuation training is proposed to counteract the adverse effects of evacuation by car despite the evacuation on foot principle during tsunamis. This approach involves tsunami evacuation simulation technology and Kiken Yochi (hazard prediction) training (KYT). The simulator was validated based on the insights acquired from Ishinomaki City residents who lived through the Great East Japan earthquake. Data were collected on safe evacuations in chaotic traffic situations, to create a quiz-like training application for traffic safety education. Training effectiveness was assessed using the simulator and KYT-based application, focusing on Nishio City, which is a projected tsunami target following a potential Nankai Trough earthquake. Most participants experiencing the simulator understood the drawbacks of using cars and were willing to evacuate on foot if a nearby safe place was accessible. However, some participants still opted for car evacuation despite acknowledging the risks. A comprehensive approach is required to achieve a significant reduction in car usage during evacuations. Application-oriented experiments indicated heightened situational awareness and hazard prediction among participants although no statistically significant differences in gaze duration were found. Further research is required to objectively and quantitatively evaluate the application’s impact on traffic safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Tsunamis: From the Scientific Challenges to the Social Impact)
35 pages, 9322 KB  
Article
A Geochemical Study of Near-Shore Sediment Cores from Utah Lake, UT, USA
by Jacob B. Taggart, Lauren M. Woodland, Kaylee B. Tanner and Gustavious P. Williams
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090363 - 15 Sep 2025
Abstract
Several sediment core studies have been performed on Utah Lake over the past century, with recent studies providing detailed depositional history based on shallow core samples. To offer additional coverage, we collected 10 deeper sediment cores that extended at least 140 cm below [...] Read more.
Several sediment core studies have been performed on Utah Lake over the past century, with recent studies providing detailed depositional history based on shallow core samples. To offer additional coverage, we collected 10 deeper sediment cores that extended at least 140 cm below the sediment–water interface from various locations across the lake and analyzed them for ICP-OES detectable elements, fractional calcium carbonate, and loss on ignition (as a proxy for fractional organic matter). Despite high water levels and equipment limitations restricting us to near-shore areas, our samples effectively represented the lake. Our findings revealed significant chemostratigraphic variability, indicating non-homogeneous lakebed sediment. Elements with higher min–max normalized mean concentrations showed strong correlations. Depth trends in the sediments indicated positive correlations for Mn, Al, Fe, K, and V, and negative correlations for Ba, Cu, Pb, Sr, and Zn, with P showing variable correlations. Some of our multidimensional scaling results exhibited geochemical shifts at 30–40 cm, supporting claims that this depth marks the onset of European settlement. Elevated Pb levels in the upper sediment layers are likely the result of mid-20th century leaded gasoline pollution. Sediment P is linked to Ca, Fe, and trace metal pollutants, suggesting both natural processes and human activities influence elemental distribution, though only a few cores showed P changes aligning with European settlement. Full article
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27 pages, 4840 KB  
Article
A Novel Bayesian Probabilistic Approach for Debris Flow Accumulation Volume Prediction Using Bayesian Neural Networks with Synthetic and Real-World Data Integration
by Antonio Pasculli, Mauricio Secchi, Massimo Mangifesta, Corrado Cencetti and Nicola Sciarra
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090362 - 15 Sep 2025
Abstract
Debris flow events are complex natural phenomena that are challenging to predict, especially when data are limited or uncertain. This study presents a novel probabilistic approach using Bayesian Neural Networks (BNN) to predict possible volumes of debris flow accumulation by using synthetic and [...] Read more.
Debris flow events are complex natural phenomena that are challenging to predict, especially when data are limited or uncertain. This study presents a novel probabilistic approach using Bayesian Neural Networks (BNN) to predict possible volumes of debris flow accumulation by using synthetic and real-world data. Synthetic datasets are created based on statistical distributions informed by geomorphological and hydrological knowledge, allowing the model to learn typical behaviors when real data is scarce. BNN provide uncertainty quantification by modeling neural weights as probability distributions. The model resulting from validation on synthetic data and two real datasets from China and South Korea show strong predictive performance (R2 > 0.98) and close alignment between predicted and observed volumes, even in the presence of outliers. The key strength of this integrated approach lies in its integration of synthetic data generation, real data augmentation based on Bootstrapping, expert knowledge and Bayesian deep learning to overcome limitations of traditional statistical models, improving debris flow forecasting and enabling more informed and resilient risk management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Hazards)
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35 pages, 2514 KB  
Article
Forecasting Environmental Drivers and Invasion Risk of Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin, 1789) and Pterois miles (Bennett, 1828) in the Pagasitikos Gulf (Greece)
by Dimitris Klaoudatos, Alexandros Theocharis, İlker Aydin, Dimitris Pafras, Kleio Karagianni and Christos Domenikiotis
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090361 - 14 Sep 2025
Viewed by 193
Abstract
The Eastern Mediterranean Sea has become a hotspot for biological invasions, with thermophilic species like Lagocephalus sceleratus (silver-cheeked toadfish) and Pterois miles (devil firefish) posing significant ecological and socioeconomic threats. Machine learning models (support vector machine and neural network) were developed to predict [...] Read more.
The Eastern Mediterranean Sea has become a hotspot for biological invasions, with thermophilic species like Lagocephalus sceleratus (silver-cheeked toadfish) and Pterois miles (devil firefish) posing significant ecological and socioeconomic threats. Machine learning models (support vector machine and neural network) were developed to predict species establishment, demonstrating high predictive accuracy. SHapley Additive exPlanations analyses further highlighted the relative influence of environmental predictors. Nominal logistic regression identified bottom temperature and salinity as the key environmental drivers for the establishment of these species, with thresholds of 16.38 °C and 39.14 psu for P. miles and 15.84 °C and 39.09 psu for L. sceleratus. Forecasts through 2035, generated using the Prophet model, have predicted warming bottom temperatures but declining salinity levels, creating variable conditions for invasion. Long-term suitability was assessed by comparing forecasted conditions against thresholds, revealing that salinity and chlorophyll a consistently fall below suitable levels for both species. L. sceleratus showed stable suitability with occasional declines, while P. miles exhibited greater variability. These findings underscore the importance of fine-scale benthic data and integrated modeling approaches for early detection and adaptive management of invasive species in Mediterranean ecosystems. The study provides clear thresholds to guide ongoing environmental monitoring and emphasizes the need for continuous assessments to anticipate future invasion risks under changing climatic conditions. Full article
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16 pages, 3791 KB  
Article
Multi-Source Daily Precipitation Merging over the Yangtze River Basin Using Triple Collocation
by Jin Wang, Xiaotao Fan, Xinyue Yan, Zhenyong Sun and Gaohong Yin
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090360 - 14 Sep 2025
Viewed by 110
Abstract
The Yangtze River Basin (YRB) is highly vulnerable to both floods and droughts, with precipitation playing a key role in driving these hydrological extremes. Understanding and reducing uncertainty in precipitation estimates is therefore crucial for effective water management and hazard mitigation. The study [...] Read more.
The Yangtze River Basin (YRB) is highly vulnerable to both floods and droughts, with precipitation playing a key role in driving these hydrological extremes. Understanding and reducing uncertainty in precipitation estimates is therefore crucial for effective water management and hazard mitigation. The study evaluated the error characteristics of daily precipitation estimates from three datasets (CRA40, IMERG, and SM2RAIN) using the triple collocation (TC) approach. A least-squares merging framework was then applied to integrate these datasets and generate merged precipitation estimates with improved accuracy and reduced uncertainty over the YRB. Results showed that all examined datasets exhibited higher fractional root-mean-squared error (fRMSE) in the source region of the Yangtze River, indicating a greater influence of random errors and reduced sensitivity to precipitation changes in this area. Among the datasets, SM2RAIN exhibited the weakest agreement with ground-based measurements, while IMERG performed best in capturing extreme precipitation events. CRA40 and the TC-based merged precipitation estimates exhibited overall higher accuracy, with a station-average correlation coefficient of approximately 0.71. Despite comparable accuracy, the merged precipitation data is relatively more robust than CRA40, with a lower average error standard deviation of 2.07 mm. Full article
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32 pages, 75797 KB  
Article
Gravity Rate of Change Due to Slow Tectonics: Insights from Numerical Modeling
by Anna Maria Marotta, Valeria Fedeli, Alessandro Regorda and Roberto Sabadini
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090359 - 13 Sep 2025
Viewed by 66
Abstract
Gravity anomalies caused by tectonics are commonly assumed to be static, based on the argument that the motions are slow enough for the induced mass changes over time to be negligible. We exploit this concept in the context of rifting and subduction by [...] Read more.
Gravity anomalies caused by tectonics are commonly assumed to be static, based on the argument that the motions are slow enough for the induced mass changes over time to be negligible. We exploit this concept in the context of rifting and subduction by showing that the horizontal motions of density contrasts occurring at active and passive margins are responsible for sizable amounts of gravity rate of change. These findings are obtained via 2D finite element modeling of the two tectonic mechanisms in a vertical cross-section perpendicular to the ocean–continent transition as well as through evaluating the time-dependent gravity disturbance at a reference height caused by mass readjustment underneath. This disturbance originates from deep-seated changing density anomalies and dynamic topography with respect to a reference normal Earth. The gravity rate of change is proven to scale linearly with extensional and trench migration velocity; the peak-to-peak values between the largest maxima and minima are 0.08 μGal/yr and 0.21 μGal/yr, for a velocity of 1 cm/yr. For both tectonic mechanisms, the dominant positive rate of change is due to the horizontal motion of a density contrast of about 300–400 kg/m3. We also consider the role of dynamic topography in comparison to that of deep-seated changing density anomalies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geophysics)
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19 pages, 7427 KB  
Article
Petrology of the 1952 Eruption and Ancient Lava and Pyroclastic Flows of Krenitsyn Peak Volcano, Onekotan Island, Kuril Arc, Russia
by Vesta O. Davydova, Anton A. Nuzhdaev, Ilya E. Bolshakov, Ruslan A. Kuznetsov, Andrey B. Ermolinskiy, Elena S. Zhitova and Vasiliy O. Yapaskurt
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090358 - 12 Sep 2025
Viewed by 203
Abstract
Krenitsyn Peak is one of the two active volcanoes on Onekotan Island (Greater Kuril Ridge). The inaccessibility of the island, along with the volcano being situated within a sizeable (7 km in diameter) and cold (3.7 °C) caldera lake, has led to minimal [...] Read more.
Krenitsyn Peak is one of the two active volcanoes on Onekotan Island (Greater Kuril Ridge). The inaccessibility of the island, along with the volcano being situated within a sizeable (7 km in diameter) and cold (3.7 °C) caldera lake, has led to minimal research on the area. We present the first detailed characterization of the rocks from the only historical eruption of Krenitsyn Peak (November 1952) and a brief description of the ancient lava and pyroclastic density current (PDC) deposits that make up the building of the volcano. The 1952 eruptive products are represented by two-pyroxene andesites (59.2–63.3 wt.% SiO2), and the older lava and pyroclastic flow rocks consist of two-pyroxene andesites and dacites (62–67.6 wt.% SiO2). Almost all samples belong to the calc-alkaline, medium-K, and medium-Fe series, and the pumiceous lapilli from the 1952 eruption fall into the low-Fe series. The minerals exhibit signs of magma mingling, including relic high-Ca (up to An92) plagioclase cores with signs of dissolution and recrystallization, and oscillatory-zoned pyroxene. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geochemistry)
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26 pages, 31941 KB  
Article
Erosion and Karst in Subsurface Middle Paleozoic Rocks in the Arkoma Basin, Oklahoma, USA
by A. Riley Brinkerhoff, John McBride, R. William Keach II and Scott M. Ritter
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090357 - 12 Sep 2025
Viewed by 149
Abstract
Seismic attribute analysis, guided by well data, reveals widespread stratigraphic anomalies caused by erosion or karstification in the late Ordovician-early Devonian Hunton Group in the Arkoma Basin, eastern Oklahoma, USA. This study shows that these strata are more extensive than previously known. Well [...] Read more.
Seismic attribute analysis, guided by well data, reveals widespread stratigraphic anomalies caused by erosion or karstification in the late Ordovician-early Devonian Hunton Group in the Arkoma Basin, eastern Oklahoma, USA. This study shows that these strata are more extensive than previously known. Well data and seismic mapping in the Red Oak petroleum field identify approximately 40 m thick Hunton lenses, averaging 3 km in diameter, surrounded by karsted rock. These lenses may be remnants of incomplete erosion during the Middle Devonian period (pre-Woodford unconformity) or result from Hunton rocks sagging into sinkholes caused by karstification and collapse of underlying Viola or Bromide carbonates. Using formation tops from wells, correlated with attribute and structure maps from a 3D seismic volume, we identify (1) areas lacking Hunton seismic markers, indicating complete removal; (2) areas with Hunton contacts, showing where Hunton remains; and (3) zones without Hunton but with a thin layer underlying carbonate strata, interpreted as an incipient karst zone, often near areas with Hunton. We also observe that the thickness of the overlying Woodford Shale, a key hydrocarbon target, correlates with karstic and erosional thinning of Hunton carbonates. Interpretation of 3D seismic data reveals a strong connection between thinned Hunton and thickened Woodford Shale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geophysics)
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30 pages, 16948 KB  
Article
Dolomitization and Silicification in Syn-Rift Lacustrine Carbonates: Evidence from the Late Oligocene–Early Miocene Duwi Basin, Red Sea, Egypt
by Tawfiq Mahran, Reham Y. Abu Elwafa, Alaa Ahmed, Osman Abdelghany and Khaled M. Abdelfadil
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090356 - 11 Sep 2025
Viewed by 279
Abstract
Studies of early syn-rift successions in the Duwi Basin have revealed repetitive lacustrine carbonate deposits exhibiting regressive sequences and early diagenetic processes. Two main informal stratigraphic units (Units 1 and 2), spanning the Late Oligocene to Early Miocene, have been identified in the [...] Read more.
Studies of early syn-rift successions in the Duwi Basin have revealed repetitive lacustrine carbonate deposits exhibiting regressive sequences and early diagenetic processes. Two main informal stratigraphic units (Units 1 and 2), spanning the Late Oligocene to Early Miocene, have been identified in the area. Unit 1 primarily consists of lacustrine limestone and calcrete deposits that formed in a palustrine environment, whereas Unit 2 is composed of dolomites and cherts, which developed during times of lake evaporation and desiccation under arid climatic conditions. A wide variety of pedogenic features, including brecciation, nodulization, rhizocretions, fissuring, microkarsts, and circumgranular cracks, dominate the carbonate sequence, indicating deposition in a marginal lacustrine setting. Integrated petrographic, mineralogical, geochemical, and isotopic studies of carbonate facies reveal two distinct evolutionary stages in the Duwi Basin, with dolomitization and silicification characterizing the late stage. Their isotopic compositions show a wide range of δ13C and δ18O values, ranging from −9.00‰ to −7.98‰ and from −10.03‰ to −0.68‰, respectively. Dolomite beds exhibit more negative δ13C and δ18O values, whereas palustrine limestones display higher (less negative) values. The upward trend of δ18O enrichment in carbonates suggests that the lake became hydrologically closed. Trace element concentrations serve as potential markers for distinguishing carbonate facies, aiding with paleoenvironmental and diagenetic interpretations. Our findings indicate that the studied dolomites and cherts formed under both biogenic and abiogenic conditions in an evaporative, alkaline-saline lake system. Biogenic dolomite and silica likely resulted from microbial activity, whereas abiogenic formation was driven by physicochemical conditions, including decreasing pH values and the presence of smectite clays. Tectonics, local climate, and provenance played crucial roles in controlling the overall diagenetic patterns and evolutionary history of the lake basin system during the Late Oligocene to Early Miocene. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeontology)
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23 pages, 11733 KB  
Article
Empirical Vulnerability Function Development Based on the Damage Caused by the 2014 Chiang Rai Earthquake, Thailand
by Patcharavadee Hong and Masashi Matsuoka
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090355 - 10 Sep 2025
Viewed by 116
Abstract
Seismic hazards in Thailand are frequently overlooked in disaster management planning, leading to insufficient research and significant economic losses during earthquake events. The 2014 Chiang Rai earthquake exposed critical vulnerabilities in Thailand’s building practices due to widespread non-compliance with building codes and limited [...] Read more.
Seismic hazards in Thailand are frequently overlooked in disaster management planning, leading to insufficient research and significant economic losses during earthquake events. The 2014 Chiang Rai earthquake exposed critical vulnerabilities in Thailand’s building practices due to widespread non-compliance with building codes and limited preparedness. This exposure prompted the development of empirical vulnerability functions using loss data from 15,031 damaged residences. The study analyzed government compensation records, which were standardized using replacement cost metrics. Three distinct models were developed through probabilistic and possibilistic modeling approaches. Residual analysis demonstrated the superior performance of the possibilistic approach, with the Possibilistic-based Vulnerability Function achieving a 49.84% reduction in residuals for small loss predictions compared to probability-based models. The research findings indicate that possibility theory—capable of addressing multiple uncertainties—provided a more accurate representation of the observed losses. These results offer valuable guidance for enhancing seismic risk assessment and disaster preparedness strategies in local applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Hazards)
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22 pages, 4003 KB  
Article
Numerical Modelling of Rock Fragmentation in Landslide Propagation: A Test Case
by Claudia Zito, Massimo Mangifesta, Mirko Francioni, Luigi Guerriero, Diego Di Martire, Domenico Calcaterra, Corrado Cencetti, Antonio Pasculli and Nicola Sciarra
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090354 - 7 Sep 2025
Viewed by 308
Abstract
Landslides and rockfalls can negatively impact human activities and cause radical changes to the surrounding environment. For example, they can destroy entire buildings and roadway infrastructure, block waterways and create sudden dams, resulting in upstream flooding and increased flood risk downstream. In extreme [...] Read more.
Landslides and rockfalls can negatively impact human activities and cause radical changes to the surrounding environment. For example, they can destroy entire buildings and roadway infrastructure, block waterways and create sudden dams, resulting in upstream flooding and increased flood risk downstream. In extreme cases, they can even cause loss of life. External factors such as weathering, vegetation and mechanical stress alterations play a decisive role in their evolution. These actions can reduce strength, which can have an adverse impact on the slope’s ability to withstand failure. For rockfalls, this process also affects fragmentation, creating variations in the size, shape and volume of detached blocks, which influences propagation and impact on the slope. In this context, the Morino-Rendinara landslide is a clear example of rockfall propagation influenced by fragmentation. In this case, fragmentation results from tectonic stresses acting on the materials as well as specific climatic conditions affecting rock mass properties. This study explores how different fragmentation scales influence both velocity and landslide propagation along the slope. Using numerical models, based on lumped mass approach and stochastic analyses, various scenarios of rock material fracturing were examined and their impact on runout was assessed. Different scenarios were defined, varying only the fragmentation degree and different random seed sets at the beginning of simulations, carried out using the Rock-GIS tool. The results suggest that rock masses with high fracturing show reduced cohesion along joints and cracks, which significantly lowers their shear strength and makes them more prone to failure. Increased fragmentation further decreases the bonding between rock blocks, thereby accelerating landslide propagation. Conversely, less fragmented rocks retain higher resistance, which limits the extent of movement. These processes are influenced by uncertainties related to the distribution and impact of different alteration grades, resulting from variable tectonic stresses and/or atmospheric weathering. Therefore, a stochastic distribution model was developed to integrate the results of all simulations and to reconstruct both the landslide propagation and the evolution of its deposits. This study emphasizes the critical role of fragmentation and the volume involved in rockfalls and their runout behaviour. Furthermore, the method provides a framework for enhancing risk assessment in complex geological environments and for developing mitigation strategies, particularly regarding runout distance and block size. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Hazards)
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27 pages, 29215 KB  
Article
Morphological and Magnetic Analysis of Nieuwerkerk Volcano, Banda Sea, Indonesia: Preliminary Hazard Assessment and Geological Interpretation
by Aditya Pratama, Muhammad Aufaristama, Alutsyah Luthfian, Muhammad Zain Tuakia, Ratika Benita Nareswari, Putu Billy Suryanata, Gabriela Nogo Retnaningtyas Bunga Naen, Affan Fadhilah and Nurhidayat
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090353 - 6 Sep 2025
Viewed by 588
Abstract
Nieuwerkerk Volcano, located in the Banda Sea, Indonesia, is a submarine volcano whose entire edifice lies beneath sea level. Its proximity to several inhabited islands raises significant concerns regarding potential impacts from future volcanic hazards. Despite historical unrest recorded in 1925 and 1927, [...] Read more.
Nieuwerkerk Volcano, located in the Banda Sea, Indonesia, is a submarine volcano whose entire edifice lies beneath sea level. Its proximity to several inhabited islands raises significant concerns regarding potential impacts from future volcanic hazards. Despite historical unrest recorded in 1925 and 1927, a comprehensive geological and geophysical understanding of Nieuwerkerk remains notably limited, with the last research expedition being in 1930. This study seeks to advance our understanding of the geomorphological structure and subsurface characteristics of the region, contributing to a preliminary hazard assessment and delineating key directions for future geoscientific investigation. The data were obtained during our most recent expedition conducted in 2022. High-resolution multibeam bathymetry data were analyzed to delineate the volcano’s morphology, while marine magnetic survey data were processed to interpret magnetic anomalies associated with its structure beneath volcano. Our updated morphological analysis reveals the following: (1) Nieuwerkerk Volcano is among the largest submarine volcanic edifices in the Banda Sea (length = 80 km, width = 30 km, height = 3460 m); (2) there is the presence of twin peaks (depth~300m); (3) there are indications of sector collapse (diameter = 10–12 km); (4) there are significant fault lineaments; and (5) there are landslide deposits, suggesting a complex volcanic edifice shaped by various constructive and destructive processes. The magnetic data show a low magnetic anomaly beneath the surface, where one of the indications is the presence of active magma. These findings significantly enhance our understanding of Nieuwerkerk’s current condition and volcanic evolution for an initial assessment of potential hazards, including future eruptions, edifice collapse, and landslides, which could subsequently trigger tsunamis. Further investigation, including comprehensive geophysical surveys covering the entire Nieuwerkerk area, rock sample analysis, visual seafloor observation, and seawater characterization, is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of its magmatic system and a more robust hazard assessment. This research highlights the critical need for detailed investigations of active submarine volcanoes, particularly those with sparse historical records and close proximity to populated areas, within tectonically complex settings such as the Banda Sea. Full article
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20 pages, 4854 KB  
Article
Sustainable Talcum Powder: A Developing Solution for Reduction the Swelling Potential of Expansive Soil
by Mohamed Sakr, Ashraf Nazir, Waseim Azzam and Hesham Eleraky
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090352 - 6 Sep 2025
Viewed by 418
Abstract
Expansive soils are clayey soils that undergo significant volume changes due to moisture content variations which can severely affect the stability of foundations and infrastructure. This study investigates the use of talcum powder as a novel stabilizing additive to reduce the swelling potential [...] Read more.
Expansive soils are clayey soils that undergo significant volume changes due to moisture content variations which can severely affect the stability of foundations and infrastructure. This study investigates the use of talcum powder as a novel stabilizing additive to reduce the swelling potential of expansive soils with particular focus on the behavior of the treated soil under curing conditions. Talcum powder concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% by dry weight of soil was considered. A comprehensive series of laboratory tests were conducted, including swelling pressure, Atterberg limits, modified Proctor compaction and unconfined compressive strength at 4 curing times: 0 days, 7 days, 14 days and 28 days. In addition, mineralogical and microstructural analyses were carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Experimental results revealed that incorporating talcum powder at a content of 25% by dry weight effectively reduced the swelling pressure by 37.5%. The compression index decreases with the increase in the talcum powder content. The results highlight the material’s significant capability to enhance the engineering properties of expansive soils, particularly under curing conditions and offer a cost-effective and readily available solution for soil stabilization applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geomechanics)
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17 pages, 12857 KB  
Article
Andesite and CO2-Saturated Water Interaction at Different Temperatures and Flow Rates Using a Flow-Through Reactor
by Heejun Yang, Akira Ueda, Hideki Kuramitz, Sakurako Satake, Kentaro Masuoka and Amane Terai
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 351; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090351 - 5 Sep 2025
Viewed by 249
Abstract
This study aims to elucidate the geochemical reactions between CO2-saturated water and rocks in CO2-enhanced geothermal system (CO2-EGS) reservoirs by focusing on andesite found in island arc regions, such as Japan. Laboratory flow tests of CO2 [...] Read more.
This study aims to elucidate the geochemical reactions between CO2-saturated water and rocks in CO2-enhanced geothermal system (CO2-EGS) reservoirs by focusing on andesite found in island arc regions, such as Japan. Laboratory flow tests of CO2-saturated water (3 wt.% CO2) and rocks (particle size: 0.14–1 mm) were conducted under varying temperature (150–250 °C) and flow rate (0.3 and 1.0 mL/min) conditions using a flow-through reactor. Elevated temperatures enhanced the dissolution of silicate minerals, reflected by increased Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Si concentrations, whereas those of Fe2+ and Al3+ remained low, suggesting secondary mineral precipitation. The dissolution process was dominant at 150 °C. Al-bearing minerals, such as gibbsite and boehmite, as well as clay minerals, including beidellite and kaolinite, were predominant at higher temperatures (200–250 °C). Carbonate minerals were not observed, attributable to low pH and limited availability of divalent cations. Flow rate substantially influenced Si dissolution rates, with lower flow rates promoting longer residence times and higher Si dissolution rates. These results indicate that the test conditions simulate the environment around the injection well, where the fluid is acidic and dissolution is the main reaction in the rock. Although a small amount of secondary minerals precipitated and the Si dissolution rates were of the same order of magnitude as those for labradorite, it may be considered that andesite has less impact on permeability variations than basalt near the injection well in CO2-EGS reservoirs. Full article
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23 pages, 26402 KB  
Article
The Geological Heritage of Príncipe Island (West Africa)
by Keynesménio Neto and Maria Helena Henriques
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090350 - 5 Sep 2025
Viewed by 351
Abstract
The Príncipe Island is in the Gulf of Guinea, along the Cameroon Volcanic Line (West Africa). It is known worldwide for its biodiversity for whose conservation there is strong national and international consensus. But its geodiversity has played and continues to play a [...] Read more.
The Príncipe Island is in the Gulf of Guinea, along the Cameroon Volcanic Line (West Africa). It is known worldwide for its biodiversity for whose conservation there is strong national and international consensus. But its geodiversity has played and continues to play a very important role in creating this unique habitat in sub-Saharan Africa, and represents an important asset in promoting local tourism, with a focus on the geological history of this remote island. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive synthesis that is both up-to-date and inclusive, incorporating all the fundamental information and references on the geodiversity and the geological heritage of the Príncipe Island. The geological heritage of Príncipe Island is represented by ten geological heritage sites of different types (volcanological, geomorphological, sedimentological, and stratigraphical), and five viewpoints, whose geoheritage contents make it possible to support a narrative about the geological history of the Cameroon Volcanic Line that is of major relevance for the development of geoeducational resources and potentially appealing to fostering regional geotourism. Príncipe geological heritage sites were inventoried and assessed using the same qualitative methodology previously applied to the geological heritage of São Tomé Island, therefore making it possible to complete the country’s national inventory of geological sites, as well as to enrich the representation of African geoheritage among the world’s list of geological heritage sites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: "Trends and Prospects in Geoheritage, Geoparks, and Geotourism")
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17 pages, 3397 KB  
Article
Challenges in the Detection of Water-Filled Cavities in Karst Environments Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography
by Sergio Negri and Dora Francesca Barbolla
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090349 - 5 Sep 2025
Viewed by 385
Abstract
Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is one of the most commonly used geophysical methods for imaging the distribution of electrical resistivity in the subsurface. It is often employed to characterise heterogeneity in karst regions and locate cavities and conduits below the surface. The resistivity [...] Read more.
Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is one of the most commonly used geophysical methods for imaging the distribution of electrical resistivity in the subsurface. It is often employed to characterise heterogeneity in karst regions and locate cavities and conduits below the surface. The resistivity contrast between the host rock and the cavity depends on the material filling the cavity. Air has a high electrical resistivity and should therefore produce strong reflections and refractions off cavity walls. However, cavities are not always easily detectable. A decrease in resistivity contrast at the interface between rock and air may result from different physical conditions relating to pore saturation, fracturing and stress near the cavity walls. Our first goal is to understand how extensive fracturing and hydrogeological conditions in the first subsurface layers can affect electric current flow in the presence of a karst tunnel. We use the commercial Res2Dmod software 3.0 to simulate an ERT on several ground models. The results, which are based on hydrogeological models, are presented for several conditions of a karst conduit: empty; full of water within a homogeneous background; and below the groundwater level in the presence of extensive fractures in the shallow layer above it. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geophysics)
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17 pages, 4287 KB  
Article
Assessment of Environmental Radionuclides and Controlling Factors in Volcanic Soils of Andean Patagonia
by Ludmila La Manna, Leticia Gaspar, Dubraska González Comunian and Ana Navas
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 348; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090348 - 5 Sep 2025
Viewed by 288
Abstract
Natural radionuclides (40K, 210Pb, 226Ra, 232Th, and 238U) were evaluated for the first time on volcanic ash soils of the Argentine Patagonian Andes. The study was carried out along a topoedaphoclimatic gradient, encompassing soils from Xeric Mollisols [...] Read more.
Natural radionuclides (40K, 210Pb, 226Ra, 232Th, and 238U) were evaluated for the first time on volcanic ash soils of the Argentine Patagonian Andes. The study was carried out along a topoedaphoclimatic gradient, encompassing soils from Xeric Mollisols to Udic Andisols, and different land uses. Median mass-specific activities of the lithogenic radionuclides 40K, 210Pb, 226Ra, 232Th, and 238U were 375, 8, 17, 19, and 29 (Bq kg−1), respectively, all falling within global natural background levels, yet distinct spatial and vertical patterns emerged. Radionuclide activities increased with sand content and decreased with organic matter, highlighting the role of the parent material and texture. In dry-site Mollisols, 40K and 210Pb increased with depth, while in humid-site Udands, activities declined with depth, suggesting leaching and surface accumulation by allophane–organic matter complexes. The 238U/226Ra activity ratio showed disequilibrium, indicating young, developing soil profiles. In Xerolls, where native forest was replaced by afforestation and rangeland use, erosion-driven degradation was evident. The distribution of radionuclides along the slopes was closely linked to the topographic position and slope gradient. These results underscore the sensitivity of radionuclide patterns to parent material, soil-forming processes and land use and provide a valuable reference for environmental monitoring in volcanic landscapes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geochemistry)
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22 pages, 1940 KB  
Article
A Method for Estimating the Coefficient of Variation of Large Earthquake Recurrence Interval Based on Paleoseismic Sequences
by Xing Guo and Zhijun Dai
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090347 - 3 Sep 2025
Viewed by 335
Abstract
The coefficient of variation α is a critical parameter in the Brownian Passage Time (BPT) model, used to quantify the variability of large earthquake recurrence intervals. In this paper, a new estimation method is proposed for α based on paleoseismic sequences across multiple [...] Read more.
The coefficient of variation α is a critical parameter in the Brownian Passage Time (BPT) model, used to quantify the variability of large earthquake recurrence intervals. In this paper, a new estimation method is proposed for α based on paleoseismic sequences across multiple faults within a given tectonic region. By integrating Monte Carlo simulations with a Bayesian framework, the method assesses the probability distribution of α without assuming that the sample average recurrence interval equals the true mean μ, thereby avoiding epistemic bias. To validate the method, 1,000,000 simulations were conducted in two study areas of differing spatial scales. In the Western Qilian Mountains-Hexi Corridor, the posterior mean of α is 0.36 (without dating uncertainty) and 0.34 (with uncertainty). Expanding the analysis to 29 faults across western China, the estimated α increases to 0.39 (without dating uncertainty) and 0.36 (with uncertainty), with substantially reduced uncertainty bounds. The results reveal that increasing the number of paleoseismic sequences significantly reduces the uncertainty in estimating α, while considering dating uncertainty has only a minor impact. The methodology provides a robust framework for deriving region-specific recurrence variability parameters and proves particularly valuable for tectonically active regions where individual fault records are sparse but collectively form comprehensive datasets across multiple fault systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Hazards)
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17 pages, 4855 KB  
Article
The Combined Use of Fly Ash and Lime to Stabilize a Clayey Soil: A Sustainable and Promising Approach
by Marta Di Sante, Muhammad Khizar Khan, Luca Calò, Evelina Fratalocchi and Francesco Mazzieri
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090346 - 3 Sep 2025
Viewed by 465
Abstract
The aim of the present note is to contribute to the search for sustainable binders to be used for soil stabilization purposes. Fly ash and quicklime are added to a clayey soil of low plasticity in different proportions; samples were prepared by wet [...] Read more.
The aim of the present note is to contribute to the search for sustainable binders to be used for soil stabilization purposes. Fly ash and quicklime are added to a clayey soil of low plasticity in different proportions; samples were prepared by wet mixing and Standard Proctor compaction of the soil–water–binder mixture. Permeability tests were carried out for the first 28 days of curing, varying the moulding water content of the investigated samples. Compressibility was evaluated through one-dimensional consolidation tests performed after 7 days of curing and shear strength was investigated at the same curing time. Reactions development was successfully monitored by measuring pH and small strain shear modulus by means of bender elements testing for the first 28 days of curing. Microstructural investigation through scanning electron microscope and Energy dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy revealed the presence of pozzolanic products in the mixture, reflecting the reduction in compressibility and the improvement in the mechanical characteristics of the soil of concern, after the treatment. The addition of the combination of fly ash and quicklime allowed to enhance the draining capability of the mixtures, especially when the mixture is compacted at optimum water content. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geomechanics)
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29 pages, 24013 KB  
Article
Three-Dimensional Architecture of Foreland Basins from Seismic Noise Recording: Tectonic Implications for the Western End of the Guadalquivir Basin
by David Amador Luna, Albert Macau, Carlos Fernández and Francisco M. Alonso-Chaves
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 345; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090345 - 3 Sep 2025
Viewed by 503
Abstract
The Variscan and Mesozoic basement are covered by Neogene and Quaternary sediments belonging to the Guadalquivir foreland Basin (southern Spain). This study explores the subsurface of the northern margin of its westernmost sector using the HVSR method, recording seismic noise at 334 stations [...] Read more.
The Variscan and Mesozoic basement are covered by Neogene and Quaternary sediments belonging to the Guadalquivir foreland Basin (southern Spain). This study explores the subsurface of the northern margin of its westernmost sector using the HVSR method, recording seismic noise at 334 stations between the mouths of the Guadiana and the Guadalquivir rivers, near Doñana National Park. Fundamental frequency and basement measurements enabled the estimation of an empirical formula for basement depth: h = 80.16·f0−1.48. Five distinct HVSR responses were obtained: (a) low-frequency peaks, indicating deep substratum; (b) high-frequency peaks, shallow bedrock; (c) broad peaks, potential critical zones (3D-2D effects, suggesting faults); (d) double peaks (marshlands); and (e) no peaks, near-outcropping bedrock. The soil fundamental frequencies range from 0.23 to 18 Hz, with bedrock depth ranges from 1 to 5 m in the northwest to over 600 m in the southeast. Borehole data correlate strongly with HVSR-derived results, with typical discrepancies of only a few tens of meters, likely due to the presence of non-geological basement acting as a mechanical basement. Although the possibility of ancient fluvial terraces of the Guadalquivir River contributing to abrupt slope changes is considered, H/V spectra with broad peaks suggest tectonic origins. This study presents the first regional three-dimensional model of the basin basement over an area exceeding 2300 km2, revealing a horst-and-graben system formed by foreland deformation linked to the westward advance of the Rif-Betic orogenic front. Full article
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24 pages, 19145 KB  
Article
Marine Hydraulic Process Modelling Using SMC-Brasil on the Semi-Arid Brazilian Coast
by Thiago Cavalcante Lins Silva, Marco Túlio Mendonça Diniz, Paulo Victor do Nascimento Araújo and Bruno Ferreira
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090344 - 3 Sep 2025
Viewed by 547
Abstract
Understanding coastal hydraulic processes is essential for sustainable coastal planning and management, especially in semi-arid regions where data scarcity represents a significant challenge. This study sought to apply the Brazilian Coastal Modelling System (SMC-Brasil) to analyse the coastal hydraulic processes present on the [...] Read more.
Understanding coastal hydraulic processes is essential for sustainable coastal planning and management, especially in semi-arid regions where data scarcity represents a significant challenge. This study sought to apply the Brazilian Coastal Modelling System (SMC-Brasil) to analyse the coastal hydraulic processes present on the Brazilian semi-arid coast in Rio Grande do Norte, seeking to understand its boundary conditions given the scarcity of data and limited monitoring network. The methodological procedures followed five main stages: data collection and processing, running the models, statistical analysis, and interpretation of the results. The simulations identified wave propagation and dissipation patterns influenced by local bathymetric features such as sandy banks and submarine canyons. The modelling indicated waves with an average Hs50% of 1.14 m, with dominant directions from ENE to ESE. Longitudinal flows ranged from 1 to 8 m3/h, with a predominance of east to west at medium and high tides. The modelling indicated spatial gradients of energy and sediment transport compatible with historical records and field observations. The results show that submerged relief irregularities play a central role in regional coastal dynamics, conditioning current flows and deposition. The application of SMC-Brasil has shown potential to fill monitoring gaps in regions with low infrastructure, offering affordable and effective technical support for adaptive coastal planning in the face of climate change impacts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hydrogeology)
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36 pages, 12719 KB  
Article
Petrogenesis and Provenance of the Triassic Metasedimentary Succession in the Sakar Unit, Bulgaria: Constraints from Petrology, Geochemistry, and U-Pb Detrital Geochronology
by Tzvetomila Filipova Vladinova and Milena Georgieva Georgieva
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090343 - 2 Sep 2025
Viewed by 724
Abstract
This study investigates the metasedimentary sequences of terrigenous–carbonate Sakar-type Triassic (TCSTT) and Sakar-type Triassic (STT) in the Sakar Unit, southeastern Bulgaria. Both share lithological similarities (alternation of carbonate–silicate schists, mica schists, marbles, and impure marbles) and are affected by post-Triassic metamorphism, but with [...] Read more.
This study investigates the metasedimentary sequences of terrigenous–carbonate Sakar-type Triassic (TCSTT) and Sakar-type Triassic (STT) in the Sakar Unit, southeastern Bulgaria. Both share lithological similarities (alternation of carbonate–silicate schists, mica schists, marbles, and impure marbles) and are affected by post-Triassic metamorphism, but with differences in metamorphic grade and partly in the variation of potential sources of the sedimentary material. STT shows a higher metamorphic grade (lower amphibolite facies) when compared to TCSTT (lower greenschist facies). Petrographic observations and geochemical analyses indicate protoliths composed of arkosic sandstones, shales, and limestones derived from a quartz-dominated source with minor contributions from intermediate magmatic sources. The U-Pb geochronology of the detrital zircons reveals a dominant Carboniferous age complemented by an Early Ordovician age, which is consistent with the presence of Carboniferous–Permian igneous rocks in the basement. The presence of Early Paleozoic and Cambrian–Neoproterozoic zircons in the detrital zircon populations suggests that older rocks of the basement of the Sakar Unit and the Srednogorie Zone are also sources of the sedimentary material. Based on the immobile trace element content and discrimination diagrams, the siliciclastic component originates from rocks formed in a continental-arc setting. REE patterns indicate a negative Eu anomaly inherited from granitic-source rocks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: “Sedimentology and Stratigraphy”)
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13 pages, 12589 KB  
Article
When Big Rivers Started to Drain to the Arctic Basin: A View from the Kara Sea
by Victoria Ershova, Daniel Stockli, Carmen Gaina, Andrey Khudoley and Sergey Shimanskiy
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090342 - 2 Sep 2025
Viewed by 353
Abstract
This study provides new constraints on the paleogeographic evolution of the Arctic during the Mesozoic. U–Pb geochronology of detrital zircon and rutile grains, together with (U–Th)/He zircon thermochronological data from the uppermost Middle Jurassic to Cretaceous strata of the Sverdrup well in the [...] Read more.
This study provides new constraints on the paleogeographic evolution of the Arctic during the Mesozoic. U–Pb geochronology of detrital zircon and rutile grains, together with (U–Th)/He zircon thermochronological data from the uppermost Middle Jurassic to Cretaceous strata of the Sverdrup well in the Kara Sea, reveals a major shift in sediment provenance. Two distinct age populations of detrital zircon define this transition: Group 1 (Middle Jurassic–Hauterivian) shows dominant Neoproterozoic–Cambrian (ca. 700–500 Ma) and Paleozoic (ca. 350–290 Ma) peaks, whereas Group 2 (Aptian–Albian) is characterized by prominent Paleoproterozoic (ca. 1980–1720 Ma), Paleozoic (ca. 350–255 Ma), and Early Mesozoic (ca. 240–115 Ma) ages. Corresponding variations in (U–Th)/He zircon ages—from a Triassic peak (~225 Ma) in Group 1 to a dominant Early Cretaceous peak (~140 Ma) in Group 2—support a switch from a proximal to more distal sediment source. We propose that the emergence of large continent-scale river systems transported clastic material from the southern margin of the Siberian Craton to the Arctic Ocean starting in the late Early Cretaceous. The development of a significant freshwater supply potentially initiated a thick low-salinity layer within the surface waters of the central Arctic Ocean, possibly leading to the onset of a strong salinity stratification of near-surface water masses as in the modern Arctic Ocean. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeontology)
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24 pages, 17479 KB  
Article
Cultural Heritage and Geology: The Example of the Mascheroni Fountain and Its Qanat in the Rupestrian Town of Laterza (MurGEopark UGGp and “Terra delle Gravine” Regional Park, Puglia, Southern Italy)
by Filippo Bellini, Domenica Bellini, Francesca Clemente, Luisa Sabato and Marcello Tropeano
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090341 - 2 Sep 2025
Viewed by 799
Abstract
Water resources allow us to trace the history of many of our towns. In settings with limited surface water, a very interesting case study is represented by the presence/preservation of water in the rupestrian towns located along the rocky walls of canyons (locally [...] Read more.
Water resources allow us to trace the history of many of our towns. In settings with limited surface water, a very interesting case study is represented by the presence/preservation of water in the rupestrian towns located along the rocky walls of canyons (locally named “gravine”) southward, cutting the Murge karst area (Puglia, Southern Italy). In some sections of their valleys, soft rocks, easy to dig, are exposed, and, along the canyon flanks, favored the development of rupestrian towns (cities where dwellings are carved in these soft rocks). Here, before the construction of aqueducts that now bring water from the “distant” Apennines (at least 30 km away), the building of historical fountains, in addition to the collection of rainwater in cisterns, testifies to the presence of an aquifer now undervalued as a local water resource useful for human settlements in a predominantly karst territory. Our study regards an aquifer feeding the Mascheroni Fountain (Great Masks Fountain) through a short qanat that allowed for the development of the old town of Laterza, in Puglia (Southern Italy). Starting from the attractiveness of the ancient fountain, the connection between geological features of the area and the ancestral origin of the city could be proposed to a large audience, representing an intriguing opportunity to develop themes useful for geotouristic purposes and disseminating concepts about sustainability and the importance of preserving local renewable resources. This topic is of paramount importance since the town of Laterza is located at the boundary between the UNESCO MurGEopark and the “Terra delle Gravine” Regional Park, making it the ideal starting point for both parks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: "Trends and Prospects in Geoheritage, Geoparks, and Geotourism")
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19 pages, 4060 KB  
Article
Harnessing Waste Tyres for Sustainable Riverbank Revetment and Stabilization: A Hybrid Nature-Based Pilot in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
by Cu Ngoc Thang, Nguyen Thanh Binh, Tran Van Ty, Nguyen Thi Bay, Chau Nguyen Xuan Quang and Nigel K. Downes
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090340 - 2 Sep 2025
Viewed by 594
Abstract
Riverbank erosion poses a significant threat to livelihoods and infrastructure in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD), necessitating innovative and sustainable solutions. This study explores the use of old tyres as a material for embankment construction to stabilize riverbanks, combining physical reinforcement with bioengineering [...] Read more.
Riverbank erosion poses a significant threat to livelihoods and infrastructure in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD), necessitating innovative and sustainable solutions. This study explores the use of old tyres as a material for embankment construction to stabilize riverbanks, combining physical reinforcement with bioengineering techniques. A pilot project was conducted in Dinh My commune, An Giang Province, where an embankment was constructed using old tyres, geotextile, riprap, and vegetation. Field measurements using the Leica TS02 Plus Total Station and Finite Element Method (FEM) modeling were employed to assess the embankment’s performance. Results indicate that the embankment effectively stabilized the riverbank, with a maximum displacement of 18 mm observed after one year. The FEM predictions closely aligned with the measured data, achieving an accuracy of 68% or higher, validating the model’s accuracy. The integration of vegetation further enhanced stability, demonstrating the potential of this approach as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for riverbank protection. This study highlights the dual benefits of erosion control and waste management, offering a replicable strategy for addressing riverbank erosion across deltaic and lowland regions. The pilot offers a scalable model for climate-resilient infrastructure in deltaic regions globally, linking erosion control with circular economy strategies. Full article
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25 pages, 7039 KB  
Article
Evaluating the Influence of Vegetation Breakage on Tsunami-Induced Structural Forces: An Experimental Study
by Ranasinghege Nipuni Udarika and Norio Tanaka
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 339; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090339 - 2 Sep 2025
Viewed by 435
Abstract
This study experimentally investigated the influence of vegetation integrity, vertical architecture and morphology, flexibility, and patch length on tsunami bore attenuation and structural force reduction, using Pandanus odoratissimus (screwpine) as a model species. A key aspect of the experimental design was [...] Read more.
This study experimentally investigated the influence of vegetation integrity, vertical architecture and morphology, flexibility, and patch length on tsunami bore attenuation and structural force reduction, using Pandanus odoratissimus (screwpine) as a model species. A key aspect of the experimental design was the simulation of vegetation breakage, defined as occurring when the tsunami water depth exceeded 80% of tree height, a critical threshold for structural failure. Results showed that vegetation under non-breaking conditions significantly attenuated water levels and hydrodynamic forces, with maximum tsunami force reductions of up to 70% for rigid and 66.5% for flexible vegetation, particularly when the patch extended further inland (i.e., longer vegetation length). In contrast, vegetation breakage led to a notable decline in protective performance, with horizontal and uplift force reductions dropping between 10.1–45.2% and 10.7–16.7%, respectively, in short patches. Flexible vegetation exhibited the greatest loss of effectiveness due to structural collapse. However, longer vegetation patches played a compensatory role, maintaining higher force reduction even under breaking conditions. Notably, broken P. odoratissimus still contributes to energy dissipation through its intact dense aerial roots that resist flow near the bed. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining vegetation integrity for effective tsunami mitigation, while also recognizing that partially damaged vegetation retains some protective function, particularly when configured in extended patches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Hazards)
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24 pages, 3434 KB  
Article
Secondary Education Students’ Misconceptions on Principles of Geology: Minerals and Rocks
by Georgios Giotopoulos, Ioannis Koukouvelas, Irini Skopeliti, Polychronis Economou and Dimitrios Papoulis
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090338 - 2 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1079
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to investigate the misconceptions related to geological concepts among Secondary Education students in the region of Achaia, Greece. The study focuses on both Lower Secondary Education (Gymnasium, grades 7–9) and Upper Secondary Education, including General and Vocational [...] Read more.
The purpose of this research is to investigate the misconceptions related to geological concepts among Secondary Education students in the region of Achaia, Greece. The study focuses on both Lower Secondary Education (Gymnasium, grades 7–9) and Upper Secondary Education, including General and Vocational Education (grades 10–12). Previous research has shown that students entering Lower Secondary Education or High School often possess several misconceptions about geological concepts. These misconceptions result in a fragmented or incorrect understanding, which may arise from intuitive perceptions of how the natural world evolves that are incorrect, or from stereotypes and assumptions acquired from the family environment or inadequacies in the school curriculum. Despite teachers’ efforts to clarify these concepts, a significant percentage of students continue to hold misconceptions, mainly related to minerals and rocks. A total of 1065 secondary students completed an online closed-ended questionnaire that was designed and validated based on previous research findings to highlight their misconceptions. This study results showed a clear differentiation between students from urban and rural areas, while demographic characteristics (such as gender, age, parents’ occupation, and parents’ marital status) did not appear to play a significant role. In addition, the responses to specific sets of questions varied depending on the student’s grade level. Identifying students’ misconceptions can support the development of appropriate educational tools and/or inform targeted interventions that aim to clarify these concepts and correct any incorrect assumptions. Full article
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30 pages, 20277 KB  
Article
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Mapping Morphostructural Features and Their Relation to Seismic Processes
by Simona Bongiovanni, Raffaele Martorana, Alessandro Canzoneri, Maurizio Gasparo Morticelli and Attilio Sulli
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090337 - 1 Sep 2025
Viewed by 974
Abstract
A multidisciplinary investigation was conducted in southwestern Sicily, near the seismically active Belice Valley, based on the analysis of morphostructural features. These were observed as open fractures between 2014 and 2017; they were subsequently filled anthropogenically and then reactivated during a seismic swarm [...] Read more.
A multidisciplinary investigation was conducted in southwestern Sicily, near the seismically active Belice Valley, based on the analysis of morphostructural features. These were observed as open fractures between 2014 and 2017; they were subsequently filled anthropogenically and then reactivated during a seismic swarm in 2019. We generated a seismic event distribution map to analyze the location, magnitude, and depth of earthquakes. This analysis, combined with multitemporal satellite imagery, allowed us to investigate the spatial and temporal relationship between seismic activity and fracture evolution. To investigate the spatial variation in thickness of the superficial cover and to assess the depth to the underlying bedrock or stiffer substratum, 45 Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) ambient noise measurements were conducted. This method, which analyzes the resonance frequency of the ground, produced maps of the amplitude, frequency, and vulnerability index of the ground (Kg). By inverting the HVSR curves, constrained by Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) results, a subsurface model was created aimed at supporting the structural interpretation by highlighting variations in sediment thickness potentially associated with fault-controlled subsidence or deformation zones. The surface investigation revealed depressed elliptical deformation zones, where mainly sands outcrop. Grain-size and morphoscopic analyses of sediment samples helped understand the processes generating these shapes and predict future surface deformation. These elliptical shapes recall the liquefaction process. To investigate the potential presence of subsurface fluids that could have contributed to this process, Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) was performed. The combination of the maps revealed a correlation between seismic activity and surface deformation, and the fractures observed were interpreted as inherited tectonic and/or geomorphological structures. Full article
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57 pages, 27746 KB  
Article
Integrating Remote Sensing and Knowledge-Based Systems for Structural Lineament Mapping in the Rif Belt
by Meriyam Mhammdi Alaoui, Ilias Kacimi, Khadija Diani, Moad Morarech, Saâd Soulaimani and Mohammed Elhag
Geosciences 2025, 15(9), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15090336 - 1 Sep 2025
Viewed by 626
Abstract
This study presents a novel methodology for mapping Fault- and Thrust-based Structural Lineaments (FT-SL) in the rugged and inaccessible Oued-Laou watershed of the Rif Belt, Morocco. Combining optical (Landsat-8 OLI, Sentinel-2 MSI) and radar (Sentinel-1 SAR) remote sensing data, the research employs manual, [...] Read more.
This study presents a novel methodology for mapping Fault- and Thrust-based Structural Lineaments (FT-SL) in the rugged and inaccessible Oued-Laou watershed of the Rif Belt, Morocco. Combining optical (Landsat-8 OLI, Sentinel-2 MSI) and radar (Sentinel-1 SAR) remote sensing data, the research employs manual, semi-automatic, and automatic extraction methods enhanced by spatial filtering (Sobel, Laplacian, Kuan). A Knowledge-Based System (KBS) integrated with Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) evaluates the effectiveness of these methods, focusing on lineament statistics, orientation, density distribution, and correlation with existing geological maps. The results highlight Sentinel-1 SAR’s superior performance in detecting subsurface structures, while manual extraction yields the highest accuracy. This study also demonstrates the potential for generalizing this approach to other Alpine orogenic regions, such as the Alps, due to shared geological characteristics. The findings provide a robust framework for structural lineament mapping in mountainous terrains, addressing challenges of accessibility and data scarcity. Full article
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