Next Issue
Volume 16, February
Previous Issue
Volume 15, December
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.1
2.1
Journals
Geosciences
Volume 16
Issue 1
share announcement

Geosciences, Volume 16, Issue 1 (January 2026) – 52 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Sandy embayed beaches in the Mediterranean are shaped by wave storms and episodic sediment inputs from small streams during intense rainfall. The combined influence of storm waves and stream sediment delivery on beach morphology is poorly understood, particularly regarding interactions between the stream, nearshore, and shoreface. Using topographic and bathymetric surveys, orthophotos, and satellite imagery, we investigate the interactions between coastal storms and stream dynamics during extreme events and their effects on the morphodynamics of Castell beach, a natural embayed beach in the NW Mediterranean. Stream–wave interactions influence the stream-mouth position, shifting the outlet toward more sheltered sectors and directly affecting sediment delivery and subsequent beach recovery. View this paper
  • Issues are regarded as officially published after their release is announced to the table of contents alert mailing list.
  • You may sign up for e-mail alerts to receive table of contents of newly released issues.
  • PDF is the official format for papers published in both, html and pdf forms. To view the papers in pdf format, click on the "PDF Full-text" link, and use the free Adobe Reader to open them.
Order results
Result details
Section
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
44 pages, 16501 KB  
Article
Morphotectonic Analysis of Upper Guajira Region, Colombia Using Multi-Resolution DEMs, Landsat-8, and WGM-12 Data
by Juan David Solano-Acosta, Jillian Pearse and Ana Ibis Despaigne-Diaz
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010052 - 22 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1015
Abstract
This study utilizes Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) with different spatial resolutions (SRTM 90 m, ASTER DEM 30 m, and ALOS PALSAR 12.5 m), Landsat-8 satellite imagery, and the Bouguer WGM-12 gravity model to analyze morphotectonic features in the Upper Guajira region of Colombia, [...] Read more.
This study utilizes Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) with different spatial resolutions (SRTM 90 m, ASTER DEM 30 m, and ALOS PALSAR 12.5 m), Landsat-8 satellite imagery, and the Bouguer WGM-12 gravity model to analyze morphotectonic features in the Upper Guajira region of Colombia, a desert area in northern South America, area that is composed by low-relief serranías of Cabo de la Vela, Carpintero, Cosinas, Simarua, Jarara, and Macuira. Three DEMs were used to extract and map morphotectonic lineaments, drainage networks, and morphological features. Lineaments were characterised by azimuth frequency, length, density, lithological distributions, and geological timeframes, with support from a digitized geological map from the Colombian Geological Service (SGC). The analysis of the east–west (E-W) Cuisa fault, using the Riedel shear model, suggests a transtensional/transpressional tectonic regime influenced by the Caribbean and South American plates, characterised by NE-SW and E-W fault orientations. Lineaments were grouped into five geochronological categories based on the geological map, revealing a shift from NE-SW to E-W orientations from the Cretaceous period onward, reflecting the ongoing movement of the Caribbean plate. Folds and faults from this tectonic activity were enhanced using Landsat-8 band combinations. The WGM-12 model was separated into regional and residual signals, with the latter highlighting the serranías subregions. Residual gravity analysis revealed significant negative anomalies, suggesting lower-density lithologies surrounded by higher-density blocks. This pattern aligns with the regional geological framework and may reflect a crustal root or terrain dragging linked to the tectonic processes that shaped the serranías. Derivative residual gravity data also revealed lineaments oriented NE–SW, whose distribution extends beyond the morphometric boundaries of the subregions. The study found a strong correlation between structural and drainage patterns, demonstrating structural control over geomorphology. This study establishes a solid morphotectonic and geophysical framework for the Upper Guajira region, demonstrating how multi-resolution DEM analysis combined with gravity data can resolve regional deformation patterns, crustal architecture, and tectonic development along the Caribbean–South American plate boundary. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Structural Geology and Tectonics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 14547 KB  
Article
Seasonal Intrusion of Central South Atlantic Water (SACW) as a Vector of Lead Isotopic Signatures in Ilha Grande Bay, Brazil
by Lucas Faria De Sousa, Alessandro Filippo, Ariadne Marra de Souza, Armando Dais Tavares and Mauro Cesar Geraldes
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010051 - 21 Jan 2026
Viewed by 541
Abstract
This study investigates the hydrography and geochemical signature in Ilha Grande Bay (RJ, Brazil), focusing on the seasonal intrusion of South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) and its interaction with lead sources. CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth) data revealed the presence of SACW during [...] Read more.
This study investigates the hydrography and geochemical signature in Ilha Grande Bay (RJ, Brazil), focusing on the seasonal intrusion of South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) and its interaction with lead sources. CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth) data revealed the presence of SACW during the summer campaigns (Mangaratiba/2011 and Frade/2012), characterized by temperatures below 20 °C and salinity between 34.6 and 36. The intrusion is driven by northeasterly winds that favor coastal upwelling, establishing a classic thermohaline stratification. The winter campaigns did not detect SACW, confirming its seasonal nature. Isotopic analysis of Pb in sediments identified six Pb206/Pb207 intervals, indicating multiple sources, including natural contributions, industrial waste, and urban effluents. The Pb206/Pb207 ranges were defined based on cluster analysis and frequency histograms, which are common methods in isotopic provenance studies. An overlap between the most radiogenic isotopic signatures and the presence of SACW suggests that this water mass acts as a vector for transporting trace elements from the deep oceanic region to the coast. This study provides the first evidence that the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) acts as a seasonal vector, importing a distinct radiogenic Pb isotopic signature onto the continental shelf of Ilha Grande Bay. By synoptically coupling physical water-mass analysis (CTD) with Pb isotopic tracers, we introduce a novel approach that successfully discriminates oceanic from anthropogenic Pb sources, offering a new framework for understanding contaminant transport in coastal areas influenced by boundary currents. It is concluded that the coastal dynamics in Ilha Grande Bay are governed by the seasonal interaction of coastal, continental, and oceanic waters, and that the integration of physical and geochemical data is crucial for understanding mixing processes and contaminant transport in this complex environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Marine Isotope Geochemistry: Recoding Ocean History and Climate Change)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 5027 KB  
Article
Evaluation of Groundwater Quality for Drinking and Irrigation Purposes Using Entropy-Weighted WQI, Pollution Index, and Multivariate Statistical Analysis in the Maze Zenti Catchment, Southern Ethiopia
by Yonas Oyda, Samuel Dagalo Hatiye and Muralitharan Jothimani
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010050 - 21 Jan 2026
Viewed by 790
Abstract
Population growth and agricultural expansion are threatening groundwater resources in the Maze Zenti catchment, Southern Ethiopia. This study evaluated groundwater suitability for drinking and irrigation by analyzing 30 samples using an integrated approach. This approach included GIS-based IDW interpolation, hydrochemical characterization, drinking water [...] Read more.
Population growth and agricultural expansion are threatening groundwater resources in the Maze Zenti catchment, Southern Ethiopia. This study evaluated groundwater suitability for drinking and irrigation by analyzing 30 samples using an integrated approach. This approach included GIS-based IDW interpolation, hydrochemical characterization, drinking water quality index, entropy weight, pollution index of groundwater, multivariate statistics, Piper, Gibbs, and Wilcox diagrams, ANOVA, and irrigation indices based on WHO standards. The correlation matrix revealed strong associations between Na+-TDS (r = 0.77) and Na+-Ca2+ (r = 0.68), indicating mineral dissolution, ion exchange, and agricultural inputs as key factors. Weak correlations were found for NO3− and F−, reflecting localized anthropogenic and geogenic influences. Component analysis identified four components explaining 78.2% (wet season) and 81.2% (dry season) of the variance, highlighting mineralization and anthropogenic inputs. Hydrochemical facies were mainly Ca-Mg-HCO3 with some localized Na-HCO3, suggesting that rock–water interactions are the primary source of geochemical control. Drinking water quality assessment showed that, during the wet season, 52.8% of the catchment had excellent water quality, 45.8% was good, and 1.4% was poor–very poor. In the dry season, 51.6% was excellent, 47.4% was good, 0.8% was poor, and 0.2% was very poor. The results of the entropy-weighted analysis indicated seasonal improvement, with excellent areas increasing from 13.1% to 31.4% and poor zones decreasing from 7.5% to 3.4%. Irrigation indices (Na%, PI, MAR, SAR) and Wilcox analysis (86.4% C2S1) suggested low sodicity and salinity hazards. This study provides the first integrated seasonal mapping of drinking and irrigation water quality, entropy-weighted water quality, and pollution index for the Maze Zenti catchment, establishing a hydrogeochemical baseline. Overall, groundwater in the area is generally suitable for drinking and irrigation. However, localized monitoring and sustainable land-use practices are recommended to mitigate contamination risks. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

48 pages, 4602 KB  
Article
Sequential Extraction Evaluation of Rock-Hosted Elements Using a pH Range Relevant to CO2 Geo-Sequestration
by Grant K. W. Dawson, Suzanne D. Golding, Dirk Kirste and Julie K. Pearce
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010049 - 21 Jan 2026
Viewed by 350
Abstract
Detailed geochemical modelling of the potential groundwater impacts of CO2 geo-sequestration requires site-specific knowledge of how mobile elements are hosted within rocks. We present a simple sequential extraction procedure analogous to pH conditions produced by different partial pressures of carbon dioxide (CO [...] Read more.
Detailed geochemical modelling of the potential groundwater impacts of CO2 geo-sequestration requires site-specific knowledge of how mobile elements are hosted within rocks. We present a simple sequential extraction procedure analogous to pH conditions produced by different partial pressures of carbon dioxide (CO2) in contact with water. The procedure consists of three sequential steps: water at pH 7; acetic acid–ammonium acetate at pH 5 and then at pH 3, with the amounts of specific elements extracted by each step considered with respect to the whole rock total element abundance. Our purpose in developing this procedure is three-fold: (1) identify readily mobilized suites of elements for groundwater baseline and monitor bore studies; (2) provide insights regarding the mode/s of occurrence of easily extracted elements within rock samples; and (3) suggest possible mechanisms for the mobilization of rock-sourced elements into groundwater under neutral to moderately acidic pH that can inform the reactive transport modelling of carbon storage sites. In our case study, the second step extracted most of the main mobile elements of interest. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Geochemistry)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3990 KB  
Article
Enhancing Thermo-Mechanical Behavior of Bio-Treated Silts Under Cyclic Thermal Stresses
by Rashed Rahman, Tejo V. Bheemasetti, Tanvi Govil and Rajesh Sani
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010048 - 21 Jan 2026
Viewed by 454
Abstract
Freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles in seasonally frozen regions induce progressive volumetric strains leading to degradation of soils’ mechanical properties and performance of earthen infrastructure. Conventional chemical stabilization techniques often are not adaptive to cyclic thermal stresses and do not address the fundamental phase changes [...] Read more.
Freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles in seasonally frozen regions induce progressive volumetric strains leading to degradation of soils’ mechanical properties and performance of earthen infrastructure. Conventional chemical stabilization techniques often are not adaptive to cyclic thermal stresses and do not address the fundamental phase changes of porous media, underscoring the need for sustainable alternatives. This study explores the potential of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) produced by the psychrophilic bacterium Polaromonas hydrogenivorans as a bio-mediated soil treatment to enhance freeze-thaw durability. Two EPS formulations were examined—EPS 1 (high ice-binding activity) and EPS 2 (low ice-binding activity)—to evaluate their effectiveness in improving volumetric stability and thawing strength of silty soil subjected to ten F-T cycles. Tests were conducted at four moisture contents (12%, 18%, 24%, and 30%) and three EPS concentrations (3, 10, and 20 g/L). Volumetric strain measurements quantified freezing expansion and thawing contraction, while unconfined compressive strength assessed post-thaw mechanical integrity. The untreated soils exhibited maximum net volumetric strains (γNet) of 5.62% and only marginal strength recovery after ten F-T cycles. In contrast, EPS 1 at 20 g/L mitigated volumetric changes across all moisture contents and increased compressive strength to 191.2 kPa. EPS 2 yielded moderate improvements, reducing γNet to 0.98% and enhancing strength to 183.9 kPa at 30% moisture. Lower EPS concentrations (3 and 10 g/L) partially mitigated volumetric strain, with performance strongly dependent on moisture content. These results demonstrate that psychrophilic EPS, particularly EPS 1, effectively suppresses ice formation within soil pores and preserves mechanical structure, offering a sustainable, high-performance solution for stabilizing frost-susceptible soils in cold-regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical and Biochemical (THMBC) Characterization and Modelling of Unsaturated Soils)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2888 KB  
Review
Advancement in In Situ and Laboratory Testing Technologies for Marine Sediment Properties: A Review of Resistivity and Acoustic Characteristics
by Bin Zhu, Mengrui Zhao, Yuan Sun, Chao Li, Huaibo Song and Weiling Liu
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010047 - 20 Jan 2026
Viewed by 537
Abstract
The electrical resistivity and acoustic properties of marine sediments are essential for understanding their physical and mechanical behavior. Over recent decades, significant advancements have been made in both in situ and laboratory measurement techniques, alongside theoretical models, to establish correlations between these geophysical [...] Read more.
The electrical resistivity and acoustic properties of marine sediments are essential for understanding their physical and mechanical behavior. Over recent decades, significant advancements have been made in both in situ and laboratory measurement techniques, alongside theoretical models, to establish correlations between these geophysical parameters and sediment properties such as porosity, saturation, and consolidation degree. However, a comprehensive comparison of the advantages, limitations, and applicability of different measurement methods remains underexplored, particularly in complex scenarios such as gas hydrate-bearing sediments. This review provides an in-depth synthesis of recent developments in in situ and laboratory testing technologies for assessing the resistivity and acoustic characteristics of marine sediments. Special emphasis is placed on the latest advances in acoustic measurements during gas hydrate formation and decomposition. The review highlights key challenges, including (1) limited vertical resolution in in situ resistivity measurements due to probe geometry; (2) errors arising from electrode polarization and poor soil–electrode contact; and (3) discrepancies in theoretical models linking geophysical parameters to sediment properties. To address these challenges, future research directions are proposed, focusing on optimizing electrode array designs for high-resolution resistivity measurements and developing non-destructive acoustic techniques for deep-sea sediments. This work offers a critical reference for marine geophysics and offshore engineering researchers, aiding the selection and development of testing technologies for effective marine sediment characterization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Experimental Methods, Advanced Field/in-Situ Testing, and Their Engineering Applications in Geomechanics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

43 pages, 29554 KB  
Article
Post-Collisional Cu-Au Porphyry and Associated Epithermal Mineralisation in the Eastern Mount Isa Block: A New Exploration Paradigm for NW Queensland
by Kenneth D. Collerson and David Wilson
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010046 - 20 Jan 2026
Viewed by 590
Abstract
Post-collisional Cu-Au-Ni-Co-Pt-Pd-Sc porphyry [Duck Creek porphyry system (DCPS)] with overlying Au-Te-Bi-W-HRE epithermal mineralisation [Highway epithermal system (HES)] has been discovered in the core of the Mitakoodi anticline, southwest of Cloncurry. Xenotime and monazite geochronology indicate mineralisation occurred between ~1490 and 1530 Ma. Host [...] Read more.
Post-collisional Cu-Au-Ni-Co-Pt-Pd-Sc porphyry [Duck Creek porphyry system (DCPS)] with overlying Au-Te-Bi-W-HRE epithermal mineralisation [Highway epithermal system (HES)] has been discovered in the core of the Mitakoodi anticline, southwest of Cloncurry. Xenotime and monazite geochronology indicate mineralisation occurred between ~1490 and 1530 Ma. Host rock lithologies show widespread potassic and/or propylitic to phyllic alteration. Paragenesis of porphyry sulphides indicates early crystallisation of pyrite, followed by chalcopyrite, with bornite forming by hydrothermal alteration of chalcopyrite. Cu sulphides also show the effect of supergene oxidation alteration with rims of covellite, digenite and chalcocite. Redox conditions deduced from the V/Sc systematics indicate that the DCPS contains both highly oxidised (typical of porphyries) and reduced lithologies, typical of plume-generated tholeiitic and alkaline suites. Ni/Te and Cu/Te systematics plot within the fields defined by epithermal and porphyry deposits. Duck Creek chalcophile and highly siderophile element (Cu, MgO and Pd) systematics resemble data from porphyry mineral systems, at Cadia, Bingham Canyon, Grasberg, Skouries, Kalmakyr, Elaisite, Assarel and Medet. SAM geophysical inversion models suggest the presence of an extensive porphyry system below the HES. A progressive increase in molar Cu/Au ratios with depth from the HES to the DCPS supports this conclusion. Three metal sources contributed to the linked DCPS-HES viz., tholeiitic ferrogabbro, potassic ultramafic to mafic system and an Fe and Ca-rich alkaline system. The latter two imparted non-crustal superchondritic Nb/Ta ratios that are characteristic of many deposits in the eastern Mount Isa Block. The associated tholeiite and alkaline magmatism reflect mantle plume upwelling through a palaeo-slab window that had accreted below the eastern flank of the North Australian craton following west-verging collision by the Numil Terrane. Discovery of this linked mineral system provides a new paradigm for mineral exploration in the region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Structural Geology and Tectonics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 4538 KB  
Article
Rapid Growth of Dimension Stone Imports: Implications for the Urban Geocultural Heritage of the City of Poznań (Poland)
by Paweł Wolniewicz
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010045 - 19 Jan 2026
Viewed by 776
Abstract
The global production of dimension stones, that is, natural stones that can be processed into blocks and used as building and decorative materials, has grown steadily since the second half of the twentieth century. The rise of global markets and trade has also [...] Read more.
The global production of dimension stones, that is, natural stones that can be processed into blocks and used as building and decorative materials, has grown steadily since the second half of the twentieth century. The rise of global markets and trade has also contributed to a rapid increase in imports of natural stones from distant locations. The introduction of dimension stones sourced from other continents can contribute significantly to geocultural heritage, defined as geological features that have acquired cultural, historical or symbolic meaning, as well as cultural elements embedded in a geological context. In the present contribution, the use of dimension stones in the city of Poznań (Poland, central Europe) is quantified. The study reveals dramatic changes in natural stone use between 1990 and 2019, with the number of dimension stone types increasing nearly threefold, and the mean distance to the stone source areas rising from 322 to 3885 km. Growing numbers and more diversified lithologies of natural stones can improve the urban landscape and contribute to the development of geotourism. On the other hand, increasing imports of dimension stones negatively affect local producers, threaten future conservation efforts, and have significant geoethical implications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: "Trends and Prospects in Geoheritage, Geoparks, and Geotourism")
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 3607 KB  
Article
A Feature Engineering and XGBoost Framework for Prediction of TOC from Conventional Logs in the Dongying Depression, Bohai Bay Basin
by Zexi Zhao, Guoyun Zhong, Fan Diao, Peng Ding and Jianfeng He
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010044 - 19 Jan 2026
Viewed by 776
Abstract
Total organic carbon (TOC) is a critical parameter for evaluating shale source rock quality and hydrocarbon generation potential. However, accurate TOC estimation from conventional well logs remains challenging, especially in data-limited geological settings. This study proposes an optimized XGBoost model for TOC prediction [...] Read more.
Total organic carbon (TOC) is a critical parameter for evaluating shale source rock quality and hydrocarbon generation potential. However, accurate TOC estimation from conventional well logs remains challenging, especially in data-limited geological settings. This study proposes an optimized XGBoost model for TOC prediction using conventional logging data from the Shahejie Formation in the Dongying Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China. We systematically transform four standard logs—resistivity, acoustic transit time, density, and neutron porosity—into 165 candidate features through multi-scale smoothing, statistical derivation, interaction term creation, and spectral transformation. A two-stage feature selection process, combining univariate filtering and recursive feature elimination and further refined by principal component analysis, identifies ten optimal predictors. The model hyperparameters are optimized via Bayesian search within the Optuna framework to minimize cross-validation error. The optimized model achieves an R2 of 0.9395, with a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.3392, a Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 0.4259, and a Normalized Root Mean Squared Error (NRMSE) of 0.0604 on the test set, demonstrating excellent predictive accuracy and generalization capability. This study provides a reliable and interpretable methodology for TOC characterization, offering a valuable reference for source rock evaluation in analogous shale formations and sedimentary basins. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 4562 KB  
Article
Hydrochemical Appraisal of Groundwater Quality for Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) in Southern Punjab, Pakistan
by Ghulam Zakir-Hassan, Lee Baumgartner, Catherine Allan and Jehangir F. Punthakey
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010043 - 14 Jan 2026
Viewed by 706
Abstract
Water quality assessment is crucial for the sustainable use and management of groundwater resources. This study was carried out in the irrigated plains of Vehari District, Punjab, Pakistan, to evaluate groundwater suitability for a managed aquifer recharge (MAR) project. Twenty groundwater samples were [...] Read more.
Water quality assessment is crucial for the sustainable use and management of groundwater resources. This study was carried out in the irrigated plains of Vehari District, Punjab, Pakistan, to evaluate groundwater suitability for a managed aquifer recharge (MAR) project. Twenty groundwater samples were collected in June 2021 from an area of 1522 km2 and analysed for major physicochemical parameters including electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, turbidity, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), chloride (Cl), alkalinity (Alk), bicarbonate (HCO3−), hardness, potassium (K), sulphate (SO42−), sodium (Na), and nitrate (NO3−). Water quality was assessed using WHO and PID standards, alongside derived hydrochemical indices such as sodium percentage (%Na), Kelly’s ratio (KR), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), and the water quality index (WQI). The dataset was interpreted using geo-statistical, geospatial, multivariate, and correlation analyses. Cations and anion dominance followed the order Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ and HCO3− > SO42− > Cl− > NO3−. According to the WQI analysis, 35% of the water samples are classified as “poor,” half (50%) as “very poor,” and the remaining 15% as “unsuitable” for drinking purposes. However, irrigation suitability indices confirmed that groundwater is generally acceptable for agricultural use, though unfit for drinking. The outcomes of this study provide essential insights for groundwater management in the region, where the Punjab Irrigation Department (PID) has initiated a MAR project. Considering that the irrigation sector is the major groundwater consumer in the area, the compatibility of groundwater and surface water quality supports the implementation of MAR to enhance agricultural sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Groundwater Sustainability: Integrated Risk Assessment and Management Strategies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 528 KB  
Article
Assessment of the Treatment of Natural Hazards in the Spanish School Curriculum (Secondary Education and Baccalaureate)
by Álvaro-Francisco Morote, Jorge Olcina and Alberto Alfonso-Torreño
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010042 - 13 Jan 2026
Viewed by 448
Abstract
The cut-off low that struck Valencia (Spain) on 29 October 2024, causing 229 deaths, underscored the pressing need to promote awareness and strengthen education on natural hazards, particularly among school-aged students. In this scenario, revising the school curriculum becomes essential to ensure that [...] Read more.
The cut-off low that struck Valencia (Spain) on 29 October 2024, causing 229 deaths, underscored the pressing need to promote awareness and strengthen education on natural hazards, particularly among school-aged students. In this scenario, revising the school curriculum becomes essential to ensure that future generations are prepared to confront the challenges posed by climate change. This study examines how knowledge related to natural hazards is incorporated into the official curricula of Secondary (ages 12 to 16) and Baccalaureate education (ages 16 to 19), based on the Royal Decrees enacted since 2022. The study aims to determine which contents are included, the Specific Competencies addressed, and the pedagogical approaches employed (descriptive, preventive, or critical), while also evaluating the coherence of these elements across subjects and educational levels. Findings reveal a scarce and often fragmented presence of such contents, with a predominance of descriptive approaches and limited emphasis on prevention or critical reflection. The study concludes that risk education should be transversal, contextually grounded, and transformative. Current curricular gaps and that current gaps and overlaps represent an opportunity to reinforce territorial literacy and enhance students’ resilience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Education in Geosciences)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 2079 KB  
Article
Differences in Carbon Emissions and Spatial Spillover in Typical Urban Agglomerations in China
by Yihan Zhang, Gaoneng Lai, Shanshan Li and Dan Li
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010041 - 12 Jan 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 653
Abstract
This study investigates the spatial patterns and drivers of carbon emissions across China’s three major urban agglomerations—Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH), the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), and the Pearl River Delta (PRD)—from 2011 to 2020. A sequential analytical framework was employed to examine emission inequality, spatial [...] Read more.
This study investigates the spatial patterns and drivers of carbon emissions across China’s three major urban agglomerations—Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH), the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), and the Pearl River Delta (PRD)—from 2011 to 2020. A sequential analytical framework was employed to examine emission inequality, spatial dependence, dynamic transitions, and multi-scale drivers. Specifically, the Gini and Theil indices were used to quantify and decompose regional disparities. Spatial clustering patterns and heterogeneity were then identified through global and local Moran’s I analysis. Following this, spatial Markov chains modeled state transitions and neighborhood spillover effects. Finally, the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) was applied to distinguish between the direct and indirect effects of key socioeconomic drivers. The findings reveal that disparities in emissions are largely driven by factors within each region. In BTH, heavy industrial lock-in accounts for 47.1% of the within-group inequality. By contrast, the YRD and PRD show noticeable convergence, achieved through industrial synergy and technological restructuring, respectively. The mechanisms of spatial spillover also differ across regions. In the YRD, emissions exhibit strong clustering tied to geographic proximity, with Moran’s I consistently above 0.6. In BTH, policy linkages play a more central role in shaping emission patterns. Meanwhile, in the PRD, widespread technological diffusion weakens the conventional distance-decay effect. The influence of key drivers varies notably among the urban agglomerations. Economic growth has the strongest scale effect in the PRD, reflected by a coefficient of 0.556. Industrial transformation significantly lowers emissions in the YRD, with a coefficient of −0.115. Technology investment reduces emissions in BTH (−0.124) and the PRD (−0.076), but is associated with a slight rebound in the YRD (0.037). Overall, these results highlight the persistent path dependence and distinct spatial interdependencies of carbon emissions in each region. This underscores the need for tailored mitigation strategies that are coordinated across administrative boundaries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Climate and Environment)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 17519 KB  
Article
Cl-Bearing Mineral Microinclusions in Arc Lavas: An Overview of Recent Findings with Some Metallogenic Implications
by Pavel Kepezhinskas, Nikolai Berdnikov, Irina Voinova, Nikita Kepezhinskas, Nadezhda Potapova and Valeria Krutikova
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010040 - 12 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 706
Abstract
Quaternary lavas (ankaramite, basalt, basaltic andesite, andesite, dacite) from the Kamchatka, Kurile, Ecuador and Cascade volcanic arcs contain Cl-bearing mineral microinclusions in rock-forming minerals and groundmass volcanic glass. They are represented by chlorargyrite (with a variable amount of native Ag), Cu, Ag, Sn, [...] Read more.
Quaternary lavas (ankaramite, basalt, basaltic andesite, andesite, dacite) from the Kamchatka, Kurile, Ecuador and Cascade volcanic arcs contain Cl-bearing mineral microinclusions in rock-forming minerals and groundmass volcanic glass. They are represented by chlorargyrite (with a variable amount of native Ag), Cu, Ag, Sn, and Zn compounds with Cl and S, Sn- and Pb-Sb oxychlorides compositionally similar to abhurite and nadorite, as well as bismoclite and Cl-F-apatite. The Cl-bearing compounds with chalcophile metals are best approximated by mixtures of chlorargyrite with Cu sulfides, malachite, or azurite. Some Cl-bearing solid microinclusions in magmatic rock-forming minerals could have formed from Cl-rich melts exsolved from arc magmas during differentiation. Alternatively, specific magmatic microinclusions may record the decomposition of primary sulfides in the presence of Cl-bearing magmatic volatiles. Post-magmatic Cl microminerals found in fractures, pores, grain contacts, and groundmass glass are most probably precipitated from hydrothermal fluids accompanying their emplacement at the surface and post-eruption transformations in active fumarole fields. Assemblages of Cl-bearing microminerals with native metal, alloy, sulfide, oxide, and sulfate microinclusions in arc lavas potentially record late-magmatic to post-magmatic stages of formation of the epithermal and possibly porphyry mineralization beneath arc volcanoes. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 6424 KB  
Article
Effectiveness of Lignin Biopolymer for Near-Surface Soil Stabilization and Sustainable Protection from Wind and Rainfall Erosion
by Dunja Perić, Arash Olia, Jack Fry, Chamidu D. B. Acharige and Justin Yenne
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010039 - 11 Jan 2026
Viewed by 762
Abstract
This study focuses on the scale of wind and rainfall-induced soil erosion that is relevant to transportation infrastructure. To this end, an experimental approach was devised and carried out to assess the effectiveness of lignin, a biodegradable and non-toxic plant-derived biopolymer, in enhancing [...] Read more.
This study focuses on the scale of wind and rainfall-induced soil erosion that is relevant to transportation infrastructure. To this end, an experimental approach was devised and carried out to assess the effectiveness of lignin, a biodegradable and non-toxic plant-derived biopolymer, in enhancing soil resistance to wind and rainfall-induced erosion. The experimental program included basic soil tests required for soil classification, wind and rainfall-induced erosion tests, pocket penetrometer tests to assess the near-surface soil strength, SEM, EDS scans, and FTIR spectroscopy to evaluate changes in the fabric and chemical composition of the soil treated with lignin. Additionally, the effect of lignin on the re-establishment of the vegetative cover after the construction completion was also investigated. It was found that an increased spraying rate of lignin solution increased both the near-surface strength and wind erosion resistance. Moreover, SEM scans showed that the presence of lignin provided abundant particle coating, which is a source of additional cohesive strength. However, the spraying rate had a minor effect on rainfall erosion resistance, which increased with an increase in lignin solution concentration. Finally, lignin treatment did not significantly affect the size of the vegetative cover and had a minor effect on soil nutrients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geomechanics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3834 KB  
Article
Background Seismicity Highlights Tectonic Asperities
by Alexey Ostapchuk and Ilmir Nugmanov
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010038 - 11 Jan 2026
Viewed by 910
Abstract
The heterogeneity of a tectonic fault interface controls both the spatial features of seismicity and the locations of the foci of shallow earthquakes. Strong earthquakes are associated with ruptures of asperities. We present the Seismogenic Patches Detection (SPAD) algorithm to analyze background seismicity [...] Read more.
The heterogeneity of a tectonic fault interface controls both the spatial features of seismicity and the locations of the foci of shallow earthquakes. Strong earthquakes are associated with ruptures of asperities. We present the Seismogenic Patches Detection (SPAD) algorithm to analyze background seismicity to reveal tectonic asperities. In the first stage, the algorithm detects background seismicity based on the nearest-neighbor method. In the second stage, fuzzy clustering of the background mode is performed. Dense clusters of background seismicity, called seismogenic patches, can be interpreted as tectonic asperities. The SPAD algorithm does not use a priori data about the localizations of strong earthquakes. Using SPAD, we analyzed the seismicity of the Kamchatka segment of the Kuril–Kamchatka subduction zone for the period from 1 January 1990 to 23 September 2025. The Kamchatka regional seismic catalog includes 39,104 events, and the magnitude of completeness Mc equals 3.0. We have identified seven seismogenic patches with a size of 170–270 km. Seismogenic patches correlate with the tectonic asperity determined by the maps of the slip distributions for the four largest earthquakes—Mw7.5 (8 June 1993), Mw7.8 (5 December 1997), Mw8.8 (30 July 2025), and Mw7.8 (13 September 2025). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Natural Hazards)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

35 pages, 10330 KB  
Article
Mineral Chemistry, Whole-Rock Characterization, and EnMap Hyperspectral Data Analysis of Granitic Rocks of the Nubian Shield: A Case Study from Suwayqat El-Arsha District, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt
by Ahmed M. Abdel-Rahman, Bassam A. Abuamarah, Ali Shebl, Jason B. Price, Andrey Bekker and Mokhles K. Azer
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010037 - 9 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 738
Abstract
Gabal (G.) Suwayqat El-Arsha contains two distinct phases of granitoids: I-type granodiorite and A-type monzogranite. Both of them experienced intense fractional crystallization that affected plagioclase, alkali feldspar, quartz, and, to a lesser degree, ferromagnesian minerals. EnMAP hyperspectral data were used to discriminate between [...] Read more.
Gabal (G.) Suwayqat El-Arsha contains two distinct phases of granitoids: I-type granodiorite and A-type monzogranite. Both of them experienced intense fractional crystallization that affected plagioclase, alkali feldspar, quartz, and, to a lesser degree, ferromagnesian minerals. EnMAP hyperspectral data were used to discriminate between the different granitoid types through spectral analysis, using various techniques, including the Sequential Maximum Angle Convex Cone (SMACC) method. Granodiorite has high SiO2 (68.21–71.44 wt%), Al2O3 (14.29–14.92 wt%), Fe2O3 (1.99–3.32 wt%), and CaO (2.34–3.87 wt%), whereas monzogranite has even higher SiO2 (73.58–75.87 wt%) and K2O (4.28–4.88 wt%). Both granodiorite and monzogranite exhibit calc-alkaline, peraluminous to metaluminous, and medium- to high-K characteristics, with attendant enrichment of light REE and LILE and depletion of heavy REE and HFSE. A negative Eu anomaly may indicate early plagioclase fractionation, especially in the monzogranite. The I-type granodiorite is likely derived from a high-K, mafic protolith that partially melted during lithospheric delamination, leading to severe fractional crystallization in the upper crust in a post-collisional environment. In contrast, the monzogranite exhibits A-type characteristics and was likely emplaced in an anorogenic setting. Both granites were affected by several episodes of hydrothermal alteration, resulting in silicification, kaolinitization, sericitization, and chloritization. The intrusions studied here exhibit key similarities with those in the Wadi El-Hima area, including tectonic setting, petrogenetic type, Neoproterozoic age (Stage I collisional: ca. 650–620 Ma; Stage II post-collisional: ca. 630–590 Ma), and mineralogical assemblages (notably two-mica granites). These correlations suggest that both suites form part of a regionally extensive batholith composed of I- and A-type granites, stretching from north of the Marsa Alam Road (Umm Salatit–Homrit Waggat) southward to at least Wadi El-Hima. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 3734 KB  
Article
Probabilistic Analysis of Rainfall-Induced Slope Stability Using KL Expansion and Polynomial Chaos Kriging Surrogate Model
by Binghao Zhou, Kepeng Hou, Huafen Sun, Qunzhi Cheng and Honglin Wang
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010036 - 9 Jan 2026
Viewed by 740
Abstract
Rainfall infiltration is one of the main factors inducing slope instability, while the spatial heterogeneity and uncertainty of soil parameters have profound impacts on slope response characteristics and stability evolution. Traditional deterministic analysis methods struggle to reveal the dynamic risk evolution process of [...] Read more.
Rainfall infiltration is one of the main factors inducing slope instability, while the spatial heterogeneity and uncertainty of soil parameters have profound impacts on slope response characteristics and stability evolution. Traditional deterministic analysis methods struggle to reveal the dynamic risk evolution process of the system under heavy rainfall. Therefore, this paper proposes an uncertainty analysis framework combining Karhunen–Loève Expansion (KLE) random field theory, Polynomial Chaos Kriging (PCK) surrogate modeling, and Monte Carlo simulation to efficiently quantify the probabilistic characteristics and spatial risks of rainfall-induced slope instability. First, for key strength parameters such as cohesion and internal friction angle, a two-dimensional random field with spatial correlation is constructed to realistically depict the regional variability of soil mechanical properties. Second, a PCK surrogate model optimized by the LARS algorithm is developed to achieve high-precision replacement of finite element calculation results. Then, large-scale Monte Carlo simulations are conducted based on the surrogate model to obtain the probability distribution characteristics of slope safety factors and potential instability areas at different times. The research results show that the slope enters the most unstable stage during the middle of rainfall (36–54 h), with severe system response fluctuations and highly concentrated instability risks. Deterministic analysis generally overestimates slope safety and ignores extreme responses in tail samples. The proposed method can effectively identify the multi-source uncertainty effects of slope systems, providing theoretical support and technical pathways for risk early warning, zoning design, and protection optimization of slope engineering during rainfall periods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Landslide Mechanisms and Prediction Models)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 1194 KB  
Article
Magnesian Calcite and Dolomite in the Krečana Marble (Bukulja–Venčac Area, Central Serbia): A Possible Modification for Geothermometry Application Purposes?
by Pavle Tančić, Željko Cvetković, Ivana Jovanić and Darko Spahić
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010035 - 8 Jan 2026
Viewed by 696
Abstract
The chemical compositions and formation temperatures of magnesian calcite and dolomite were estimated by using the combination of chemical analysis, crystallographic parameters, and a plethora of various diagrams and mathematical calculations. This study presents an example of the calculated crystallo-chemical formula (Ca0.960 [...] Read more.
The chemical compositions and formation temperatures of magnesian calcite and dolomite were estimated by using the combination of chemical analysis, crystallographic parameters, and a plethora of various diagrams and mathematical calculations. This study presents an example of the calculated crystallo-chemical formula (Ca0.960Mg0.039Fe0.001)CO3, obtained from chemical analysis on a representative marble sample from the Bukulja–Venčac area in central Serbia. Substituting CaCO3 with MgCO3 and FeCO3 in dolomite adds approximately 3–5 mol. %, enhancing the classification and indicating that it is more accurately identified as magnesium-excess dolomite. The estimated formation temperature of magnesian calcite (1) is approximately 528 °C, whereas magnesian calcite (2) forms at about 341 °C. The ~187 °C difference corresponds to ~3.28 mol. % MgCO3 (~7.18% dolomite), reflecting the distinction between magnesian calcite (1) and magnesian calcite (2). Considering the presence of the submicroscopic intergrowth and exsolution of dolomite within magnesian calcite (1), which are further subdivided in magnesian calcite (2), the estimated formation temperature of ~341 °C appears to be more realistic. The synthesis of the results suggests that this combined method could be helpful in the geothermometry of marble samples after the treatment with acetic acid. However, despite the promising results, additional experiments are necessary to validate the proposed modified geothermometry approach. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

80 pages, 58463 KB  
Review
On the Application of 238U, 235U, and 232Th Decay Series Disequilibria to Understanding the Processes and Timescales of Oceanic Basalt Petrogenesis
by Kenneth W. W. Sims, Gregory J. Stark, Lynne J. Elkins, Mark K. Reagan, Peter B. Kelemen and Janne Blichert-Toft
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010034 - 8 Jan 2026
Viewed by 503
Abstract
Understanding how processes of magma genesis and magma differentiation control and modify the chemical composition of erupted lavas from the geochemical measurements of the latter is an under-constrained inverse problem, as there is only one known parameter—the measured composition of the erupted lava—but [...] Read more.
Understanding how processes of magma genesis and magma differentiation control and modify the chemical composition of erupted lavas from the geochemical measurements of the latter is an under-constrained inverse problem, as there is only one known parameter—the measured composition of the erupted lava—but two unknown parameters—the chemical composition and lithology of the source before melting and how melting, crystallization, and melt–rock interactions act to alter the lava en route to the surface. In this invited contribution, we review nearly seven decades of scientific research that demonstrate the potential of U and Th decay series measurements for unraveling the complexities of oceanic magmatism. We review the underlying nuclear theory, geochemical principles, and application of the 238U, 235U, and 232Th decay series for (i) defining the timescales of magma genesis during decompression mantle melting, (ii) establishing the timescales of magma recharge and magma degassing, and (iii) determining the eruption ages of oceanic Quaternary volcanism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isotope Geochemistry: Latest Developments and Applications for Geosciences)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 7606 KB  
Article
3D Multi-Attribute Ant Tracking for Fault and Fracture Delineation—A Case Study from the Anadarko Basin
by Sreejesh V. Sreedhar, Camelia C. Knapp and James H. Knapp
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010033 - 6 Jan 2026
Viewed by 958
Abstract
Faults and fractures play a critical role in subsurface systems; they may act as hydrocarbon traps, compartmentalize reservoirs, or serve as conduits for fluid migration across stratigraphic intervals. Consequently, fault delineation from seismic data plays a key role in reservoir characterization. This study [...] Read more.
Faults and fractures play a critical role in subsurface systems; they may act as hydrocarbon traps, compartmentalize reservoirs, or serve as conduits for fluid migration across stratigraphic intervals. Consequently, fault delineation from seismic data plays a key role in reservoir characterization. This study presents a workflow for generating ant-tracking attribute volumes using multiple structural attributes to enhance fault/fracture delineation. Our results were thereafter validated with formation microimager (FMI) data. The workflow involves a sequential process comprising seismic data conditioning, structural attribute computation, and ant-tracking volume generation. Variance, curvature, and amplitude contrast attributes were calculated on conditioned 3D seismic data and subsequently used as input for the ant-tracking process. Parameter optimization was conducted through an iterative process of varying individual parameters and qualitatively assessing the results against key seismic features in both vertical sections and time slices. The ant-tracking volumes generated from individual attribute volumes were integrated to produce a composite volume, which served as input for automatic fault extraction. The resultant fault patch orientations were consistent with the formation microimager (FMI) log orientations. The integration of multiple structural attributes within the ant-tracking workflow significantly enhanced fault and fracture delineation by leveraging the complementary strengths of each attribute. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geophysics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3846 KB  
Article
Integrating MCDA and Rain-on-Grid Modeling for Flood Hazard Mapping in Bahrah City, Saudi Arabia
by Asep Hidayatulloh, Jarbou Bahrawi, Aris Psilovikos and Mohamed Elhag
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010032 - 6 Jan 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 663
Abstract
Flooding is a significant natural hazard in arid regions, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where intense rainfall events pose serious risks to both infrastructure and public safety. Bahrah City, situated between Jeddah and Makkah, has experienced recurrent flooding owing to its topography, rapid urbanization, [...] Read more.
Flooding is a significant natural hazard in arid regions, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where intense rainfall events pose serious risks to both infrastructure and public safety. Bahrah City, situated between Jeddah and Makkah, has experienced recurrent flooding owing to its topography, rapid urbanization, and inadequate drainage systems. This study aims to develop a comprehensive flood hazard mapping approach for Bahrah City by integrating remote sensing data, Geographic Information Systems (GISs), and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). Key input factors included the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), slope, distance from streams, and land use/land cover (LULC). The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied to assign relative weights to these factors, which were then combined with fuzzy membership values through fuzzy overlay analysis to generate a flood susceptibility map categorized into five levels. According to the AHP analysis, the high-susceptibility zone covers 2.2 km2, indicating areas highly vulnerable to flooding, whereas the moderate-susceptibility zone spans 26.1 km2, representing areas prone to occasional flooding, but with lower severity. The low-susceptibility zone, covering the largest area (44.7 km 2), corresponds to regions with a lower likelihood of significant flooding. Additionally, hydraulic simulations using the rain-on-grid (RoG) method in HEC-RAS were conducted to validate the hazard assessment by identifying inundation depths. Both the AHP analysis and the RoG flood hazard maps consistently identify the western part of Bahrah City as the high-susceptibility zone, reinforcing the reliability and complementarity of both models. These findings provide critical insights for urban planners and policymakers to improve flood hazard mitigation and strengthen resilience to future flood events. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 14673 KB  
Article
Sequence Stratigraphy, Sedimentary Evolution, and Coal-Accumulation Model of the Lower Xishanyao Formation in the Nileke Sag, Yili Basin
by XinFei Wang, Xin Li, RenDong Peng, ShuGuang Yang and Bin Zhang
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010031 - 6 Jan 2026
Viewed by 666
Abstract
The Lower-Middle Jurassic Xishanyao Formation in the Nileke Sag of the Yili Basin contains substantial reserves of coal and coalbed methane (CBM). Elucidating its depositional evolution and the controlling factors of coal accumulation within a sequence-stratigraphic framework is crucial for guiding future exploration. [...] Read more.
The Lower-Middle Jurassic Xishanyao Formation in the Nileke Sag of the Yili Basin contains substantial reserves of coal and coalbed methane (CBM). Elucidating its depositional evolution and the controlling factors of coal accumulation within a sequence-stratigraphic framework is crucial for guiding future exploration. This study integrates regional geological surveys, core observations, well-log analysis, and quantitative lithofacies statistics of the lower member to establish a sequence-stratigraphic framework and reconstruct the sedimentary paleogeography. Eleven minable coal seams are identified, exhibiting a depositionally controlled spatial thickness distribution. The coal is classified as low-rank bituminous (Rank I–II), characterized by high inertinite, low ash, medium-high volatile matter, and ultra-low sulfur content, indicating formation in a freshwater swamp influenced by seasonal droughts and floods. Three third-order sequences (SQ1–SQ3) are recognized. SQ2, deposited during peak transgression as a braided-river delta plain, provided the optimal environment for peat accumulation. In contrast, SQ3 is dominated by progradational deltas with coarser sediments, where coal accumulation weakened. The results demonstrate that coal accumulation was jointly controlled by tectonic subsidence (providing accommodation space), climate (causing peat oxidation and fine-clastic input), and sedimentation (with interdistributary bays on the delta plain being the most favorable sites). Coal accumulation in the Lower Xishanyao Member resulted from the coupling of tectonic, climatic, and sedimentary processes. This genetic model provides a theoretical basis for regional coal and CBM exploration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeontology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 12879 KB  
Article
Development and Evolution of the Rattlesnake Creek Terrane, Klamath Mountains, Northern California
by Diana Urda, Kathryn Metcalf and Jennifer Diaz
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010030 - 5 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 818
Abstract
The basement of the Rattlesnake Creek terrane (RCT) in the Klamath Mountains is a mélange of metamorphosed sedimentary and igneous blocks. Recent work shows that the overlying RCT cover sequence has a North American provenance but formed after accretion to the continental margin, [...] Read more.
The basement of the Rattlesnake Creek terrane (RCT) in the Klamath Mountains is a mélange of metamorphosed sedimentary and igneous blocks. Recent work shows that the overlying RCT cover sequence has a North American provenance but formed after accretion to the continental margin, so it is unclear if the basement mélange formed exotic or endemic to North America. This study presents petrography and zircon geochronology from RCT metasedimentary blocks and crosscutting intrusions. The southernmost RCT preserves both Early Jurassic and Middle-Late Jurassic cover sequence deposits and records continental clasts and 33% pre-Mesozoic zircons at ~201 Ma, effectively none at ~191 Ma, and 79–90% from 168 to 163 Ma. During active magmatism 207–193 Ma, the RCT was receiving continental sediment, inconsistent with a distant intraoceanic arc. We interpret that the RCT subduction zone formed proximal to North America in the Late Triassic and that there was a sediment pathway to the RCT at ~201 Ma. During Middle to Late Jurassic rifting and subsequent Nevadan compression, the cover sequences were dismembered and incorporated into the mélange by tectonic and sedimentary processes. The age and provenance of metasedimentary deposits in the RCT is inconsistent with west-dipping subduction models in the Klamath Mountains region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Structural Geology and Tectonics)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 1665 KB  
Article
Explaining Two Different Traditional Estimates of the Generic Diversity of Brachiopods at the Oligocene–Miocene Transition
by Dmitry A. Ruban
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010029 - 5 Jan 2026
Viewed by 396
Abstract
The present work reconsiders our current knowledge of the presence of brachiopod genera in the Chattian and Aquitanian stages (late Oligocene and Early Miocene, respectively). Two of the most important sources of paleontological information were used. The uncertain presence of taxa in the [...] Read more.
The present work reconsiders our current knowledge of the presence of brachiopod genera in the Chattian and Aquitanian stages (late Oligocene and Early Miocene, respectively). Two of the most important sources of paleontological information were used. The uncertain presence of taxa in the particular stages was recorded. The results indicated that the total number of brachiopod genera in the Chattian and the Aquitanian was generally the same, irrespective of the chosen dataset. If so, the short-term paleoenvironmental perturbations did not affect the generic diversity of brachiopods. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the presently available, traditional estimates of the generic diversity of brachiopods. However, further critical consideration and improvement of the data and application of some advanced analytical tools is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biogeosciences)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 6560 KB  
Article
Beyond Traditional Learning with a New Reality: Geoscience Education Enhanced by 3D Reconstruction, Virtual Reality, and a Large Display
by Andreia Santos, Bernardo Marques, João Martins, Rubén Sobral, Carlos Ferreira, Fernando Almeida, Paulo Dias and Beatriz Sousa Santos
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010028 - 4 Jan 2026
Viewed by 648
Abstract
Nowadays, despite the advancements in several technological areas, the education process of various subjects shows minimal evolution from the approaches used in prior years. In light of these, some fields struggle to capture the student’s attention and motivation, in particular, when the subject [...] Read more.
Nowadays, despite the advancements in several technological areas, the education process of various subjects shows minimal evolution from the approaches used in prior years. In light of these, some fields struggle to capture the student’s attention and motivation, in particular, when the subject addresses remote locations that students are unable to visit and relate to. Therefore, an opportunity exists to explore novel technologies for such scenarios. This work introduces an educational approach that integrates 3D Reconstruction, Virtual Reality (VR), and a Large Display to enrich Geoscience learning at the university level. In this teacher-centric approach, manipulation of virtual replicas of real-world geological sites can be performed, creating an immersive yet asymmetric collaborative environment for students in the classroom. The teacher’s VR interactions are mirrored on a large display, enabling clear demonstrations of complex concepts. This allows students, who cannot physically visit these locations, to explore and understand the sites more deeply. To evaluate the effectiveness of this approach, a user study was conducted with 20 participants from Geoscience and Computer Science disciplines, comparing the VR-based method with a conventional approach. Analysis of the collected data suggests that, across multiple relevant dimensions, participants generally favored the VR condition, highlighting its potential for enhancing engagement and comprehension. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 13539 KB  
Article
Morphological Response of a Sheltered Beach to Extreme Wave and Stream Sediment Delivery Events
by Candela Marco-Peretó, Ruth Durán, Gonzalo Simarro and Jorge Guillén
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010027 - 4 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1073
Abstract
Morphological variability on Mediterranean embayed sandy beaches is largely driven by wave storms and episodic sediment inputs from local streams during intense rainfall. While storm impacts are well documented, the combined influence of stream discharge, wave forcing and morphological response remains poorly understood. [...] Read more.
Morphological variability on Mediterranean embayed sandy beaches is largely driven by wave storms and episodic sediment inputs from local streams during intense rainfall. While storm impacts are well documented, the combined influence of stream discharge, wave forcing and morphological response remains poorly understood. This study examines these interactions at Castell beach, one of the few non-urbanised, stream-fed embayed beaches on the northwestern Mediterranean, during two high-energy storms with heavy rainfall: December 2019 and January 2020 (Storm Gloria). Morphological changes in the subaerial and submerged beach, and stream dynamics were assessed using repeated RTK–GNSS surveys, orthophotos and echo-sounder bathymetry. Results show the stream mouth shifted along the beach (east, central or west) during heavy rainfall episodes depending on wave direction and pre-existing topography, tending toward more wave-sheltered zones. The storms induced contrasting responses: the first caused slight subaerial accretion, whereas Storm Gloria produced subaerial erosion and nearshore sediment deposition from both beach and stream sources. This material was subsequently reworked and reincorporated into the subaerial beach under calmer conditions, with full recovery by February 2022. These findings highlight the role of stream–wave interactions in sediment dynamics and the capacity of highly protected embayed beaches to adapt to extreme events. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Recent Advances in Iberian Coastal Geomorphology)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

33 pages, 33278 KB  
Article
Unravelling the Link Between Crustal Extension, Strain Localization and Magmatism in the Northern South China Sea
by Cuimei Zhang, Gianreto Manatschal, Pauline Chenin, Nick Kusznir, Sanzhong Li, Yanhui Suo and Zhongxian Zhao
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010026 - 3 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 879
Abstract
A rifted margin can be regarded, in the first place, as a crustal thinning taper framed by “box-shaped” continental and oceanic crusts whose top basement and Moho are parallel. Attempts to understand the relationship between lithosphere extension, crustal thinning and strain localization have [...] Read more.
A rifted margin can be regarded, in the first place, as a crustal thinning taper framed by “box-shaped” continental and oceanic crusts whose top basement and Moho are parallel. Attempts to understand the relationship between lithosphere extension, crustal thinning and strain localization have been addressed in part by characterizing and modeling rift modes. However, a weakness of models stems from their using generalized physical parameters and initial conditions, while each system is unique in terms of its geological complexity. In this study, we develop a new approach to investigate the relation between crustal shape, the nature of the top basement and the accommodation space to reveal the link between extension, strain localization and crustal thinning in the northern South China Sea (N-SCS). Our results show the following: (1) box-shaped crusts may indicate no or minor extension, or extension compensated by crustal flow and/or magmatic additions; (2) crustal thinning and strain localization occurred through extensional detachment faults coevally during the rifting of the N-SCS; (3) strain localization was triggered or enhanced by magmatic weakening, and the weak crustal rheology at the onset of the rifting favored the formation of detachment faults; and (4) the inherited composition of the crust (magmatic rocks in the arc and meta-sediments in the forearc) controls the distribution of crustal thinning. We propose that the different initial conditions, changes in extension rates and the presence/absence of subduction dynamics account for the different rift evolutions observed in the SCS and Atlantic-type rift systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Structural Geology and Tectonics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 3447 KB  
Article
Interpretable AI for Site-Adaptive Soil Liquefaction Assessment
by Emerzon Torres and Jonathan Dungca
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010025 - 2 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1048
Abstract
Soil liquefaction remains a critical geotechnical hazard during earthquakes, posing significant risks to infrastructure and urban resilience. Traditional empirical methods, while practical, often fall short in capturing complex parameter interactions and providing interpretable outputs. This study presents an interpretable machine learning (IML) framework [...] Read more.
Soil liquefaction remains a critical geotechnical hazard during earthquakes, posing significant risks to infrastructure and urban resilience. Traditional empirical methods, while practical, often fall short in capturing complex parameter interactions and providing interpretable outputs. This study presents an interpretable machine learning (IML) framework for soil liquefaction assessment using Rough Set Theory (RST) to generate a transparent, rule-based predictive model. Leveraging a standardized SPT-based case history database, the model induces IF–THEN rules that relate seismic and geotechnical parameters to liquefaction occurrence. The resulting 25-rule set demonstrated an accuracy of 86.2% and strong alignment (93.8%) with the widely used stress-based semi-empirical model. Beyond predictive performance, the model introduces scenario maps and parameter interaction diagrams that elucidate key thresholds and interdependencies, enhancing its utility for engineers, planners, and policymakers. Notably, the model reveals that soils with high fines content can still be susceptible to liquefaction under strong shaking, and that epicentral distance plays a more direct role than previously emphasized. By balancing interpretability and predictive strength, this rule-based approach advances site-adaptive, explainable, and technically grounded liquefaction assessment—bridging the gap between traditional methods and intelligent decision support in geotechnical engineering. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 17019 KB  
Article
Amber from the Lower Cretaceous of Lugar d’Além Formation, Lusitanian Basin, Western Portugal: Chemical Composition and Botanical Source
by Thairine Lima dos Santos, Mário Miguel Mendes, Pedro Alexandre Dinis, Pedro Miguel Callapez, Pedro Proença e Cunha, Ilunga Tshibango André, Magaly Girão Albuquerque and Celeste Yara dos Santos Siqueira
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010024 - 2 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1340
Abstract
The first comprehensive study about of amber from the Lower Cretaceous of the Lusitanian Basin, in the Estremadura region of western Portugal, is here reported. The amber was recovered as isolated clasts in the Portela da Vila outcrop section, near the small villages [...] Read more.
The first comprehensive study about of amber from the Lower Cretaceous of the Lusitanian Basin, in the Estremadura region of western Portugal, is here reported. The amber was recovered as isolated clasts in the Portela da Vila outcrop section, near the small villages of Ramalhal and Ameal, from sedimentary deposits belonging to the Lugar d’Além Formation considered to be of Hauterivian age. The chemical composition of amber clasts was examined in order to infer their botanical source via biomarker analysis. GC–MS and GC×GC–TOFMS showed a strong predominance of abietane-type diterpenoids, including compounds such as amberene, ferruginol (phenolic abietane), kaurane and the derivative of clerodane. The dominance of abietane diterpenoids along with these specific biomarkers is consistent with resin exudation by Araucariaceae/Cheirolepidiaceae conifers, as supported by previous chemotaxonomic studies of Cretaceous amber. Palynological studies of the same sedimentary rock samples highlighted a pollen–spore assemblage characterized by low diversity and number of specimens, and dominated by conifer pollen assigned to the genera Classopollis, Araucariacites and coniferous bisaccate pollen, with relative occurrences of fern spores. The combined geochemical and palynological studies strongly support a source related to conifer plants for the amber here reported. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geosciences, Development and Sustainability: Africa and Europe Together)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2029 KB  
Article
Changes in Climatic Parameters and Moistening Conditions on the South of the East European Plain
by Edgar A. Terekhin and Pavel A. Ukrainskiy
Geosciences 2026, 16(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16010023 - 2 Jan 2026
Viewed by 462
Abstract
Analysis of regional changes in climatic parameters and moistening conditions is a necessary task for obtaining objective data on changes in landscapes. The article analyzes long-term changes in a complex of climatic variables on the south of the Central Russian Upland of the [...] Read more.
Analysis of regional changes in climatic parameters and moistening conditions is a necessary task for obtaining objective data on changes in landscapes. The article analyzes long-term changes in a complex of climatic variables on the south of the Central Russian Upland of the East European Plain in the last decades of the 20th century–the first decades of the 21st century. Opposite trends were identified for heat and moisture supply characteristics. The annual average temperature increased by 2.1 °C between 1980 and 2020. During this same time, the absolute values of the temperature of the warmest and coldest quarters, accumulated temperature over the period with values above 10 °C, increased significantly. The annual average temperature, the average temperature of the warmest and coldest quarters showed a positive, statistically significant trend. Precipitation characteristics, compared with temperatures, showed less pronounced trends during the study period. Annual precipitation and precipitation during the warmest quarter showed a weak negative trend. Precipitation of the coldest quarter showed an increasing trend. Contrasting changes in temperature and precipitation characteristics led to a decrease in moistening indicators during the warm season. The hydrothermal coefficient decreased by more than 18%, and the drought index increased by approximately the same amount. Spatial changes in most climatic parameters are associated with a shift in isolines to the north or northwest. The range of variations in climatic parameters across the region did not undergo significant changes. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-52
Previous Issue
Next Issue
Back to TopTop