Geosciences

34 pages, 3695 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Updated Synthesis of the Upper Cretaceous Vertebrate Assemblages from the Northern Onshore Sector of the Portuguese West Iberian Margin

by Ricardo Jorge Pimentel, Fernando Barroso-Barcenilla, Mélani Berrocal-Casero and Pedro Miguel Callapez

Geosciences 2025, 15(12), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15120477 - 18 Dec 2025

Viewed by 1508

Abstract

Vertebrate remains from the Upper Cretaceous of Portugal have been studied for more than 140 years, beginning with the pioneering work of the Geological Commissions and early vertebrate specialists. The Cenomanian of Portugal occupies a key position in understanding vertebrate assemblages from the [...] Read more.

Vertebrate remains from the Upper Cretaceous of Portugal have been studied for more than 140 years, beginning with the pioneering work of the Geological Commissions and early vertebrate specialists. The Cenomanian of Portugal occupies a key position in understanding vertebrate assemblages from the south-western European Late Cretaceous archipelago. Recent discoveries in the Cenomanian of the onshore northern sector of the Portuguese West Iberian Margin have revealed two new genera of Squamata and Crocodylomorpha, as well as extended biogeographical ranges for groups such as Obaichthyidae. Although Campanian–Maastrichtian fossils are limited to the northern sector, they provide valuable insights into the composition and evolution of western Iberian vertebrate faunas, including significant remains of small dinosaurs and mammals, and the westernmost European occurrences of Pycnodontiformes, Holostei, Elopiformes, Amphibia, Testudines, Squamata, and Crocodylomorpha. The Upper Cretaceous of the Portuguese onshore northern sector of the West Iberian Margin has yielded six vertebrate holotypes, four lectotypes, and syntypes though much material remains undescribed or in need of revision. Identifying additional fossil sites is essential to further expand the dataset. This contribution integrates historical and current knowledge and highlights key priorities for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeontology)

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19 pages, 7430 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Hole in the Pacific LLVP and Multipathed SKS

by Daoyuan Sun

Geosciences 2025, 15(12), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15120471 - 13 Dec 2025

Viewed by 691

Abstract

In contrast to a relatively simple whole structure of the African Large Low Velocity Province (LLVP), the Mid-Pacific LLVP appears to be much more complex and likely interacts more with the down-going slab debris from the circum-Pacific subduction zones. Tomographic models show an [...] Read more.

In contrast to a relatively simple whole structure of the African Large Low Velocity Province (LLVP), the Mid-Pacific LLVP appears to be much more complex and likely interacts more with the down-going slab debris from the circum-Pacific subduction zones. Tomographic models show an apparent hole in the Mid-Pacific LLVP, coinciding with observed anomalous SPdKS arrivals. Previous studies have linked these anomalies to a large-scale mega ultra-low velocity zone (ULVZ) exhibiting up to a 45% S-wave velocity reduction. To further investigate this anomaly, we analyzed SKS waveforms from Fiji–Tonga earthquakes recorded by the USArray. Many events display pronounced travel time jumps and waveform distortions near epicentral distances of 100°, consistent with strong multipathing effects. Notably, such complexities are absent in S and SKKS phases, indicating that only the down-going SKS leg is affected. Using waveform modeling, we find that a northeast-dipping high-velocity anomaly approximately 300 km wide, 800 km long, and with a shear velocity increase of ~2% provides a good fit to the observed SKS data. This apparent LLVP hole may represent a localized downwelling within the LLVP or a remnant slab fragment interacting with the deep mantle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seismology of the Dynamic Deep Earth)

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47 pages, 17932 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Timing of Deformation in the Provence Fold-and-Thrust Belt (SE France) as Constrained by U-Pb Calcite Geochronology

by Anies Zeboudj, Olivier Lacombe, Nicolas E. Beaudoin, Jean-Paul Callot, Juliette Lamarche, Abel Guihou, Guilhem Hoareau, Gaëlle Barbotin, Christophe Pecheyran and Pierre Deschamps

Geosciences 2025, 15(12), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15120463 - 4 Dec 2025

Viewed by 1240

Abstract

A combination of fault and fracture analyses, paleostress reconstructions from calcite twins, and U-Pb dating of syn-kinematic calcite mineralization provides new insights into the Cretaceous–Tertiary tectonic evolution of the Provence fold-and-thrust belt. This approach helped unravel 90 million years of polyphase deformation in [...] Read more.

A combination of fault and fracture analyses, paleostress reconstructions from calcite twins, and U-Pb dating of syn-kinematic calcite mineralization provides new insights into the Cretaceous–Tertiary tectonic evolution of the Provence fold-and-thrust belt. This approach helped unravel 90 million years of polyphase deformation in this belt, which represents the eastward continuation of the northern Pyrenees. Focusing on three main targets along an NNE-SSW transect oriented roughly parallel to the regional Pyrenean shortening (the southernmost Nerthe range, the Bimont Lake area, and the northern Rians syncline), we date a wide range of scales and natures of deformation structures such as stylolites, veins, mesoscale faults, and major thrust fault zones. The reconstructed long-lasting tectonic history includes (1) the Durancian uplift and related NNE-SSW extension (~110 to 90 Ma); (2) the ~N-S Pyrenean compression related to the convergence then collision between Eurasia and Iberia and the Corsica–Sardinia block (~80 to 34 Ma); the Oligocene E-W to WNW-ESE extension related to the West European Cenozoic Rift System (ECRIS) and the Oligo–Miocene NW-SE to NNW-SSE extension related to the Liguro-Provençal Rifting (LPR); and a middle-late (?) N-S to NW-SE Alpine compression. We show that the Pyrenean shortening in Provence occurred during two main phases, 81–69 Ma and 59–34 Ma, coeval with the inversion of the pre-Pyrenean rift and the main Pyrenean collision, separated by a tectonic quiescence as described in the Pyrenees. Together with the published literature, our U-Pb ages also support the overall northward (forelandward) in sequence propagation of Pyrenean shortening across Provence. Our U-Pb results further allow us to refine the interpretation of local and regional fracture sets and reveal unsuspected polyphase development of fractures sharing a common strike. Beyond regional implications, our study shows that sampling structures of various natures and scales for U-Pb geochronology is probably the most efficient strategy to encompass the entire time interval of deformation in fold-and-thrust belts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Structural Geology and Tectonics)

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23 pages, 4220 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Exploration for Gas Generation Potential and Geochemical Signatures of Neogene Clastic Deposits from Gavdos Island, Greece, Eastern Mediterranean

by Dimosthenis Telemenis, Spyridon Bellas, Nikolaos Kallithrakas-Kontos, Nikos Pasadakis and Emmanouil Manoutsoglou

Geosciences 2025, 15(11), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15110432 - 13 Nov 2025

Viewed by 1294

Abstract

The latest exploration developments and discoveries from the eastern Mediterranean documented that Neogene formations can act as source-rocks for hydrocarbon generation and their exploitation delivered large amounts of mostly biogenic gas to the market. Examples of such offshore gas-fields include the Zohr-Egypt, Leviathan/Tamar-Israel, [...] Read more.

The latest exploration developments and discoveries from the eastern Mediterranean documented that Neogene formations can act as source-rocks for hydrocarbon generation and their exploitation delivered large amounts of mostly biogenic gas to the market. Examples of such offshore gas-fields include the Zohr-Egypt, Leviathan/Tamar-Israel, and Aphrodite-Cyprus. Having attracted the oil majors’ attention for hydrocarbons exploration in southern Greece (e.g., Exxon-Mobil, Chevron), by using onshore geologic analogs, we suggest relevant perspectives in the country’s offshore sector. Our study focuses on Miocene marine deposits exploration, from Gavdos Island, southern Greece, evaluating their characteristics as potential source-rocks affected by a paleodepositional framework. By integrating fieldwork, organic (Rock-Eval VI-pyrolysis, CHNS) and inorganic geochemical data (XRF), the current results indicate gas-prone organic matter with variable preservation status, reflecting a few oxidation episodes during deposition under generally dysoxic-to-suboxic conditions. Paleoclimatic weathering indices (CIA, C.I., Sr/Cu, Rb/Sr) suggest predominantly arid to semi-arid regimes punctuated by short-lived humid phases that locally enhance organic accumulation and nutrient supply. Variations in paleosalinity and stratification, particularly within the Messinian section, are interpreted as precursors to the Messinian Salinity Crisis. Our findings highlight the potential for hydrocarbon-prone intervals in the deeper-offshore Eastern Mediterranean basins, where most favorable conditions for organic-carbon preservation and maturation are documented by the discoveries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Geochemistry)

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15 pages, 6136 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Petrology of Lancang (Upper Mekong) River Sand

by Daxin Fang, Xiumian Hu, Eduardo Garzanti, Wen Lai and Fengting Chen

Geosciences 2025, 15(11), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15110415 - 31 Oct 2025

Viewed by 871

Abstract

The texture and composition of river sediments are key to understanding the characteristics of source rocks, chemical weathering in the source area, physical modifications during transport, and human impacts within watersheds. This study analyzes 47 very fine to coarse size sands from the [...] Read more.

The texture and composition of river sediments are key to understanding the characteristics of source rocks, chemical weathering in the source area, physical modifications during transport, and human impacts within watersheds. This study analyzes 47 very fine to coarse size sands from the Lancang (Upper Mekong) River in China to monitor compositional variations and assesses the contribution of different geological units to trunk-river sediments. Lancang River sands are mostly feldspatho-quartzo-lithic in composition, with quartz content increasing downstream at the expense of lithic fragments (especially of carbonate lithics). Sand is mostly generated from the Lincang and Baoshan blocks, with subordinate contributions from the Simao and Changdu blocks. This study provides new insights into erosional and depositional processes in the Lancang River and emphasizes the impact of human activities on river sediment transport. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeontology)

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14 pages, 3810 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evidence of Ejecta from the Late-Triassic Manicouagan Impact in the Blomidon Formation, Fundy Basin, Canada

by Lawrence H. Tanner, Michael J. Clutson and David E. Brown

Geosciences 2025, 15(10), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15100400 - 15 Oct 2025

Viewed by 941

Abstract

The Manicouagan impact structure in northeastern Canada is one of the largest, well-documented impact sites among Phanerozoic structures. Once considered a candidate for the cause of end-Triassic extinctions, radioisotopic dating of impact melt rock has established the age of the impact as middle [...] Read more.

The Manicouagan impact structure in northeastern Canada is one of the largest, well-documented impact sites among Phanerozoic structures. Once considered a candidate for the cause of end-Triassic extinctions, radioisotopic dating of impact melt rock has established the age of the impact as middle to late Norian. In contrast to the clearly defined association between the Chicxulub structure and the K-Pg boundary, however, the sedimentary record of the Manicouagan impact is unusually sparse, with verified ejecta deposits currently limited to a single deep-marine occurrence (Japan) and one well-documented deposit in a continental (fluvial) setting (England). Sedimentary layers at the top of a widespread seismically deformed zone in a continental sequence in the Upper Triassic (Norian) Blomidon Formation, Fundy Basin, contain sparse, potentially impact-derived grains (shocked quartz and spherulitic grains) that are interpreted as impact ejecta that were reworked within a playa-lacustrine environment. The presence of these ejecta suggests that the seismic deformation resulted indirectly from the Manicouagan impact via reactivation of a nearby fault system. Paleomagnetic correlation of the ejecta-bearing strata in the Blomidon Formation to the Newark astrochronostratigraphic polarity time scale suggests a temporal discrepancy in the correlation of the Newark time scale to the magnetostratigraphic record of the Upper Triassic. This hypothesis is supported by recent correlations of the geomagnetic polarity time scale to the Newark time scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeontology)

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56 pages, 37807 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Geological and Geographical Characteristics of Limestone and Karst Landforms in Japan: Insights from Akiyoshidai, Seiyo (Shikoku), and Okinoerabu Island

by Koji Wakita, Takashi Murakami, Tomohiro Tsuji and Kensaku Urata

Geosciences 2025, 15(10), 393; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15100393 - 11 Oct 2025

Viewed by 3842

Abstract

Limestone in Japan exhibits distinct distribution patterns and associated lithologies compared to limestone found in most other parts of the world. These differences reflect contrasting depositional settings and formation processes. While the majority of the world’s limestones originate from reefs and their detritus [...] Read more.

Limestone in Japan exhibits distinct distribution patterns and associated lithologies compared to limestone found in most other parts of the world. These differences reflect contrasting depositional settings and formation processes. While the majority of the world’s limestones originate from reefs and their detritus deposited on continental shelves adjacent to continents, most limestones in Japan are derived from atoll reefs formed on oceanic island basalts. The remainder developed as reefs and associated detritus along the margins of island arcs underlain by continental crust. In this study, we refer to the former as Accreted Oceanic Reef (AOR) Limestones and the latter as Autochthonous Arc-Shelf (AAS) Limestones. These two types not only differ in origin and depositional environment, but also in the development of karst landforms, including cave systems. AOR Limestones, typified by the Akiyoshi Limestone of Akiyoshidai and the Shikoku Karst, partly distributed in Seiyo (Shikoku), and Pre-Cenozoic AAS Limestones such as Torinosu Limestone of Seiyo (Shikoku) exhibit complex three-dimensional structures that contrast with various caves common worldwide. In contrast, Cenozoic AAS Limestones are exemplified by the Pleistocene Ryukyu Limestone of Okinoerabu Island, where caves, though relatively small, develop parallel to bedding planes. While differing in scale from many caves worldwide, their fundamental structures are comparable. These contrasting characteristics provide new insights into the geological and geomorphological diversity of limestone and karst landforms in Japan. Full article

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24 pages, 3434 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

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

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3269

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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36 pages, 12719 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

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 1830

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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30 pages, 20277 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

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 1858

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 (K_g). 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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36 pages, 6877 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Machine Learning for Reservoir Quality Prediction in Chlorite-Bearing Sandstone Reservoirs

by Thomas E. Nichols, Richard H. Worden, James E. Houghton, Joshua Griffiths, Christian Brostrøm and Allard W. Martinius

Geosciences 2025, 15(8), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15080325 - 19 Aug 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1459

Abstract

We have developed a generalisable machine learning framework for reservoir quality prediction in deeply buried clastic systems. Applied to the Lower Jurassic deltaic sandstones of the Tilje Formation (Halten Terrace, North Sea), the approach integrates sedimentological facies modelling with mineralogical and petrophysical prediction [...] Read more.

We have developed a generalisable machine learning framework for reservoir quality prediction in deeply buried clastic systems. Applied to the Lower Jurassic deltaic sandstones of the Tilje Formation (Halten Terrace, North Sea), the approach integrates sedimentological facies modelling with mineralogical and petrophysical prediction in a single workflow. Using supervised Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models, we classify reservoir facies, predict permeability directly from standard wireline log parameters and estimate the abundance of porosity-preserving grain coating chlorite (gamma ray, neutron porosity, caliper, photoelectric effect, bulk density, compressional and shear sonic, and deep resistivity). Model development and evaluation employed stratified K-fold cross-validation to preserve facies proportions and mineralogical variability across folds, supporting robust performance assessment and testing generalisability across a geologically heterogeneous dataset. Core description, point count petrography, and core plug analyses were used for ground truthing. The models distinguish chlorite-associated facies with up to 80% accuracy and estimate permeability with a mean absolute error of 0.782 log(mD), improving substantially on conventional regression-based approaches. The models also enable prediction, for the first time using wireline logs, grain-coating chlorite abundance with a mean absolute error of 1.79% (range 0–16%). The framework takes advantage of diagnostic petrophysical responses associated with chlorite and high porosity, yielding geologically consistent and interpretable results. It addresses persistent challenges in characterising thinly bedded, heterogeneous intervals beyond the resolution of traditional methods and is transferable to other clastic reservoirs, including those considered for carbon storage and geothermal applications. The workflow supports cost-effective, high-confidence subsurface characterisation and contributes a flexible methodology for future work at the interface of geoscience and machine learning. Full article

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49 pages, 10419 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

State-of-the-Art Review and Prospect of Modelling the Dynamic Fracture of Rocks Under Impact Loads and Application in Blasting

by Muhammad Kamran, Hongyuan Liu, Daisuke Fukuda, Peng Jia, Gyeongjo Min and Andrew Chan

Geosciences 2025, 15(8), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15080314 - 12 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3754

Abstract

The dynamic fracture of rocks under impact loads has many engineering applications such as rock blasting. This study reviews the recent achievements of investigating rock dynamic fracturing and its application in rock blasting using computational mechanics methods and highlights the prospects of modelling [...] Read more.

The dynamic fracture of rocks under impact loads has many engineering applications such as rock blasting. This study reviews the recent achievements of investigating rock dynamic fracturing and its application in rock blasting using computational mechanics methods and highlights the prospects of modelling them with a hybrid finite-discrete element method (HFDEM) originally developed by the authors. The review first summarizes the peculiarities of rock dynamic fracturing compared with static fracturing, which are that the physical-mechanical properties of rocks, including stress wave propagation, strength, fracture toughness, energy partition and cracking mechanism, depend on loading rate. Then the modelling of these peculiarities and their applications in rock blasting using fast developing computational mechanics methods are reviewed with a focus on the advantages and disadvantages of prevalent finite element method (FEM) as representative continuum method, discrete element method (DEM) as representative discontinuum method and combined finite-discrete element (FDEM) as representative hybrid method, which highlights FDEM is the most promising method for modelling rock dynamic fracture and blasting application as well as points out the research gaps in the field of modelling the dynamic fracture of rocks under impact loads. After that, the progress of shortening some of these gaps by developing and applying HFDEM, i.e., the authors’ version of FDEM, for modelling rock dynamic fracture and applications in rock blasting are reviewed, which include the features of modelling the effects of loading rate; stress wave propagation, reflection and absorbing as well as stress wave-induced fracture; explosive-rock interaction including detonation-induced gas expansion and flow through fracturing rock; coupled multiaxial static and dynamic loads; heterogeneous rock and rock mass with pre-existing discrete fracture network; and dynamic fracturing-induced fragment size distribution. Finally, the future directions of modelling the dynamic fracture of rocks under impact loads are highlighted and a systematic numerical approach is proposed for modelling rock blasting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Geomechanics)

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38 pages, 13807 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Sediment Provenance Study of Middle Jurassic to Cretaceous Strata in the Eastern Sverdrup Basin: Implications for the Exhumation of the Northeastern Canadian-Greenlandic Shield

by Michael A. Pointon, Helen Smyth, Jenny E. Omma, Andrew C. Morton, Simon Schneider, Stephen J. Rippington, Berta Lopez-Mir, Quentin G. Crowley, Dirk Frei and Michael J. Flowerdew

Geosciences 2025, 15(8), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15080313 - 12 Aug 2025

Viewed by 2601

Abstract

The Sverdrup Basin, Arctic Canada, is ideally situated to contain an archive of tectono-magmatic and climatic events that occurred within the wider Arctic region, including the exhumation of the adjacent (northeastern) part of the Canadian-Greenlandic Shield. To test this, a multi-analytical provenance study [...] Read more.

The Sverdrup Basin, Arctic Canada, is ideally situated to contain an archive of tectono-magmatic and climatic events that occurred within the wider Arctic region, including the exhumation of the adjacent (northeastern) part of the Canadian-Greenlandic Shield. To test this, a multi-analytical provenance study of Middle Jurassic to Cretaceous sandstones from the eastern Sverdrup Basin was undertaken. Most of the samples analysed were recycled from sedimentary rocks of the Franklinian Basin, with possible additional contributions from the Mesoproterozoic Bylot basins and metasedimentary shield rocks. The amount of high-grade metamorphic detritus in samples from central Ellesmere Island increased from Middle Jurassic times. This is interpreted to reflect exhumation of the area to the southeast/east of the Sverdrup Basin. Exhumation may have its origins in Middle Jurassic extension and uplift along the northwest Sverdrup Basin margin. Rift-flank uplift along the Canadian–West Greenland conjugate margin and lithospheric doming linked with the proximity of the Iceland hotspot and/or the emplacement of the Cretaceous High Arctic Large Igneous Province may have contributed to exhumation subsequently. The southeast-to-northwest thickening of Jurassic to Early Cretaceous strata across the Sverdrup Basin may be a distal effect of exhumation rather than rifting in the Sverdrup or Amerasia basins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: “Sedimentology and Stratigraphy”)

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21 pages, 1212 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Semi-Supervised Approach to Characterise Microseismic Landslide Events from Big Noisy Data

by David Murray, Lina Stankovic and Vladimir Stankovic

Geosciences 2025, 15(8), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15080304 - 6 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1325

Abstract

Most public seismic recordings, sampled at hundreds of Hz, tend to be unlabelled, i.e., not catalogued, mainly because of the sheer volume of samples and the amount of time needed by experts to confidently label detected events. This is especially challenging for very [...] Read more.

Most public seismic recordings, sampled at hundreds of Hz, tend to be unlabelled, i.e., not catalogued, mainly because of the sheer volume of samples and the amount of time needed by experts to confidently label detected events. This is especially challenging for very low signal-to-noise ratio microseismic events that characterise landslides during rock and soil mass displacement. Whilst numerous supervised machine learning models have been proposed to classify landslide events, they rely on a large amount of labelled datasets. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop tools to effectively automate the data-labelling process from a small set of labelled samples. In this paper, we propose a semi-supervised method for labelling of signals recorded by seismometers that can reduce the time and expertise needed to create fully annotated datasets. The proposed Siamese network approach learns best class-exemplar anchors, leveraging learned similarity between these anchor embeddings and unlabelled signals. Classification is performed via soft-labelling and thresholding instead of hard class boundaries. Furthermore, network output explainability is used to explain misclassifications and we demonstrate the effect of anchors on performance, via ablation studies. The proposed approach classifies four landslide classes, namely earthquakes, micro-quakes, rockfall and anthropogenic noise, demonstrating good agreement with manually detected events while requiring few training data to be effective, hence reducing the time needed for labelling and updating models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Approaches with Seismic Techniques to Investigate Landslide Areas)

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58 pages, 10593 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Statistical Physics of Fissure Swarms and Dike Swarms

by Agust Gudmundsson

Geosciences 2025, 15(8), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15080301 - 4 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1822

Abstract

Fissure swarms and dike swarms in Iceland constitute the main parts of volcanic systems that are 40–150 km long, 5–20 km wide, extend to depths of 10–20 km, and contain 2 × 10¹⁴ outcrop-scale (≥0.1 m) and 10^22–23 down to grain-scale [...] Read more.

Fissure swarms and dike swarms in Iceland constitute the main parts of volcanic systems that are 40–150 km long, 5–20 km wide, extend to depths of 10–20 km, and contain 2 × 10¹⁴ outcrop-scale (≥0.1 m) and 10^22–23 down to grain-scale (≥1 mm) fractures, suggesting that statistical physics is an appropriate method of analysis. Length-size distributions of 565 outcrop-scale Holocene fissures (tension fractures and normal faults) and 1041 Neogene dikes show good to excellent fits with negative power laws and exponential laws. Here, the Helmholtz free energy is used to represent the energy supplied to the swarms and to derive the Gibbs–Shannon entropy formula. The calculated entropies of 12 sets and subsets of fissures and 3 sets and subsets of dikes all show strong positive correlations with sets/subsets length ranges and scaling exponents. Statistical physics considerations suggest that, at a given time, the probability of the overall state of stress in a crustal segment being heterogeneous is much greater than the state of stress being homogeneous and favourable to the propagation of a fissure or a dike. In a heterogeneous stress field, most fissures/dikes become arrested after a short propagation—which is a formal explanation of the observed statistical size-length distributions. As the size of the stress-homogenised rock volume increases larger fissures/dikes can form, increasing the length range of the distribution (and its entropy) which may, potentially, transform from an exponential distribution into a power-law distribution. Full article

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29 pages, 12422 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Real-Time Foreshock–Aftershock–Swarm Discrimination During the 2025 Seismic Crisis near Santorini Volcano, Greece: Earthquake Statistics and Complex Networks

by Ioanna Triantafyllou, Gerassimos A. Papadopoulos, Constantinos Siettos and Konstantinos Spiliotis

Geosciences 2025, 15(8), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15080300 - 4 Aug 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6609

Abstract

The advanced determination of the type (foreshock–aftershock–swarm) of an ongoing seismic cluster is quite challenging; only retrospective solutions have thus far been proposed. In the period of January–March 2025, a seismic cluster, recorded between Santorini volcano and Amorgos Island, South Aegean Sea, caused [...] Read more.

The advanced determination of the type (foreshock–aftershock–swarm) of an ongoing seismic cluster is quite challenging; only retrospective solutions have thus far been proposed. In the period of January–March 2025, a seismic cluster, recorded between Santorini volcano and Amorgos Island, South Aegean Sea, caused considerable social concern. A rapid increase in both the seismicity rate and the earthquake magnitudes was noted until the mainshock of M_L = 5.3 on 10 February; afterwards, activity gradually diminished. Fault-plane solutions indicated SW-NE normal faulting. The epicenters moved with a mean velocity of ~0.72 km/day from SW to NE up to the mainshock area at a distance of ~25 km. Crucial questions publicly emerged during the cluster. Was it a foreshock–aftershock activity or a swarm of possibly volcanic origin? We performed real-time discrimination of the cluster type based on a daily re-evaluation of the space–time–magnitude changes and their significance relative to background seismicity using earthquake statistics and the topological metric betweenness centrality. Our findings were periodically documented during the ongoing cluster starting from the fourth cluster day (2 February 2025), at which point we determined that it was a foreshock and not a case of seismic swarm. The third day after the M_L = 5.3 mainshock, a typical aftershock decay was detected. The observed foreshock properties favored a cascade mechanism, likely facilitated by non-volcanic material softening and the likely subdiffusion processes in a dense fault network. This mechanism was possibly combined with an aseismic nucleation process if transient geodetic deformation was present. No significant aftershock expansion towards the NE was noted, possibly due to the presence of a geometrical fault barrier east of the Anydros Ridge. The 2025 activity offered an excellent opportunity to investigate deciphering the type of ongoing seismicity cluster for real-time discrimination between foreshocks, aftershocks, and swarms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Natural Hazards)

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23 pages, 28189 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Landslide Susceptibility Prediction Using GIS, Analytical Hierarchy Process, and Artificial Neural Network in North-Western Tunisia

by Manel Mersni, Dhekra Souissi, Adnen Amiri, Abdelaziz Sebei, Mohamed Hédi Inoubli and Hans-Balder Havenith

Geosciences 2025, 15(8), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15080297 - 3 Aug 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3779

Abstract

Landslide susceptibility modelling represents an efficient approach to enhance disaster management and mitigation strategies. The focus of this paper lies in the development of a landslide susceptibility evaluation in northwestern Tunisia using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approaches. [...] Read more.

Landslide susceptibility modelling represents an efficient approach to enhance disaster management and mitigation strategies. The focus of this paper lies in the development of a landslide susceptibility evaluation in northwestern Tunisia using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approaches. The used database covers 286 landslides, including ten landslide factor maps: rainfall, slope, aspect, topographic roughness index, lithology, land use and land cover, distance from streams, drainage density, lineament density, and distance from roads. The AHP and ANN approaches were applied to classify the factors by analyzing the correlation relationship between landslide distribution and the significance of associated factors. The Landslide Susceptibility Index result reveals five susceptible zones organized from very low to very high risk, where the zones with the highest risks are associated with the combination of extreme amounts of rainfall and steep slope. The performance of the models was confirmed utilizing the area under the Relative Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. The computed ROC curve (AUC) values (0.720 for ANN and 0.651 for AHP) convey the advantage of the ANN method compared to the AHP method. The overlay of the landslide inventory data locations of historical landslides and susceptibility maps shows the concordance of the results, which is in favor of the established model reliability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Natural Hazards)

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21 pages, 4289 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

H₂ Transport in Sedimentary Basin

by Luisa Nicoletti, Juan Carlos Hidalgo, Dariusz Strąpoć and Isabelle Moretti

Geosciences 2025, 15(8), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15080298 - 3 Aug 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2069

Abstract

Natural hydrogen is generated by fairly deep processes and/or in low-permeability rocks. In such contexts, fluids circulate mainly through the network of faults and fractures. However, hydrogen flows from these hydrogen-generating layers can reach sedimentary rocks with more typical permeability and porosity, allowing [...] Read more.

Natural hydrogen is generated by fairly deep processes and/or in low-permeability rocks. In such contexts, fluids circulate mainly through the network of faults and fractures. However, hydrogen flows from these hydrogen-generating layers can reach sedimentary rocks with more typical permeability and porosity, allowing H₂ flows to spread out rather than be concentrated in fractures. In that case, three different H₂ transport modes exist: advection (displacement of water carrying dissolved gas), diffusion, and free gas Darcy flow. Numerical models have been run to compare the efficiency of these different modes and the pathway they imply for the H₂ in a sedimentary basin with active aquifers. The results show the key roles of these aquifers but also the competition between free gas flow and the dissolved gas displacement which can go in opposite directions. Even with a conservative hypothesis on the H₂ charge, a gaseous phase exists at few kilometers deep as well as free gas accumulation. Gaseous phase displacement could be the faster and diffusion is neglectable. The modeling also allows us to predict where H₂ is expected in the soil: in fault zones, eventually above accumulations, and, more likely, due to exsolution, above shallow aquifers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy in Energy Extraction: Geological Insights and Innovations)

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13 pages, 2648 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Machine Learning-Based Soft Data Checking for Subsurface Modeling

by Nataly Chacon-Buitrago and Michael J. Pyrcz

Geosciences 2025, 15(8), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15080288 - 1 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 909

Abstract

Soft data, such as seismic imagery, plays a critical role in subsurface modeling by providing indirect constraints away from hard data locations. However, validating whether subsurface model realizations honor this type of data remains a challenge due to the lack of robust quantitative [...] Read more.

Soft data, such as seismic imagery, plays a critical role in subsurface modeling by providing indirect constraints away from hard data locations. However, validating whether subsurface model realizations honor this type of data remains a challenge due to the lack of robust quantitative tools. This study introduces a machine learning-based workflow for soft data checking that uses an autoencoder (AE) to encode 2D seismic slices into a latent space. Subsurface model realizations are transformed into the same domain and projected into this latent space, enabling both visual and quantitative comparisons using principal component analysis and Euclidean distances. We demonstrate the workflow on rule-based models and their associated synthetic seismic data (soft data), showing that models with similar Markov chain parameters to the reference soft data score higher in proximity metrics. This approach provides a scalable, quantitative, and interpretable framework for evaluating the consistency between soft data and subsurface models, supporting better decision-making in reservoir characterization and other geoscience applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Geophysics)

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29 pages, 20260 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Geodynamic, Tectonophysical, and Structural Comparison of the South Caspian and Levant Basins: A Review

by Lev Eppelbaum, Youri Katz, Fakhraddin Kadirov, Ibrahim Guliyev and Zvi Ben-Avraham

Geosciences 2025, 15(8), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15080281 - 24 Jul 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2110

Abstract

The Paratethyan South Caspian and Mediterranean Levant basins relate to the significant hydrocarbon provinces of Eurasia. The giant hydrocarbon reserves of the SCB are well-known. Within the LB, so far, only a few commercial gas fields have been found. Both the LB and [...] Read more.

The Paratethyan South Caspian and Mediterranean Levant basins relate to the significant hydrocarbon provinces of Eurasia. The giant hydrocarbon reserves of the SCB are well-known. Within the LB, so far, only a few commercial gas fields have been found. Both the LB and SCB contain some geological peculiarities. These basins are highly complex tectonically and structurally, requiring a careful, multi-component geological–geophysical analysis. These basins are primarily composed of oceanic crust. The oceanic crust of both the South Caspian and Levant basins formed within the complex Neotethys ocean structure. However, this crust is allochthonous in the Levant Basin (LB) and autochthonous in the South Caspian Basin (SCB). This study presents a comprehensive comparison of numerous tectonic, geodynamic, morphological, sedimentary, and geophysical aspects of these basins. The Levant Basin is located directly above the middle part of the massive, counterclockwise-rotating mantle structure and rotates accordingly in the same direction. To the north of this basin is located the critical latitude 35° of the Earth, with the vast Cyprus Bouguer gravity anomaly. The LB contains the most ancient block of oceanic crust on Earth, which is related to the Kiama paleomagnetic hyperzone. On the western boundary of the SCB, approximately 35% of the world’s mud volcanoes are located; the geological reasons for this are still unclear. The low heat flow values and thick sedimentary layers in both basins provide opportunities to discover commercial hydrocarbon deposits at great depths. The counterclockwise-rotating mantle structure creates an indirect geodynamic influence on the SCB. The lithospheric blocks situated above the eastern branch of the mantle structure trigger a north–northeastward movement of the western segment of the Iranian Plate, which exhibits a complex geometric configuration. Conversely, the movement of the Iranian Plate induced a clockwise rotation of the South Caspian Basin, which lies to the east of the plate. This geodynamic ensemble creates an unstable geodynamic situation in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Geophysics)

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17 pages, 2548 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Enhancing Multi-Step Reservoir Inflow Forecasting: A Time-Variant Encoder–Decoder Approach

by Ming Fan, Dan Lu and Sudershan Gangrade

Geosciences 2025, 15(8), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15080279 - 24 Jul 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1478

Abstract

Accurate reservoir inflow forecasting is vital for effective water resource management. Reliable forecasts enable operators to optimize storage and release strategies to meet competing sectoral demands—such as water supply, irrigation, and hydropower scheduling—while also mitigating flood and drought risks. To address this need, [...] Read more.

Accurate reservoir inflow forecasting is vital for effective water resource management. Reliable forecasts enable operators to optimize storage and release strategies to meet competing sectoral demands—such as water supply, irrigation, and hydropower scheduling—while also mitigating flood and drought risks. To address this need, in this study, we propose a novel time-variant encoder–decoder (ED) model designed specifically to improve multi-step reservoir inflow forecasting, enabling accurate predictions of reservoir inflows up to seven days ahead. Unlike conventional ED-LSTM and recursive ED-LSTM models, which use fixed encoder parameters or recursively propagate predictions, our model incorporates an adaptive encoder structure that dynamically adjusts to evolving conditions at each forecast horizon. Additionally, we introduce the Expected Baseline Integrated Gradients (EB-IGs) method for variable importance analysis, enhancing interpretability of inflow by incorporating multiple baselines to capture a broader range of hydrometeorological conditions. The proposed methods are demonstrated at several diverse reservoirs across the United States. Our results show that they outperform traditional methods, particularly at longer lead times, while also offering insights into the key drivers of inflow forecasting. These advancements contribute to enhanced reservoir management through improved forecasting accuracy and practical decision-making insights under complex hydroclimatic conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI and Machine Learning in Hydrogeology)

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30 pages, 25009 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Advancing Scalable Methods for Surface Water Monitoring: A Novel Integration of Satellite Observations and Machine Learning Techniques

by Megan Renshaw and Lori A. Magruder

Geosciences 2025, 15(7), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15070255 - 3 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1263

Abstract

Accurate surface water volume (SWV) estimates are crucial for effective water resource management and for the regional monitoring of hydrological trends. This study introduces a multi-resolution surface water volume estimation framework that integrates ICESat-2 altimetry, Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and Sentinel-2 multispectral [...] Read more.

Accurate surface water volume (SWV) estimates are crucial for effective water resource management and for the regional monitoring of hydrological trends. This study introduces a multi-resolution surface water volume estimation framework that integrates ICESat-2 altimetry, Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery via machine learning to improve the vertical resolution of a digital elevation model (DEM) to improve the accuracy of SWV estimates. The machine learning approach provides a significant improvement in terrain accuracy relative to the DEM, reducing RMSE by ~66% and 78% across the two models, respectively, over the initial data product fidelity. Assessing the resulting SWV estimates relative to GRACE-FO terrestrial water storage in parts of the Amazon Basin, we found strong correlations and basin-wide drying trends. Notably, the high correlation (r > 0.8) between our surface water estimates and the GRACE-FO signal in the Manaus region highlights our method’s ability to resolve key hydrological dynamics. Our results underscore the value of improved vertical DEM availability for global hydrological studies and offer a scalable framework for future applications. Future work will focus on expanding our DEM dataset, further validation, and scaling this methodology for global applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hydrogeology)

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25 pages, 7171 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

CFD–DEM Analysis of Internal Soil Erosion Induced by Infiltration into Defective Buried Pipes

by Jun Xu, Fei Wang and Bryce Vaughan

Geosciences 2025, 15(7), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15070253 - 3 Jul 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1489

Abstract

Internal soil erosion caused by water infiltration around defective buried pipes poses a significant threat to the long-term stability of underground infrastructures such as pipelines and highway culverts. This study employs a coupled computational fluid dynamics–discrete element method (CFD–DEM) framework to simulate the [...] Read more.

Internal soil erosion caused by water infiltration around defective buried pipes poses a significant threat to the long-term stability of underground infrastructures such as pipelines and highway culverts. This study employs a coupled computational fluid dynamics–discrete element method (CFD–DEM) framework to simulate the detachment, transport, and redistribution of soil particles under varying infiltration pressures and pipe defect geometries. Using ANSYS Fluent (CFD) and Rocky (DEM), the simulation resolves both the fluid flow field and granular particle dynamics, capturing erosion cavity formation, void evolution, and soil particle transport in three dimensions. The results reveal that increased infiltration pressure and defect size in the buried pipe significantly accelerate the process of erosion and sinkhole formation, leading to potentially unstable subsurface conditions. Visualization of particle migration, sinkhole development, and soil velocity distributions provides insight into the mechanisms driving localized failure. The findings highlight the importance of considering fluid–particle interactions and defect characteristics in the design and maintenance of buried structures, offering a predictive basis for assessing erosion risk and infrastructure vulnerability. Full article

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39 pages, 15659 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Examples of Rupture Patterns of the 2023, Mw 7.8 Kahramanmaraş Surface-Faulting Earthquake, Türkiye

by Stefano Pucci, Marco Caciagli, Raffaele Azzaro, Pio Di Manna, Anna Maria Blumetti, Valerio Poggi, Paolo Marco De Martini, Riccardo Civico, Rosa Nappi, Elif Ünsal and Orhan Tatar

Geosciences 2025, 15(7), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15070252 - 2 Jul 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3053

Abstract

Field surveys focused on detailed mapping and measurements of coseismic surface ruptures along the causative fault of the 6 February 2023, Mw 7.8 Kahramanmaraş earthquake. The aim was filling gaps in the previously available surface-faulting trace, validating the accuracy of data obtained from [...] Read more.

Field surveys focused on detailed mapping and measurements of coseismic surface ruptures along the causative fault of the 6 February 2023, Mw 7.8 Kahramanmaraş earthquake. The aim was filling gaps in the previously available surface-faulting trace, validating the accuracy of data obtained from remote sensing, refining fault offset estimates, and gaining a deeper understanding of both the local and overall patterns of the main rupture strands. Measurements and observations confirm dominating sinistral strike-slip movement. An integrated and comprehensive slip distribution curve shows peaks reaching over 700 cm, highlighting the near-fault expressing up to 70% of the deep net offset. In general, the slip distribution curve shows a strong correlation with the larger north-eastern deformation of the geodetic far field dislocation field and major deep slip patches. The overall rupture trace is generally straight and narrow with significant geometric complexities at a local scale. This results in transtensional and transpressional secondary structures, as multi-strand positive and negative tectonic flowers, hosting different patterns of the mole-tracks at the outcrop scale. The comprehensive and detailed field survey allowed characterizing the structural framework and geometric complexity of the surface faulting, ensuring accurate offset measurements and the reliable interpretation of both morphological and geometric features. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Geomorphological Processes of Continental Landscapes in Tectonically Active Areas)

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36 pages, 7227 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Formation of Low-Centered Ice-Wedge Polygons and Their Orthogonal Systems: A Review

by Yuri Shur, Benjamin M. Jones, M. Torre Jorgenson, Mikhail Z. Kanevskiy, Anna Liljedahl, Donald A. Walker, Melissa K. Ward Jones, Daniel Fortier and Alexander Vasiliev

Geosciences 2025, 15(7), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15070249 - 2 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2594

Abstract

Ice wedges, which are ubiquitous in permafrost areas, play a significant role in the evolution of permafrost landscapes, influencing the topography and hydrology of these regions. In this paper, we combine a detailed multi-generational, interdisciplinary, and international literature review along with our own [...] Read more.

Ice wedges, which are ubiquitous in permafrost areas, play a significant role in the evolution of permafrost landscapes, influencing the topography and hydrology of these regions. In this paper, we combine a detailed multi-generational, interdisciplinary, and international literature review along with our own field experiences to explore the development of low-centered ice-wedge polygons and their orthogonal networks. Low-centered polygons, a type of ice-wedge polygonal ground characterized by elevated rims and lowered wet central basins, are critical indicators of permafrost conditions. The formation of these features has been subject to numerous inconsistencies and debates since their initial description in the 1800s. The development of elevated rims is attributed to different processes, such as soil bulging due to ice-wedge growth, differential frost heave, and the accumulation of vegetation and peat. The transition of low-centered polygons to flat-centered, driven by processes like peat accumulation, aggradational ice formation, and frost heave in polygon centers, has been generally overlooked. Low-centered polygons occur in deltas, on floodplains, and in drained-lake basins. There, they are often arranged in orthogonal networks that comprise a complex system. The prevailing explanation of their formation does not match with several field studies that practically remain unnoticed or ignored. By analyzing controversial subjects, such as the degradational or aggradational nature of low-centered polygons and the formation of orthogonal ice-wedge networks, this paper aims to clarify misconceptions and present a cohesive overview of lowland terrain ice-wedge dynamics. The findings emphasize the critical role of ice wedges in shaping Arctic permafrost landscapes and their vulnerability to ongoing climatic and landscape changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cryosphere)

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15 pages, 805 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Moon-Induced Differential Rotation in Earth’s Interior: A Comprehensive Conceptual Model

by Chil-Yeong Kim, Eun-Kyoung Seo, You-Soon Chang and Chungwan Lim

Geosciences 2025, 15(6), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15060229 - 16 Jun 2025

Viewed by 2670

Abstract

This study presents a novel conceptual model to explain the differential rotation within Earth’s layers, a phenomenon observed through seismic wave studies but not fully understood. While geodynamo theory and electromagnetic coupling models have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, our model offers [...] Read more.

This study presents a novel conceptual model to explain the differential rotation within Earth’s layers, a phenomenon observed through seismic wave studies but not fully understood. While geodynamo theory and electromagnetic coupling models have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, our model offers an alternative perspective focusing on the Moon’s tidal forces. Our model proposes that the Moon’s tidal forces play a crucial role in this process, acting as a braking mechanism on Earth’s rotation. We hypothesize that these tidal forces initially decelerate the Earth’s crust and mantle, with this effect sequentially transmitted to deeper layers. A key aspect of our model is the role of the liquid outer core in mediating this process. We suggest that the liquid state of the outer core delays the transmission of tidal friction, resulting in differential rotation between layers in contact with it. This delay mechanism provides a potential explanation for the observed rotational differences between the mantle and core. Our model demonstrates that about 66,000 years after the Moon’s formation, the tidal force slowed the crust–mantle rotation by approximately 5.5 degrees per year more than the core. Furthermore, we estimate that the frictional heat generated at the boundaries of differential rotation is about 0.3478 TW. At this rate, the outer core temperature would increase by approximately 13.4 K per billion years. This thermal effect may have significant implications for the long-term evolution of Earth’s core, potentially slowing its cooling rate and maintaining its liquid state. Our model thus provides a new perspective on the interplay between lunar tidal forces, Earth’s internal structure, and its thermal evolution, offering insights into the complex dynamics of our planet’s interior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Geophysics)

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50 pages, 2738 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Geophysical Survey and Monitoring of Transportation Infrastructure Slopes (TISs): A Review

by Zeynab Rosa Maleki, Paul Wilkinson, Jonathan Chambers, Shane Donohue, Jessica Lauren Holmes and Ross Stirling

Geosciences 2025, 15(6), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15060220 - 12 Jun 2025

Viewed by 4667

Abstract

This review examines the application of the geophysical methods for Transportation Infrastructure Slope Monitoring (TISM). In contrast to existing works, which address geophysical methods for natural landslide monitoring, this study focuses on their application to infrastructure assets. It addresses the key aspects regarding [...] Read more.

This review examines the application of the geophysical methods for Transportation Infrastructure Slope Monitoring (TISM). In contrast to existing works, which address geophysical methods for natural landslide monitoring, this study focuses on their application to infrastructure assets. It addresses the key aspects regarding the geophysical methods most employed, the subsurface properties revealed, and the design of monitoring systems, including sensor deployment. It evaluates the benefits and challenges associated with each geophysical approach, explores the potential for integrating geophysical techniques with other methods, and identifies the emerging technologies. Geophysical techniques such as Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW), and Fiber Optic Cable (FOC) have proven effective in monitoring slope stability and detecting subsurface features, including soil moisture dynamics, slip surfaces, and material heterogeneity. Both temporary and permanent monitoring setups have been used, with increasing interest in real-time monitoring solutions. The integration of advanced technologies like Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), UAV-mounted sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI) promises to enhance the resolution, accessibility, and predictive capabilities of slope monitoring systems. The review concludes with recommendations for future research, emphasizing the need for integrated monitoring frameworks that combine geophysical data with real-time analysis to improve the safety and efficiency of transportation infrastructure management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches to Landslide Monitoring and Urban-Scale Slope Stability Analysis)

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31 pages, 2587 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessment and Validation of a Geoethical Awareness Scale (GAS) for UNESCO Global Geoparks: A Case Study in Greece

by Alexandros Aristotelis Koupatsiaris and Hara Drinia

Geosciences 2025, 15(6), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15060213 - 6 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3144

Abstract

Geoethics, which addresses the ethical, social, and cultural dimensions of geoscientific activities, is essential for fostering responsible human engagement with the Earth, particularly within frameworks such as UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps). UGGps play a critical role in safeguarding geological heritage and advancing sustainable [...] Read more.

Geoethics, which addresses the ethical, social, and cultural dimensions of geoscientific activities, is essential for fostering responsible human engagement with the Earth, particularly within frameworks such as UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps). UGGps play a critical role in safeguarding geological heritage and advancing sustainable regional development. This study introduces the Geoethical Awareness Scale (GAS), a 32-item instrument developed across 16 thematic axes, designed to assess geoethical awareness. We analyzed responses from n = 798 residents across nine Hellenic UGGps using Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses, retaining items with factor loadings of ±0.30 or higher. Six factors emerged: (1) geological heritage conservation and sustainable georesource use, (2) community engagement and collaborative governance, (3) sustainability through geoenvironmental education, (4) environmental challenges and risk adaptation, (5) sustainable geotourism, and (6) climate awareness and ecosystem resilience. Collectively, these factors explained 60.12% of the variance, with Cronbach’s alpha values demonstrating acceptable to excellent reliability. Structural Equation Modeling confirmed the scale’s validity, with fit indices indicating acceptable model adequacy. Incremental indices suggested moderate alignment, while parsimony-adjusted metrics supported a balance between model complexity and fit. Overall, the GAS demonstrated generalizability and sufficient sample robustness. Correlation analyses highlighted the role of geoeducation, organizational involvement, and direct experience in fostering pro-geoconservation attitudes. While perceptions of sustainable development and ecosystem resilience varied geographically across UGGps, community engagement and governance remained consistent, likely reflecting standardized policy frameworks. GAS offers a valuable tool for assessing geoethical awareness and underscores the importance of targeted geoeducation and participatory governance in promoting ethical geoscientific practices within UGGps and similar socioecological systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism)

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23 pages, 5814 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Milankovitch- and Millennial-Scale Sequences in the Late Piacenzian to Early Gelasian Shelf Succession of the Crotone Basin, Southern Italy

by Massimo Zecchin, Mauro Caffau and Octavian Catuneanu

Geosciences 2025, 15(6), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15060210 - 4 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 915

Abstract

Integrated facies and micropaleontological analyses of the late Piacenzian to early Gelasian, middle shelf to lower shoreface succession of the Strongoli area, southern Italy, reveal a hierarchy of transgressive–regressive sequences. In particular, higher rank sequences up to ca. 40 m thick, composed of [...] Read more.

Integrated facies and micropaleontological analyses of the late Piacenzian to early Gelasian, middle shelf to lower shoreface succession of the Strongoli area, southern Italy, reveal a hierarchy of transgressive–regressive sequences. In particular, higher rank sequences up to ca. 40 m thick, composed of transgressive systems tract, highstand systems tracts and falling stage plus lowstand systems tracts, are composed of 10–11 lower rank sequences 2.5–4 m thick. Some micropaleontological parameters were defined: distal/proximal (D/P; ratio between distal and proximal benthic foraminifera); fragmentation (Fr; percentage of fragmentation of benthic foraminifera); P/B (ratio between planktonic and benthic foraminifera); abundance (total count of individuals); diversity (sum of the recognized species). Among these parameters, the D/P and Fr are suitable, if used in conjunction, to recognize uncertainty intervals containing the maximum flooding surface (between the D/P maxima and Fr minima) and the maximum regressive surface (between D/P minima and Fr maxima). Moreover, combining these parameters with the sedimentological evidence, it is possible to recognize transgressive and regressive trends of different hierarchical ranks. The present results are an example illustrating how an integration of different types of data allows the recognition of high-frequency sequences in shelf settings associated with minor shoreline shifts, which would otherwise have been unrecognized on the basis of only one kind of data. The present integrated approach, therefore, provides a way to improve the resolution of sequence stratigraphic analyses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeontology)

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13 pages, 2059 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Co-Extrusive Magma Transport and Volcanic Dome Formation: Implications for Triggering Explosive Volcanic Eruptions

by Charles R. Carrigan and John C. Eichelberger

Geosciences 2025, 15(5), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15050185 - 21 May 2025

Viewed by 933

Abstract

Polymer co-extrusion experiments are described simulating the dynamics of two different magmas (e.g., silicic and mafic having different viscosities) flowing simultaneously in a vertical volcanic pipe or conduit which results in the effusion of composite lava domes on the surface. These experiments, involving [...] Read more.

Polymer co-extrusion experiments are described simulating the dynamics of two different magmas (e.g., silicic and mafic having different viscosities) flowing simultaneously in a vertical volcanic pipe or conduit which results in the effusion of composite lava domes on the surface. These experiments, involving geologically realistic conduit length-to-diameter aspect ratios of 130:1 or 380:1, demonstrate that co-extrusion of magmas having different viscosities can explain not only the observed normal zoning observed in planar dikes and the pipelike conduits that evolve from dikes but also the compositional layering of effused lava domes. The new results support earlier predictions, based on observations of induced core-annular flow (CAF), that dike and conduit zoning along with dome layering are found to depend on the viscosity contrast of the non-Newtonian (shear-thinning) magmas. Any magma properties creating viscosity differences, such as crystal content, bubble content, water content and temperature may also give rise to the CAF regime. Additionally, codependent flow behavior involving the silicic and mafic magmas may play a significant role in modifying the nature of volcanic eruptions. For example, lubrication of the flow by an annulus of a more mafic, lower-viscosity component allows a more viscous but more volatile-charged magma to be injected rapidly to greater vertical distances along a dike into a lower pressure regime that initiates exsolving of a gas phase, further assisting ascent to the surface. The rapid ascent of magmas exsolving volatiles in a dike or conduit is associated with explosive silicic eruptions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Analysis in Volcanic Areas: Towards a Multidisciplinary Approach and Small- to Large-Scale Observations)

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23 pages, 13284 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Reconstruction of a 3D Bedrock Model in an Urban Area Using Well Stratigraphy and Geophysical Data: A Case Study of the City of Palermo

by Alessandro Canzoneri, Raffaele Martorana, Mauro Agate, Maurizio Gasparo Morticelli, Patrizia Capizzi, Alessandra Carollo and Attilio Sulli

Geosciences 2025, 15(5), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15050174 - 14 May 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2010

Abstract

A multidisciplinary approach was employed to construct a three-dimensional model of the bedrock top surface within the Palermo Plain, Sicily, Italy. This urban area is characterized by a dense and extensive built environment that largely obscures its geological features, thereby emphasizing the value [...] Read more.

A multidisciplinary approach was employed to construct a three-dimensional model of the bedrock top surface within the Palermo Plain, Sicily, Italy. This urban area is characterized by a dense and extensive built environment that largely obscures its geological features, thereby emphasizing the value of geophysical methods for enhancing subsurface understanding. In this sector, Numidian Flysch deposits constitute the geological bedrock of the plain. The morphology of the top surface of this unit was reconstructed by integrating borehole stratigraphic data with both passive and active seismic surveys. Ambient noise recordings were analyzed using the Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) method to obtain spectral curves. These were then inverted into seismostratigraphic models using shear wave velocity profiles derived by Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) and lithostratigraphic information from borehole logs. Finally, the depth of the top of the Numidian Flysch, determined from both the borehole data and the inverted seismic models, was interpolated to generate a comprehensive 3D model of the bedrock top surface. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Geophysics)

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18 pages, 2383 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Digital Analysis of the ‘Phoenix Trackway’ at the Hanxi Cretaceous Dinosaur Tracksite, China

by Anthony Romilio and Lida Xing

Geosciences 2025, 15(5), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15050165 - 3 May 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4241

Abstract

Long dinosaur trackways provide valuable records of trackmaker behaviour, yet their study is often hindered by logistical challenges in documentation and analysis. This study addresses these limitations by employing digital methodologies to re-analyse the Lower Cretaceous HX-T3 theropod trackway, originally mapped in 2015. [...] Read more.

Long dinosaur trackways provide valuable records of trackmaker behaviour, yet their study is often hindered by logistical challenges in documentation and analysis. This study addresses these limitations by employing digital methodologies to re-analyse the Lower Cretaceous HX-T3 theropod trackway, originally mapped in 2015. At nearly 70 m in length, this is the longest documented theropod trackway in China. Using digital mapping, 81 footprints were examined, revealing a consistent southward orientation between 163° and 187° azimuth, a trackway width of 0.008 to 0.300 m, and pace and stride lengths ranging from 0.707 to 1.176 m and 1.408 to 2.043 m, respectively. A potential trackmaker, Yutyrannus, was used to estimate a hip height of 1.13 m in a bent-legged stance, with relative stride values indicating a consistent walking gait at a median speed of 5.3 km/h. A digital life reconstruction animated in a bent-legged stance allowed the translation of ichnological data into a real-time reconstruction of trackmaker locomotion, providing dynamic insight into behavioural movement and avoiding unrealistic limb dislocations associated with straight-leg models. This study highlights the efficacy of digital methods in overcoming field-based limitations, integrating trace and body fossil evidence to enhance previous research. Full article

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18 pages, 9668 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Superdeep Diamond Genesis Through Fe-Mediated Carbonate Reduction

by Jing Gao, Bin Chen, Xiang Wu, Xiaojing Lai, Changzeng Fan, Yun Liu and Junfeng Zhang

Geosciences 2025, 15(5), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15050163 - 1 May 2025

Viewed by 1457

Abstract

Superdeep diamonds and their syngenetic inclusions are crucial for understanding Earth’s deep carbon cycle and slab–mantle redox dynamics. The origins of these diamonds, especially their links to iron (Fe) carbides and ferropericlase with varying Mg# [=Mg/(Mg+Fe)_at], however, remain elusive. In this [...] Read more.

Superdeep diamonds and their syngenetic inclusions are crucial for understanding Earth’s deep carbon cycle and slab–mantle redox dynamics. The origins of these diamonds, especially their links to iron (Fe) carbides and ferropericlase with varying Mg# [=Mg/(Mg+Fe)_at], however, remain elusive. In this study, we performed high pressure–temperature (P-T) experiments (10–16 GPa and 1200–1700 K) across cold-to-warm subduction zones using a multi-anvil press. The results reveal a stepwise Fe-mediated carbonate reduction process for the formation of superdeep diamonds: MgCO₃ → Fe-carbides (Fe₃C/Fe₇C₃) → graphite/diamond. This mechanism explains two phenomena regarding superdeep diamonds: (1) anomalous ¹³C depletion results from kinetic isotope fractionation during ¹²C enrichment into the intermediate Fe-carbides; (2) nitrogen scarcity is due to Fe-carbides acting as nitrogen sinks. Ferropericlase [(Mg,Fe)O] formed during the reactions in our experiments shows Mg# variations (0.2–0.9), similar to those found in natural samples. High Mg# (>0.7) variants from lower temperature experiments indicate diamond crystallization from carbonatitic melts in the shallow lower mantle, while the broad Mg# range (0.2–0.9) from experiments at higher temperatures suggests multi-depth formation processes as found in Brazilian diamonds. These findings suggest that slab–mantle interactions produce superdeep diamonds with distinctive Fe-carbides and ferropericlase assemblages as inclusions, coupled with their ¹³C- and nitrogen-depleted signatures, which underscore thermochemical carbon cycling as a key factor in deep carbon storage and mantle mineralogy. Full article

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31 pages, 16165 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Reappraisal of the Continental Rifting and Seafloor Spreading That Formed the South China Sea

by Brian Taylor

Geosciences 2025, 15(4), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15040152 - 16 Apr 2025

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4732

Abstract

Recently published marine geophysical and seafloor drilling data permit a substantive reappraisal of the rifting and spreading that formed the South China Sea (SCS). The SCS rifted margins are different from those of the Atlantic type, having higher strain rates, younger orogenic crust, [...] Read more.

Recently published marine geophysical and seafloor drilling data permit a substantive reappraisal of the rifting and spreading that formed the South China Sea (SCS). The SCS rifted margins are different from those of the Atlantic type, having higher strain rates, younger orogenic crust, and distributed syn-rift magmatism. Rifting ~66–11 Ma and spreading 30–14 Ma split a Cretaceous Andean arc and forearc, producing >700 km of seafloor spreading in the east and a ~2000-km-wide rifted margin in the west. Luconia Shoals–Dangerous Grounds–Reed Bank–north Palawan–SW Mindoro were separated from China when the SCS opened. Brittle faulting of the upper crust was decoupled from ductile flow and magmatic intrusion of the lower crust, producing wide rifting with thin spots held together by less extended surrounds. Sediments accumulated in inter-montane lakes. Transform faults formed at/after breakup to link offset spreading segments. Spreading in the eastern subbasin from C11n to C5AD was at rates averaging 62 mm/yr, 30–24 Ma, decreasing to 38.5 mm/yr younger than 23 Ma. Spreading reorganization was common as margin segments broke up to the SW and spreading directions changed from ~N-S before 23 Ma to NW-SE after 17 Ma. Full article

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18 pages, 14419 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

U-Pb Zircon Age Constraints on the Paleozoic Sedimentation, Magmatism and Metamorphism of the Sredogriv Metamorphics, Western Balkan Zone, NW Bulgaria

by Nikolay Bonev, Petyo Filipov, Tsvetomila Vladinova, Tanya Stoylkova, Hristiana Georgieva, Svetoslav Georgiev, Hristo Kiselinov and Lyubomirka Macheva

Geosciences 2025, 15(4), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15040148 - 15 Apr 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1169

Abstract

The Sredogriv greenschist facies rocks belong to the Western Balkan Zone in northwestern Bulgaria. The low-grade rocks consist of clastic-tuffaceous precursors and presumably olistostromic magmatic bodies. We present U-Pb LA-ICP-MS zircon age constraints for the Sredogriv metaconglomerate, intruding metaalbitophyre and a breccia-conglomerate of [...] Read more.

The Sredogriv greenschist facies rocks belong to the Western Balkan Zone in northwestern Bulgaria. The low-grade rocks consist of clastic-tuffaceous precursors and presumably olistostromic magmatic bodies. We present U-Pb LA-ICP-MS zircon age constraints for the Sredogriv metaconglomerate, intruding metaalbitophyre and a breccia-conglomerate of the sedimentary cover. Detrital zircons in the Sredogriv metaconglomerate yield a maximum depositional age of 523 Ma, with a prominent NeoproterozoicEarly Cambrian detrital zircon age clusters derived from igneous sources. The metaalbitophyre crystallized at 308 Ma and contains the same age clusters of inherited zircons. A 263 Ma maximum age of deposition is defined for a breccia-conglomerate of the Smolyanovtsi Formation from the sedimentary cover that recycled material from the Sredogriv metamorphics and Carboniferous–Permian magmatic rocks. The depositional setting of the Sredogriv sedimentary succession is characterized by proximity to Cadomian island arc sources and provenance from the northern periphery of Gondwana. The timing of the Variscan greenschist facies metamorphism of the Sredogriv metamorphics is bracketed between 308 Ma and the depositional age of 272 Ma of another adjacent clastic formation. These results constrain the timing of the Cadomian sedimentary history and the Variscan magmatic and tectono-metamorphic evolution in this part of the Western Balkan Zone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detrital Minerals Geochronology and Sedimentary Provenance)

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16 pages, 3296 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Terrestrial Response to Maastrichtian Climate Change Determined from Paleosols of the Dawson Creek Section, Big Bend National Park, Texas

by Anna K. Lesko, Steve I. Dworkin and Stacy C. Atchley

Geosciences 2025, 15(4), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15040119 - 28 Mar 2025

Viewed by 3363

Abstract

Climate during the Late Cretaceous is characterized by a long-term cooling trend interrupted by several periods of increased warming. This study focuses on the terrestrial response to two rapid climate events just prior to the K-Pg boundary marked by the Chicxulub impact: the [...] Read more.

Climate during the Late Cretaceous is characterized by a long-term cooling trend interrupted by several periods of increased warming. This study focuses on the terrestrial response to two rapid climate events just prior to the K-Pg boundary marked by the Chicxulub impact: the Mid-Maastrichtian Event (MME) and the Late Maastrichtian Warming Event (LMWE). These hyperthermals caused widespread biotic and greenhouse gas-related disturbances, and clarification about their timing and environmental character reveals the independent nature of all three events. Using element concentrations in bulk paleosols, as well as element concentrations in pedogenic calcite from paleosols in the Tornillo Basin of West Texas, we reconstruct mean annual precipitation (MAP) and the character of soil weathering across the K-Pg boundary. Modelled MAP indicates increased precipitation during the first half of the MME and rapid high amplitude changes in precipitation during the second half of the MME. The Tornillo Basin became increasingly dry during the LMWE followed by wet conditions that continued across the K-Pg boundary. This study documents the co-occurrence of sedimentation patterns, sea level change, and climate change caused by separate tectonic events prior to the K-Pg boundary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Climate and Environment)

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16 pages, 3109 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Machine Learning Classification Approach to Geotechnical Characterization Using Measure-While-Drilling Data

by Daniel Goldstein, Chris Aldrich, Quanxi Shao and Louisa O'Connor

Geosciences 2025, 15(3), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15030093 - 7 Mar 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3097

Abstract

Bench-scale geotechnical characterization often suffers from high uncertainty, reducing confidence in geotechnical analysis on account of expensive resource development drilling and mapping. The Measure-While-Drilling (MWD) system uses sensors to collect the drilling data from open-pit blast hole drill rigs. Historically, the focus of [...] Read more.

Bench-scale geotechnical characterization often suffers from high uncertainty, reducing confidence in geotechnical analysis on account of expensive resource development drilling and mapping. The Measure-While-Drilling (MWD) system uses sensors to collect the drilling data from open-pit blast hole drill rigs. Historically, the focus of MWD studies was on penetration rates to identify rock formations during drilling. This study explores the effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) classification models using MWD data to predict geotechnical categories, including stratigraphic unit, rock/soil strength, rock type, Geological Strength Index, and weathering properties. Feature importance algorithms, Minimum Redundancy Maximum Relevance and ReliefF, identified all MWD responses as influential, leading to their inclusion in Machine Learning (ML) models. ML algorithms tested included Decision Trees, Support Vector Machines (SVMs), Naive Bayes, Random Forests (RFs), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNNs), Linear Discriminant Analysis. KNN, SVMs, and RFs achieved up to 97% accuracy, outperforming other models. Prediction performance varied with class distribution, with balanced datasets showing wider accuracy ranges and skewed datasets achieving higher accuracies. The findings demonstrate a robust framework for applying AI to real-time orebody characterization, offering valuable insights for geotechnical engineers and geologists in improving orebody prediction and analysis Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digging Deeper: Insights and Innovations in Rock Mechanics)

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16 pages, 10543 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Eocene Gravity Flows in the Internal Prebetic (Betic Cordillera, SE Spain): A Vestige of an Ilerdian Lost Carbonate Platform in the South Iberian Margin

by Josep Tosquella, Manuel Martín-Martín, Crina Miclăuș, José Enrique Tent-Manclús, Francisco Serrano and José Antonio Martín-Pérez

Geosciences 2025, 15(3), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15030081 - 23 Feb 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1312

Abstract

In the Betic-Rif Cordilleras, recent works have evidenced the existence of well-developed Eocene (Ypresian-Bartonian) carbonate platforms rich in Larger Benthic Foraminifera (LBF). Contrarily to other sectors of the western Tethys, like the Pyrenean domain in the North Iberian Margin, where these platforms started [...] Read more.

In the Betic-Rif Cordilleras, recent works have evidenced the existence of well-developed Eocene (Ypresian-Bartonian) carbonate platforms rich in Larger Benthic Foraminifera (LBF). Contrarily to other sectors of the western Tethys, like the Pyrenean domain in the North Iberian Margin, where these platforms started in the early Ypresian (Ilerdian), in the Betic-Rif chains, the recorded Eocene platforms started in the late Ypresian (Cuisian) after a widespread gap of sedimentation including the Ilerdian time span. In this work, the Aspe-Terreros Prebetic section (External Betic Zone) is studied. An Eocene succession with gravity flow deposits consisting of terrigenous and bioclastic turbidites, as well as olistostromes with olistoliths, was detected. In one of these turbidites, we dated (with the inherent limitations when dating bioclasts contained by gravity flow deposits) the middle Ilerdian, on the basis of LBF, representing a vestige of a missing Illerdian carbonate platform. The microfacies of these turbidites and olistoliths rich in LBF have been described and documented in detail. The gap in the sedimentary record and absence of Ilerdian platforms in the Betic-Rif Cordillera have been related to the so-called Eo-Alpine tectonics (Cretaceous to Paleogene) and sea-level variations contemporarily with the establishment of shallow marine realms in the margins of the western Tethys. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeontology)

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26 pages, 324 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Science Communication Practices in UNESCO Global Geoparks: A Benchmark Analysis

by Joana Rodrigues, Elsa Costa e Silva and Diamantino Ínsua Pereira

Geosciences 2025, 15(3), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15030078 - 21 Feb 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2843

Abstract

UNESCO Global Geoparks address global environmental challenges and advance Sustainable Development Goals. As renowned institutions in geoscience communication, they are instrumental in raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices. However, there has been a notable lack of systematic research in this area. This study [...] Read more.

UNESCO Global Geoparks address global environmental challenges and advance Sustainable Development Goals. As renowned institutions in geoscience communication, they are instrumental in raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices. However, there has been a notable lack of systematic research in this area. This study aims to fill this gap by benchmarking science communication strategies employed by Geoparks, identifying best practices and critical factors and offering data-driven insights to enhance management and strategic planning. The key findings of this study underscore the necessity for improved engagement and the adoption of more interactive and inclusive communication approaches. The research also reveals a significant disparity between current practices and contemporary trends in science communication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: "Trends and Prospects in Geoheritage, Geoparks, and Geotourism")

17 pages, 25358 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Examining the Influence of Different Inventories on Shallow Landslide Susceptibility Modeling: An Assessment Using Machine Learning and Statistical Approaches

by Helen Cristina Dias, Daniel Hölbling and Carlos Henrique Grohmann

Geosciences 2025, 15(3), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15030077 - 20 Feb 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1729

Abstract

Shallow landslides are one of the most common natural hazards in Brazil and worldwide. Susceptibility maps are powerful tools to analyze the spatial probability of shallow landslide occurrences. The outputs of susceptibility maps strongly depend on the type of landslide inventory used. The [...] Read more.

Shallow landslides are one of the most common natural hazards in Brazil and worldwide. Susceptibility maps are powerful tools to analyze the spatial probability of shallow landslide occurrences. The outputs of susceptibility maps strongly depend on the type of landslide inventory used. The aim of this study is to examine the influence of different inventories on shallow landslide susceptibility modeling using the different methods LR, SVM, and XGBoost. Three different shallow landslide inventories were compiled following a single extreme rainfall event in the Ribeira Valley, São Paulo, Brazil. The results indicate that inventories generated through different landslide detection methods and imagery produce diverse susceptibility maps, as evidenced by the calculated Cohen’s Kappa coefficient values (0.33–0.79). The agreement among the models varied depending on the specific model: LR exhibited the highest agreement (0.79), whereas SVM (0.36) and XGBoost (0.33) showed lower numbers. Conversely, the accuracy numbers suggest that XGBoost achieved the highest success rate in terms of AUC (85–78%), followed by SVM (82–76%), and LR (80–71%). Inventories obtained through different detection methods, using distinct datasets, can directly influence the susceptibility assessment, leading to varying classifications of the same area. These findings demonstrate the importance of well-established landslide mapping criteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Natural Hazards)

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29 pages, 15871 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

How Stiff Was Armorica During the Variscan Orogeny? A Reappraisal of the “Bretonian” Phase in Central Brittany

by Michel Faure, Eric Marcoux, Marc Poujol and Clément Masson

Geosciences 2025, 15(2), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15020060 - 10 Feb 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2343

Abstract

In collision belts, the upper plate is generally less deformed than the lower one that underwent syn-metamorphic ductile shearing, and frequently late-collisional crustal melting. Concerning the Variscan orogeny, it is widely accepted that the Armorica microcontinent represented the upper plate of the collision [...] Read more.

In collision belts, the upper plate is generally less deformed than the lower one that underwent syn-metamorphic ductile shearing, and frequently late-collisional crustal melting. Concerning the Variscan orogeny, it is widely accepted that the Armorica microcontinent represented the upper plate of the collision system. In France, the Central-North-Armorican Domain belonged to this upper plate whose southern margin in the Pontivy–Coray area exposes metamorphic rocks. There, structural and metamorphic studies indicate that an early tectono-metamorphic event (M0-M1) with biotite–garnet–staurolite–kyanite assemblage, crystallized at 0.9 GPa and 500 °C, is characterized by a top-to-the NW shearing. This event was followed by an HT event (M2) at ca 800–900 °C, coeval with a domal structure. In micaschists, monazite yields an LA-ICP-MS age at 351 Ma ascribed to M2. M0-M1-M2 events developed before the Late Carboniferous pluton emplacement at ca 315 Ma (M3 event). The tectono-metamorphic succession documents that Armorica was not a rigid block but underwent a synmetamortphic ductile deformation during the Famennian–Tournaisian (360–355 Ma) collision redefined here as the late episode of the “Bretonian orogenic phase”, whereas the pre-Famennian Bretonnian episode is ascribed to oceanic subduction. These new data allow us to reassess the geodynamic evolution of this part of the Variscan orogen. Full article

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46 pages, 17465 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Enhancing Preparedness and Resilience for Seismic Risk Reduction: The “Minoas 2024” Full-Scale Exercise for Earthquakes and Related Geohazards in Crete (Southern Greece)

by Spyridon Mavroulis, Efthymios Lekkas, Alexia Grambas, Maria Mavrouli, Vasileios Mokos, Asimina Kourou, Thekla Thoma, Fotis Karagiannis, Eleftheria Stamati, George Kaviris, Vasiliki Kouskouna, Stylianos Lozios, Emmanuel Vassilakis, Nikos Kalligeris, Marinos Charalampakis and Nikos Stefanou

Geosciences 2025, 15(2), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15020059 - 10 Feb 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4068

Abstract

In early 2024, the largest full-scale exercise (FSE) for earthquakes and related geohazards in Greece was implemented in Crete Island (southern Greece). Crete is characterized by intense seismicity with historical and recent destructive earthquakes with considerable impact on both the natural and built [...] Read more.

In early 2024, the largest full-scale exercise (FSE) for earthquakes and related geohazards in Greece was implemented in Crete Island (southern Greece). Crete is characterized by intense seismicity with historical and recent destructive earthquakes with considerable impact on both the natural and built environment and subsequently on the population. The uniqueness of this FSE lies in the creation and coordination of a multi-agency, multijurisdictional, and multidisciplinary environment in which a multitude of central, regional, and local stakeholders and a large percentage of the total population of Crete actively participated. This paper constitutes a descriptive study focusing on the main steps of the exercise management cycle comprising planning, implementation, and evaluation of the FSE. Furthermore, emphasis is given on its purpose and objectives, its main events and subsequent incidents, the participants and their roles, as well as the material developed and distributed to the participants. Through this study, the implemented actions for increasing preparedness of the Civil Protection mechanism in case of earthquakes and related geohazards are highlighted aiming to inform the scientific community and operational staff and to contribute to the seismic risk reduction of regions worldwide with similar seismotectonic and demographic characteristics with Crete. Furthermore, suggestions are made for the integration of multi-hazard episodes in the FSE scenario in order that the Civil Protection authorities will be prepared to handle the synergy of hazards of different types that may arise during a post-earthquake period that create compounding challenges during the emergency response and further increase recovery time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Natural Hazards)

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22 pages, 44963 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Passive Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves: A Two-Dimensional Seismic Dataset Acquired with Geophones and Distributed Acoustic Sensing at a Mineral Exploration Site in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia

by Emad Al-Hemyari, Roman Isaenkov, Pavel Shashkin, Roman Pevzner and Konstantin Tertyshnikov

Geosciences 2025, 15(2), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15020051 - 2 Feb 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2248

Abstract

Passive seismic surveys have attracted interest for use in many geological and geotechnical applications in the past few decades, mainly in reconstructing models of near-surface properties. They are also of interest in the mineral exploration of shallow deposits where targets lay on or [...] Read more.

Passive seismic surveys have attracted interest for use in many geological and geotechnical applications in the past few decades, mainly in reconstructing models of near-surface properties. They are also of interest in the mineral exploration of shallow deposits where targets lay on or within the bedrock and are covered by loose sediments above. The goal of this article was to test the effectiveness of cheap methods to understand the cover thickness and its lateral variations, which is essential to map the top of the bedrock. We investigated the use of passive seismic surveys to retrieve Rayleigh surface waves and invert them by analyzing their dispersion to reconstruct near-surface shear-wave velocity profiles. Using readily available passive seismic sources is advantageous compared to using costly active sources. Passive seismic data acquired by geophones and DAS showed the potential and challenges of using different sensing technologies. We demonstrated an approach combining passive seismic interferometry and multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW). Computed dispersion images from both geophone and DAS data provided an improved understanding of their usability for subsurface model building and factors affecting their quality. Some of these factors are related to the surrounding environment, present noise sources, acquisition setup, and the methods used in reconstructing the dispersion images and inverting them. Successful demonstration of MASW was achieved with a relatively short period of continuous recording using a 2D array of geophones at a mineral exploration site in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Geophysics)

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25 pages, 11268 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Optimized Random Forest Models for Rock Mass Classification in Tunnel Construction

by Bo Yang, Danial Jahed Armaghani, Hadi Fattahi, Mohammad Afrazi, Mohammadreza Koopialipoor, Panagiotis G. Asteris and Manoj Khandelwal

Geosciences 2025, 15(2), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15020047 - 2 Feb 2025

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2712

Abstract

The accurate prediction of rock mass quality ahead of the tunnel face is crucial for optimizing tunnel construction strategies, enhancing safety, and reducing geological risks. This study developed three hybrid models using random forest (RF) optimized by moth-flame optimization (MFO), gray wolf optimizer [...] Read more.

The accurate prediction of rock mass quality ahead of the tunnel face is crucial for optimizing tunnel construction strategies, enhancing safety, and reducing geological risks. This study developed three hybrid models using random forest (RF) optimized by moth-flame optimization (MFO), gray wolf optimizer (GWO), and Bayesian optimization (BO) algorithms to classify the surrounding rock in real time during tunnel boring machine (TBM) operations. A dataset with 544 TBM tunneling samples included key parameters such as thrust force per cutter (TFC), revolutions per minute (RPM), penetration rate (PR), advance rate (AR), penetration per revolution (PRev), and field penetration index (FPI), with rock classification based on the Rock Mass Rating (RMR) method. To address the class imbalance, the Borderline Synthetic Minority Over-Sampling Technique was applied. Performance assessments revealed the MFO-RF model’s superior performance, with training and testing accuracies of 0.992 and 0.927, respectively, and key predictors identified as PR, AR, and RPM. Additional validation using 91 data sets confirmed the reliability of the MFO-RF model on unseen data, achieving an accuracy of 0.879. A graphical user interface was also developed, enabling field engineers and technicians to make instant and reliable rock classification predictions, greatly supporting safe tunnel construction and operational efficiency. These models contribute valuable tools for real-time, data-driven decision-making in tunneling projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fracture Geomechanics—Obstacles and New Perspectives)

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17 pages, 3802 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Out of Pikermi: The Occurrence of Bohlinia in the Late Miocene of the Central Mediterranean

by Antonella Cinzia Marra

Geosciences 2025, 15(2), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15020044 - 1 Feb 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1803

Abstract

During the Late Miocene, Giraffidae of the genus Bohlinia were widespread in the Greco-Iranian bioprovince (Pikermian biome), while the occurrence in Africa (Chad) was disproven. The fossils of Bohlinia cf. attica described and compared here come from the Late Miocene of Cessaniti (southern [...] Read more.

During the Late Miocene, Giraffidae of the genus Bohlinia were widespread in the Greco-Iranian bioprovince (Pikermian biome), while the occurrence in Africa (Chad) was disproven. The fossils of Bohlinia cf. attica described and compared here come from the Late Miocene of Cessaniti (southern Italy), associated with another giraffid, Samotherium cf. boissieri, and the large mammals Stegotetrabelodon syrticus, Tragoportax cf. rugosifrons, cf. Ceratotherium advenientis, and an undetermined Anthracotherid. In terms of paleogeography, the association should be related to the expansion of Pikermian species out of the Greco-Iranian bioprovince and calls for more in-depth considerations. Pikermian giraffids, and Bohlinia in particular, play an important role in understanding the paleoenvironmental and paleogeographical contexts in the Central Mediterranean, an area undergoing major geological changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biogeosciences)

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33 pages, 15434 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Persisting Rock-Buffered Conditions in the Upper Triassic and Lower Jurassic Dolomites of the Central Apennines (Italy) During Diagenesis, Burial, and Thrusting

by Alessio Lucca, Silvia Mittempergher, Fabrizio Balsamo, Anna Cipriani, Antonino Cilona and Fabrizio Storti

Geosciences 2025, 15(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15020035 - 22 Jan 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2165

Abstract

Basin-scale dolomitization of carbonate sequences occurs over long time spans and results from diagenesis, burial, and tectonically driven fluid fluxes. Depicting the different geological processes producing dolomitized carbonate sequences requires combining accurate field, petrographic, and geochemical analyses. Here, we investigate the dolomitization processes [...] Read more.

Basin-scale dolomitization of carbonate sequences occurs over long time spans and results from diagenesis, burial, and tectonically driven fluid fluxes. Depicting the different geological processes producing dolomitized carbonate sequences requires combining accurate field, petrographic, and geochemical analyses. Here, we investigate the dolomitization processes in carbonates of the Norian to Toarcian age exposed in the Gran Sasso Massif, Central Apennines of Italy, by integrating field observations, standard and CL petrography, carbon, oxygen, strontium and clumped isotopes, minor elements, and X-ray diffractometry. The carbonates show pervasive replacive dolomitization, and dolomite cements are observed in bed-parallel and thrust-related veins. Replacive dolomites show incomplete replacement from modified seawater in oxidizing conditions, with minimum temperatures of 40–65 °C and a ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr lower than coeval seawater. The first dolomitization event started at shallow burial in the Late Triassic–Early Jurassic and was later affected by replacement at intermediate burial depths. Bedding-parallel dolomite veins crystallized due to fluid overpressures at deep burial depths in a rock-buffered system without variations in geochemistry. Fault-related dolomites cemented thrust-related fractures during compressional deformation in the Messinian–Early Pliocene from seawater modified by mixing with external fluids. Precipitation temperatures of replacive, bedding-parallel, and fault-related dolomite veins are similar. Despite the dolomite types being characterized by different textures and petrographic features, rock-buffered conditions resulted in insignificant variations of their geochemical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeontology)

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30 pages, 6425 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Global Sn Isotope Compositions of Cassiterite Identify the Magmatic–Hydrothermal Evolution of Tin Ore Systems

by Ryan Mathur, Wayne Powell, Junming Yao, Frederico Guimaraes, Yanbo Cheng, Linda Godfrey, Fernando Tornos, David Killick, Jay Stephens, Jingwen Mao, Mingguang Sun and Bernd Lehmann

Geosciences 2025, 15(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15010028 - 15 Jan 2025

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2999

Abstract

Published Sn isotope data along with 150 new analyses of cassiterite and four granite analyses constrain two major tin isotope fractionation steps associated with (1) separation of tin from the magma/orthomagmatic transitional environment and (2) hydrothermal activity. A distinct Sn isotope difference across [...] Read more.

Published Sn isotope data along with 150 new analyses of cassiterite and four granite analyses constrain two major tin isotope fractionation steps associated with (1) separation of tin from the magma/orthomagmatic transitional environment and (2) hydrothermal activity. A distinct Sn isotope difference across deposit type, geological host rocks, and time of ore deposit formation demonstrates that the difference in the mean δ¹²⁴Sn value represents the operation of a unified process. The lower Sn isotope values present in both residual igneous rocks and pegmatite suggest that heavier Sn isotopes were extracted from the system during orthomagmatic fluid separation, likely by F ligands with Sn. Rayleigh distillation models this first F ligand-induced fractionation. The subsequent development of the hydrothermal system is characterized by heavier Sn isotope composition proximal to the intrusion, which persists in spite of Sn isotope fractionating towards isotopically lighter Sn during hydrothermal evolution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isotope Geochemistry: Latest Developments and Applications for Geosciences)

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19 pages, 1534 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

State of the Art of CFD-DEM Coupled Modeling and Its Application in Turbulent Flow-Induced Soil Erosion

by Jun Xu, Fei Wang and Ruth Abegaz

Geosciences 2025, 15(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15010021 - 10 Jan 2025

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5277

Abstract

Fluid–soil interaction plays a pivotal role in various geotechnical engineering applications, as it significantly influences processes such as erosion, sediment transport, and soil stability. Modeling fluid–soil particle interactions in these contexts presents substantial challenges due to the inherent complexity of the interactions occurring [...] Read more.

Fluid–soil interaction plays a pivotal role in various geotechnical engineering applications, as it significantly influences processes such as erosion, sediment transport, and soil stability. Modeling fluid–soil particle interactions in these contexts presents substantial challenges due to the inherent complexity of the interactions occurring across multiple characteristic scales. The primary challenge lies in the vast disparities in magnitude between these scales, which demand sophisticated modeling techniques to accurately capture the intricate dynamics involved. Coupled fluid–soil particle models have emerged as essential tools for understanding the mechanisms underlying fluid–soil interactions. Among these, the CFD-DEM (computational fluid dynamics–discrete element method) approach has gained significant attention. This method provides an effective compromise between high-resolution sub-particle fluid modeling and coarser mesh-based techniques for fluids and particles. By doing so, CFD-DEM facilitates large-scale simulations while maintaining computational efficiency, making it a promising solution for studying fluid–soil interactions in complex geotechnical scenarios. This review highlights the application of CFD-DEM models in geotechnical engineering, with a specific focus on soil erosion processes and the critical role of turbulent flow. It explores various fluid–soil particle interaction computational mechanisms and their implications for erosion dynamics, emphasizing several key aspects, including the following: laminar vs. turbulent flow models: understanding the distinctions between flow regimes is critical for accurately predicting fluid-induced soil particle movement. Shear stress effects: the influence of flow-induced shear stress on the detachment of soil particles is analyzed, particularly in erosion-prone environments. Sediment transport mechanisms: factors such as particle size, density, and water velocity are examined for their roles in governing sediment transport. Knowledge gaps and future directions: these involve identifying unresolved issues in current fluid–soil interaction models, with an emphasis on improving the accuracy and scalability of CFD-DEM simulations. By delving into these aspects, the review aims to advance the understanding of fluid–soil interactions and provide insights into optimizing modeling techniques for geotechnical engineering applications. It also outlines future research directions to bridge existing knowledge gaps, emphasizing the importance of integrating advanced turbulence modeling and computational strategies to enhance the predictive capabilities of fluid–soil interaction frameworks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Geomechanics)

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24 pages, 35835 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Absent Voices and Unwarranted Presences: A Combined Multi-Approach to Mapping the Roman Hydraulic System Supplying Las Médulas Gold Mine (NW, Iberia)

by Javier Fernández-Lozano, Iván González-Pérez, Ángel González-Abajo, Enoc Sanz-Ablanedo and José Ramón Rodríguez-Pérez

Geosciences 2025, 15(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15010013 - 6 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 7577

Abstract

This study analyses the Roman hydraulic system linked to Las Médulas gold mining complex in Northwest Iberia. The research includes a detailed mapping and assessment of the hydraulic network, which extends over 1110 km, using advanced geomatic techniques and an innovative script for [...] Read more.

This study analyses the Roman hydraulic system linked to Las Médulas gold mining complex in Northwest Iberia. The research includes a detailed mapping and assessment of the hydraulic network, which extends over 1110 km, using advanced geomatic techniques and an innovative script for tracing canals implemented in Matlab. The study reveals previously unidentified canals, improves existing cartographic representations, and addresses water sourcing and canal distribution uncertainties. It identifies 41 canals distributed between La Cabrera and El Bierzo regions, (33 and 8, respectively), with 14 canals supplying water to Las Médulas. Our study also provides evidence that this canal system had a wider purpose than simply supplying the mining works at Las Médulas. Furthermore, the findings presented here challenge established assumptions about the system’s water sources and offer new insights into how this outstanding canal system was built. Thus, this work not only provides a detailed map of the Las Médulas hydraulic system but also constitutes a model for an effective methodological approach for studying similar ancient hydraulic systems worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hydrogeology)

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22 pages, 15137 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sensitivity Analysis on the Impact of Input Parameters on Seismic Hazard Results: A Case Study of Central America

by Carlos Gamboa-Canté, Mario Arroyo-Solórzano, Alicia Rivas-Medina and Belén Benito

Geosciences 2025, 15(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15010004 - 29 Dec 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3164

Abstract

We present a sensitivity analysis on the impact of input parameters and methods used on the results of a probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA). The accurate estimation of the parameters in recurrence models (declustering and fitting methods), along with the selection of scaling [...] Read more.

We present a sensitivity analysis on the impact of input parameters and methods used on the results of a probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA). The accurate estimation of the parameters in recurrence models (declustering and fitting methods), along with the selection of scaling relationships for determining maximum magnitude and the selection of ground motion models (GMMs), enhance control over epistemic uncertainties when constructing the logic tree, minimizing final calculation errors and producing credible results for the study region. This study focuses on Central America, utilizing recent data from seismic, geological, and geophysical studies to improve uncertainty analyses through classic statistical methods. The results demonstrate that proper fitting of the recurrence model can stabilize acceleration variations regardless of the declustering method or b-value fitting method used. Regarding scaling relationships, their low impact on the final results is noted, provided the models are tailored to the tectonic regime under study. Finally, it is shown that the GMM contributes the most variability to seismic hazard results; therefore, their selection should be conditioned on calibration with observed data through residual analysis where region-specific models are not available. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Geophysics)

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