Geosciences

16 pages, 16593 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Source Data and Integrated Gravity for Crustal Stability Analysis in the Eastern Tibetan Plateau

by Sen Kong, Jie Liu, Zhiru Geng, Shouchun Wei, Chunyi Li and Jiehai Cheng

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080343 - 21 Aug 2026

Viewed by 312

As a key tectonic zone formed by the India–Eurasia collision, the eastern Tibetan Plateau has complex crustal structures and intense tectonic activity. Its crustal stability is closely linked to regional geohazards and the safety of major engineering projects. This study assessed crustal stability [...] Read more.

As a key tectonic zone formed by the India–Eurasia collision, the eastern Tibetan Plateau has complex crustal structures and intense tectonic activity. Its crustal stability is closely linked to regional geohazards and the safety of major engineering projects. This study assessed crustal stability using nine multi-source datasets, including terrestrial gravity, Bouguer gravity anomalies, seismic data, active faults, terrain indicators, and annual precipitation. A hybrid weighting framework coupling the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and CRITIC method was established, and factor analysis was further adopted to cross-verify the rationality of index weights. Moderately unstable and unstable zones appear as alternating bands with distinct linear extensions. These unstable areas are mainly distributed around Jiuquan–Zhangye–Wuwei, Xining–Haidong, Yushu–Garzê, Mianyang, and Chengdu. Statistically, stable, moderately stable, moderately unstable, and unstable zones account for 20.74%, 35.47%, 28.78%, and 15.01%, respectively. The results provide a scientific reference for regional planning and infrastructure site selection in tectonically active regions. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 39134 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sedimentary Fabric and Diagenetic-Fluid Controls on Pore-Structure Heterogeneity in the Deep Cretaceous Yageliemu Formation, Kuqa Depression, Tarim Basin, NW China

by Lu Zhou, Xinyu Sun, Minggang Tang, Hong Lou, Jian Wang, Zhenhan Zhang, Jinfeng Feng and Haihua Qiu

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080342 - 20 Aug 2026

Viewed by 262

Abstract

Deep Cretaceous clastic reservoirs in the Kuqa Depression are major targets for natural gas exploration in the Tarim Basin. Recent exploration of the Yageliemu Formation in the Ketan area has revealed considerable resource potential, although reservoir performance is strongly affected by deep burial, [...] Read more.

Deep Cretaceous clastic reservoirs in the Kuqa Depression are major targets for natural gas exploration in the Tarim Basin. Recent exploration of the Yageliemu Formation in the Ketan area has revealed considerable resource potential, although reservoir performance is strongly affected by deep burial, compaction, repeated fluid–rock interaction, and pronounced pore-system heterogeneity. Core descriptions, epoxy-impregnated thin sections, cathodoluminescence, scanning electron microscopy, conventional petrophysical measurements, mercury intrusion capillary pressure, and nuclear magnetic resonance data were integrated to evaluate sedimentary fabric, reservoir-space types, pore-throat characteristics, and diagenetic modification. The succession was deposited mainly in a braided river delta plain setting and is dominated by medium sandstone, pebbly sandstone, and fine conglomerate. Overall reservoir quality is poor, with an average porosity of 3.4% and permeability commonly between 0.01 and 0.5 mD. MICP and NMR data distinguish four pore-structure types. From Type I to Type IV, average displacement pressure rises from 0.89 to 11.02 MPa, whereas median throat radius and movable-fluid porosity decline from 0.17 to 0.01 μm and from 2.00% to 0.72%, respectively. Residual intergranular pores constitute the main storage space, while feldspar- and lithic-fragment-dissolution pores provide additional local storage. Fractures contribute little pore volume but can markedly improve connectivity where they remain open or only weakly cemented. The present reservoir heterogeneity reflects the combined effects of sand-body stacking, sandstone–mudstone arrangement, fault-related fracturing, and multistage diagenesis. The most favorable intervals occur in thick, relatively clean stacked sand bodies where residual pores are preserved, dissolution pores remain connected to the throat network, and fractures have undergone limited late-stage filling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fault Characteristics, Fault Zone Architecture and Fluid Behavior)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2654 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Physics-Based Approach to Rock Bolt Detection and Spatial Monitoring

by Munkhtsolmon Munkhchuluun and Davide Elmo

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080341 - 20 Aug 2026

Viewed by 361

Abstract

Rock bolts are the primary ground support mechanism in underground mining. Yet verification of their installation is rarely captured in a spatially precise, retrievable form, leaving operators without an auditable as-built record for regulatory review or post-incident reconstruction. This paper presents an automated [...] Read more.

Rock bolts are the primary ground support mechanism in underground mining. Yet verification of their installation is rarely captured in a spatially precise, retrievable form, leaving operators without an auditable as-built record for regulatory review or post-incident reconstruction. This paper presents an automated rock bolt detection process that closes this documentation gap using dense point clouds from an underground hard rock mine acquired by terrestrial laser scan. The method computes per-point ambient occlusion (AO) on closure plane-sealed chambers using a PCV implementation of the ShadeVIS principle, forms candidates from a multi-scale protrusion field, and segments them by prominence watershed before classifying each candidate with PCA-based geometric descriptors, without machine learning or training data. Installation perpendicularity is applied as a per-detection confidence cue, and detections are reported in confidence tiers that concentrate human review on the ambiguous minority. Validated against a database of 1447 bolts across 20 walls in two areas of an underground mine, the system achieved an overall recall of 83.7%, with human review completing the inventory to 100%. The physics-based design transfers across bolt types and mine geometries through parameter re-tuning rather than retraining, addressing the core limitation of deep learning methods, which require site-specific labelled datasets. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 11310 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Cyclic Confining Pressure and Temperature on Static and Dynamic Bulk Compressibility of Reservoir Sandstones

by Yuxiang Wang, Yang Wang, Junxing Ren, Xuguang Dong and Xiaoyang Wang

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080340 - 19 Aug 2026

Viewed by 324

Abstract

Bulk compressibility of reservoir rocks can be characterized dynamically or statically, and both vary with burial depth due to increasing temperature and pressure. To quantify these effects, cyclic hydrostatic compression tests are conducted on two reservoir sandstones under confining pressure up to 50 [...] Read more.

Bulk compressibility of reservoir rocks can be characterized dynamically or statically, and both vary with burial depth due to increasing temperature and pressure. To quantify these effects, cyclic hydrostatic compression tests are conducted on two reservoir sandstones under confining pressure up to 50 MPa at three temperatures (30 °C, 70 °C, and 110 °C). Experimental results show that static bulk compressibility is consistently larger than dynamic values across all tested conditions. As confining pressure increases, static compressibility decreases more sharply than dynamic compressibility, leading to a gradual reduction in their discrepancy. In contrast, temperature exerts a weaker yet more complex influence. Elevated temperature increases dynamic bulk compressibility, but has opposite effects on static compressibility upon loading versus unloading: it reduces static compressibility upon hydrostatic loading but enhances it upon unloading. This complex temperature dependence is attributed to thermally induced stress, which resists hydrostatic compression during loading but assists decompression during unloading. The influence of thermal stress is more pronounced at low confining pressures. These findings highlight that temperature not only alters the magnitude of static compressibility but also introduces path-dependent asymmetry between loading and unloading, which has important implications for reservoir geomechanics, subsidence prediction, and production-induced compaction in high-temperature environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Experimental Methods, Advanced Field/in-Situ Testing, and Their Engineering Applications in Geomechanics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 7942 KB

Open AccessReview

A Reproducible Review of Selected Analytical Methods in the Geosciences with R Implementations Using Simulated Data

by Khaled Haddad and Surendra Shrestha

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 339; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080339 - 18 Aug 2026

Viewed by 221

Abstract

The geosciences have witnessed a rapid expansion of analytical methods, from classical linear models to geostatistics and modern machine learning. However, no single resource compares a curated selection of these methods systematically while also providing reproducible code. This reproducibility-driven review evaluates seven analytical [...] Read more.

The geosciences have witnessed a rapid expansion of analytical methods, from classical linear models to geostatistics and modern machine learning. However, no single resource compares a curated selection of these methods systematically while also providing reproducible code. This reproducibility-driven review evaluates seven analytical techniques applied to three simulated geoscience datasets: spatial points, time series, and a spatio-temporal grid. Methods were selected based on their availability in R to ensure transparency and accessibility. This paper serves as a historical review, a comparative benchmarking study, and a practical teaching resource with fully reproducible R code. The methods include linear regression, ARIMAX, ordinary kriging, regression-kriging, random forest, feed-forward neural networks, and BART. For spatial prediction, when evaluated against the true field, linear regression achieved the lowest mean RMSE (1.94 ± 0.23), followed by random forest (2.13 ± 0.23) and ordinary kriging (2.20 ± 0.26)—highlighting the importance of consistent out-of-sample validation. Regression-kriging performed similarly to ordinary kriging (2.22 ± 0.26). For time series, a feed-forward neural network (0.37 ± 0.09) substantially outperformed seasonal ARIMAX (1.90 ± 1.30). For spatio-temporal prediction, random forest and BART performed indistinguishably (0.534 ± 0.004 vs. 0.543 ± 0.004). A practical decision guide, grounded in these empirical results, summarises method selection based on sample size, data type, and research goal—whether inference, prediction, or uncertainty quantification. All code is open and reproducible, providing a template for future method comparisons. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Instrumentation and Experimental Methods for Geosciences)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 17586 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Parameter Coupling of Seismic, Drilling and Logging Data for Fine Prediction of Cambrian Gypsum-Salt Sequences

by Yuanyin Zhang, Zhongkai Bai, Dayong Li and Xintao Wang

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080338 - 18 Aug 2026

Viewed by 286

Abstract

An accurate prediction of gypsum-salt cap rocks is crucial for safe drilling and efficient development of subsalt hydrocarbons in the Tarim Basin. However, due to the complex lithological assemblages within the Middle Cambrian sequences, the P-impedance of gypsum severely overlaps with that of [...] Read more.

An accurate prediction of gypsum-salt cap rocks is crucial for safe drilling and efficient development of subsalt hydrocarbons in the Tarim Basin. However, due to the complex lithological assemblages within the Middle Cambrian sequences, the P-impedance of gypsum severely overlaps with that of the background carbonate rocks, making conventional seismic prediction based on a single impedance threshold inadequate. To address this issue, this paper proposes a multi-parameter coupling while-drilling prediction method that integrates seismic data, drilling parameters and geochemical logging. First, pre-stack P-impedance inversion is performed on amplitude-preserved seismic data to macroscopically delineate the depth interval of gypsum-salt development. Second, a weighted synthetic change-rate model incorporating drilling time (DT), weight on bit (WOB), and outlet conductivity is constructed to dynamically calibrate the top interface of the gypsum-salt layer while drilling. Finally, within the constrained depth interval, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental inversion of cuttings is used to quantitatively calculate the contents of clay, dolomite, gypsum and calcite, achieving fine-scale lithofacies identification at the sublayer level. An empirical application to Well XSC1 in the Keping fault-uplift, Tarim Basin, demonstrates that compared with the conventional single P-impedance threshold method, the proposed approach effectively distinguishes gypsum, salt and carbonate wall rocks, and significantly reduces the prediction errors of individual salt beds and gypsum sublayers. Specifically, the mean absolute error (MAE) of total gypsum-salt content decreases from 24.56% to 13.73% (a reduction of 44.1%), the bias drops from 2.45% to 0.31%, and the root mean square error (RMSE) decreases from 33.63% to 21.55%. At a 1% content threshold, the F1 score for gypsum-salt identification increases from 0.63 to 0.82; the absolute depth error of the top and bottom interfaces is reduced by approximately 70%, and the relative thickness error shrinks from

\pm

40% to within

\pm

10%. Transferability of this multi-parameter coupling strategy to other salt-bearing basins in central-western China remains unvalidated and requires future validation and testing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Oil and Gas Exploration, Resources, and Production in China)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5371 KB

Open AccessArticle

Global Research Trends on Coastal Dunes: Implications for a Semi-Arid Coast in Northeastern Brazil

by Raquel Arcoverde Vila Nova, Rodrigo Mikosz Gonçalves, Susana Costas, Filipe Galiforni-Silva, Leandro Ponsoni and Paulo Henrique Gomes de Oliveira Sousa

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080337 - 18 Aug 2026

Viewed by 386

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate and quantify the environmental impacts generated by anthropogenic actions on coastal dunes globally using bibliometric data, while concurrently identifying human impacts in a local context on the Brazilian semi-arid coast. A systematic review identified 897 relevant publications from [...] Read more.

This study aimed to evaluate and quantify the environmental impacts generated by anthropogenic actions on coastal dunes globally using bibliometric data, while concurrently identifying human impacts in a local context on the Brazilian semi-arid coast. A systematic review identified 897 relevant publications from a final sample of 1838 works, revealing an increasing trend in global research, peaking in 2018. Geographically, the United States (141), Italy (95), and Spain (79) lead the field, with Brazil contributing 46 publications. The global overview highlights urbanization (217 studies) and tourism (193 studies) as the most frequent impact factors, contrasting with common mitigation measures like dune stabilization with vegetation (112 studies) and beach nourishment (74 studies). Critically, 11 studies reported that management actions, particularly stabilization without considering native flora, led to problems with invasive plants. A significant research gap was identified due to the absence of literature on wind farms, typically located in transgressive dune systems. The local case study in Ceará state confirms dynamics consistent with global trends, where intense exploitation results in management failures; quantitative temporal analysis (2015–2023) demonstrated a dramatic 86.76% loss of dune area in Fortim and a 4.24 km² loss in Jijoca de Jericoacoara. Findings suggest that, in the Ceará case study, restricting access, promoting community participation, and relocating infrastructure to more appropriate areas may help mitigate human impacts. In addition to identifying potential research gaps, this integration of global and local analysis approaches can contribute to evidence-based coastal dune management adapted to local conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aeolian Systems: Processes, Landforms, and Impacts on Climate and Environment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

7 pages, 1504 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Review of the Electrical Conductivity Inside Mars Calculated Beneath the InSight Landing Site

by Victor Corchete

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080336 - 15 Aug 2026

Viewed by 250

Abstract

The first electrical conductivity model determined beneath the InSight landing site is revisited in this study by performing a careful selection of magnetic records from the IFG dataset. This conductivity model is recalculated for the crust and the uppermost mantle (0–182 km depth), [...] Read more.

The first electrical conductivity model determined beneath the InSight landing site is revisited in this study by performing a careful selection of magnetic records from the IFG dataset. This conductivity model is recalculated for the crust and the uppermost mantle (0–182 km depth), considering the data provided by this careful selection. In general, the present model shows a good agreement with synthetic models and other models calculated from magnetic data. In the present model, the conductivity of the crust is 0.0007 S/m, and the conductivity for the uppermost mantle coincides with that determined in the former paper. The crustal conductivity has been calculated for the first time beneath the InSight landing site. Better knowledge can be achieved when more accurate magnetic data are available. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Planetary Science and Astrobiology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 18131 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study of Mural Painting on Mud Plaster: “Los Escudos” from Tehuacán–Ndachjian

by Mayahuel Ortega-Avilés, Dolores Tenorio-Castilleros, Noemi Castillo-Tejero and José G. Miranda-Hernández

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080335 - 15 Aug 2026

Viewed by 324

Abstract

The “Los Escudos” mural at the Late Postclassic site known as Tehuacán–Ndachjian in Puebla, Mexico, is relatively unknown within Mexico due to there being limited access to the site, which is situated underground on a mountain. This study describes the first unique opportunity [...] Read more.

The “Los Escudos” mural at the Late Postclassic site known as Tehuacán–Ndachjian in Puebla, Mexico, is relatively unknown within Mexico due to there being limited access to the site, which is situated underground on a mountain. This study describes the first unique opportunity to analyse mural painting samples on mud plaster from this archaeological site. Small, pigmented samples were analysed using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The compositional and structural characterisation of the samples revealed a stratigraphic composition without a lime plaster layer in addition to the presence of minerals, such as hematite, goethite, palygorskite, gypsum, and feldspars. These findings support the conclusion that the “tempera on earth” pictorial technique with mineral pigments was used to create the mural. The overall results provide valuable data concerning the types of materials and techniques that were used and serve as a reference for conservators in addressing preservation, conservation, and restoration issues for mural paintings on mud plaster. Furthermore, the study enhances understanding of ancient painting techniques on mud plaster and the technological advances that were developed by pre-Hispanic cultures in Mexico. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 52035 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multiple Linkage Patterns of Border Faults and the Main Controlling Factors in the Zhu I Depression of the Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea

by Wei Tian, Lianfu Mei, Hesheng Shi, Yu Shu, Hailun Liu, Baomin Zhang and Le Zhu

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080334 - 14 Aug 2026

Viewed by 270

Abstract

The Pearl River Mouth Basin (PRMB) is a significant offshore petroleum basin located in the northern South China Sea, characterized by its complex structural features and well-developed boundary faults. Despite its importance, several critical questions regarding fault growth, evolution models, and genesis mechanisms [...] Read more.

The Pearl River Mouth Basin (PRMB) is a significant offshore petroleum basin located in the northern South China Sea, characterized by its complex structural features and well-developed boundary faults. Despite its importance, several critical questions regarding fault growth, evolution models, and genesis mechanisms remain unresolved. This study aims to address these gaps by discussing the evolution of the boundary fault system and its associated stratigraphic record. This study utilizes high-resolution 3D seismic reflection data interpretation and fault displacement profiles to investigate the Zhu I depression, the largest hydrocarbon-bearing depression in the northern rifted zone of the PRMB. The findings indicate that the syn-rift growth of boundary faults within the Zhu I depression exhibits three distinct patterns, along-strike linkage, transverse linkage, and oblique linkage, which are formed under the action of the pre-existing basement fault systems. These patterns describe how individual fault segments connect and evolve during the rifting process, influencing the overall structural development of the basin and hydrocarbon accumulation. Although transverse linkage includes three development stages, consistent with previous studies, these stages are isolated normal faults, overlapping faults, and hard linkage. The study reveals a unique example of how transfer faults within a relay ramp connect the normal boundary faults on both sides. The break progression of the relay ramp can also be classified into three stages, similar to the transverse linkage. This study proposes a new approach, through the inversion of fault evolution by sequence migration, for the reconstruction of fault connection processes and complex fault linkage models developed in southern China and similar areas worldwide. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

32 pages, 11806 KB

Open AccessReview

A Review of the Tsunamis in Naples Bay (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) Within a General Framework of Mediterranean Tsunamis

by Gemma Aiello

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 333; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080333 - 14 Aug 2026

Viewed by 439

Abstract

Tsunami hazards in the Bay of Naples are primarily driven by submarine landslides, intense seismic activity, and volcanic phenomena from nearby systems like Vesuvius and the Campi Flegrei caldera. While localized historical tsunamis have occurred, they are generally rare events. Key tsunami sources [...] Read more.

Tsunami hazards in the Bay of Naples are primarily driven by submarine landslides, intense seismic activity, and volcanic phenomena from nearby systems like Vesuvius and the Campi Flegrei caldera. While localized historical tsunamis have occurred, they are generally rare events. Key tsunami sources include submarine landslides, volcanic eruptions, and seismicity. In this paper we provide a review of the tsunamis in Naples Bay within a general framework of Mediterranean tsunamis based on a literature review. Underwater avalanches, particularly around the steep slopes of the Dohrn Canyon and Ischia, are considered a primary localized threat. Scientific models indicate that a major collapse (like past events like the Ischia debris avalanche) could generate significant waves that could cross the bay in minutes. Explosive eruptions where magma meets seawater (such as PDCs—pyroclastic density currents) can displace water violently. This was famously documented during the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which created submarine ash fans and tsunami waves in the gulf. Earthquakes related to bradyseism in the Campi Flegrei or regional faults can also trigger sea level oscillations or localized tidal waves. Among the historical modeled events, we focus on the A.D. 79 eruption and on the 1343 Naples tsunami. The numerical simulations are revised. Depending on the source, the modeled waves vary from minor oscillations to heights of up to 6 m in canyon areas or over 20 m in nearby islands like Ischia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Natural Hazards)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 16131 KB

Open AccessArticle

Revisiting the Pangjiahe Au Deposit, West Qinling Orogen, Central China: New In Situ Sericite and Apatite Geochronology, Fe-S Isotope Constraints, and Implications for Regional Metallogeny

by Fei Teng, Guoying Li, Jianjun Jia, Yuanhe Tang, Wendi Guo, Leon Bagas, Shuai Yang, Xiao Li, Fei Bian, Yongbao Gao and Liyong Wei

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080332 - 13 Aug 2026

Viewed by 358

Abstract

The Pangjiahe Au deposit is the largest gold deposit in the Fengxian district of the West Qinling Orogen (WQO), Central China. However, the timing of gold mineralisation and its relationship to the regional metallogenic evolution of the WQO remain poorly constrained. In this [...] Read more.

The Pangjiahe Au deposit is the largest gold deposit in the Fengxian district of the West Qinling Orogen (WQO), Central China. However, the timing of gold mineralisation and its relationship to the regional metallogenic evolution of the WQO remain poorly constrained. In this study, detailed geological investigations, TIMA mineralogical analysis, in situ Rb–Sr dating of hydrothermal sericite, and in situ Fe–S isotope analyses of auriferous pyrite were conducted to constrain the timing of mineralisation, the evolution of ore-forming components, and the regional metallogenic significance of the Pangjiahe Au deposit. Hydrothermal sericite intimately associated with gold mineralisation yields an in situ Rb–Sr isochron age of 207.6 ± 3.1 Ma, providing the first direct age constraint on gold mineralisation at Pangjiahe. This age is consistent with those reported for the nearby Huayagou Au deposit and several other major gold deposits in the West Qinling Orogen, supporting a regionally extensive Late Triassic gold mineralisation event. The Pangjiahe Au deposit shares closer geological, geochronological, and isotopic affinities with the Huayagou Au deposit and the major Au deposits of the Middle Qinling in Gansu than with the traditionally correlated Au deposits of the North Qinling. These results provide new constraints on the regional metallogenic relationship between the Fengtai Basin and the Middle Qinling metallogenic system, contributing to a better understanding of Late Triassic gold mineralisation in the West Qinling Orogen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isotope Geochemistry: New Techniques and Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 12853 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pre-Paleocene Kohistan–Karakoram Amalgamation: Evidence from the Detrital Zircon Provenance of the Baraul Banda Formation, Pakistan

by Muhammad Qasim

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080331 - 13 Aug 2026

Viewed by 333

Abstract

The Baraul Banda Formation preserves an important Paleocene–Eocene sedimentary record within the western Kohistan–Ladakh Arc (KLA) and provides new constraints on sediment provenance and tectonic evolution during the final stages of Neo-Tethyan closure. This study integrates stratigraphic observations, detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology, and [...] Read more.

The Baraul Banda Formation preserves an important Paleocene–Eocene sedimentary record within the western Kohistan–Ladakh Arc (KLA) and provides new constraints on sediment provenance and tectonic evolution during the final stages of Neo-Tethyan closure. This study integrates stratigraphic observations, detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology, and quantitative provenance analyses to investigate sediment sources and basin development within the western India–Eurasia collision zone. The formation comprises a thick marine siliciclastic succession of conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, and slate deposited in a tectonically active forearc basin. Detrital zircon age spectra are dominated by Mesozoic–Cenozoic populations (48%) with major peaks at ~57–61 Ma, ~70 Ma, ~85–90 Ma, and ~114–115 Ma, accompanied by subordinate Neoproterozoic, Mesoproterozoic, Paleoproterozoic, and minor Archean populations. These age components closely resemble those of the KLA, Karakoram Block, and Lhasa Block. Statistical provenance analyses indicate the strongest affinity with Eurasian arc-related terranes and contemporaneous forearc basin deposits of the Tar and Indus groups, whereas affinity with Indian Plate sources is minor. The provenance record indicates that sediment supply was dominated by erosion of the KLA and the adjacent Karakoram–Lhasa continental margin, with only minor recycled contributions from Indian-derived sources. The youngest zircon populations constrain deposition to the Paleocene–Early Eocene and record rapid erosion of active arc terranes immediately prior to the India–KLA collision. Placed within the regional magmatic chronology, these results support initiation of the KLA by ca. 155 Ma, Late Cretaceous amalgamation with the Karakoram–Lhasa margin at ca. 80–70 Ma, and subsequent collision with India at ca. 60–55 Ma. The KLA therefore remained an active pre-India-collision arc system for approximately 95–100 Myr, whereas collision-related magmatism continued until ca. 40 Ma, extending its complete magmatic history to approximately 115 Myr. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 2956 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Investigation and Numerical Simulation on the Strength and Deformation Characteristics of Granular Materials at Various Elevations of Dump Slope

by Jian Meng, Jiawen Liu, Kegang Li, Tianlong Zhou and Han Zhou

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080330 - 13 Aug 2026

Viewed by 277

Abstract

Determining the shear strength parameters of granular materials in high waste rock dump slopes is essential for reliable slope stability analysis. In this study, dump materials were sampled from six benches (elevations 2800–2950 m) of an open-pit mine dump slope, and in situ [...] Read more.

Determining the shear strength parameters of granular materials in high waste rock dump slopes is essential for reliable slope stability analysis. In this study, dump materials were sampled from six benches (elevations 2800–2950 m) of an open-pit mine dump slope, and in situ density tests, gradation analyses, and large-scale consolidated drained (CD) triaxial tests were performed. Two PFC2D slope models—one with uniform (spatially averaged) parameters and one with elevation-dependent (layered) parameters—were then established to quantify how spatial heterogeneity affects stability predictions. The results show pronounced vertical heterogeneity: density, porosity, gradation, and shear strength parameters vary systematically among benches, reflecting the combined effects of compaction history and particle segregation during dumping. All specimens exhibited strain hardening and continuous shear contraction, and specimens with a denser, better-graded structure showed higher strength and lower compressibility. The layered model yields a higher factor of safety and shallower, bench-scale slip surfaces, whereas the uniform model underestimates stability and misplaces the critical slip zones. These findings demonstrate that elevation-dependent parameter assignment better represents the heterogeneous failure mechanism of high dump slopes and should be preferred over uniform parameterization in stability analyses of similar waste rock dumps. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Geomechanics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 9671 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Stress Zonation in the Bashijiqike Formation and Control Factors on Reservoir Development (Kelasu Structural Belt, Kuqa Depression, North-Western China)

by Lu Zhou, Xinru Zheng, Hong Lou, Minggang Tang, Jian Wang, Fangjie Hu, Xiaolong Sun and Haihua Qiu

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 329; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080329 - 12 Aug 2026

Viewed by 278

Abstract

The deep to ultra-deep sandstone reservoirs of the Cretaceous Bashijiqike Formation in the Kelasu structural belt of the Kuqa Depression exhibit strong heterogeneity. This study integrates single-well stress calculation, image log fracture interpretation, thin-section petrographic analysis, and porosity–permeability testing to compare stress, fracture, [...] Read more.

The deep to ultra-deep sandstone reservoirs of the Cretaceous Bashijiqike Formation in the Kelasu structural belt of the Kuqa Depression exhibit strong heterogeneity. This study integrates single-well stress calculation, image log fracture interpretation, thin-section petrographic analysis, and porosity–permeability testing to compare stress, fracture, and reservoir characteristics across the Dabei–Bozi cross-section. The results show that the northern stress release zone is characterized by low S_H (98 to 148 MPa) and E (9220 to 23,420 MPa), indicating weak cumulative stress, low effective fracture density (0.09 fractures/m), and primary-pore dominated reservoirs. The central stress transition zone has progressively increasing S_H (136 to 187 MPa) and E (27,450 to 33,210 MPa) from north to south, indicating strong cumulative stress, high effective fracture density (0.31 fractures/m), and mixed primary–secondary pore-fracture reservoirs. The southern stress accumulation zone shows increasing S_H but decreasing E to the south, indicating that the late-stage high stress results in low effective fracture density (0.08 fractures/m) and preserving primary pores. These results demonstrate that reservoir quality is governed by the cumulative effect of the stress field, rather than by present-day stress or peak paleo-stress alone. This reservoir distribution model could provide a theoretical basis for reservoir prediction in the foreland basin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sedimentary Basins and Energy Resources)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 24373 KB

Open AccessReview

Rhizoliths and the Recognition of Plant and Microbial Trace Fossils

by Spencer G. Lucas

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 328; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080328 - 11 Aug 2026

Viewed by 643

Abstract

Recognizing a trace fossil as a record of organism–substrate interaction is well agreed upon, but some organisms and some interactions are not considered by some workers to be tracemakers or to have produced trace fossils. This is particularly the case with sedimentary structures [...] Read more.

Recognizing a trace fossil as a record of organism–substrate interaction is well agreed upon, but some organisms and some interactions are not considered by some workers to be tracemakers or to have produced trace fossils. This is particularly the case with sedimentary structures created or modified by plants and micro-organisms. Plant-made structures that some workers have identified as trace fossils are phytoliths, leaf galls, borings/corrosion structures and rhizoliths. Only borings/corrosion structures and rhizoliths are generally agreed to be trace fossils. Phytoliths are not trace fossils, and most workers do not consider leaf galls to be traces, though that conclusion is open to question. Microbialites (both stromatolites and microbially induced sedimentary structures [MISS]) are not generally regarded as trace fossils, but identification of them as trace fossils has increased recently. The ichnotaxonomy of trace fossils made by plants and MISS needs to be regulated by the Botanical and Prokaryote Codes of Nomenclature. The specific recognition of ichnofossils and the procedures for their ichnotaxonomy need to be spelled out in those codes, much as they have been for animal trace fossils in the Zoological Code. Studies of modern roots and of rhizoliths provide a robust ichnotaxobase for their ichnotaxonomy, including shape, surface texture, internal structures, size, branching, orientation and substrate. Using that ichnotaxobase, a new ichnotaxon, Syrinxichnus tanneri igen. nov and isp. nov., is proposed for some Triassic rhizoliths. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rhizoliths in Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

32 pages, 45594 KB

Open AccessArticle

Landslide Susceptibility Assessment Using a Machine Learning Model with VAE-CDM Sample Augmentation: A Case Study of Southeastern Xizang

by Kangkang Li, Huan Yu, Han Wang, Shirong Hu, Jianan Li, Chengjiang Deng and Yunfeng Gao

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080327 - 11 Aug 2026

Viewed by 336

Abstract

Landslide susceptibility mapping in alpine regions with limited data has two persistent obstacles: too few recorded landslide cases and the questionable reliability of non-landslide samples. We address these issues with a hybrid generative framework—a Variational Autoencoder (VAE) performs latent-space interpolation to produce additional [...] Read more.

Landslide susceptibility mapping in alpine regions with limited data has two persistent obstacles: too few recorded landslide cases and the questionable reliability of non-landslide samples. We address these issues with a hybrid generative framework—a Variational Autoencoder (VAE) performs latent-space interpolation to produce additional positive samples, while a Conditional Diffusion Model (CDM) generates counterfactual negative samples. To validate generation quality, we used Principal Component Analysis (PCA) scatterplots, convex hull containment analysis, and covariance structure checks. The generated samples were then evaluated across five classifiers (Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and The Convolutional Neural Network-Transformer-Long Short-Term Memory-Graph Convolutional Network (CTLGNet)). VAE-CDM consistently outperformed the original dataset, Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE), and Conditional Tabular Generative Adversarial Network (CTGAN), with XGBoost achieving the best results—Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.9337, recall of 0.91, and F1 of 0.87. DeLong’s test confirmed the AUC gain was statistically significant (p = 0.043). After augmentation, the very-high-susceptibility capture rate rose from 68.5% to 89.4%, while cumulative capture curves reflected a 4.9% improvement in spatial targeting efficiency. Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analysis highlighted distance to roads, elevation, and the Freeze-Thaw Index (FTI) as the dominant controlling factors. Application to Southeastern Xizang shows the framework offers a viable pathway for susceptibility mapping in data-limited environments, although the generated samples show moderate diversity reduction (0.53) due to the interpolation-based generation strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Solutions in Disaster Research)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 12013 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

An Engineering-Based Physical Analysis of the Gravity Hill Phenomenon at Hashir Hill, Salalah, Oman

by Abdullah Al Mashani, Ram Raj Mathur, Asaad Al Hatmi, Said Al Awaed and Luay Rashan

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 326; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080326 - 11 Aug 2026

Viewed by 590

Abstract

Hashir Hill, also known as Gravity Hill or magnetic hill in Salalah, Oman, is an iconic landmark where vehicles appear to roll uphill on their own. This unusual effect has drawn scientific interest for years. In this study, topographic and gravity measurements were [...] Read more.

Hashir Hill, also known as Gravity Hill or magnetic hill in Salalah, Oman, is an iconic landmark where vehicles appear to roll uphill on their own. This unusual effect has drawn scientific interest for years. In this study, topographic and gravity measurements were conducted to explore the causes of this phenomenon. Measurements with a Topcon OS-105 compact total station showed that the road actually slopes downward by about 10.5 m over 350 m. Gravity readings from a Scintrex CG-5 gravimeter showed a gradual increase of about 3.17 mGal, which aligns with the free-air gravity correction for the elevation model. No gravity anomalies were found along the route, which suggests the area is in isostatic balance. A physical analysis employing algebraic inequalities related to gravitational potential energy and Newtonian gravity was involved to validate the findings. The results demonstrate that the perceived uphill movement at Hashir Hill is an optical illusion arising from the local landscape’s visual features, rather than from any unusual physical forces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Geophysics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 18299 KB

Open AccessArticle

Flood Detection Integrating Spectral Indices (FLOODISI): A Novel Approach to Open-Water Mapping

by Thiago Bazzan, Camilo Daleles Rennó, Elisabete Weber Reckziegel, Laurindo Antonio Guasselli and Carina Cristiane Korb

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080325 - 10 Aug 2026

Viewed by 613

Abstract

Open-water mapping of flooded areas using multispectral remote sensing still presents significant challenges, particularly in urban environments, where high spectral mixing leads to substantial commission and omission errors in water classifications. This study proposes FLOODISI (Flood Detection Integrating Spectral Water Indices), a framework [...] Read more.

Open-water mapping of flooded areas using multispectral remote sensing still presents significant challenges, particularly in urban environments, where high spectral mixing leads to substantial commission and omission errors in water classifications. This study proposes FLOODISI (Flood Detection Integrating Spectral Water Indices), a framework that integrates multiple spectral water indices through adaptive thresholding to generate an Integrated Water Map (IWM). The method was applied to Landsat-8/OLI imagery to map an extreme flood event in southern Brazil. The approach evaluates 12 spectral indices and iteratively adjusts threshold values to minimize false positives while preserving true positives. The results indicate that the Normalized Difference Flood Index (NDFI₂), using adaptive thresholding, achieved the best individual performance, with an overall accuracy of 91.8%, whereas the IWM increased this value to 93.5%, substantially reducing omission errors and improving open-water detection in urban areas. In comparison, the Random Forest classification achieved an overall accuracy of 95.0%, but exhibited similar precision and specificity, with a slight increase in commission errors and a modest reduction in omission errors relative to the IWM. In general, the integration of multiple spectral indices with adaptive thresholds through FLOODISI improved the robustness of open-water detection by reducing the dependence on individual spectral indices and providing a scalable, reproducible, and computationally efficient solution for rapid open-water mapping of flooded areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Solutions in Disaster Research)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 51708 KB

Open AccessArticle

Poststack Seismic Geomechanical Property Evaluation of the Pennsylvanian Strawn–Canyon Group in Salt Creek Field, Midland Basin, Kent County, West Texas

by Osareni C. Ogiesoba and Fritz C. Palacios

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080324 - 9 Aug 2026

Viewed by 305

Abstract

Geomechanical properties of rock are essential components in designing hydraulic fracturing procedures. Although ultrasonic measurement methods are usually utilized to obtain static geomechanical properties of rocks in the laboratory, they are limited to borehole locations. To obtain spatial distribution of these properties, a [...] Read more.

Geomechanical properties of rock are essential components in designing hydraulic fracturing procedures. Although ultrasonic measurement methods are usually utilized to obtain static geomechanical properties of rocks in the laboratory, they are limited to borehole locations. To obtain spatial distribution of these properties, a 3D prestack seismic inversion process is employed to derive them dynamically. However, 3D prestack seismic datasets are less readily available compared to 3D poststack seismic. We present a methodology that integrates 3D poststack seismic and wireline log data using a machine learning workflow to compute the dynamic geomechanical properties, namely Young’s modulus (E), Mu-Rho (MR), and brittleness (BRI) volumes, and generate crossplots to characterize the Salt Creek carbonate reservoir in the Midland Basin, Kent County, Texas. Our results show that: (1) Based on the comparison of seismically (dynamically) derived E and BRI maps with litho-facies maps, the zones with the highest porosity (oolites) are characterized by low E and low BRI. (2) Each of these properties is linearly related to the photoelectric factor (PEF) log, which can indicate porosity and calcite richness within a mixed carbonate–siliciclastic system. (3) In a mixed carbonate and siliciclastic system, geomechanical properties, especially E, can be used to identify rigid rock layers within the reservoir and deduce possible lithologies. Finally, when prestack seismic data are unavailable, our workflow offers a quick and inexpensive method to generate dynamic geomechanical property maps to characterize hydrocarbon reservoirs using poststack seismic data and well logs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Geomechanics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 10967 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Integrated Geospatial Framework for Geological and Remote Sensing Analysis in Rare Metal Exploration: Eastern Kazakhstan

by Yerkebulan Bekishev, Marzhan Rakhymberdina, Eugene Levin, Roman Shults and Zhanna Assylkhanova

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 323; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080323 - 8 Aug 2026

Viewed by 368

Abstract

Rare metal exploration increasingly relies on the integration of heterogeneous geological datasets and advanced analytical methods to improve the efficiency and reliability of mineral prospecting. This study presents the development of a web-based Geographic Information System, Geospatial Information System for Optimized Rare Metal [...] Read more.

Rare metal exploration increasingly relies on the integration of heterogeneous geological datasets and advanced analytical methods to improve the efficiency and reliability of mineral prospecting. This study presents the development of a web-based Geographic Information System, Geospatial Information System for Optimized Rare Metal Exploration in Eastern Kazakhstan (GISORMEK), using the central part of the Kalba–Narym rare-metal belt (Eastern Kazakhstan) as a case study. A comprehensive geospatial database was developed through the digitization of archival geological maps and the integration of geological, geochemical, tectonic, geophysical, geomorphological, and mineral occurrence datasets. To complement historical mapping data, Landsat-8 multispectral imagery was incorporated to improve lithological discrimination and identify hydrothermal alteration zones. Two remote sensing techniques were applied: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for lithological mapping and enhancement of geological features, and band ratio (BR) analysis for the calculation of geological spectral indices, including the iron oxide index and the hydroxyl-bearing (Al–OH) mineral index. The resulting spectral indices were subsequently integrated to generate a predictive hydrothermal alteration map. GISORMEK integrates historical and contemporary datasets within a unified web-GIS framework, ensuring spatial consistency, reproducibility, and accessibility. The proposed framework enhances the interpretation of the mineralization potential of the Kalba–Narym region and provides geospatial platform for supporting rare metal exploration and future mineral prospectivity assessments. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 35572 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Evolution of the Lacul Fără Nume Landslide Dam in the Eastern Carpathians: A Rare Recurrent Geomorphic System Characterized by Repeated Damming–Breaching Cycles

by Thomas Wolfert, Alin Mihu-Pintilie, Cristian Constantin Stoleriu and Vasile Jitariu

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 322; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080322 - 8 Aug 2026

Viewed by 655

Abstract

The Lacul fără nume landslide dam in the Vrancea Mountains (Romania) represents a unique example of a dynamic landslide dam system characterized by recurrent damming–breaching cycles. Through the combined use of remote sensing, field investigations, and historical reconstruction, eight such cycles were documented [...] Read more.

The Lacul fără nume landslide dam in the Vrancea Mountains (Romania) represents a unique example of a dynamic landslide dam system characterized by recurrent damming–breaching cycles. Through the combined use of remote sensing, field investigations, and historical reconstruction, eight such cycles were documented over a period of 49 years. To the best of current knowledge, this is one of the few documented landslide dams reported in the scientific literature that exhibits frequent damming–breaching episodes involving repeated dam failure, renewed slope instability, and subsequent re-damming with renewed lake impoundment over comparatively short timescales. The observed persistence and spatial extent of the associated lake are highly variable, ranging from 12 days to almost 10 years and from 23,920 m² to 82,610 m², respectively. Antecedent precipitation was frequently elevated prior to lake state transitions, but a seasonally constrained Monte Carlo analysis showed no significant departure from the climatic background, while numerous intense rainfall periods occurred without documented transitions. Similarly, no systematic temporal association was identified between recurrent lake state transitions and regional seismicity, although the initial dam formation coincided with the 1977 Mw 7.4 Vrancea earthquake. These findings suggest that precipitation conditions and seismicity alone cannot explain the recurrent damming and drainage, which likely result from interactions between hydrometeorological forcing, geomorphic processes, and human influences. Taken together, the results and the proposed conceptual model demonstrate that debris-flow-generated landslide dams can evolve into persistent and dynamic geomorphic systems capable of posing recurring hazards over multiple decades. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Landslide Mechanisms and Prediction Models)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2219 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping Approaches for Assessing Regional Soil Liquefaction Potential: A Comparative Assessment

by Yan Zhang, Su He, Miaojun Sun, Bohan Zhou, Mengfen Shen and Honglei Sun

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080321 - 7 Aug 2026

Viewed by 293

Abstract

Seismic liquefaction poses a significant threat to infrastructure and human safety, making accurate regional-scale hazard assessment essential for effective disaster mitigation. This study systematically compares simple kriging (SK), ordinary kriging (OK), and sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS) for liquefaction potential mapping using a case [...] Read more.

Seismic liquefaction poses a significant threat to infrastructure and human safety, making accurate regional-scale hazard assessment essential for effective disaster mitigation. This study systematically compares simple kriging (SK), ordinary kriging (OK), and sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS) for liquefaction potential mapping using a case study of the Chi-Chi earthquake. Results show that among the eight theoretical semivariogram models, the exponential model was identified as the optimal semivariogram model, showing the best fit and the lowest validation errors. SK and OK yield nearly identical LPI estimates with high accuracy and low computational cost, but oversmooth high-risk zones and underestimate spatial uncertainty. In contrast, SGS captures spatial heterogeneity and extreme values, with variance and coefficient of variation maps revealing higher and more heterogeneous uncertainties, which offers a more comprehensive basis for probabilistic risk assessment. However, these advantages came at a substantially higher computational cost. The choice of method should therefore depend on the engineering objective: kriging for rapid, large-scale trend estimation, and SGS for detailed probabilistic risk evaluation where capturing extreme values and uncertainty is critical. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Earthquake Hazard Assessment and Seismic Risk Mitigation Strategies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 216 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: “Trends and Prospects in Geoheritage, Geoparks, and Geotourism”

by Károly Németh, Marilena Cozzolino and António Vieira

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080320 - 7 Aug 2026

Viewed by 580

Abstract

In recent years, research in Geoheritage, Geoparks, and Geotourism has significantly increased, underlining their vital roles in advancing scientific knowledge, conserving the environment, and safeguarding human culture. By exploring the intrinsic value of geological and geomorphological sites as records of Earth’s history and [...] Read more.

In recent years, research in Geoheritage, Geoparks, and Geotourism has significantly increased, underlining their vital roles in advancing scientific knowledge, conserving the environment, and safeguarding human culture. By exploring the intrinsic value of geological and geomorphological sites as records of Earth’s history and important scientific resources, we seek to enhance appreciation for these landscapes. This Special Issue provided a platform for interdisciplinary exploration and dialogue, addressing the complexities of geoheritage research and offering insights into the conservation, management, and promotion of geological features and landforms. It includes studies on the conceptual foundations for establishing and managing geoparks, as well as research on the evolving field of geotourism and its contribution to sustainable development. A total of 10 papers have been accepted, covering a diverse range of topics and emphasizing the current prominence of geoheritage research within the geosciences. Full article

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

28 pages, 3452 KB

Open AccessArticle

Diagnostics of the Hydrothermal Desynchronization of Snowmelt and Cryogenic Sealing of Soils During the Formation of Extreme Floods in Kazakhstan

by Zharasbek Baishemirov, Galina Reshetova, Aisha Abobakir and Kadrzhan Shiyapov

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080319 - 6 Aug 2026

Viewed by 329

Abstract

The spring floods that occurred in 2024 in western and northern Kazakhstan caused extensive damage. Our understanding of runoff formation processes under frozen-soil conditions remains limited. In this study, we apply a coupled hydrothermal model as a case study to explicitly simulate vertical [...] Read more.

The spring floods that occurred in 2024 in western and northern Kazakhstan caused extensive damage. Our understanding of runoff formation processes under frozen-soil conditions remains limited. In this study, we apply a coupled hydrothermal model as a case study to explicitly simulate vertical heat and water transport, phase transitions, snow dynamics, and reduced infiltration capacity due to cryogenic pore blockage (ice-filled pores). The model is based on regular meteorological data from 65 stations in five regions covering the full hydrological cycle (August–May) of 2021 and 2024. A multilevel diagnostic check showed that soil temperature is reproduced with a median

R^{2}

of 0.962 and NSE of 0.888, the frozen/thawed surface condition corresponds to WMO (World Meteorological Organization) standards on approximately 91% of days, and water balance agreement reaches 86.2% (56 out of 65 stations). The model reflects the regional variability of the 2024 flood. In the northern regions (Kostanay, North Kazakhstan), snowfall was above average, and modeled runoff increased compared to 2021 (for example, at the Sergeevka station, it increased by a factor of four). In the western regions, the trends were mixed: the strongest relative increase in runoff was recorded in the Atyrau region (+119%), whilst in the West Kazakhstan region, the increase was more modest (+19%), and in the Aktobe region, runoff increased by 60%. The key mechanism—the time lag between rapid snowmelt and delayed soil thaw—is clearly evident: peaks in snowmelt occur when the soil remains frozen, infiltration capacity decreases, and the runoff potential index (RPI) exceeds 1 for extended periods. Although the model does not simulate the river channel, its ability to diagnose runoff generation conditions at the slope scale offers a diagnostic framework for identifying runoff-conducive conditions in regions with limited data, rather than a physically validated tool for flood-prone area identification. The results show that the 2024 flood period was characterized by abnormally high water inflow and hydrothermal conditions consistent with a temporal mismatch between water supply and the recovery of soil infiltration capacity. Because the RPI is a diagnostic indicator constructed from water input and infiltration capacity, these results should be interpreted as evidence of conditions conducive to runoff generation rather than as an independent causal verification of the flood mechanism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Geomorphological and Hydrological Insights for Flood Risk Assessment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5398 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genesis and Prediction Method of Local Abnormal Pressure in Carbonate Strata Controlled by Strike–Slip Faults: A Case Study of the Fudong Block, Fuman Oilfield, Tarim Basin

by Zhipeng Huan, Yingchang Cao, Wei Ju, Ziwei Qian, Ke Xu, Penglin Zheng, Zhou Xie, Mingjin Cai and Ruidong Liu

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080318 - 6 Aug 2026

Viewed by 247

Abstract

Ultra-deep Ordovician carbonates in the Tarim Basin are a major target for oil and gas exploration in China. Localized overpressure, however, creates substantial well-control risks and impairs drilling safety and exploration performance. This study investigates the Fudong Block of the Fuman Oilfield using [...] Read more.

Ultra-deep Ordovician carbonates in the Tarim Basin are a major target for oil and gas exploration in China. Localized overpressure, however, creates substantial well-control risks and impairs drilling safety and exploration performance. This study investigates the Fudong Block of the Fuman Oilfield using drilling, seismic, and well-test data. We develop a high-resolution, layer-specific formation-pressure prediction workflow that integrates well and seismic data through a stress–fracture-pressure framework. The workflow combines geomechanical modeling, prediction of the in situ stress field and fracture distribution, stress-fracture matching, Biot-theory-based pressure prediction, and iterative calibration against drilling observations. The results show that: (1) overpressure is concentrated near secondary faults, branch faults, and NW-trending faults. It is jointly controlled by tectonic compression, pressure retention within fracture–vug bodies, and fluid charging. Multiple vertically separated pressure systems are common, and their marked heterogeneity is closely related to secondary-fault development and fracture–vug connectivity; (2) drilling disturbance can generate apparent overpressure and lead to erroneous pressure interpretation. Overpressured wells commonly exhibit a kick followed by lost circulation or simultaneous kick and loss. Drilling-fluid invasion into confined fracture–vug bodies causes pressure buildup; and (3) formation pressure is a key parameter in integrated geological and engineering sweet-spot evaluation and is closely linked to wellbore stability. Field applications confirm the accuracy of the proposed workflow. The method strengthens integrated geology-engineering evaluation and provides a practical basis for the safe and efficient development of ultra-deep carbonate reservoirs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fault Characteristics, Fault Zone Architecture and Fluid Behavior)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 71433 KB

Open AccessArticle

Geological Conditions for the Formation of Underground Reservoirs for CO₂ Sequestration in Southern Kazakhstan

by Sara Istekova, Alexandr Logvinenko, Daniyar Kairov, Yernar Narimanov, Nurbek Shamiyev, Raushan Temirkhanova and Nurastana Slambek

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080317 - 6 Aug 2026

Viewed by 380

Abstract

This paper presents findings from a comprehensive assessment aimed at identifying deep geological storage formations suitable for the secure isolation of chemically active gases, including anthropogenic CO₂. Although Kazakhstan currently lacks operational industrial-scale CO₂ storage sites, high annual emissions exceeding [...] Read more.

This paper presents findings from a comprehensive assessment aimed at identifying deep geological storage formations suitable for the secure isolation of chemically active gases, including anthropogenic CO₂. Although Kazakhstan currently lacks operational industrial-scale CO₂ storage sites, high annual emissions exceeding 2 million tonnes are concentrated in its southern region, specifically Almaty city and the surrounding Almaty Region. Despite this pressing need, the precise location, availability, and capacity of potential storage sites in this area remain poorly understood. By synthesizing legacy geological, geophysical, and hydrogeological datasets compiled within the eastern Ili Depression, this study evaluates regional deep saline aquifers for potential CO₂ geological storage under favorable techno-economic conditions. It must be clearly emphasized that this study focuses exclusively on deep groundwater aquifers (saline aquifers). Leveraging historical seismic, drilling, and well-logging data originally acquired for petroleum and water resource exploration, we constrain the stratigraphic architecture and structural framework of prospective storage units. The lithostratigraphic framework of the sedimentary cover in the Ili Basin is established, identifying key reservoir intervals and effective sealing formations. The results indicate that the eastern Ili Depression offers highly favorable conditions for geologic storage, with Permian, Triassic, and Jurassic sedimentary successions reaching thicknesses of up to 1200 m. Reservoir intervals are identified across major stratigraphic units, with potential storage formations accounting for up to 60% of the stratigraphic volume. Specifically, the Miocene–Paleogene and Jurassic intervals host sandstone reservoirs exceeding 10 m in thickness, with porosities reaching up to 30%. Upper Jurassic clayey successions function as effective intraformational seals for Middle Jurassic reservoirs, while Upper Cretaceous clay sequences provide regional caprock integrity for the overlying Neogene–Paleogene sandy intervals. These geological settings satisfy rigorous containment criteria required for secure gas sequestration. These insights into the deep architecture of the Ili Depression elucidate key geological controls governing prospective storage sites, paving the way for future carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiatives in one of Kazakhstan’s most vital economic regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Geophysics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 12220 KB

Open AccessArticle

Divergent Chlorite and Kaolinite Authigenesis and Reservoir Quality Controls: Chang-8 Tight Sandstones, Ordos Basin

by Wei Yu, Jiao Wang, Li Gong and Jie Chen

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080316 - 6 Aug 2026

Viewed by 410

Abstract

The genesis of authigenic clay minerals in tight sandstones fundamentally controls reservoir quality and micro-pore evolution. This study investigates the differential formation mechanisms of authigenic chlorite and kaolinite and their modulating effects on pore systems in the Chang-8 Member tight sandstones, Ordos Basin. [...] Read more.

The genesis of authigenic clay minerals in tight sandstones fundamentally controls reservoir quality and micro-pore evolution. This study investigates the differential formation mechanisms of authigenic chlorite and kaolinite and their modulating effects on pore systems in the Chang-8 Member tight sandstones, Ordos Basin. Thin-section petrography, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and high-pressure mercury injection were utilized to quantify mineralogical and petrophysical characteristics. Results show chlorite (averaging 4.8%) and kaolinite (averaging 1.6%) are the dominant authigenic clay minerals with distinct spatiotemporal distributions. Chlorite nucleated as pore linings during early diagenesis under alkaline, oligohaline to mesohaline conditions driven by volcanic material hydration. Conversely, kaolinite precipitated as pore-filling during mid-to-late diagenesis (80–120 °C), driven by organic acid pulses from underlying source rocks causing feldspar dissolution. We conclude that early chlorite linings constructively preserve primary porosity by mechanically resisting compaction and chemically inhibiting quartz cementation, despite narrowing pore throats. Meanwhile, kaolinite acts as a pore-type modulator, restructuring macro-pores into micro-intercrystalline pores, which significantly impairs permeability only when its proportion crosses a critical threshold. The diagenetic fluid transition from alkaline to acidic ultimately dictates this mineralogical succession and subsequent reservoir heterogeneity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sedimentary Basins and Energy Resources)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3018 KB

Open AccessArticle

Progressive Melt Fractionation as the Primary Control on the Formation of Rare-Metal Pegmatites: Evidence for Continuous Granite–Pegmatite Evolution in the Central Kalba Ore District, Eastern Kazakhstan

by Marina A. Mizernaya, Saltanat S. Aitbayeva, Anastassiya P. Miroshnikova, Reimar Seltmann, Alla Dolgopolova, Oxana N. Kuzmina, Christophe Pascal, Bakytzhan B. Amralinova, Zinaida I. Chernenko and Zhanar Z. Kapzhaparova

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 315; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080315 - 5 Aug 2026

Viewed by 418

Abstract

Rare-metal pegmatites of the Kalba–Narym belt (Eastern Kazakhstan) represent an important source of Li, Cs, Ta, Nb, Be, and associated critical metals. Despite extensive geological investigations, the relationships between granites, pegmatites, and late-stage alteration products within the Central Kalba ore district remain insufficiently [...] Read more.

Rare-metal pegmatites of the Kalba–Narym belt (Eastern Kazakhstan) represent an important source of Li, Cs, Ta, Nb, Be, and associated critical metals. Despite extensive geological investigations, the relationships between granites, pegmatites, and late-stage alteration products within the Central Kalba ore district remain insufficiently constrained. This study integrates whole-rock geochemistry and muscovite trace-element data to evaluate regional fractionation trends and rare-metal enrichment within the granite–pegmatite system. The dataset comprises 29 whole-rock samples, including Phase I and Phase II granites, pegmatites, greisens, and hornfels, together with 11 muscovite separates from the Akhmetkino, Yubileynoye, Bakennoye, and Asubulak ore fields. Geochemical evolution was assessed using granite-normalized multi-element patterns and the Cs–Rb, K/Rb–Cs, Li–Rb, Li–Cs, Rb/Sr–Cs, and Ta–Cs relationships. Muscovite compositions were additionally compared with published datasets from the Totoral (Argentina) and Gatumba (Rwanda) pegmatite districts. The results reveal systematic enrichment in Li, Rb, Cs, Nb, and Ta accompanied by depletion in Sr and Ba from granites to the most evolved pegmatites. The strongest geochemical relationship is recorded by the Rb/Sr–Cs system (R² = 0.805), whereas Ta and Cs show only weak correlation (R² = 0.062). Muscovite compositions display decreasing K/Rb and K/Cs ratios and increasing Rb and Cs concentrations from Akhmetkino through Yubileynoye and Bakennoye to Asubulak, defining a regional fractionation sequence consistent with whole-rock geochemistry. The most evolved muscovites overlap compositional fields characteristic of highly fractionated LCT pegmatites. The geochemical patterns identified in both whole-rock and muscovite datasets indicate progressive melt evolution across the Central Kalba district. Late-stage alteration and volatile-rich mineral assemblages record additional fluid-related processes, although their quantitative contribution to rare-metal redistribution remains uncertain. The results identify Cs, Rb/Sr, K/Rb, and K/Cs as useful indicators of relative pegmatite evolution and provide new constraints on the development of rare-metal granite–pegmatite systems in Eastern Kazakhstan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Geochemistry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 7221 KB

Open AccessArticle

Topological Analysis of Fault Connectivity: Implications for Shale Gas Preservation in the Luzhou Area, Sichuan Basin

by Yicheng Mou, Wei Guo, Zhengshuo Miao, Yonghe Zhai, Jingru Zhao, Yongbo Wei and Yangwen Pei

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080314 - 5 Aug 2026

Viewed by 452

Abstract

Fault networks play a critical role in controlling hydrocarbon flow within petroliferous basins; however, quantitative characterization of fault network systems and their specific influence on hydrocarbon preservation in tight sedimentary rocks remain insufficient. This study investigates the Luzhou shale gas production area in [...] Read more.

Fault networks play a critical role in controlling hydrocarbon flow within petroliferous basins; however, quantitative characterization of fault network systems and their specific influence on hydrocarbon preservation in tight sedimentary rocks remain insufficient. This study investigates the Luzhou shale gas production area in the Sichuan Basin, which has been modified by multi-stage tectonic superimposition, employing topological theory to quantitatively evaluate the structural architecture and connectivity of reservoir fault networks, and to elucidate their control on shale gas preservation. Our results reveal significant heterogeneity in the development and distribution of fault network systems within the study area. Faults are more developed in anticlinal belts, which experienced concentrated compressional stress, and the median connectivity of fault networks in shale reservoirs within these belts (C_B = 1.34) is substantially higher than that in synclinal belts (C_B = 0.95). The higher geometric connectivity observed in anticlinal belts may increase the continuity of potential migration pathways, whereas the generally lower connectivity of many synclinal areas may be more favorable for shale gas preservation. Estimated ultimate recovery data from shale gas wells in different structural zones show a spatial association broadly consistent with the fault-network connectivity pattern, although well performance may also be influenced by other geological and engineering factors. This study provides a quantitative analytical framework for characterizing fault-network connectivity in complex structural zones and offers insights into the potential role of fault-network connectivity in shale gas preservation and exploration. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Geosciences, Volume 16, Issue 8 (August 2026) – 48 articles

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI