Recent Developments and Advances in Geological Oceanography and Ocean Observation in the Pacific Ocean and Its Marginal Basins—2nd Edition
1
Hubei Key Laboratory of Marine Geological Resources, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
2
School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
3
MLR Key Laboratory of Marine Mineral Resources, Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, Guangzhou 510075, China
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(5), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14050465
Submission received: 17 December 2025
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Accepted: 26 December 2025
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Published: 28 February 2026
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments and Advances in Geological Oceanography and Ocean Observation in the Pacific Ocean and Its Marginal Basins—2nd Edition)
In the rapidly advancing field of geological oceanography, the Pacific Ocean and its marginal basins—encompassing key regions like the Sea of Japan, Bohai Bay Basin, South China Sea, and western Pacific seamounts—serve as a critical arena for unlocking Earth’s marine geological mysteries and resource potential [1]. “Recent Developments and Advances in Geological Oceanography and Ocean Observation in the Pacific Ocean and Its Marginal Basins—2nd Edition” stands as a definitive scholarly compilation, integrating cutting-edge research findings, innovative analytical methods, and technological breakthroughs that deepen our understanding of these dynamic marine systems. This content brief offers a concise overview of the album’score value and its contributions to the scientific community.
Covering diverse geological settings from continental marginal basins to deep-sea seamounts, the Pacific Ocean and its peripheries have witnessed complex tectonic evolution, unique sedimentary processes, and the accumulation of valuable resources such as hydrocarbons and cobalt-rich crusts [2,3]. This collection synthesizes interdisciplinary research efforts, leveraging geophysics, geochemistry, sedimentology, and advanced observation technologies to decode mechanisms of seismoacoustic wave transformation, structural control on hydrocarbon accumulation, volcanic–hydrothermal impacts, and paleo-oceanic dynamics. Each study is rooted in targeted regional investigations, ensuring practical relevance and scientific rigor.
This comprehensive collection brings together landmark research from global experts, focusing on seven core thematic pillars: (1) numerical modeling of seismoacoustic wave transformation at sea–land interfaces, validated by field experiments, to support coastal monitoring and ocean tomography; (2) structural evolution and petroleum accumulation models in superimposed basins, clarifying structural control on hydrocarbon enrichment; (3) volcanic–hydrothermal–organic matter interactions in ancient marine shales, with insights on redox indicators and metallic proxy limitations; (4) sediment provenance and facies analysis of continental fluvial delta systems, guiding complex hydrocarbon exploration; (5) ROV-based integrated exploration of cobalt-rich crusts in seamount terrains, providing reliable resource evaluation data; (6) natural gas geochemical characteristics and reservoir-filling processes in deep-water fault-step zones, establishing targeted accumulation models; (7) orbital-scale modulation of marine stratigraphic sequences and paleo-salinity reconstruction, revealing past ocean circulation dynamics.
By systematically presenting these frontier advancements, the album serves as an indispensable resource for researchers, students, and industry professionals in geological oceanography and ocean observation. It not only advances theoretical understanding of the Pacific Ocean and its marginal basins but also provides actionable guidance for marine resource exploration, coastal monitoring, and paleo-environmental reconstruction. Below, we detail the key contributions and critical findings of each article included in this authoritative work.
Dolgikh et al. (Contribution 1) developed a finite element-based numerical model, validated via analytical solutions, to simulate seismoacoustic wave transformation at the sea–land interface with real bathymetry. Field experiments in the Sea of Japan and simulations show shore displacements (0.6–4.2 nm) sensitive to bottom elastic wave velocities. The model aids coastal monitoring, signal identification, and lays a foundation for ocean physical parameter tomography.
Peng et al. (Contribution 2) applied seismic profile interpretation and balanced cross-section techniques to investigate the structural combination and tectonic evolution of the Bohai Bay Basin’s southern Neo-Mesozoic–Cenozoic superimposed basin. They identified four structural types and thirteen styles, proposed a three-phase petroleum accumulation model, and clarified structural control on hydrocarbon accumulation, providing a theoretical basis for marginal basin oil and gas development.
Li et al. (Contribution 3) analyzed the mineralogical, TOC, TS, and major/trace element compositions of organic-rich samples from eastern Sichuan Basin’s Ordovician/Silurian boundary, identified non-visible volcanic input and oxygen-depleted environments facilitating organic matter accumulation, found TOC correlates better with certain redox indicators (e.g., U/Th), linked hydrothermal venting to volcanism, and highlighted cautions when using metallic proxies for volcanism-affected shales.
Ma et al. (Contribution 4) analyzed high-precision stratigraphic, seismic, core, logging, lithic, heavy-mineral, and conglomerate data to explore the provenance and sedimentary facies of the Huagang Formation in Xihu Sag’s Y-area, found that it is a continental fluvial delta system with northeast long-axis provenance as primary and western short-axis as supplementary, identified a nearshore shallow anoxic environment, and provided valuable references for complex hydrocarbon exploration.
Li et al. (Contribution 5) utilized the Haima ROV integrated with optical imaging, sampling, and acoustic methods to investigate cobalt-rich crusts (CRCs) in complex seamount terrains like Caiwei Guyot, finds reliable data on CRC distribution, types, and thickness (thicker at summit margins), and establishes a foundation for seamount CRC resource evaluation, with future advancements focusing on high-precision technologies.
Yan et al. (Contribution 6) employed thin section, 3D seismic, and geochemical data, examined natural gas properties and isotopic features, used BasinMod 2009 software to restore reservoir-filling processes, and dissected fault-step zone characteristics, identifying two hydrocarbon accumulation models in the Baodao Sag’s Lingshui Formation and providing key support for the Qiongdongnan Basin’s oil and gas exploration.
Xu et al. (Contribution 7) integrated gamma ray logging data, lithological variations, sequence stratigraphy, and cyclostratigraphy to explore orbital-scale modulation of third-order eustatic sequences in the northern South China Sea’s Hanjiang Formation, identified 6 third-order sequences and astronomical cycles (e.g., 1.2-Myr obliquity), and provided an objective approach for stratigraphic subdivision and insights into sequence evolution mechanisms.
Wang et al. (Contribution 8) used pore water [Cl−] profiles from three IODP sites and a one-dimensional diffusion–advection model to reconstruct LGM deep water salinity in the SCS. Results show northern SCS salinity of 35.68 ± 0.04 g/kg and central SCS of 35.61 ± 0.03 g/kg, with reduced intra-basin and Luzon Strait gradients. Enhanced Pacific UCDW-LCDW stratification confirms sluggish glacial deep circulation, filling marginal sea research gaps.
Funding
This research received no external funding.
Acknowledgments
As Guest Editors of the Special Issue “Recent Developments and Advances in Geological Oceanography and Ocean Observation in the Pacific Ocean and Its Marginal Basins”, we wish to extend our sincere gratitude to all the authors whose valuable contributions made the publication of this issue possible. Their work has significantly enriched and enhanced the coverage of this publication.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
List of Contributions
- Dolgikh, G.; Bolsunovskii, M.; Zharkov, D.; Zhostkov, R.; Presnov, D.; Razin, A.; Shurup, A. Numerical Simulation of Seismoacoustic Wave Transformation at Sea–Land Interface. J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12, 2112. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12122112.
- Peng, D.; Yang, D.; Cheng, F.; She, X.; Tao, Z.; Liu, Y. Mesozoic–Paleozoic Structural Characteristics and Their Controlling Effects on Oil and Gas in the Kongnan Area of Bohai Bay Basin. J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13, 232. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13020232.
- Li, S.; Zhu, Z.; Xiao, Q.; Cai, S.; Li, H. Linking Volcanism, Hydrothermal Venting, and Ordovician/Silurian Marine Organic-Rich Sediments in the Eastern Sichuan Basin, Southwest China. J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13, 483. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13030483.
- Ma, X.; Yan, W.; Yang, Y.; Sun, R.; Chao, Y.; Zhang, G.; Yang, C.; Zhang, S.; Su, D.; Zhang, G.; et al. Sediment Provenance and Facies Analysis of the Huagang Formation in the Y-Area of the Central Anticlinal Zone, Xihu Sag, East China Sea. J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13, 520. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13030520.
- Li, Y.; Yao, H.; Chen, Z.; Wang, L.; Zhou, H.; Zhang, S.; Zhao, B. Detailed Investigation of Cobalt-Rich Crusts in Complex Seamount Terrains Using the Haima ROV: Integrating Optical Imaging, Sampling, and Acoustic Methods. J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13, 702. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13040702.
- Yan, X.; Wu, N.; Gan, J.; Tian, Y.; Xiong, X.; Feng, Y.; Zuo, G. Geochemical Characteristics and Hydrocarbon Accumulation Model of Natural Gas in the Third Member of the Oligocene Lingshui Formation in the Baodao Sag, Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea. J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13, 774. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13040774.
- Xu, H.; Wu, N.; Xu, X.; Yu, B.; Xu, K. Orbital-Scale Modulation of the Middle Miocene Third-Order Eustatic Sequences from the Northern South China Sea. J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13, 921. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13050921.
- Wang, H.; Chen, Y.; Haeckel, M. Reconstruction of South China Sea Deep Water Salinity During the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13, 1773. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091773.
References
- Karig, D.E. Origin and development of marginal basins in the western Pacific. J. Geophys. Res. 1971, 76, 2542–2561. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Yao, P.; Li, H.; Wang, X.; Zhu, F.; Zhu, J.; Lv, S.; Dong, Y.; Zhang, W.; Pang, Y.; Chu, F. Geological and oceanographic constraints on the deposit of ferromanganese nodules on the archipelagic aprons of seamounts. Mar. Geol. 2024, 542, 107400. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Zhu, W.; Liu, S. Heat flow and thermal structure of the South China Sea. Earth-Sci. Rev. 2025, 261, 105028. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
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MDPI and ACS Style
Liu, E.; Huang, Q.; Wei, J. Recent Developments and Advances in Geological Oceanography and Ocean Observation in the Pacific Ocean and Its Marginal Basins—2nd Edition. J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14, 465. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14050465
AMA Style
Liu E, Huang Q, Wei J. Recent Developments and Advances in Geological Oceanography and Ocean Observation in the Pacific Ocean and Its Marginal Basins—2nd Edition. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. 2026; 14(5):465. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14050465
Chicago/Turabian StyleLiu, Entao, Qiangtai Huang, and Jiangong Wei. 2026. "Recent Developments and Advances in Geological Oceanography and Ocean Observation in the Pacific Ocean and Its Marginal Basins—2nd Edition" Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 14, no. 5: 465. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14050465
APA StyleLiu, E., Huang, Q., & Wei, J. (2026). Recent Developments and Advances in Geological Oceanography and Ocean Observation in the Pacific Ocean and Its Marginal Basins—2nd Edition. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 14(5), 465. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14050465
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