Marine Geohazards: Characterization to Prediction

A special issue of Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (ISSN 2077-1312). This special issue belongs to the section "Geological Oceanography".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 June 2025 | Viewed by 3578

Special Issue Editors

Key Laboratory of Submarine Geosciences and Prospecting Techniques (MOE), Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
Interests: marine engineering geology; environmental geological hazards; seabed geofluids flow; gas hydrates; wave-seabed interaction
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Guest Editor
Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
Interests: marine geology; submarine landslides

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Guest Editor
Department of Marine Science and Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
Interests: submarine geohazards (slope instability, over-pressured structure, submarine volcanism, and associated tsunami) and resources (hydrocarbon and gas hydrate)
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are delighted to announce this Special Issue, entitled "Marine Geohazards: Characterization to Prediction", in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. This Special Issue aims to collate cutting-edge research and advancements in the field of marine geohazards.

Marine environments present unique challenges for engineering geologists and geohazard researchers. Understanding the geological processes specific to these environments is vital for the sustainable development of coastal infrastructure and the safeguarding of coastal communities. Despite these challenges, research in marine geohazards also presents significant opportunities. Technological advancements offer new possibilities for exploring and monitoring marine geological processes. Collaboration across disciplines and international borders further enhances our ability to tackle these challenges effectively.

We invite the submission of original research articles, reviews, and case studies that address various aspects of marine geohazards and related fields, including the following:

  • Identification and assessment of marine geohazards;
  • Impact of climate change on marine geohazards;
  • Case studies and lessons learned from marine geohazard events;
  • Advances in marine geohazard monitoring and prediction;
  • Advances in marine geological survey techniques;
  • Sediment dynamics and geotechnical properties;
  • Submarine landslides and slope stability;
  • Marine mineral resources and geohazards;
  • Development and application of prediction models for marine geohazards.

We encourage researchers, engineers, and practitioners to contribute to this Special Issue, where we aim to advance our understanding of marine geohazards and promote sustainable marine development practices.

Dr. Chaoqi Zhu
Prof. Dr. Kiichiro Kawamura
Prof. Dr. Qiliang Sun
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • marine geohazards
  • geohazard mitigation
  • marine engineering geology
  • climate change
  • hazard assessment
  • slope stability
  • engineering solutions
  • geological processes
  • sediment dynamics

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 28824 KiB  
Article
Multifactorial Controls on the Dongdaobei Submarine Canyon System, Xisha Sea, South China Sea
by Meijing Sun, Hongjun Chen, Chupeng Yang, Xiaosan Hu and Jie Liu
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(3), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13030564 - 14 Mar 2025
Viewed by 159
Abstract
The submarine canyons system is the most widely distributed geomorphic unit on the global continental margin. It is an important concept in the field of deep-water sedimentation and geohazards. Based on high-resolution multibeam bathymetry and two-dimensional seismic data, the dendritic canyon system north [...] Read more.
The submarine canyons system is the most widely distributed geomorphic unit on the global continental margin. It is an important concept in the field of deep-water sedimentation and geohazards. Based on high-resolution multibeam bathymetry and two-dimensional seismic data, the dendritic canyon system north of Dongdao island is studied at the eastern Xisha area of the South China Sea. The Dongdaobei submarine canyon is distributed in water depths between 1000 and 3150 m. The main source area in the upper course of the canyon originates from the northwest of Dongdao platform and the Yongxing platform. The sediments from the source area are transported to the main canyon in the form of various gravity flows. Landslides on the slope significantly impact canyon evolution by delivering sediment to the canyon head and causing channel deflection through substrate failure and flow-path reorganization. A large number of pockmarks are distributed around the north slope of the main canyon. The small-scale channels, which are formed as a result of the continuous erosion of the pockmark chains, are connected to the canyon sidewalls. The seamounts are distributed along the south bank of the canyon, exerting a controlling influence on the directional changes in the main canyon’s downstream segment. The formation and evolution of the Dongdaobei submarine canyon are primarily influenced by several factors, including tectonic activity and inherited negative topography, erosion by sedimentary gravity flows, sediment instability, and the shielding effect of seamounts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Geohazards: Characterization to Prediction)
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13 pages, 6501 KiB  
Article
Recognition of Underwater Engineering Structures Using CNN Models and Data Expansion on Side-Scan Sonar Images
by Xing Du, Yongfu Sun, Yupeng Song, Lifeng Dong, Changfei Tao and Dong Wang
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(3), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13030424 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 296
Abstract
Side-scan sonar (SSS) is a critical tool in marine geophysical exploration, enabling the detection of seabed structures and geological phenomena. However, the manual interpretation of SSS images is time-consuming and relies heavily on expertise, limiting its efficiency and scalability. This study addresses these [...] Read more.
Side-scan sonar (SSS) is a critical tool in marine geophysical exploration, enabling the detection of seabed structures and geological phenomena. However, the manual interpretation of SSS images is time-consuming and relies heavily on expertise, limiting its efficiency and scalability. This study addresses these challenges by employing deep learning techniques for the automatic recognition of SSS images and introducing Marine-PULSE, a specialized dataset focusing on underwater engineering structures. The dataset refines previous classifications by distinguishing four categories of objects: pipeline or cable, underwater residual mound, seabed surface, and engineering platform. A convolutional neural network (CNN) model based on GoogleNet architecture, combined with transfer learning, was applied to assess classification accuracy and the impact of data expansion. The results demonstrate a test accuracy exceeding 92%, with data expansion improving small-sample model performance by over 7%. Notably, mutual influence effects were observed between categories, with similar features enhancing classification accuracy and distinct features causing inhibitory effects. These findings highlight the importance of balanced datasets and effective data expansion strategies in overcoming data scarcity. This work establishes a robust framework for SSS image recognition, advancing applications in marine geophysical exploration and underwater object detection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Geohazards: Characterization to Prediction)
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16 pages, 39227 KiB  
Article
Submarine Slides and Their Influence on Gas Hydrate and Shallow Gas in the Pearl River Mouth Basin
by Jiapeng Jin, Jinzi Hu, Lixia Li, Jie Li, Zhenyu Zhu, Xiujuan Wang, Jilin Zhou and Wenlong Wang
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(2), 308; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13020308 - 7 Feb 2025
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Abstract
Submarine slides, gas hydrates, shallow gas, and volcanoes considered to be potential geohazards have been well delineated using three-dimensional (3D) seismic data and well log data in the Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea. Seismic characteristics, distribution maps, and controlling factors of [...] Read more.
Submarine slides, gas hydrates, shallow gas, and volcanoes considered to be potential geohazards have been well delineated using three-dimensional (3D) seismic data and well log data in the Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea. Seismic characteristics, distribution maps, and controlling factors of these geohazards have been well analyzed showing the influence of regional tectonics and sedimentary processes. Recently, shallow gas and gas hydrates are confirmed by drilling expeditions, which are considered important unconventional resources. Moreover, the mapped features of various geohazards show the spatial overlays and that they are connected each other. To delineate well the relationships between gas hydrates, shallow gas, and the potential geological features such as submarine slides, gas chimneys, faults, and volcanoes, the seismic attributes and interpretations are displayed using 3D seismic data to show the interplay between them. Gas hydrates and shallow gas occur and are widely distributed above sills, volcanoes, gas chimneys, and faults within the submarine slides and migrating canyon because large amount of hydrocarbon gas can migrate from the deep layer to the shallow layer along different pathways. This study aims to show the correlation among various geological bodies and their effects on shallow gas and gas hydrate distributions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Geohazards: Characterization to Prediction)
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14 pages, 6702 KiB  
Article
Study on the Occurrence of Double Bottom Simulating Reflectors in the Makran Accretionary Zone
by Jiangxin Chen, Wenyu Zhao, Siyou Tong, Leonardo Azevedo, Nengyou Wu, Bin Liu, Huaning Xu, Jianming Gong, Jing Liao, Jie Liang, Dongxu Luo and Yu Fu
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(1), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13010068 - 2 Jan 2025
Viewed by 630
Abstract
A Bottom Simulating Reflector (BSR) is a seismic feature closely related to marine gas hydrate as it is usually regarded as the seismic response of the base of the gas hydrate stability zone in seismic profiles. BSRs are widely distributed in the Makran [...] Read more.
A Bottom Simulating Reflector (BSR) is a seismic feature closely related to marine gas hydrate as it is usually regarded as the seismic response of the base of the gas hydrate stability zone in seismic profiles. BSRs are widely distributed in the Makran accretionary wedge, and double BSRs are observed at some locations. Double BSRs usually appear on seismic profiles as two layers of BSRs located at distinct depths but with large lateral seismic amplitude variations. Based on the multi-channel seismic reflection data acquired over the Makran accretionary wedge, this work studies the origin of the double BSR in the Makran accretionary wedge and its association with fluid escape events. Our modeling suggests that double BSRs correspond to both the paleo-seafloor and modern seafloor caused by late sedimentary activities. Also, the residual paleo-BSR migrates upward due to the increase in local geothermal gradient caused by diapirs and gas chimney thermal fluids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Geohazards: Characterization to Prediction)
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Review

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17 pages, 2973 KiB  
Review
Review of Research Progress on the Influence of Groundwater Discharge on Seabed Stability
by Zhentian Jia, Hongxian Shan, Hanlu Liu, Zhengrong Zhang, Long Jiang, Siming Wang, Yonggang Jia and Yongzheng Quan
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(3), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13030560 - 13 Mar 2025
Viewed by 191
Abstract
Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) refers to the flow of groundwater that enters seawater through the seabed surface at the edge of the coastal shelf. During this discharge process, seepage and initiation can easily trigger seabed instability, which significantly influences the breeding, occurrence, and [...] Read more.
Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) refers to the flow of groundwater that enters seawater through the seabed surface at the edge of the coastal shelf. During this discharge process, seepage and initiation can easily trigger seabed instability, which significantly influences the breeding, occurrence, and evolution of marine geological events. The narrow distribution of land near the coastline and the substantial flux of groundwater discharge are closely associated with typical seabed geological events, such as submarine landslides and collapse pits, which are prevalent in the sea area. This paper analyzes the current research status of SGD both domestically and internationally, elucidates the interaction mechanisms between groundwater discharge and the seabed, and integrates existing studies on discharge-induced slope instability, collapse pit formation, and seabed erosion and resuspension. It summarizes and evaluates the existing research on the influence of seabed groundwater discharge on the evolution of seabed geological structures, identifies key scientific problems that urgently need to be addressed, and proposes future research directions that require further emphasis. Additionally, the paper conducts research on the mechanisms by which groundwater discharge affects seabed stability, providing valuable insights for the study of coastal zones in China. It also offers a scientific basis for enhancing the understanding of the generation mechanisms of marine geological events and improving the technological capabilities for their prevention and control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Geohazards: Characterization to Prediction)
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21 pages, 2950 KiB  
Review
The Main Geohazards in the Russian Sector of the Arctic Ocean
by Artem A. Krylov, Daria D. Rukavishnikova, Mikhail A. Novikov, Boris V. Baranov, Igor P. Medvedev, Sergey A. Kovachev, Leopold I. Lobkovsky and Igor P. Semiletov
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(12), 2209; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12122209 - 2 Dec 2024
Viewed by 923
Abstract
The Arctic region, including vast shelf zones, has enormous resource and transport potential and is currently key to Russia’s strategic development. This region is promising and attractive for the intensification of global economic activity. When developing this region, it is very important to [...] Read more.
The Arctic region, including vast shelf zones, has enormous resource and transport potential and is currently key to Russia’s strategic development. This region is promising and attractive for the intensification of global economic activity. When developing this region, it is very important to avoid emergency situations that could result in numerous negative environmental and socio-economic consequences. Therefore, when designing and constructing critical infrastructure facilities in the Arctic, it is necessary to conduct high-quality studies of potential geohazards. This paper reviews and summarizes the scattered information on the main geohazards in the Russian sector of the Arctic Ocean, such as earthquakes, underwater landslides, tsunamis, and focused fluid discharges (gas seeps), and discusses patterns of their spatial distribution and possible relationships with the geodynamic setting of the Arctic region. The study revealed that the main patterns of the mutual distribution of the main geohazards of the Russian sector of the Arctic seas are determined by both the modern geodynamic situation in the region and the history of the geodynamic evolution of the Arctic, namely the formation of the spreading axis and deep-sea basins of the Arctic Ocean. The high probability of the influence of seismotectonic activity on the state of subsea permafrost and massive methane release is emphasized. This review contributes toward better understanding and progress in the zoning of seismic and other geological hazards in the vast Arctic seas of Russia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Geohazards: Characterization to Prediction)
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