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Recent Developments and Advances in Geological Oceanography and Ocean Observation...
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Recent Developments and Advances in Geological Oceanography and Ocean Observation in the Pacific Ocean and Its Marginal Basins—2nd Edition

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: 20 September 2025 | Viewed by 4120

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Entao Liu

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Guest Editor
Hubei Key Laboratory of Marine Geological Resources, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: marine geology; sedimentology; South China Sea
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Qiangtai Huang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Interests: tectonic evolution of oceanic lithosphere; basin sedimentation and hydrocarbon accumulation in deep water area of the South China Sea
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jiangong Wei

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
MLR Key Laboratory of Marine Mineral Resources, Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, Guangzhou 510075, China
Interests: natural gas hydrate (NGH); marine geology and geophysics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Journal of Marine Science and Engineering is pleased to announce a Special Issue entitled “Recent Developments and Advances in Geological Oceanography and Ocean Observation in the Pacific Ocean and Its Marginal Basins—2nd Edition”, which is based on the great success of our previous Special Issue with the same title.

The Pacific Ocean, the largest and deepest ocean on our planet, holds pivotal importance for marine geology and oceanography studies. We are pleased to invite researchers and scholars to contribute to a comprehensive and enlightening compilation of the recent advancements and breakthroughs in the field of geological oceanography and ocean observation, specifically focusing on the Pacific Ocean and its marginal basins. This upcoming research collection aims to highlight the latest findings, methodologies, and applications in the study of geological features, processes, and observations within this vast marine realm. It seeks to explore the dynamic nature and mineral resources (e.g., oil, gas, gas hydrate, shallow gas) of the Pacific Ocean and its marginal seas through sedimentology, geochemistry, geophysics, marine biology, and oceanography. Join us in exploring and discussing the recent developments and advances in geological oceanography and ocean observation in the Pacific Ocean and its marginal basins. This collaborative effort will undoubtedly contribute to expanding our knowledge base and shaping the future of scientific research in marine geology and oceanography.

Potential topics of interest for paper submissions may include, but are certainly not limited to, the following:

  1. Tectonic evolution and sedimentary evolution in the Pacific Ocean and its marginal basins;
  2. Exploration of hydrocarbon resources (e.g., oil, gas, gas hydrate, shallow gas) and mineral resources (manganese nodules) in the Pacific Ocean and its marginal basins;
  3. Submarine volcanic and hydrothermal activities in the Pacific Ocean and its marginal basins;
  4. Sedimentation, provenance analysis, and depositional processes in the Pacific Ocean and its marginal basins;
  5. Advances in petroleum exploration and development technology, drilling technology, and rock deformation;
  6. Advances in ocean observation techniques, including autonomous vehicles and remote sensing technologies;
  7. Climate change impacts and their implications for the Pacific Ocean and its surrounding regions;
  8. Marine chemistry and biogeochemical cycles in the Pacific Ocean;
  9. Studies on the paleoceanography of the Pacific Ocean and its implications for future climate scenarios;
  10. Deep-sea sedimentology and source-to-sink processes.

Dr. Entao Liu
Prof. Dr. Qiangtai Huang
Dr. Jiangong Wei
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

  • sedimentary evolution
  • hydrocarbon exploration
  • tectonic evolution
  • ocean observation
  • marine chemistry
  • Pacific Ocean
  • oil and gas exploration
  • source to sink
  • numerical simulation

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 31769 KiB  
Article
Orbital-Scale Modulation of the Middle Miocene Third-Order Eustatic Sequences from the Northern South China Sea
by Haichun Xu, Nan Wu, Xinyan Xu, Bo Yu and Ke Xu
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(5), 921; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13050921 - 7 May 2025
Viewed by 146
Abstract
The Miocene Hanjiang Formation (HJF) is a remarkable exploration target in the Pearl River Mouth Basin (PRMB). However, challenges such as bias in current sequence stratigraphic schemes, limitations in high-resolution stratigraphic schemes, and incomplete understanding of genetic mechanisms may present obstacles for refining [...] Read more.
The Miocene Hanjiang Formation (HJF) is a remarkable exploration target in the Pearl River Mouth Basin (PRMB). However, challenges such as bias in current sequence stratigraphic schemes, limitations in high-resolution stratigraphic schemes, and incomplete understanding of genetic mechanisms may present obstacles for refining hydrocarbon exploration strategies. This study integrates gamma ray (GR) logging data, lithological variations, sequence stratigraphy, and cyclostratigraphy to delineate connections between sequence stratigraphy and astronomical forcing. The analysis utilizes gamma-ray logging data from boreholes LFA (1250–1960 m) and LFB (1070–1955 m) in the HJF. We constructed an absolute astronomical time scale anchored at the HJF’s top boundary (10.221 ± 0.4 Ma), identifying 6 third-order sequences through detailed analysis. Notably, 18 long-eccentricity cycles (405 kyr) and distinctive 1.2-Myr obliquity modulation signals were detected in the stratigraphic record. Our study demonstrates distinct connection between third-order sequence boundaries and the 1.2-Myr obliquity cycles, congruent with both global eustatic sea-level fluctuations and regional sea-level changes in the PRMB. The integration of cyclostratigraphic methods with sequence stratigraphic analysis proves particularly valuable for objective stratigraphic subdivision and understanding third-order sequence evolution in the divergent continental margin settings of the South China Sea. This approach enhances temporal resolution on a regional scale while revealing astronomical forcing mechanisms governing sedimentary cyclicity. Full article
(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)
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17 pages, 7857 KiB  
Article
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
by Xue Yan, Nan Wu, Jun Gan, Yang Tian, Xiaofeng Xiong, Yong Feng and Gaokun Zuo
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(4), 774; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13040774 - 14 Apr 2025
Viewed by 305
Abstract
The deep-water area of the Qiongdongnan basin is currently a hot topic for exploration. The discovery of gas fields in the Baodao sag confirms its abundant oil and gas resources and potential, making it of significant economic and strategic importance. The complexity of [...] Read more.
The deep-water area of the Qiongdongnan basin is currently a hot topic for exploration. The discovery of gas fields in the Baodao sag confirms its abundant oil and gas resources and potential, making it of significant economic and strategic importance. The complexity of sedimentary structural evolution within the Baodao sag makes the process of oil and gas accumulation in the area extremely complex, and the law of natural gas enrichment is difficult to grasp, resulting in unclear exploration directions. Therefore, this study focuses on the third member of the Lingshui Formation in the Paleogene of the Baodao sag. Based on the abundant thin section, scanning electron microscopy, 3D seismic and geochemical analysis data in the area, through analyzing the density of natural gas, the proportion of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon components, the dryness coefficient carbon, and the isotopic characteristics, combined with the deep natural gas genesis discrimination chart, the types and genesis types of natural gas and organic matter in the sag are clarified. In addition, combined with the package and BasinMod 2009 software, the filling period and reservoir-filling process were clarified and restored. At the same time, the reservoir formation characteristics of the different fault-step zones inside the sag were dissected and the primary and secondary migration of natural gas were analyzed in order to clarify the types and characteristics of different fault-step zone transport systems. Finally, the research findings indicate that there are two reservoir formation modes developed within the depression, as follows: “multiple hydrocarbon generation and control sources—continuous vertical control of large faults—lateral sand body convergence (T + Z-type transport)—multiple cap layer closure” and “mixed-source hydrocarbon supply—continuous vertical control of large faults—short lateral sand body convergence (Z-type transport)—multiple cap layer closure”, providing an important basis for the next exploration of the basin. Full article
(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)
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15 pages, 6244 KiB  
Article
Detailed Investigation of Cobalt-Rich Crusts in Complex Seamount Terrains Using the Haima ROV: Integrating Optical Imaging, Sampling, and Acoustic Methods
by Yonghang Li, Huiqiang Yao, Zongheng Chen, Lixing Wang, Haoyi Zhou, Shi Zhang and Bin Zhao
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(4), 702; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13040702 - 1 Apr 2025
Viewed by 336
Abstract
The remotely operated vehicle (ROV), a vital deep-sea platform, offers key advantages, including operational duration via continuous umbilical power, high task adaptability, and zero human risk. It has become indispensable for deep-sea scientific research and marine engineering. To enhance surveys of cobalt-rich crusts [...] Read more.
The remotely operated vehicle (ROV), a vital deep-sea platform, offers key advantages, including operational duration via continuous umbilical power, high task adaptability, and zero human risk. It has become indispensable for deep-sea scientific research and marine engineering. To enhance surveys of cobalt-rich crusts (CRCs) on complex seamount terrains, the 4500-m-class Haima ROV integrates advanced payloads, such as underwater positioning systems, multi-angle cameras, multi-functional manipulators, subsea shallow drilling systems, sediment samplers, and acoustic crust thickness gauges. Coordinated control between deck monitoring and subsea units enables stable multi-task execution within single dives, significantly improving operational efficiency. Survey results from Caiwei Guyot reveal the following: (1) ROV-collected data were highly reliable, with high-definition video mapping CRCs distribution across varied terrains. Captured crust-bearing rocks weighed up to 78 kg, drilled cores reached 110 cm, and acoustic thickness measurements had a 1–2 cm margin of error compared to in situ cores; (2) Video and cores analysis showed summit platforms (3–5° slopes) dominated by tabular crusts with gravel-type counterparts, summit margins (5–10° slopes) hosting gravel crusts partially covered by sediment, and steep slopes (12–15° slopes) exhibiting mixed crust types under sediment coverage. Thicker crusts clustered at summit margins (14 and 15 cm, respectively) compared to thinner crusts on platforms and slopes (10 and 7 cm, respectively). The Haima ROV successfully investigated CRC resources in complex terrains, laying the groundwork for seamount crust resource evaluations. Future advancements will focus on high-precision navigation and control, high-resolution crust thickness measurement, optical imaging optimization, and AI-enhanced image recognition. Full article
(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)
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19 pages, 38097 KiB  
Article
Sediment Provenance and Facies Analysis of the Huagang Formation in the Y-Area of the Central Anticlinal Zone, Xihu Sag, East China Sea
by Xiao Ma, Wei Yan, Yi Yang, Ru Sun, Yue Chao, Guoqing Zhang, Chao Yang, Shudi Zhang, Dapeng Su, Guangxue Zhang and Hong Xu
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(3), 520; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13030520 - 9 Mar 2025
Viewed by 509
Abstract
Recent breakthrough exploration wells in the Huagang Formation in the Y-area of the central anticlinal zone of the Xihu Sag have confirmed the significant exploration potential of structure–lithology complex hydrocarbon reservoirs. However, limited understanding of the provenance system, sedimentary facies, and microfacies has [...] Read more.
Recent breakthrough exploration wells in the Huagang Formation in the Y-area of the central anticlinal zone of the Xihu Sag have confirmed the significant exploration potential of structure–lithology complex hydrocarbon reservoirs. However, limited understanding of the provenance system, sedimentary facies, and microfacies has hindered further progress in complex hydrocarbon exploration. Analysis of high-precision stratigraphic sequences and seismic facies data, mudstone core color, grain-size probability cumulative curves, core facies, well logging facies, lithic type, the heavy-mineral ZTR index, and conglomerate combinations in drilling sands reveals characteristics of the source sink system and provenance direction. The Huagang Formation in the Y-area represents an overall continental fluvial delta sedimentary system that evolved from a braided river delta front deposit into a meandering river channel large-scale river deposit. The results indicate that the primary provenance of the Huagang Formation in the Y-area of the Xihu Sag is the long-axis provenance of the Hupi Reef bulge in the northeast, with supplementary input from the short-axis provenance of the western reef bulge. Geochemical analysis of wells F1, F3, and G in the study area suggests that the prevailing sedimentary environment during the period under investigation was characterized by anoxic conditions in nearshore shallow waters. This confirms previous research indicating strong tectonic reversal in the northeast and a small thickness of the central sand body unrelated to the flank slope provenance system. The aforementioned findings deviate from conventional understanding and will serve as a valuable point of reference for future breakthroughs in exploration. Full article
(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)
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25 pages, 8170 KiB  
Article
Linking Volcanism, Hydrothermal Venting, and Ordovician/Silurian Marine Organic-Rich Sediments in the Eastern Sichuan Basin, Southwest China
by Shaojie Li, Zhou Zhu, Qilin Xiao, Suyang Cai and Huan Li
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(3), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13030483 - 28 Feb 2025
Viewed by 566
Abstract
The Ordovician/Silurian boundary (Wufeng/Longmaxi formations) in the Shizhu region, eastern Sichuan Basin, China hosts organic-rich black shales which are frequently interbedded with bentonite and hydrothermal minerals (e.g., pyrite). This study investigated the mineralogical, total organic carbon (TOC), total sulfur (TS), and major and [...] Read more.
The Ordovician/Silurian boundary (Wufeng/Longmaxi formations) in the Shizhu region, eastern Sichuan Basin, China hosts organic-rich black shales which are frequently interbedded with bentonite and hydrothermal minerals (e.g., pyrite). This study investigated the mineralogical, total organic carbon (TOC), total sulfur (TS), and major and trace element compositions of organic-rich samples. Non-visible volcanic input is identified to influence organic matter accumulation, as shown by the correlations between TOC and proxies, including Zr and Hf contents and the Cr/Al2O3, V/Al2O3, Ni/Al2O3, and SiO2/Al2O3 ratios. Redox indicators (V/Cr, v/v + Ni, degree of pyritization (DOP), U/Th, and Mo contents) display positive correlations with TOC values, suggesting that an oxygen-depleted environment is necessary for organic matter (OM) preservation. The TOC values exhibit better regression coefficients (R2) against redox indicators, including DOP (0.43), U/Th (0.70), and Mo contents (0.62), than V/Cr (0.16) and v/v + Ni (0.21). This may because some V, Cr, and Ni is hosted in non-volcanic ashes within shales but not inherited from contemporaneous water columns. The greater scatter in TOC-DOP and TOC-Mo relative to TOC-U/Th relations may result from hydrothermal venting in shales, evidenced by the coexistence of framboid and euhedral pyrite and the previous finding of hydrothermally altered dolomites in the studied sections. There is no systematic relation between TOC and Ni/Co ratios, and this means that portions of Ni are contributed by non-visible volcanic ashes and Ni and Co are redistributed during the precipitation of hydrothermal pyrites due to their strong chalcophile affinities. Such a feature may further suggest that most pyrites are precipitated during hydrothermal venting. The DOP displays broad correlations with non-visible volcanic indicators, supporting that hydrothermal venting may be triggered by volcanic activities. The outcomes of this study highlight that caution is necessary when evaluating the sedimentary facies features of volcanism-affected organic-rich black shales with the used metallic proxies. Full article
(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)
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22 pages, 22723 KiB  
Article
Mesozoic–Paleozoic Structural Characteristics and Their Controlling Effects on Oil and Gas in the Kongnan Area of Bohai Bay Basin
by Daicheng Peng, Dong Yang, Fei Cheng, Xiaoyu She, Ze Tao and Yukun Liu
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(2), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13020232 - 26 Jan 2025
Viewed by 842
Abstract
The Bohai Bay Basin is a typical marginal basin with complex internal structures and abundant oil and gas resources, exhibiting unique marine geological characteristics and processes. Based on seismic profile interpretation and balanced cross-section techniques, this paper presents a comprehensive systematic study of [...] Read more.
The Bohai Bay Basin is a typical marginal basin with complex internal structures and abundant oil and gas resources, exhibiting unique marine geological characteristics and processes. Based on seismic profile interpretation and balanced cross-section techniques, this paper presents a comprehensive systematic study of the structural combination and tectonic evolution of the Neo-Mesozoic–Cenozoic superimposed basin in the southern Bohai Bay Basin. The research findings indicate that the area exhibits four types of structural properties, including compression, extension, strike-slip, and thrust structures, along with thirteen fundamental styles. Building upon this foundation, research has been conducted on the tectonic evolution and formation processes during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras. Based on the effective correlation between hydrocarbon generation and tectonic evolution phases, a three-phase model was proposed as “early anticline-controlled oil accumulation-primary reservoir formation, mid-stage fault adjustment-secondary reservoir formation, late-stage block modification-multiple phase petroleum accumulation”. Our model explains the composite reservoir system in the Neogene–Mesozoic era, characterized by multiple-stage structural oil and gas accumulation, coexistence of primary and secondary hydrocarbon, and various types of oil and gas reservoirs. This study elucidates the controlling effects of structural characteristics and evolution on oil and gas accumulation under marine geological conditions, providing a theoretical basis for the efficient development of oil and gas resources in marginal basins. Full article
(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)
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14 pages, 4536 KiB  
Article
Numerical Simulation of Seismoacoustic Wave Transformation at Sea–Land Interface
by Grigory Dolgikh, Mikhail Bolsunovskii, Denis Zharkov, Ruslan Zhostkov, Dmitriy Presnov, Andrey Razin and Andrey Shurup
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(12), 2112; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12122112 - 21 Nov 2024
Viewed by 791
Abstract
This study considers seismoacoustic wave propagation through the land–sea interface, i.e., in the presence of a coastal wedge, taking into account the real bottom bathymetry. It is of interest in the problems of coastal monitoring and environmental studies. An effective numerical model based [...] Read more.
This study considers seismoacoustic wave propagation through the land–sea interface, i.e., in the presence of a coastal wedge, taking into account the real bottom bathymetry. It is of interest in the problems of coastal monitoring and environmental studies. An effective numerical model based on the finite element method is proposed and implemented. An approximate analytical solution in the fluid and an asymptotic analytical solution for the surface seismic wave on the shore are considered to validate the numerical model. It is shown that in field experiment conditions the hydroacoustic signal generated by an underwater source with a power of ~200 W is transformed into a seismic wave on the shore with an amplitude of units of nanometers at distances of several kilometers, which can be measured by a sensitive sensor. An extensive series of numerical simulations with different model parameters was performed, which allowed us to evaluate the most appropriate propagation medium parameters to match the observed and calculated data. Full article
(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)
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