Search Results (687)

The Shahejie Formation in Nanpu Sag is a crucial region for deep-layer hydrocarbon exploration in the Bohai Bay Basin. To address the impact of faults on sublacustrine fan formation and spatial distribution within the study area, this study integrated well logging, laboratory analysis, and 3D seismic data to systematically analyze sedimentary characteristics of sandbodies from the first member of the Shahejie Formation (Es₁) sublacustrine fans, clarifying their planar and cross-sectional distributions. Further research indicates that Gaoliu Fault activity during Es₁ deposition played a significant role in fan development through two mechanisms: (1) vertical displacement between hanging wall and footwall reshaped local paleogeomorphology; (2) tectonic stresses generated by fault movement affected slope stability, triggering gravitational mass transport processes that remobilized fan delta sediments into the central depression zone as sublacustrine fans through slumping and collapse mechanisms. Core observations reveal soft-sediment deformation features, including slump structures, flame structures, and shale rip-up clasts. Seismic profiles show lens-shaped geometries with thick centers thinning laterally, exhibiting lateral pinch-out terminations. Inverse fault-step architectures formed by underlying faults control sandbody distribution patterns, restricting primary deposition locations for sublacustrine fan development. The study demonstrates that sublacustrine fans in the study area are formed by gravity flow processes. A new model was established, illustrating the combined control of the Gaoliu Fault and reverse stepover faults on fan development. These findings provide valuable insights for gravity flow exploration and reservoir prediction in the Nanpu Sag, offering important implications for hydrocarbon exploration in similar lacustrine rift basins. Full article

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

Al-Mg-Si (6XXX) series aluminum alloys are widely applied in aerospace and transportation industries. However, exploring how varying compositions affect alloy properties and deformation mechanisms is often time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the complexity of the multicomponent composition space and the diversity of processing and heat treatments. This study, inspired by the Materials Genome Initiative, employs high-throughput experimentation—specifically the kinetic diffusion multiple (KDM) method—to systematically investigate how the pop-in effect, indentation size effect (ISE), and creep behavior vary with the composition of Al-Mg-Si alloys at room temperature. To this end, a 6016/Al-3Si/Al-1.2Mg/Al KDM material was designed and fabricated. After diffusion annealing at 530 °C for 72 h, two junction areas were formed with compositional and microstructural gradients extending over more than one thousand micrometers. Subsequent solution treatment (530 °C for 30 min) and artificial aging (185 °C for 20 min) were applied to simulate industrial processing conditions. Comprehensive characterization using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), nanoindentation with continuous stiffness measurement (CSM), and nanoindentation creep tests across these gradient regions revealed key insights. The results show that increasing Mg and Si content progressively suppresses the pop-in effect. When the alloy composition exceeds 1.0 wt.%, the pop-in events are nearly eliminated due to strong interactions between solute atoms and mobile dislocations. In addition, adjustments in the ISE enabled rapid evaluation of the strengthening contributions from Mg and Si in the microscale compositional array, demonstrating that the optimum strengthening occurs when the Mg-to-Si atomic ratio is approximately 1 under a fixed total alloy content. Furthermore, analysis of the creep stress exponent and activation volume indicated that dislocation motion is the dominant creep mechanism. Overall, this enhanced KDM method proves to be an effective conceptual tool for accelerating the study of composition–deformation relationships in Al-Mg-Si alloys. Full article

The Xiong’an New Area, a newly established national-level zone in China, faces the threat of land subsidence and ground fissure due to groundwater overexploitation and geothermal extraction, threatening urban safety. This study integrates time-series InSAR and GNSS monitoring to analyze spatiotemporal deformation patterns from 2017/05 to 2025/03. The key results show: (1) Three subsidence hotspots, namely northern Xiongxian (max. cumulative subsidence: 591 mm; 70 mm/yr), Luzhuang, and Liulizhuang, strongly correlate with geothermal wells and F4/F5 fault zones; (2) GNSS baseline analysis (e.g., XA01-XA02) reveals fissure-induced differential deformation (max. horizontal/vertical rates: 40.04 mm/yr and 19.8 mm/yr); and (3) InSAR–GNSS cross-validation confirms the high consistency of the results (Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.86). Subsidence in Xiongxian is driven by geothermal/industrial groundwater use, without any seasonal variations, while Anxin exhibits agricultural pumping-linked seasonal fluctuations. The use of rooftop GNSS stations reduces multipath effects and improves urban monitoring accuracy. The spatiotemporal heterogeneity stems from coupled resource exploitation and tectonic activity. We propose prioritizing rooftop GNSS deployments to enhance east–west deformation monitoring. This framework balances regional and local-scale precision, offering a replicable solution for geological risk assessments in emerging cities. Full article

Traps are central to petroleum exploration, where hydrocarbons accumulate during migration. Reservoirs are likewise an essential petroleum system element and serve as the primary medium for hydrocarbon storage. The buried hill is a geological formation highly favorable for reservoir development. However, the factors influencing hydrocarbon accumulation in buried hill reservoirs are highly diverse, especially in areas with complex, active fault systems. Fault systems play a dual role, both in the formation of reservoirs and in the migration of hydrocarbons. Therefore, understanding the impact of complex fault systems helps enhance the exploration success rate of buried hill traps and guide drilling deployment. In the Beibuwan Basin in the South China Sea, buried hill traps are key targets for deep-buried hydrocarbon exploration in this faulted basin. The low level of exploration and research in buried hills globally limits the understanding of hydrocarbon accumulation conditions, thereby hindering large-scale hydrocarbon exploration. By using drilling data, logging data, and seismic data, stress fields and tectonic faults were restored. There are two types of buried hills developed in the Beibuwan Basin, which were formed during the Late Ordovician-Silurian period and Permian-Triassic period, respectively. The tectonic genesis of the Late Ordovician-Silurian period buried hills belongs to magma diapirism activity, while the tectonic genesis of the Permian-Triassic period buried hills belongs to reverse thrust activity. The fault systems formed by two periods of tectonic activity were respectively altered into basement buried hills and limestone buried hills. The negative structural inversion controls the distribution and interior stratigraphic framework of the deformed Carboniferous strata in the limestone buried hill. The faults and derived fractures of the Late Ordovician-Silurian period and Permian-Triassic period promoted the diagenesis and erosion of these buried hills. The faults formed after the Permian-Triassic period are not conducive to calcite cementation, thus facilitating the preservation of the reservoir space formed earlier. The control of hydrocarbon accumulation by the fault system is reflected in two aspects: on the one hand, the early to mid-Eocene extensional faulting activity directly controlled the depositional process of lacustrine source rocks; on the other hand, the Late Eocene-Oligocene, which is closest to the hydrocarbon expulsion period, is the most effective fault activity period for connecting Eocene source rocks and buried hill reservoirs. This study contributes to understanding of the role of complex fault activity in the formation of buried hill traps within hydrocarbon-bearing basins. Full article

Underground blasting vibrations are a critical factor influencing the stability of mine slopes. However, existing studies have yet to establish a quantitative relationship or clarify the underlying mechanisms linking blasting-induced vibrations and slope deformation. Taking the Shilu Iron Mine as a case study, this research develops a dynamic mechanical response model of slope stability that accounts for blasting loads. By integrating slope radar remote sensing data and applying the Pearson correlation coefficient, this study quantitatively evaluates—for the first time—the correlation between underground blasting activity and slope surface deformation. The results reveal that blasting vibrations are characterized by typical short-duration, high-amplitude pulse patterns, with horizontal shear stress identified as the primary trigger for slope shear failure. Both elevation and lithological conditions significantly influence the intensity of vibration responses: high-elevation areas and structurally loose rock masses exhibit greater dynamic sensitivity. A pronounced lag effect in slope deformation was observed following blasting, with cumulative displacements increasing by 10.13% and 34.06% at one and six hours post-blasting, respectively, showing a progressive intensification over time. Mechanistically, the impact of blasting on slope stability operates through three interrelated processes: abrupt perturbations in the stress environment, stress redistribution due to rock mass deformation, and the long-term accumulation of fatigue-induced damage. This integrated approach provides new insights into slope behavior under blasting disturbances and offers valuable guidance for slope stability assessment and hazard mitigation. Full article

This study investigates ground deformations in the southeastern Po Plain (northern Italy), focusing on the Bologna area—a densely populated region affected by natural and anthropogenic subsidence. Ground deformations in the area result from geological processes (e.g., sediment compaction and tectonic activity) and human activities (e.g., ground water production and underground gas storage—UGS). We apply a multidisciplinary approach integrating subsurface geology, ground water production, advanced differential interferometry synthetic aperture radar—DInSAR, gas storage data, and land use information to characterize and analyze the spatial and temporal variations in vertical ground deformations. Seasonal and trend decomposition using loess (STL) and cluster analysis techniques are applied to historical DInSAR vertical time series, targeting three representatives areas close to the city of Bologna. The main contribution of the study is the attempt to correlate the lateral extension of ground water bodies with seasonal ground deformations and water production data; the results are validated via knowledge of the geological characteristics of the uppermost part of the Po Plain area. Distinct seasonal patterns are identified and correlated with ground water production withdrawal and UGS operations. The results highlight the influence of superficial aquifer characteristics—particularly the geometry, lateral extent, and hydraulic properties of sedimentary bodies—on the ground movements behavior. This case study outlines an effective multidisciplinary approach for subsidence characterization providing critical insights for risk assessment and mitigation strategies, relevant for the future development of CO₂ and hydrogen storage in depleted reservoirs and saline aquifers. Full article

Accurate prediction of landslide-induced displacement is essential for the structural integrity and operational safety of buildings and infrastructure situated in geologically unstable regions. This study introduces a novel hybrid predictive framework that synergistically integrates Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) with Temporal Convolutional Neural Networks (TCNs), herein referred to as the GTCN model, to forecast displacement at building monitoring points subject to landslide activity. The proposed methodology is validated using time-series monitoring data collected from the slope adjacent to the Zhongliang Reservoir in Wuxi County, Chongqing, an area where slope instability poses a significant threat to nearby structural assets. Experimental results demonstrate the GTCN model’s superior predictive performance, particularly under challenging conditions of incomplete or sparsely sampled data. The model proves highly effective in accurately characterizing both abrupt fluctuations within the displacement time series and capturing long-term deformation trends. Furthermore, the GTCN framework outperforms comparative hybrid models based on Gated Recurrent Units (GRUs) and GPR, with its advantage being especially pronounced in data-limited scenarios. It also exhibits enhanced capability for temporal feature extraction relative to conventional imputation-based forecasting strategies like forward-filling. By effectively modeling both nonlinear trends and uncertainty within displacement sequences, the GTCN framework offers a robust and scalable solution for landslide-related risk assessment and early warning applications. Its applicability to building safety monitoring underscores its potential contribution to geotechnical hazard mitigation and resilient infrastructure management. Full article

This study presents a scenario-based, two-dimensional flood modeling approach to assess the potential downstream impacts of a piping-induced dam failure triggered by seismic activity. The case study focuses on the Doğantepe Dam in northwestern Türkiye, located near an active branch of the North Anatolian Fault. Critical deformation zones were previously identified through PLAXIS 2D seismic analyses, which served as the physical basis for a dam break scenario. This scenario was modeled using the HEC-RAS 2D platform, incorporating high-resolution topographic data, reservoir capacity, and spatially varying Manning’s roughness coefficients. The simulation results show that the flood wave reaches downstream settlements within the first 30 min, with water depths exceeding 3.0 m in low-lying areas and flow velocities surpassing 6.0 m/s, reaching up to 7.0 m/s in narrow sections. Inundation extents and hydraulic parameters such as water depth and duration were spatially mapped to assess flood hazards. The study demonstrates that integrating physically based seismic deformation data with hydrodynamic modeling provides a realistic and applicable framework for evaluating flood risks and informing emergency response planning. Full article

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (S. sclerotiorum), a necrotrophic phytopathogen, causes sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) in many crops like oilseed rape, resulting in severe economic losses. Developing eco-friendly compound fungicides has become a critical research priority. This study explored the combination of sodium selenite and cuminic acid to screen for the optimal mixing ratio and investigate its inhibitory effects and mechanisms against S. sclerotiorum. The results demonstrated that synergistic effects were observed with a 1:3 combination ratio of sodium selenite to cuminic acid. After treatment with the selenium compound agent, ultrastructural observations revealed that the hyphae of S. sclerotiorum became severely shriveled, deformed, and twisted. The agent significantly reduced oxalic acid production and the activities of polymethylgalacturonide (PMG) and carboxymethylcellulose enzymes (Cx), while increasing the exocytosis of nucleic acids and proteins from the mycelium. Foliar application of the selenium compound agent significantly reduced lesion areas in rapeseed. Combined with the results of transcriptome sequencing, this study suggests that the compound agent effectively inhibits the growth of S. sclerotiorum by disrupting its membrane system, reducing the activity of cell wall-degrading enzymes, and suppressing protein synthesis, etc. This research provides a foundation for developing environmentally friendly and effective fungicides to control S. sclerotiorum. Full article

The objective of this study is to define groundwater management zones for a complex deformed and fissured Precambrian karst aquifer, which underlies one of the most important agricultural areas in the semi-arid region of Irecê, Bahia, Brazil. It is an unconfined aquifer, hundreds of meters thick, resulting from a large sequence of carbonates piled up by thrust faults during tectonic plate collisions. Groundwater recharge and flow in this aquifer are greatly influenced by karst features, through the high density of sinkholes and vertical wells. Over the past four decades, population and agricultural activities have increased in the region, resulting in unsustainable groundwater withdrawal and, at the same time, water quality degradation. Therefore, it is important to develop legal and environmental management strategies. This work proposes the division of the karst area into three well-defined management zones by mapping karst structures, land use, and urban occupation, as well as the concentrations of chloride and nitrate in the region’s groundwater. Zone 1 in the north possesses the lowest levels of karstification, anthropization, and contamination, while zone 2 in the central region has the highest levels and zone 3 in the south ranging in-between (except for stronger karstification). The delimitation of management zones will contribute to the development and implementation of optimized zone-specific groundwater preservation and restoration strategies. Full article

The Southern Lhasa Terrane, as the southernmost tectonic unit of the Eurasian continent, has long been a focal area in global geoscientific research due to its complex evolutionary history. The Yeba Formation exposed in this terrane comprises an Early–Middle Jurassic volcanic–sedimentary sequence that records multiphase tectonic deformation. This study applies structural analysis to identify three distinct phases of tectonic deformation in the Yeba Formation of the Southern Lhasa Terrane. The D₁ deformation is characterized by brittle–ductile shearing, as evidenced by the development of E-W-trending regional shear foliation (S₁). S₁ planes dip northward at angles of 27–87°, accompanied by steeply plunging stretching lineations (85–105°). Both south- and north-directed shear-rotated porphyroclasts are observed in the hanging wall. ⁴⁰Ar-³⁹Ar dating results suggest that the D₁ deformation occurred at ~79 Ma and may represent an extrusion-related structure formed under a back-arc compressional regime induced by the low-angle subduction of the Neo-Tethys Ocean plate. The D₂ deformation is marked by the folding of the pre-existing shear foliation (S₁), generating an axial planar cleavage (S₂). S₂ planes dip north or south with angles of 40–70° and fold hinges plunge westward or NWW. Based on regional tectonic evolution, it is inferred that the deformation may have resulted from sustained north–south compressional stress during the Late Cretaceous (79–70 Ma), which caused the overall upward extrusion of the southern Gangdese back-arc basin, leading to upper crustal shortening and thickening and subsequently initiating folding. The D₃ deformation is dominated by E-W-striking ductile shear zones. The regional shear foliation (S₃) exhibits a preferred orientation of 347°∠75°. Outcrop-scale ductile deformation indicators reveal a top-to-the-NW shear sense. Combined with regional tectonic evolution, the third-phase (D3) deformation is interpreted as a combined product of the transition from compression to lateral extension within the Lhasa terrane, associated with the activation of the Gangdese Central Thrust (GCT) and the uplift of the Gangdese batholith since ~25 Ma. Full article

Biomimetic lattice structures, inspired by natural architectures such as bone, coral, mollusk shells, and Euplectella aspergillum, have gained increasing attention for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, energy absorption, and deformation control. These properties make them ideal for advanced engineering applications in aerospace, biomedical devices, and structural impact protection. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research on biomimetic lattice structures published between 2020 and 2025, aiming to identify thematic trends, collaboration patterns, and underexplored areas. A curated dataset of 3685 publications was extracted from databases like PubMed, Dimensions, Scopus, IEEE, Google Scholar, and Science Direct and merged together. After the removal of duplication and cleaning, about 2226 full research articles selected for the bibliometric analysis excluding review works, conference papers, book chapters, and notes using Cite space, VOS viewer version 1.6.20, and Bibliometrix R packages (4.5. 64-bit) for mapping co-authorship networks, institutional affiliations, keyword co-occurrence, and citation relationships. A significant increase in the number of publications was found over the past year, reflecting growing interest in this area. The results identify China as the most prolific contributor, with substantial institutional support and active collaboration networks, especially with European research groups. Key research focuses include additive manufacturing, finite element modeling, machine learning-based design optimization, and the performance evaluation of bioinspired geometries. Notably, the integration of artificial intelligence into structural modeling is accelerating a shift toward data-driven design frameworks. However, gaps remain in geometric modeling standardization, fatigue behavior analysis, and the real-world validation of lattice structures under complex loading conditions. This study provides a strategic overview of current research directions and offers guidance for future interdisciplinary exploration. The insights are intended to support researchers and practitioners in advancing next-generation biomimetic materials with superior mechanical performance and application-specific adaptability. Full article

We inspected a sector of the Apennines (central–southern Italy) in geographic and structural continuity with the Quaternary-active extensional belt but where clear geomorphic and seismological signatures of normal faulting are unexpectedly missing. The evidence of active tectonics in this area, between Abruzzo and Molise, does not align with geodetic deformation data and the seismotectonic setting of the central Apennines. To investigate the apparent disconnection between active deformation and the absence of surface faulting in a sector where high lithologic erodibility and landslide susceptibility may hide its structural evidence, we combined multi-scale and multi-source data analyses encompassing morphometric analysis and remote sensing techniques. We utilised high-resolution topographic data to analyse the topographic pattern and investigate potential imbalances between tectonics and erosion. Additionally, we employed aerial-photo interpretation to examine the spatial distribution of morphological features and slope instabilities which are often linked to active faulting. To discern potential biases arising from non-tectonic (slope-related) signals, we analysed InSAR data in key sectors across the study area, including carbonate ridges and foredeep-derived Molise Units for comparison. The topographic analysis highlighted topographic disequilibrium conditions across the study area, and aerial-image interpretation revealed morphologic features offset by structural lineaments. The interferometric analysis confirmed a significant role of gravitational movements in denudating some fault planes while highlighting a clustered spatial pattern of hillslope instabilities. In this context, these instabilities can be considered a proxy for the control exerted by tectonic structures. All findings converge on the identification of an ~20 km long corridor, the Castel di Sangro–Rionero Sannitico alignment (CaS-RS), which exhibits varied evidence of deformation attributable to active normal faulting. The latter manifests through subtle and diffuse deformation controlled by a thick tectonic nappe made up of poorly cohesive lithologies. Overall, our findings suggest that the CaS-RS bridges the structural gap between the Mt Porrara–Mt Pizzalto–Mt Rotella and North Matese fault systems, potentially accounting for some of the deformation recorded in the sector. Our approach contributes to bridging the information gap in this complex sector of the Apennines, offering original insights for future investigations and seismic hazard assessment in the region. Full article

Acoustic metamaterials (AMs) are artificially structured materials composed of subwavelength units that enable acoustic phenomena not achievable with conventional materials and structures. This review defines and presents a distinct category referred to as soft acoustic metamaterials (SAMs), which use soft materials or reconfigurable structures to achieve enhanced acoustic functionality. These systems make use of the inherent flexibility of their materials or the deformability of their geometry to support passive, active, and adaptive functions. To capture this structural and functional diversity, we introduce a three-dimensional classification that considers geometry, acoustic control mechanisms, and functional responsiveness as interrelated aspects. The geometry is classified into two-dimensional metasurfaces and three-dimensional bulk structures. The control mechanisms include local resonance, phase modulation, attenuation, and structural reconfiguration. The response type refers to whether the system behaves passively, actively, or adaptively. Using this approach, we provide an overview of representative implementations and compare different design approaches to highlight their working principles and application areas. This review presents a structured classification for soft acoustic metamaterials and offers a foundation for future research, with broad potential in intelligent sound systems, wearable acoustics, and architectural applications. Full article