Search Results (339)

Mars has been a primary focus of planetary science, with significant advancements over the past two decades across disciplines including geological evolution, surface environment, and atmospheric and space science. However, the rapid growth of the related literature has rendered traditional manual review methods increasingly inadequate. This inadequacy is particularly evident in interdisciplinary research, which is often characterized by dispersed topics and complex semantics. To address this challenge, this study proposes an automated analysis framework based on natural language processing (NLP) to systematically review the Martian research in Earth and space science over the past two decades. The research database contains 151,196 Mars-related sentences extracted from 10,655 publications spanning 2001 to 2024. Using machine learning techniques, the framework clusters Mars-related sentences into semantically coherent groups and applies topic modeling to extract core research themes. It then analyzes their temporal evolution across the Martian solid, surface, atmosphere, and space environments. Finally, through sentiment analysis and semantic matching, it highlights unresolved scientific questions and potential directions for future research. This approach offers a novel perspective on the knowledge structure underlying Mars exploration and demonstrates the potential of NLP for large-scale literature analysis in planetary science. The findings potentially provide a structured foundation for building an interdisciplinary, peer-reviewed Mars knowledge base, which may inform future scientific research and mission planning. Full article

With the rapid increase in global lithium demand, the exploration of newly discovered lithium in the bauxite of the Wenshan area in southeastern Yunnan has become increasingly important. However, the current research on clay-type lithium in the Wenshan area has primarily focused on local exploration, and large-scale predictive metallogenic studies remain limited. To address this, this study utilized multi-source remote sensing data from ZY1-02D and ASTER, combined with ALOS 12.5 m DEM and Sentinel-2 imagery, to carry out remote sensing mineral identification, structural interpretation, and prospectivity mapping for clay-type lithium in the Wenshan area. This study indicates that clay-type lithium in the Wenshan area is controlled by NW, EW, and NE linear structures and are mainly distributed in the region from north of the Wenshan–Malipo fault to south of the Guangnan–Funing fault. High-value areas of iron-rich silicates and iron–magnesium minerals revealed by ASTER data indicate lithium enrichment, while montmorillonite and cookeite identification by ZY1-02D have strong indicative significance for lithium. Field verification samples show the highest Li₂O content reaching 11,150 μg/g, with six samples meeting the comprehensive utilization criteria for lithium in bauxite (Li₂O ≥ 500 μg/g) and also showing an enrichment of rare earth elements (REEs) and gallium (Ga). By integrating stratigraphic, structural, mineral identification, geochemical characteristics, and field verification data, ten mineral exploration target areas were delineated. This study validates the effectiveness of remote sensing technology in the exploration of clay-type lithium and provides an applicable workflow for similar environments worldwide. Full article

The increasing integration of 3D technologies and machine learning is fundamentally reshaping mineral sciences and cultural heritage, establishing the foundation for an emerging “Mineralogy 4.0” framework. However, public engagement with digital 3D collections is often limited by complex or costly interfaces, such as VR/AR systems and traditional touchscreen kiosks, creating a clear need for more intuitive, accessible, and more engaging and inclusive solutions. This paper presents PETRA, an open-source, gesture-controlled system for exploring 3D rocks and minerals. Developed in the TouchDesigner environment, PETRA utilizes a standard webcam and the MediaPipe framework to translate natural hand movements into real-time manipulation of digital specimens, requiring no specialized hardware. The system provides a customizable, node-based framework for creating touchless, interactive exhibits. Successfully evaluated during a “Long Night of Museums” public event with 550 visitors, direct qualitative observations confirmed high user engagement, rapid instruction-free learnability across diverse age groups, and robust system stability in a continuous-use setting. As a practical case study, PETRA demonstrates that low-cost, webcam-based gesture control is a viable solution for creating accessible and immersive learning experiences. This work offers a significant contribution to the fields of digital mineralogy, human–machine interaction, and cultural heritage by providing a hygienic, scalable, and socially engaging method for interacting with geological collections. This research confirms that as digital archives grow, the development of human-centered interfaces is paramount in unlocking their full scientific and educational potential. Full article

The Raohe subduction–accretion complex (RSAC) in the Wandashan Block, NE China, comprises ultramafic rocks, gabbro, mafic volcanic rocks, deep-sea and hemipelagic sediments, and trench–slope turbidites. We investigate the basalts within the RSAC to resolve debates on its origin. Zircon U-Pb dating of pillow basalt from Dadingzi Mountain yields a concordant age of 117.5 ± 2.1 Ma (MSWD = 3.6). Integrating previous studies, we identify three distinct basalt phases. The Late Triassic basalt (210 Ma–230 Ma) is characterized as komatites–melilitite, exhibiting features of island arc basalt, as well as some characteristics of E-MORB. It also contains high-magnesium lava, suggesting that it may be a product of a juvenile arc. The Middle Jurassic basalt (around 159 Ma–172 Ma) consists of a combination of basalt and magnesium andesite, displaying features of oceanic island basalt and mid-ocean ridge basalt. Considering the contemporaneous sedimentary rocks as hemipelagic continental slope deposits, it is inferred that these basalts were formed in an arc environment associated with oceanic subduction, likely as a result of subduction of the young oceanic crust. The Early Cretaceous basalt (around 117 Ma) occurs in pillow structures, exhibiting some characteristics of oceanic island basalt but also showing transitional features towards a continental arc. Considering the regional distribution of the rocks, it is inferred that this basalt likely formed in a back-arc basin. Integrating the formation ages, nature, and tectonic attributes of the various structural units within the RSAC, as well as previous research, it is inferred that subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean had already begun during the Late Triassic and continued into the Early Cretaceous without cessation. Full article

With the ongoing acceleration in urban development, the volume of construction and demolition waste continues to rise, while the availability of natural aggregates is steadily declining. Utilizing recycled aggregates in concrete has become a vital approach to fostering sustainability within the construction sector. This research develops a life cycle-based environmental impact evaluation model for recycled aggregate concrete, applying the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework. Through the eFootprint platform, a quantitative evaluation is carried out for C30-grade concrete containing varying levels of recycled aggregate replacement. Four replacement ratios of recycled coarse aggregate (30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%) were evaluated. The assessment includes six key environmental indicators: Global Warming Potential (GWP), Primary Energy Demand (PED), Abiotic Depletion Potential (ADP), Acidification Potential (AP), Eutrophication Potential (EP), and Respiratory Inorganics (RI). The findings reveal that higher substitution rates of recycled aggregate lead to noticeable reductions in RI, EP, and AP, indicating improved environmental performance. Conversely, slight increases are observed in GWP and PED, especially under long transport distances. Analysis of contributing factors and sensitivity indicates that cement manufacturing is the principal driver of these increases, contributing over 80% of the total GWP, PED, and ADP impacts, with aggregate transport as the next major contributor. This study offers methodological insights into the environmental evaluation of recycled aggregate concrete and supports the green design and development of low-carbon strategies in construction. Full article

This study empirically examines the impact of 30% alternative fuel (AF) adoption on the emission of CO₂ to the environment in the UAE cement industry. The researchers employed a quantitative method to robustly analyze secondary data obtained from the 12 cement manufacturing units of the UAE, the International Energy Agency (IEA), the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and peer-reviewed published papers. The researcher’s main focus was on data from 2018 to 2024 and aligned that with the UAE Green Agenda 2030. The data analysis was conducted through a well-known software, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), and tests like descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression were employed. The correlation analysis showed that there is a strong negative relationship between AF adoption and CO₂ emissions. The test also showed that the relationship is inverse, that is, increasing the adoption rate of AF lowers CO₂ emissions and thus positively impacts the environment. The Pearson correlation analysis (r = −0.82) showed a strong inverse relationship between the independent and dependent variables. This strong relationship was further revealed and confirmed by the regression analysis, and AF as an individual independent variable explained a 67% reduction in CO₂ emission (R² = 0.67), while a combination with mediating variables, such as economic incentives and the integration of advanced technologies, further increased the impact to 83%, where the explanatory power jumped to R² = 0.83 (p < 0.001). As the relationship is strongly inverse between the independent and dependent variables, this reinforces the hypothesis that AF adoption is a good strategy to decarbonize the production of cement and make the operations sustainable. Full article

Landslide prevention is crucial, particularly for protecting roads and infrastructure in rock landslide-prone areas. This global issue has garnered significant attention from researchers worldwide. This study addresses landslide prevention by modeling the factor of safety (FoS) for slope stability through the Geological Strength Index (GSI), limit equilibrium method (LEM), and finite element method (FEM). A GSI analysis was conducted using RocLab software version 1.0, and slope modeling was performed using RocScience SLIDE version 6.0 and RS2 version 11. The results revealed various cohesion and friction angles across six slopes, with Slope 5 exhibiting the highest FoS values (up to 3.27 with the FEM) and Slope 1 exhibiting the lowest (1.59 with the FEM). All slopes, designed with a uniform geometry, remained stable, exhibiting FoS values greater than 1.1. This study further provides an optimal slope design for the open pit in the andesite mining plan at Anugerah Berkah Sejahtera. These findings highlight the important role of accurate modeling in the assessment of slope stability. With a suggested safe slope height of 10 m and an angle of 80° (FoS = 1.62), slope stability analysis based on the factor of safety (FoS) showed that single slopes made of andesite maintain stability at steep angles. Claystone slopes, however, have a maximum slope height of 30 m at 20° (FoS = 1.27) and 27 m at 50° (FoS = 1.34), requiring more conservative geometries to maintain their stability. For an overall slope that comprises both rock types, a height of 30 m with a slope angle of 60° is recommended (FoS = 1.23) to ensure stability. The critical design condition for a claystone slope occurs at a height of 30 m with a slope angle of 50°, yielding a factor of safety (FoS) of 0.92, which indicates instability (FoS < 1.1). Similarly, a 35 m-high slope with a slope angle of 20° produced an FoS of 1.04, and a 35 m-high slope with a slope angle of 50° produced an FoS of 0.89, further confirming instability. For the overall slope configuration, instability occurs at a height of 30 m with a slope angle of 65° that produces an FoS of 1.09. Full article

The tectonic evolution of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean and the destruction mechanism of the North China Craton (NCC) are still controversial. In this study, we conducted zircon U-Pb dating, whole-rock geochemistry, and Sr-Nd-Hf isotope analyses on the Weiyuanpu mafic–ultramafic intrusions in the eastern segment of the northern margin of the NCC to discuss their petrogenesis and tectonic implications. The Weiyuanpu mafic–ultramafic intrusions consist of troctolite, hornblendite, hornblende gabbro, gabbro, and minor diorite, anorthosite, characterized by cumulate structure. The main crystallization sequence of minerals is olivine → pyroxene → magnetite → hornblende. The zircon U-Pb ages of hornblendite, hornblende grabbro, and diorite are ~170Ma. Geochemical characteristics exhibit low-K tholeiitic to calc-alkaline series, enriched in light rare-earth elements (LREE) and significant large-ion lithophile elements (LILE), and depleted in high-field-strength elements (HFSE). Sr-Nd isotopic compositions are I_Sr = 0.7043–0.7055, εNd(t) = −0.7 to +0.9, and zircon εHf (t) values range from +3.4 to +8.7. These results suggest that the source region was a phlogopite-bearing garnet lherzolite mantle metasomatized by subduction fluids. The study reveals that the northeastern margin of the NCC was in a back-arc extensional setting due to the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean during the Middle Jurassic, which caused lithosphere thinning and mantle melting in this region. Full article

Due to the lack of research on the temporal variation in As in the lower Yellow River and the extreme rainfall during the 2021 rainy season, this study aimed to investigate the As distribution patterns and their evolution driven by water level changes. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that As mobilization was predominantly controlled by redox conditions and mineral dissolution/desorption processes. The distribution of high-As water exhibited significant spatial variability, mainly located in the alluvial fan plain (14.97 μg/L) and marine-alluvial plain (22.5 μg/L). The average As concentrations in the study area decreased by 3.78 μg/L(11.55 μg/L in May and 7.77 μg/L in September). High-As groundwater was highly sensitive to water level fluctuations, while low-As groundwater was less affected. In the alluvial fan plain, As decreased with a 0–2 m groundwater level rise but increased when the level exceeded 4 m. A sedimentary zone–As distribution–water level sensitivity response model was proposed, which provides important reference value for developing groundwater exploitation and utilization plans. Full article

The Duobaoshan mineralization area in Heilongjiang Province is a key copper–molybdenum–gold polymetallic region in China. Its southeastern Fudiyingzi–Bacheli area, located at the intersection of the NW-trending copper and NE-trending gold belts, exhibits favorable mineralization conditions. Despite over 70 years of placer gold mining and the discovery of one small copper deposit and one gold deposit, the area remains underexplored with significant peripheral exploration potential. This study integrates 1:50,000 geological mapping, high-precision magnetic surveys, phase-induced polarization, and soil geochemistry through multi-source data fusion for comprehensive mineral prediction. Key steps include delineating Cu, Au, and Mo anomalies and analyzing their associations with Zn, Cd, Ag, As, etc.; inferring NE-, NW-, and near-EW-trending linear structures via magnetic boundary enhancement; dividing high/low resistivity zones and identifying nine significant and six weak phase anomalies using phase-induced polarization; establishing a mineralization model based on typical deposits; and delineating four priority exploration targets. These results provide a scientific basis for further exploration in shallow coverage areas. Full article

Natural history collections serve science and society in a variety of ways. Collections of geological, including paleontological, materials are of special importance in the 21st century, as they serve not only as repositories for scientific research specimens, but are also used in teaching, outreach, and engaging the public in science. These collections link us to our scientific, technological, and cultural history, and help to inspire the next generations of scientists and technologists. In addition, they provide inspiration for creative works. They also have an important role in informing public policy and national security, as geological materials are fundamental to the global economy. Examples from universities, museums, and government agencies in central Ohio, USA, help to illustrate the myriad ways that geological collections are relevant to modern society, and provide continuing, critical benefits. These examples reinforce the need to ensure the long-term support of collections. Full article

This study applies surveying and representation techniques to analyze the cavities of the Cumae site, an archeological park located in the Phlegraean Fields in the Campania region, providing a documentary basis for monitoring, maintenance, and enhancement efforts. The process core is the comparative management of the numerical models produced employing technologies such as laser scanning, photogrammetry, and structured light scanning, supported by a georeferenced topographical network. The 3D models produced are used for the extraction of ortho-planes and bidimensional drawings of the various cavities from which to initiate the procedures for redesigning and analyzing the entire artifact. Specific research carried out on the Antro della Sibilla enabled a detailed 3D description of the tuff-carved surfaces, helping the interpretation of the manufacture in the optic of consolidation and musealization interventions. The interdisciplinary approach employed, in which historical–archeological, geological–structural, and diagnostic sciences contributed correlatedly, ensures a comprehensive program of data representation. Full article

Natural gas hydrate (NGH hereafter), commonly known as combustible ice ((CH₄)n·mH₂O), is an abundant non-conventional clean energy resource. It is mainly located in permafrost areas and submarine sediment layers at depths of 0–200 m and 300~3000 m underwater. Submarine NGH accounts for about 97%. Its commercial mining may be a solution to mankind’s future energy problems, as well as the beginning of a series of geological risks. These risks can be divided into two categories: natural geological hazards and secondary geological accidents. Based on the viewpoints of Earth system science researchers, this paper discusses the main potential geo-hazards of submarine NGH mining: stratum subsidence, seafloor landslides, the greenhouse effect, sand piping, well blowout, and wellbore instability. To minimize the potential catastrophic impacts on the Earth’s ecosystem or mechanical accidents, corresponding technical precautions and policy suggestions have been put forward. Hopefully, this paper will provide a useful reference for the commercial mining of NGH. Full article

Landsat 8 Level 2 Collection 2 (L2C2) surface reflectance (SR) products are widely used in various scientific applications by the remote sensing community, where their accuracy is vital for reliable analysis. However, discrepancies have been observed at shorter wavelength bands, which can affect certain applications. This study investigates the root cause of these differences by analyzing the assumptions made in the Land Surface Reflectance Code (LaSRC), the atmospheric correction algorithm of Landsat 8, as currently implemented at United States Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science (USGS EROS), and proposes a correction method. To quantify these discrepancies, ground truth SR measurements from the Radiometric Calibration Network (RadCalNet) and Arable Mark 2 sensors were compared with the Landsat 8 SR. Additionally, the surface pressure measurements from RadCalNet and the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) were evaluated against the LaSRC-calculated surface pressure values. The findings reveal that the discrepancies arose from using a single scene center surface pressure for the entire Landsat 8 scene pixels. The pressure-related discrepancies were most pronounced in the coastal aerosol and blue bands, with greater deviations observed in regions where the elevation of the study area differed substantially from the scene center, such as Railroad Valley Playa (RVUS) and Baotao Sand (BSCN). To address this issue, an exponential correction model was developed, reducing the mean error in the coastal aerosol band for RVUS from 0.0226 to 0.0029 (about two units of reflectance), which can be substantial for dark vegetative and water targets. In the blue band, there is a smaller improvement in the mean error, from 0.0095 to −0.0032 (about half a unit of reflectance). For the green band, the reduction in error was much less due to the significantly lesser impact of aerosol on this band. Overall, this study underscores the need for a more precise estimation of surface pressure in LaSRC to enhance the reliability of Landsat 8 SR products in remote sensing applications. Full article

Under the adverse geological conditions of silty soft soil in coastal, lakeside, and river areas of countries worldwide, safety and quality during deep foundation pit construction are research challenges that researchers must overcome. Through 3D simulation, micro-finite element coupling modeling and construction site monitoring tests, this paper comprehensively analyzes the formation mechanism and causes of deep foundation pit foundation quality defects and diseases under the most unfavorable environment and multi-factor interference and puts forward scientific treatment suggestions. The research process accurately applies multidisciplinary coupling model research such as computer science, instrument science and technology, and material mechanics to solve the impact of multi-factor and uncertain environments on construction. The final research results provide sufficient theoretical and physical cases for improving the safety and stability of deep foundation pits under soft foundation conditions and provide rich practical specifications for the testing, monitoring and construction of similar projects; it provides a strong guarantee for the global deep foundation pit monitoring and early warning system under soft foundation conditions. Full article