Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (382)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = geological site effects

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
25 pages, 2682 KiB  
Article
A Semi-Automated, Hybrid GIS-AI Approach to Seabed Boulder Detection Using High Resolution Multibeam Echosounder
by Eoin Downing, Luke O’Reilly, Jan Majcher, Evan O’Mahony and Jared Peters
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(15), 2711; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17152711 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
The detection of seabed boulders is a critical step in mitigating geological hazards during the planning and construction of offshore wind energy infrastructure, as well as in supporting benthic ecological and palaeoglaciological studies. Traditionally, side-scan sonar (SSS) has been favoured for such detection, [...] Read more.
The detection of seabed boulders is a critical step in mitigating geological hazards during the planning and construction of offshore wind energy infrastructure, as well as in supporting benthic ecological and palaeoglaciological studies. Traditionally, side-scan sonar (SSS) has been favoured for such detection, but the growing availability of high-resolution multibeam echosounder (MBES) data offers a cost-effective alternative. This study presents a semi-automated, hybrid GIS-AI approach that combines bathymetric position index filtering and a Random Forest classifier to detect boulders and delineate boulder fields from MBES data. The method was tested on a 0.24 km2 site in Long Island Sound using 0.5 m resolution data, achieving 83% recall, 73% precision, and an F1-score of 77—slightly outperforming the average of expert manual picks while offering a substantial improvement in time-efficiency. The workflow was validated against a consensus-based master dataset and applied across a 79 km2 study area, identifying over 75,000 contacts and delineating 89 contact clusters. The method enables objective, reproducible, and scalable boulder detection using only MBES data. Its ability to reduce reliance on SSS surveys while maintaining high accuracy and offering workflow customization makes it valuable for geohazard assessment, benthic habitat mapping, and offshore infrastructure planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Remote Sensing)
Show Figures

Figure 1

38 pages, 6652 KiB  
Review
Remote Sensing Perspective on Monitoring and Predicting Underground Energy Sources Storage Environmental Impacts: Literature Review
by Aleksandra Kaczmarek and Jan Blachowski
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(15), 2628; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17152628 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 302
Abstract
Geological storage is an integral element of the green energy transition. Geological formations, such as aquifers, depleted reservoirs, and hard rock caverns, are used mainly for the storage of hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and increasingly hydrogen. However, potential adverse effects such as ground movements, [...] Read more.
Geological storage is an integral element of the green energy transition. Geological formations, such as aquifers, depleted reservoirs, and hard rock caverns, are used mainly for the storage of hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and increasingly hydrogen. However, potential adverse effects such as ground movements, leakage, seismic activity, and environmental pollution are observed. Existing research focuses on monitoring subsurface elements of the storage, while on the surface it is limited to ground movement observations. The review was carried out based on 191 research contributions related to geological storage. It emphasizes the importance of monitoring underground gas storage (UGS) sites and their surroundings to ensure sustainable and safe operation. It details surface monitoring methods, distinguishing geodetic surveys and remote sensing techniques. Remote sensing, including active methods such as InSAR and LiDAR, and passive methods of multispectral and hyperspectral imaging, provide valuable spatiotemporal information on UGS sites on a large scale. The review covers modelling and prediction methods used to analyze the environmental impacts of UGS, with data-driven models employing geostatistical tools and machine learning algorithms. The limited number of contributions treating geological storage sites holistically opens perspectives for the development of complex approaches capable of monitoring and modelling its environmental impacts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Environmental Remote Sensing and GIS)
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 2779 KiB  
Article
Seismic Response Analysis of a Six-Story Building in Sofia Using Accelerograms from the 2012 Mw5.6 Pernik Earthquake
by Lyubka Pashova, Emil Oynakov, Ivanka Paskaleva and Radan Ivanov
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8385; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158385 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 285
Abstract
On 22 May 2012, a magnitude Mw 5.6 earthquake struck the Pernik region of western Bulgaria, causing structural damage in nearby cities, including Sofia. This study assesses the seismic response of a six-story reinforced concrete building in central Sofia, utilizing real accelerogram data [...] Read more.
On 22 May 2012, a magnitude Mw 5.6 earthquake struck the Pernik region of western Bulgaria, causing structural damage in nearby cities, including Sofia. This study assesses the seismic response of a six-story reinforced concrete building in central Sofia, utilizing real accelerogram data recorded at the basement (SGL1) and sixth floor (SGL2) levels during the earthquake. Using the Kanai–Yoshizawa (KY) model, the study estimates inter-story motion and assesses amplification effects across the structure. Analysis of peak ground acceleration (PGA), velocity (PGV), displacement (PGD), and spectral ratios reveals significant dynamic amplification of peak ground acceleration and displacement on the sixth floor, indicating flexible and dynamic behavior, as well as potential resonance effects. The analysis combines three spectral techniques—Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (H/V), Floor Spectral Ratio (FSR), and the Random Decrement Method (RDM)—to determine the building’s dynamic characteristics, including natural frequency and damping ratio. The results indicate a dominant vibration frequency of approximately 2.2 Hz and damping ratios ranging from 3.6% to 6.5%, which is consistent with the typical damping ratios of mid-rise concrete buildings. The findings underscore the significance of soil–structure interaction (SSI), particularly in sedimentary basins like the Sofia Graben, where localized geological effects influence seismic amplification. By integrating accelerometric data with advanced spectral techniques, this research can enhance ongoing site-specific monitoring and seismic design practices, contributing to the refinement of earthquake engineering methodologies for mitigating seismic risk in earthquake-prone urban areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seismic-Resistant Materials, Devices and Structures)
Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 3098 KiB  
Article
Geobotanical Study, DNA Barcoding, and Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Marker Analysis to Determine the Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of Rare and Endangered Prunus armeniaca L.
by Natalya V. Romadanova, Nazira A. Altayeva, Alina S. Zemtsova, Natalya A. Artimovich, Alexandr B. Shevtsov, Almagul Kakimzhanova, Aidana Nurtaza, Arman B. Tolegen, Svetlana V. Kushnarenko and Jean Carlos Bettoni
Plants 2025, 14(15), 2333; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152333 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 408
Abstract
The ongoing genetic erosion of natural Prunus armeniaca populations in their native habitats underscores the urgent need for targeted conservation and restoration strategies. This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of P. armeniaca populations in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, integrating morphological descriptors [...] Read more.
The ongoing genetic erosion of natural Prunus armeniaca populations in their native habitats underscores the urgent need for targeted conservation and restoration strategies. This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of P. armeniaca populations in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, integrating morphological descriptors (46 parameters), molecular markers, geobotanical, and remote sensing analyses. Geobotanical and remote sensing analyses enhanced understanding of accession distribution, geological features, and ecosystem health across sites, while also revealing their vulnerability to various biotic and abiotic threats. Of 111 morphologically classified accessions, 54 were analyzed with 13 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and four DNA barcoding regions. Our findings demonstrate the necessity of integrated morphological and molecular analyses to differentiate closely related accessions. Genetic analysis identified 11 distinct populations with high heterozygosity and substantial genetic variability. Eight populations exhibited 100% polymorphism, indicating their potential as sources of adaptive genetic diversity. Cluster analysis grouped populations into three geographic clusters, suggesting limited gene flow across Gorges (features of a mountainous landscape) and greater connectivity within them. These findings underscore the need for site-specific conservation strategies, especially for genetically distinct, isolated populations with unique allelic profiles. This study provides a valuable foundation for prioritizing conservation targets, confirming genetic redundancies, and preserving genetic uniqueness to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the future conservation and use of P. armeniaca genetic resources in the region. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2255 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Impact of Near-Natural Restoration Strategies on the Ecological Restoration of Landslide-Affected Areas Across Different Time Periods
by Sibo Chen, Jinguo Hua, Wanting Liu, Siyu Yang and Wenli Ji
Plants 2025, 14(15), 2331; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152331 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 366
Abstract
Landslides are a common geological hazard in mountainous areas, causing significant damage to ecosystems and production activities. Near-natural ecological restoration is considered an effective strategy for post-landslide recovery. To investigate the impact of near-natural restoration strategies on the recovery of plant communities and [...] Read more.
Landslides are a common geological hazard in mountainous areas, causing significant damage to ecosystems and production activities. Near-natural ecological restoration is considered an effective strategy for post-landslide recovery. To investigate the impact of near-natural restoration strategies on the recovery of plant communities and soil in landslide-affected areas, we selected landslide plots in Lantian County at 1, 6, and 11 years post-landslide as study sites, surveyed plots undergoing near-natural restoration and adjacent undisturbed control plots (CK), and collected and analyzed data on plant communities and soil properties. The results indicate that vegetation succession followed a path from “human intervention to natural competition”: species richness peaked at 1 year post-landslide (Dm = 4.2). By 11 years, dominant species prevailed, with tree species decreasing to 4.1 ± 0.3, while herbaceous diversity increased by 200% (from 4 to 12 species). Soil recovery showed significant temporal effects: total nitrogen (TN) and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) exhibited the greatest increases after 1 year post-landslide (132% and 232%, respectively), and by 11 years, the available nitrogen (AN) in restored plots recovered to 98% of the CK levels. Correlations between plant and soil characteristics strengthened over time: at 1 year, only 6–9 pairs showed significant correlations (p < 0.05), increasing to 21–23 pairs at 11 years. Near-natural restoration drives system recovery through the “selection of native species via competition and activation of microbial functional groups”. The 6–11-year period post-landslide is a critical window for structural optimization, and we recommend phased dynamic regulation to balance biodiversity and ecological functions. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 5554 KiB  
Article
Displacement Response Characteristics and Instability Risk Assessment of Excavation Face in Deep-Buried Shield Tunnel
by Chenyang Zhu, Xin Huang, Chong Xu, Guangyi Yan, Jiaqi Guo and Qi Liang
Buildings 2025, 15(14), 2561; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15142561 - 20 Jul 2025
Viewed by 342
Abstract
To prevent the occurrence of excavation face instability incidents during shield tunneling, this study takes the Bailuyuan tunnel of the ‘Hanjiang-to-Weihe River Water Diversion Project’ as the engineering background. A three-dimensional discrete element method simulation was employed to analyze the tunneling process, revealing [...] Read more.
To prevent the occurrence of excavation face instability incidents during shield tunneling, this study takes the Bailuyuan tunnel of the ‘Hanjiang-to-Weihe River Water Diversion Project’ as the engineering background. A three-dimensional discrete element method simulation was employed to analyze the tunneling process, revealing the displacement response of the excavation face to various tunneling parameters. This led to the development of a risk assessment method that considers both tunneling parameters and geological conditions for deep-buried shield tunnels. The above method effectively overcomes the limitations of finite element method (FEM) studies on shield tunneling parameters and, combined with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), enables rapid tunnel analysis and assessment. The results demonstrate that the displacement of the excavation face in shield tunnel engineering is significantly influenced by factors such as the chamber earth pressure ratio, cutterhead opening rate, cutterhead rotation speed, and tunneling speed. Specifically, variations in the chamber earth pressure ratio have the greatest impact on horizontal displacement, occurring predominantly near the upper center of the tunnel. As the chamber earth pressure ratio decreases, horizontal displacement increases sharply from 12.9 mm to 267.3 mm. Conversely, an increase in the cutterhead opening rate leads to displacement that first rises gradually and then rapidly, from 32.1 mm to 121.1 mm. A weighted index assessment model based on AHP yields a risk level of Grade II, whereas methods from other scholars result in Grade III. By implementing measures such as adjusting the grouting range, cutterhead rotation speed, and tunneling speed, field applications confirm that the risk level remains within acceptable limits, thereby verifying the feasibility of the constructed assessment method. Construction site strategies are proposed, including maintaining a chamber earth pressure ratio greater than 1, tunneling speed not exceeding 30 mm/min, cutterhead rotation speed not exceeding 1.5 rpm, and a synchronous grouting range of 0.15 m. Following implementation, the tunnel construction successfully passed the high-risk section without any incidents. This research offers a decision-making framework for shield TBM operation safety in complex geological environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 9007 KiB  
Article
A High-Resolution Spectral Analysis Method Based on Fast Iterative Least Squares Constraints
by Yanyan Ma, Haixia Kang, Weifeng Luo, Yunxiao Zhang and Lintao Luo
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(14), 8034; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15148034 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 271
Abstract
The prediction of reservoir and caprock thickness is important in geological evaluations for site selection for aquifer underground gas storage. Therefore, high-resolution seismic identification of reservoirs and caprocks is crucial. High-resolution time–frequency decomposition is one of the key methods for identifying sedimentary layers. [...] Read more.
The prediction of reservoir and caprock thickness is important in geological evaluations for site selection for aquifer underground gas storage. Therefore, high-resolution seismic identification of reservoirs and caprocks is crucial. High-resolution time–frequency decomposition is one of the key methods for identifying sedimentary layers. Based on this, we propose a least squares constrained spectral analysis method using a greedy fast shrinkage algorithm. This method replaces the traditional Tikhonov regularization objective function with an L1-norm regularized objective function and employs a greedy fast shrinkage algorithm. By utilizing shorter window lengths to segment the data into more precise series, the method significantly improves the computational efficiency of spectral analysis while also enhancing its accuracy to a certain extent. Numerical models demonstrate that compared to the time–frequency spectra obtained using traditional methods such as wavelet transform, short-time Fourier transform, and generalized S-transform, the proposed method can achieve high-resolution extraction of the dominant frequencies of seismic waves, with superior noise resistance. Furthermore, its application in a research area in southern China shows that the method can effectively predict thicker sedimentary layers in low-frequency ranges and accurately identify thinner sedimentary layers in high-frequency ranges. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 4717 KiB  
Article
Seismic Response Characteristics of High-Speed Railway Hub Station Considering Pile-Soil Interactions
by Ning Zhang and Ziwei Chen
Buildings 2025, 15(14), 2466; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15142466 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 192
Abstract
As a key transportation infrastructure, it is of great significance to ensure the seismic safety of the high-speed railway hub station. Taking Changde high-speed railway hub station as background, a comprehensive 3D numerical model of the high-speed railway station structure is proposed to [...] Read more.
As a key transportation infrastructure, it is of great significance to ensure the seismic safety of the high-speed railway hub station. Taking Changde high-speed railway hub station as background, a comprehensive 3D numerical model of the high-speed railway station structure is proposed to consider the engineering geological characteristics of the site, soil nonlinearity, and pile-soil interactions. The results show that the hub station structural system, considering pile-soil interaction, presents the ‘soft-upper-rigid-down’ characteristics as a whole, and the natural vibration is lower than that of the station structure with a rigid foundation assumption. Under the action of three strong seismic motions, the nonlinear site seismic effect is significant, the surface acceleration is significantly enlarged, and decreases with the buried depth. The interaction between pile and soil is related to the nonlinear seismic effect of the site, which deforms together to resist the foundation deformation caused by the strong earthquake motions, and the depth range affected by the interaction between the two increases with the increase of the intensity of earthquake motion. Among the three kinds of input earthquake motions, the predominant frequency of the Kobe earthquake is the closest to the natural vibration of the station structure system, followed by the El Centro earthquake. Moreover, the structures above the foundation of the high-speed railway hub station structural system are more sensitive to the spectral characteristics of Taft waves and El Centro waves compared to the site soil. This is also the main innovation point of this study. The existence of the roof leads to the gradual amplification of the seismic response of the station frame structure with height, and the seismic response amplification at the connection between the roof and the frame structure is the largest. The maximum story drift angle at the top floor of the station structure is also greater than that at the bottom floor. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 54426 KiB  
Article
Artificial Intelligence-Driven Identification of Favorable Geothermal Sites Based on Radioactive Heat Production: Case Study from Western Türkiye
by Elif Meriç İlkimen, Cihan Çolak, Mahrad Pisheh Var, Hakan Başağaoğlu, Debaditya Chakraborty and Ali Aydın
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(14), 7842; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15147842 - 13 Jul 2025
Viewed by 359
Abstract
In recent years, the exploration and utilization of geothermal energy have received growing attention as a sustainable alternative to conventional energy sources. Reliable, data-driven identification of geothermal reservoirs, particularly in crystalline basement terrains, is crucial for reducing exploration uncertainties and costs. In such [...] Read more.
In recent years, the exploration and utilization of geothermal energy have received growing attention as a sustainable alternative to conventional energy sources. Reliable, data-driven identification of geothermal reservoirs, particularly in crystalline basement terrains, is crucial for reducing exploration uncertainties and costs. In such geological settings, magnetic susceptibility, radioactive heat production, and seismic wave characteristics play a vital role in evaluating geothermal energy potential. Building on this foundation, our study integrates in situ and laboratory measurements, collected using advanced sensors from spatially diverse locations, with statistical and unsupervised artificial intelligence (AI) clustering models. This integrated framework improves the effectiveness and reliability of identifying clusters of potential geothermal sites. We applied this methodology to the migmatitic gneisses within the Simav Basin in western Türkiye. Among the statistical and AI-based models evaluated, Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise and Autoencoder-Based Deep Clustering identified the most promising and spatially confined subregions with high geothermal production potential. The potential geothermal sites identified by the AI models align closely with those identified by statistical models and show strong agreement with independent datasets, including existing drilling locations, thermal springs, and the distribution of major earthquake epicenters in the region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Machine Learning in Earth Sciences—2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 9385 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Studies of Geological Conditions at the Planning and Construction Stage of Dam Reservoirs: A Case Study of New Facilities in South-Western Poland
by Maksymilian Połomski, Mirosław Wiatkowski and Gabriela Ługowska
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(14), 7811; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15147811 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 259
Abstract
Geological surveys have vital importance at the planning stage of dammed reservoir construction projects. The results of these surveys determine the majority of the technical solutions adopted in the construction design to ensure the proper safety and stability parameters of the structure during [...] Read more.
Geological surveys have vital importance at the planning stage of dammed reservoir construction projects. The results of these surveys determine the majority of the technical solutions adopted in the construction design to ensure the proper safety and stability parameters of the structure during water damming. Where the ground type is found to be different from what is expected, the construction project may be delayed or even cancelled. This study analyses issues and design modifications caused by the identification of different soil conditions during the construction of four new flood control reservoirs in the Nysa Kłodzka River basin in south-western Poland. The key findings are as follows: (1) a higher density of exploratory boreholes in areas with potentially fractured rock mass is essential for selecting the appropriate anti-filtration protection; (2) when deciding to apply deep piles, it is reasonable to verify, at the planning stage, whether they can be installed using the given technology directly at the planned site; (3) inaccurate identification of foundation soils under the dam body can lead to significant design modifications—in contrast, a denser borehole grid helps to determine the precise elevation of the base layer, which is essential for reliably estimating the volume of material required for the embankment; (4) in order to correctly assess the soil deposits located, for instance, in the reservoir basin area, it is more effective to use test excavations rather than relying solely on borehole-based investigations—as a last resort, test excavations can be used to supplement the latter. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 15499 KiB  
Article
Molecular Dynamics Unveiled: Temperature–Pressure–Coal Rank Triaxial Coupling Mechanisms Governing Wettability in Gas–Water–Coal Systems
by Lixin Zhang, Songhang Zhang, Shuheng Tang, Zhaodong Xi, Jianxin Li, Qian Zhang, Ke Zhang and Wenguang Tian
Processes 2025, 13(7), 2209; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13072209 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 278
Abstract
Water within coal reservoirs exerts dual effects on methane adsorption–desorption by competing for adsorption sites and reducing permeability. The bound water effect, caused by coal wettability, significantly constrains coalbed methane (CBM) production, rendering investigations into coal wettability crucial for efficient CBM development. Compared [...] Read more.
Water within coal reservoirs exerts dual effects on methane adsorption–desorption by competing for adsorption sites and reducing permeability. The bound water effect, caused by coal wettability, significantly constrains coalbed methane (CBM) production, rendering investigations into coal wettability crucial for efficient CBM development. Compared with other geological formations, coals are characterized by a highly developed microporous structure, making the CO2 sequestration mechanism in coal seams closely linked to the microscale interactions among gas, water, and coal matrixes. However, the intrinsic mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations are employed to investigate the wettability behaviors of CO2, CH4, and water on different coal matrix surfaces under varying temperature and pressure conditions, for coal macromolecules representative of four coal ranks. The study reveals the evolution of water wettability in response to CO2 and CH4 injection, identifies wettability differences among coal ranks, and analyzes the microscopic mechanisms governing wettability. The results show the following: (1) The contact angle increases with gas pressure, and the variation in wettability is more pronounced in CO2 environments than in CH4. As pressure increases, the number of hydrogen bonds decreases, while the peak gas density of CH4 and CO2 increases, leading to larger contact angles. (2) Simulations under different temperatures for the four coal ranks indicate that temperature has minimal influence on low-rank Hegu coal, whereas for higher-rank coals, gas adsorption on the coal surface increases, resulting in reduced wettability. Interfacial tension analysis further suggests that higher temperatures reduce water surface tension, cause dispersion of water molecules, and consequently improve wettability. Understanding the wettability variations among different coal ranks under variable pressure–temperature conditions provides a fundamental model and theoretical basis for investigating deep coal seam gas–water interactions and CO2 geological sequestration mechanisms. These findings have significant implications for the advancement of CO2-ECBM technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coalbed Methane Development Process)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 14033 KiB  
Article
SCCA-YOLO: Spatial Channel Fusion and Context-Aware YOLO for Lunar Crater Detection
by Jiahao Tang, Boyuan Gu, Tianyou Li and Ying-Bo Lu
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(14), 2380; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17142380 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 392
Abstract
Lunar crater detection plays a crucial role in geological analysis and the advancement of lunar exploration. Accurate identification of craters is also essential for constructing high-resolution topographic maps and supporting mission planning in future lunar exploration efforts. However, lunar craters often suffer from [...] Read more.
Lunar crater detection plays a crucial role in geological analysis and the advancement of lunar exploration. Accurate identification of craters is also essential for constructing high-resolution topographic maps and supporting mission planning in future lunar exploration efforts. However, lunar craters often suffer from insufficient feature representation due to their small size and blurred boundaries. In addition, the visual similarity between craters and surrounding terrain further exacerbates background confusion. These challenges significantly hinder detection performance in remote sensing imagery and underscore the necessity of enhancing both local feature representation and global semantic reasoning. In this paper, we propose a novel Spatial Channel Fusion and Context-Aware YOLO (SCCA-YOLO) model built upon the YOLO11 framework. Specifically, the Context-Aware Module (CAM) employs a multi-branch dilated convolutional structure to enhance feature richness and expand the local receptive field, thereby strengthening the feature extraction capability. The Joint Spatial and Channel Fusion Module (SCFM) is utilized to fuse spatial and channel information to model the global relationships between craters and the background, effectively suppressing background noise and reinforcing feature discrimination. In addition, the improved Channel Attention Concatenation (CAC) strategy adaptively learns channel-wise importance weights during feature concatenation, further optimizing multi-scale semantic feature fusion and enhancing the model’s sensitivity to critical crater features. The proposed method is validated on a self-constructed Chang’e 6 dataset, covering the landing site and its surrounding areas. Experimental results demonstrate that our model achieves an mAP0.5 of 96.5% and an mAP0.5:0.95 of 81.5%, outperforming other mainstream detection models including the YOLO family of algorithms. These findings highlight the potential of SCCA-YOLO for high-precision lunar crater detection and provide valuable insights into future lunar surface analysis. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 5432 KiB  
Communication
CSAMT-Driven Feasibility Assessment of Beishan Underground Research Laboratory
by Zhiguo An, Qingyun Di, Changmin Fu and Zhongxing Wang
Sensors 2025, 25(14), 4282; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25144282 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 254
Abstract
The safe disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) is imperative for sustaining China’s rapidly expanding nuclear power sector, with deep geological repositories requiring rigorous site evaluation via underground research laboratories (URLs). This study presents a controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotellurics (CSAMT) survey at the Xinchang [...] Read more.
The safe disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) is imperative for sustaining China’s rapidly expanding nuclear power sector, with deep geological repositories requiring rigorous site evaluation via underground research laboratories (URLs). This study presents a controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotellurics (CSAMT) survey at the Xinchang site in China’s Beishan area, a region dominated by high-resistivity metamorphic rocks. To overcome electrical data acquisition challenges in such resistive terrains, salt-saturated water was applied to transmitting and receiving electrodes to enhance grounding efficiency. Using excitation frequencies of 9600 Hz to 1 Hz, the survey achieved a 1000 m investigation depth. Data processing incorporated static effect removal via low-pass filtering and smoothness-constrained 2D inversion. The results showed strong consistency between observed and modeled data, validating inversion reliability. Borehole correlations identified a 600-m-thick intact rock mass, confirming favorable geological conditions for URL construction. The study demonstrates CSAMT’s efficacy in characterizing HLW repository sites in high-resistivity environments, providing critical geophysical insights for China’s HLW disposal program. These findings advance site evaluation methodologies for deep geological repositories, though integrated multidisciplinary assessments remain essential for comprehensive site validation. This work underscores the feasibility of the Xinchang site while establishing a technical framework that is applicable to analogous challenging terrains globally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Remote Sensors)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 28340 KiB  
Article
Rockfall Hazard Assessment for Natural and Cultural Heritage Site: Close Vicinity of Rumkale (Gaziantep, Türkiye) Using Digital Twins
by Ugur Mursal, Abdullah Onur Ustaoglu, Yasin Baskose, Ilyas Yalcin, Sultan Kocaman and Candan Gokceoglu
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070270 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 429
Abstract
This study presents a digital twin–based framework for assessing rockfall hazards at the immediate vicinity of the Rumkale Archaeological Site, a geologically sensitive and culturally significant location in southeastern Türkiye. Historically associated with early Christianity and strategically located along the Euphrates, Rumkale is [...] Read more.
This study presents a digital twin–based framework for assessing rockfall hazards at the immediate vicinity of the Rumkale Archaeological Site, a geologically sensitive and culturally significant location in southeastern Türkiye. Historically associated with early Christianity and strategically located along the Euphrates, Rumkale is a protected heritage site that attracts increasing numbers of visitors. Here, high-resolution photogrammetric models were generated using imagery acquired from a remotely piloted aircraft system and post-processed with ground control points to produce a spatially accurate 3D digital twin. Field-based geomechanical measurements including discontinuity orientations, joint classifications, and strength parameters were integrated with digital analyses to identify and evaluate hazardous rock blocks. Kinematic assessments conducted in the study revealed susceptibility to planar, wedge, and toppling failures. The results showed the role of lithological structure, active tectonics, and environmental factors in driving slope instability. The proposed methodology demonstrates effective use of digital twin technologies in conjunction with traditional geotechnical techniques, offering a replicable and non-invasive approach for site-scale hazard evaluation and conservation planning in heritage contexts. This work contributes to the advancement of interdisciplinary methods for geohazard-informed management of cultural landscapes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geological Hazards and Heritage Safeguard)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 12185 KiB  
Article
Airborne Strapdown Gravity Survey of Sos Enattos Area (NE Sardinia, Italy): Insights into Geological and Geophysical Characterization of the Italian Candidate Site for the Einstein Telescope
by Filippo Muccini, Filippo Greco, Luca Cocchi, Maria Marsella, Antonio Zanutta, Alessandra Borghi, Matteo Cagnizi, Daniele Carbone, Mauro Coltelli, Danilo Contrafatto, Peppe Junior Valentino D’Aranno, Luca Frasca, Alfio Alex Messina, Luca Timoteo Mirabella, Monia Negusini and Eleonora Rivalta
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(13), 2309; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17132309 - 5 Jul 2025
Viewed by 435
Abstract
Strapdown gravity systems are increasingly employed in airborne geophysical exploration and geodetic studies due to advantages such as ease of installation, wide dynamic range, and adaptability to various platforms, including airplanes, helicopters, and large drones. This study presents results from an airborne gravity [...] Read more.
Strapdown gravity systems are increasingly employed in airborne geophysical exploration and geodetic studies due to advantages such as ease of installation, wide dynamic range, and adaptability to various platforms, including airplanes, helicopters, and large drones. This study presents results from an airborne gravity survey conducted over the northeastern sector of Sardinia (Italy), using a high-resolution strapdown gravity ensuring an accuracy of approximately 1 mGal. Data were collected at an average altitude of 1800 m with a spatial resolution of 3.0 km. The survey focused on the Sos Enattos area near Lula (Nuoro province), a candidate site for the Einstein Telescope (ET), a third-generation gravitational wave observatory. The ideal site is required to be geologically and seismically stable with a well-characterized subsurface. To support this, we performed a new gravity survey to complement existing geological and seismic data aimed at characterizing the mid-to-shallow crustal structure of Sos Enattos. Results show that the strapdown system effectively detects gravity anomalies linked to crustal sources down to ~3.5 km, with particular emphasis within the 1–2 km depth range. Airborne gravity data reveal higher frequency anomalies than those resolved by the EGM2008 global gravity model and show good agreement with local terrestrial gravity data. Forward modeling of the gravity field suggests a crust dominated by alternating high-density metamorphic rocks and granitoid intrusions of the Variscan basement. These findings enhance the geophysical understanding of Sos Enattos and support its candidacy for the ET site. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop