Geological Data Research Articles

Coupling Driving Force–Pressure–State–Impact–Response–Management Framework with Hydrochemical Data for Groundwater Management on Sithonia Peninsula, Greece

Water scarcity in coastal tourist areas constitutes a critical environmental and socioeconomic sustainability issue. Hence, it is crucial to implement an integrated water resource management and protection plan. In this research, the DPSIR framework is coupled with hydrochemical data on groundwater resources in the fractured aquifer of the Sithonia Peninsula in Chalkidiki, North Greece. Geographical and demographic data, together with morphology, geology, hydrology, and groundwater quality data, were collected and evaluated to categorize the hydrosystem’s driving forces, pressures, states, impacts, and responses. The main pressures that affect groundwater quality in the study area are tourism, geological formation, and land use. Based on the analysis of the DPSIR framework, the absence of a landfill site, the inadequate operation of sewage treatment plants and biological wastewater treatment systems, and tourist activity contribute significantly to the degradation of groundwater quality. Additionally, the fractured rock aquifer develops preferential flow paths to pollutants through preexisting faults, which influence groundwater quality. The hydrochemical analysis of groundwater indicates seawater intrusion in the coastal area. The combination of DPSIR analysis and a water quality index based on ion ratios of groundwater samples identifies high-risk areas of seawater intrusion. Thus, it is essential to reinforce groundwater resources by implementing managed aquifer recharge, limiting unnecessary use of groundwater during the tourist season, and storing surface water during the wet period.

A novel framework for leveraging geological environment big data to assess Sustainable Development Goals

<p>Geological environmental big data (GEBD) offers a significant opportunity for the comprehensive monitoring of the Earth’s shallow structures, dynamic processes, and their interactions among surface spheres, promisingly contributing to the precise assessment of sustainable development goals (SDGs). To systematically harness the potential of GEBD in SDG assessment, an innovative framework has been developed to address current challenges through a four-dimensional observation network, a strategy of integrating GEBD into SDG indicators, and a knowledge-driven association-mining method. This framework potentially provides a series of positive and profound impacts, ranging from technology development and environmental conservation to enhanced public awareness.</p>

Reliability analysis of suction anchor under the limited geological prospecting data

Reliability analysis of suction anchor under the limited geological prospecting data

On the depth of identification of objects in the study of the influence of the density of the grid of wells on the degree of production of oil reserves

The article studies the effect of the well grid density on the final oil recovery coefficient under conditions of various groups of objects in carbonate reservoirs of the Volga-Ural oil and gas province. The issue being solved within the framework of this work is one of the most relevant and important when making various management decisions in conditions of uncertainty, significant variability and heterogeneity of geological and field data. More than 500 deposits of carbonate reservoirs were selected for the study, the development of which is carried out on the territory of the Ural-Volga region. To implement an integrated approach, the construction of models was carried out in several interrelated stages. Within the framework of basic modeling, field statistical methods were used to identify dependencies describing at a high quantitative and qualitative level the relationship between the oil recovery coefficient and the density of the well grid before flooding. To obtain the most representative results, a separate approach based on the preliminary division of objects into groups was also used. At the second stage, in addition, a deep differentiation of the initial objects was implemented to determine hidden patterns within already formed groups and a similar construction of models according to which interpretation was performed. When combining the results obtained, it was reliably established that models for assessing the degree of reserve production from the density of the well grid should be built not only in general by tectonic and stratigraphic elements, but also differentially by groups identified as a result of in-depth identification of development sites. It is proposed to use the obtained dependencies to solve the problems of optimizing the density of the well grid for both long-term oil deposits under development and newly commissioned and at the stage of drafting the first design documents. Keywords: well grid density; oil recovery coefficient; modeling; grouping of deposits of the Volga-Ural oil and gas province; deep identification of objects; carbonate reservoirs.

Assessment of geological environment for the territorial scheme of municipal solid waste management

The current trends in the municipal waste management development are considered and the problems in using spatial geological data are shown, which consist in the complexity of combining geological information with other data in the waste management system. A methodological approach is proposed to take into account the geological environment specifics in the territorial scheme of waste management on the basis of digital mapping by the example of the Moscow region. An assessment zoning of a representative key site was carried out in the QGIS program according to its suitability for the municipal solid waste disposal depending on the presence of low-permeable soils and rocks in the geological section.

GEOSEISMIC CHARACTERISTICS, HYDROCARBON POTENTIAL AND RESOURCES OF THE NORTH KARA SEDIMENTARY BASIN

This study presents a geological model of the North Kara sedimentary basin, which was developed based on the integrated interpretation of seismic and geological data on islands and Siberian continental margin, and provides seismostratigraphic and structural-tectonic characterization of the basin. The results of the study indicate that the sedimentary cover of much of the basin is composed of Paleozoic sediments of Cambrian to Permian age, reaching 13–14 km in thickness in depression zones. The thickness of Mesozoic sediments over much of the basin is < 1 km; in the northwest, where the North Kara basin borders the Barents Sea basin, the thickness of Mesozoic sediments increases to 5–6 km, and the sedimentary cover comprises Paleozoic, Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous geoseismic sequences. In terms of its hydrocarbon potential, the North Kara sedimentary basin is regarded as part of the potential oil and gas-bearing area of the same name, having a good hydrocarbon potential based on seismic stratigraphic and structural-tectonic considerations. A number of large depressions and uplifts recognized in the structural geometries of different stratigraphic levels can be associated with petroleum generation and accumulation zones; a number of anticlinal, structural-tectonic, structural-stratigraphic traps that are distinguished in different sedimentary complexes ranging in age from Cambrian to Jurassic can be considered as promising exploration targets. The proposed quantitative assessment shows that the most probable initial in-place hydrocarbon resources of the North Kara sedimentary basin are equal to about 10.7 billion tons of hydrocarbon equivalent.

Practical results of scattered waves using for prediction of fractures zones and evaluation of faults conductivity concerning oil and gas field

The main task in the modern development of the oil industry in in each area is creating a rational strategy for the exploration and hydrocarbon production. This strategy ensures an optimal balance between the required production level and explored reserves. In this regard, oil and gas geophysics requirements are constantly increasing. Geological exploration is being reoriented to search for complex oil and gas traps. Importance of the issues related to the uneven lateral distribution of reservoir properties — primarily porosity and permeability of rocks — is increasing. Standard methodological techniques used in seismic studies no longer provide reliable solutions of geological tasks.This article focuses on testing technology of fracture zone prediction in geological sections and assessing conductivity for fluids of tectonic disturbances at oil and gas fields. The solution of this task will significantly increase the efficiency of pools development concerning oil and gas fields characterized by complicated geological structure. Typically, evaluation of faults and fractures conductivity is accomplished on the basis of geological and production data. Fault conductivity and fracture zone data in explicit form is not used neither in geological modeling nor in hydrodynamic modeling. This study presents an attempt to apply the diffuse seismic wave field to predict fracture zones in the geological environment and the properties of faults at a real site. Modelling was carried out to assess the potential of this approach, confirming the technology's viability. Further, real data was processed and compared with field data. Real data was processed and compared with field data.

Optimization of the development process for complex deposits of the Tyumen suite using flow-diverging systems

Interest in the industrial exploitation of hard-to-recover reserves is growing due to the depletion of the major sources of the country's resource base. These resources are presented by long-developed and multi-layered fields. In most cases oil flow rate from wells in these fields do not exceed five tons daily. This situation affects both extraction costs and the operational performance of the deposits. Currently, under the existing technical and economic conditions, further development of these reserves is becoming unprofitable. This is due to the necessity of planning, designing, and implementing complex geological and technological measures, along with interpreting the extensive data obtained from geophysical surveys.The aim of this study is to optimize oil extraction processes by injecting flow-diverging compositions in the development of complex and low-yield deposits in the West Siberian oil and gas province associated with the Tyumen suite.To achieve this aim, we summarized experiences from the studied field and similar fields with comparable geological conditions. We also studied the history of operations involving flowdiverging systems in various tectonic and stratigraphic units. Additionally, we conducted a basic interpretation of geophysical study results from similar fields to identify analogues for creating isolation screens By analyzing existing geological and field data, we verified criteria to perform processing by flow-diverging compositions in the studied field.Based on the analysis of measures for the implementation of physical and chemical methods to increase oil recovery, we defined a list of recommended basic compositions for initial implementation of this method in the geological conditions under consideration. Taking into account the geological and technological parameters of well operation, we developed a targeted program for injecting flow-diverging compositions. This program will help exploit remaining liquid hydrocarbon reserves and establish primary criteria for selecting candidate wells. We concluded that the results obtained can be replicated in similar fields to optimize the development of low-yield deposits of the Tyumen suite.

Data-driven assessment of well stimulation in unconventional gas reservoirs

Unconventional gas reservoirs, characterized by their complex geologies and challenging extraction conditions, demand innovative approaches to enhance gas production and ensure economic viability. Well stimulation techniques, such as hydraulic fracturing and acidizing, have become indispensable tools in unlocking the potential of these tight formations. However, the effectiveness of these techniques can vary widely depending on the specific characteristics of the reservoir. In this context, a data-driven approach to assess well stimulation practices offers a promising avenue to optimize recovery processes and reduce uncertainties. This paper presents a comprehensive study that leverages the power of big data analytics and machine learning to analyze and improve well stimulation strategies in unconventional gas reservoirs. By systematically gathering and processing vast arrays of geological, operational, and production data, this study aims to identify patterns and correlations that can predict stimulation outcomes more accurately. The ultimate goal is to develop a robust framework that allows for tailored stimulation designs based on the unique properties of each reservoir, thereby maximizing efficiency and minimizing environmental impacts. This study introduces a new procedure for assessing well stimulation performance, which involves analyzing the EUR through Duong’s model, calculating the key performance indicator of the treatment, and establishing a data-driven model to predict the treatment KPI.

Uncovering the complexity of source mechanism in an anisotropic coal mine using sequential inversion

Accurate characterisation of seismic source mechanisms in mining environments is crucial for effective hazard mitigation, but it is complicated by the presence of anisotropic geological conditions. Neglecting anisotropic effects during moment tensor (MT) inversion introduces significant distortions in the retrieved source characteristics. In this study, we investigated the impact of ignoring anisotropy during MT inversion on the reliability of hazard assessment. We investigated a high-energy (2.18106 J) induced by mining activities in the Nantun coal mine in China. The subsurface was modelled as a vertically transversely isotropic medium, incorporating four different levels of anisotropy derived from site-specific geological and tomographic data. The results demonstrate that neglecting anisotropy led to significant distortions in the retrieved source parameters, including polarity flips and the introduction of spurious non-double-couple components. These artefacts compromised the accuracy of hazard analysis and undermined the effectiveness of risk management strategies. In contrast, the sequential inversion method yields a MT solution with a 0.14 misfit, accurately retrieving the focal mechanism, which is interpreted as a normal right-lateral oblique shear failure along the F3 fault. This study highlights the importance of properly incorporating anisotropy effects when analysing induced seismicity in heterogeneous mining environments. The use of a homogeneous Green’s function for MT inversion may be inadequate for reliable hazard assessment, underscoring the need for advanced techniques that can effectively model the influence of subsurface anisotropy on seismic wave propagation and source retrieval.

Погребенные долины северо-запада Восточно-Европейской равнины: распространение, морфология, геологическое строение и проблемы генезиса

A lot of buried valleys exist on the territory of the northwestern East European Plain. They are deeply cut in the pre-Quaternary rocks. The buried valleys genesis is a long-standing question of the Quaternary geology of the northwestern Russia. By now, geological data have been accumulated to solve this problem. The geological structure of the buried valleys was detailed on the basis of unpublished reports and published materials on geology of buried valleys of Saint-Petersburg, Leningrad, Pskov, Novgorod and Kaliningrad regions as well as adjacent regions of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus. Most of the data do not exclusively testify to river-erosion genesis of the valleys. Modern data also suggest that some of the buried valleys of the northwestern Russia are tunnel valleys and were formed by subglacial meltwater erosion as well as buried valleys of neighboring regions.

Estimating the permeability of crystalline rocks from geological data in remote northern environments: advantages and limitations

Estimating the permeability of crystalline rocks from geological data in remote northern environments: advantages and limitations

Optimizing Site Selection for Construction: Integrating GIS Modeling, Geophysical, Geotechnical, and Geomorphological Data Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process

Identifying suitable sites for urban, industrial, and tourist development is important, especially in areas with increasing population and limited land availability. Kharga Oasis, Egypt, stands out as a promising area for such development, which can help reduce overcrowding in the Nile Valley and Delta. However, soil and various environmental factors can affect the suitability of civil engineering projects. This study used Geographic Information Systems (GISs) and a multi-criteria decision-making approach to assess the suitability of Kharga Oasis for construction activities. Geotechnical parameters were obtained from seismic velocity data, including Poisson’s ratio, stress ratio, concentration index, material index, N-value, and foundation-bearing capacity. A comprehensive analysis of in situ and laboratory-based geological and geotechnical data from 24 boreholes examined soil plasticity, water content, unconfined compressive strength, and consolidation parameters. By integrating geotechnical, geomorphological, geological, environmental, and field data, a detailed site suitability map was created using the analytic hierarchy process to develop a weighted GIS model that accounts for the numerous elements influencing civil project design and construction. The results highlight suitable sites within the study area, with high and very high suitability classes covering 56.87% of the land, moderate areas representing 27.61%, and unsuitable areas covering 15.53%. It should be noted that many settlements exist in highly vulnerable areas, emphasizing the importance of this study. This model identifies areas vulnerable to geotechnical and geoenvironmental hazards, allowing for early decision-making at the beginning of the planning process and reducing the waste of effort. The applied model does not only highlight suitable sites in the Kharga Oasis, Egypt, but, additionally, it provides a reproducible method for efficiently assessing land use suitability in other regions with similar geological and environmental conditions around the world.

Investigating the Structural Framework Beneath Riyadh Region for Potential Geothermal Exploration Utilizing Geological and Geophysical Data

With growing electricity demand and an increasing focus on renewable energy, geothermal energy exploration is gaining prominence in Saudi Arabia. This study investigates the geothermal potential of the Riyadh region by integrating various geophysical data with geological information, providing a detailed image of the structural framework and thermal distribution. We generated a 2D density and susceptibility model using gravity and aeromagnetic data, constrained by well-logs information for sedimentary rocks. Distinct salt layers with low densities (2.15 g/cm3) were introduced in the model overlying the basement rocks, as well as unexposed faults, which may play a crucial role in the thermal regime in the study area. We produced a comprehensive thermal model extracted from the density and susceptibility model, along with temperature measurements from the Minjur Aquifer. The presence of the salt layer not only affects the geothermal gradient, but also suggests the potential for enhanced surface heat flow in specific areas. The results highlight the presence of a promising geothermal reservoir, the Minjur Formation, which exhibits significant potential for geothermal energy extraction due to its porosity, permeability, and sufficient thermal gradient ranging from 80 °C to 120 °C at depths of 2 to 3 km. These findings offer significant implications for Saudi Arabia’s transition to cleaner energy sources and support the future development of geothermal infrastructure in urban areas like Riyadh.

A “Pipeline”-Based Approach for Automated Construction of Geoscience Knowledge Graphs

With the development of technology, Earth Science has entered a new era. Continuous research has generated a large amount of Earth Science data, including a significant amount of semi-structured and unstructured data, which contain information about locations, geographical concepts, geological characteristics of mineral deposits, and relationships. Efficient management of these Earth Science data is crucial for the development of digital earth systems, rational planning of resource industries, and resource security. By representing entities, relationships, and attributes through graph structures, knowledge graphs capture and present concepts and facts about the real world, facilitating efficient data management. However, due to the highly specialized and complex nature of Earth Science data and disciplinary differences, the methods used to construct general-purpose knowledge graphs cannot be directly applied to building knowledge graphs in the field of geological science. Therefore, this paper summarizes a “pipeline” approach to constructing an Earth Science knowledge graph in order to clarify the complete construction process and reduce barriers between data and technology. This approach divides the construction of the Earth Science knowledge graph into two parts and designs functional modules under each part to specify the construction process of the knowledge graph. In addition to proposing this approach, a knowledge graph of iron ore deposits is automatically constructed by integrating geographic and geological data related to iron ore deposits using deep learning techniques. The systematic approach presented in this paper reduces the threshold for constructing geological science knowledge graphs, provides methodological support for specific disciplines or research objects in Earth Science, and also lays the foundation for the construction of large-scale Earth Science knowledge graphs that combine crowdsourcing and expert decision-making, as well as the development of intelligent question-answering systems and intelligent decision-making systems covering the entire field of Earth Science.

Abandoned quarries of the Middle Dnipro region as promising natural geosites

The Middle Dnipro, or Prydniprovia, region, mostly represented by the Seredniodniprovskyi Megablock of the Ukrainian Shield and its connection with the Black Sea basin in the south and with the Dnipro-Donetsk Rift in the east, concentrates important objects of industrial extraction of many important types of mineral resources. A large number of open pits are used for their discovery and extraction, which – once exhausted – remain valuable sources of geological information and, accordingly, are objects of geological heritage. After cessation of mining, quarries can be used in various ways, among which attention is focused on their informational value, i.e. as carriers of geological knowledge regarding stratigraphy, tectonics, petrographic or lithological composition of the rocks, the validity of the age of rock complexes, and the presence of remains of fossil fauna and flora. Moreover, quarries provide an opportunity to collect samples of rocks and minerals for various types of analytical research, including various mineral resources. There is a general tendency to somewhat neglect the enormous amount of geological data that quarries contain, to quickly forget about this aspect of their use, and to give preference to their recreational or touristic value. Upon examining the issue, it was found that there is a lack of detailed scientific descriptions for the vast majority of quarries. Even when such information is present in geological reports, it is often difficult to utilize effectively. We have analyzed a large volume of the literary sources on the use of abandoned quarries in various countries of Europe and around the world, both in from the past and recent reports. First and foremost, the experience of utilizing quarries as valuable geological heritage sites or geosites was considered in order to preserve their informational value. This paper presents the results of the application of various methods in the survey of the quarries, including field methods with the use of its practical components, stratigraphic, paleontological, structural-tectonic, petrological and mineralogical, paleogeographic and others. The total number of abandoned quarries in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast has been fully accounted for, conditionally dividing them into large quarries or simply quarries, stone quarries (which include average-sized and small quarries, but mined for Precambrian crystalline rocks) and mines or clay pits (from which non-metallic mineral resources were extracted). Based on the conducted research, the characteristics of the most informative and important mining products are given for the first time.

Three-Dimensional Prospective Modeling and Deep Metallogenic Prediction of the Lintan Gold Deposit in Guizhou Province, China

The Lintan gold deposit, located in the “gold triangle” of Qianxinan, Guizhou Province, has become a focal point for implementing the “exploring near existing deposits” strategy, aiming to identify another large-scale gold deposit within the region. This study addresses the challenges of deep-edge mineral exploration in the Lintan gold deposit by adopting a metallogenic system perspective. Using a multidisciplinary approach, it integrates geological, geophysical, and geochemical datasets to construct various three-dimensional (3D) visualization and prospectivity models. The research leverages geostatistical theories and methods, multisource digital information analysis, and advanced 3D modeling and visualization techniques to verify mineralization anomalies. These efforts expand the scope of prospectivity evaluation for the deep-edge regions of the Lintan gold deposit into 3D space. In the 3D spatial framework, this study elucidates the metallogenic geological characteristics, geophysical anomalies, and geochemical signatures within the study area. Building upon this foundation, it conducts a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of geological, geochemical, and geophysical prospecting indicators under multisource geoscience datasets. This approach transitions from known to unknown domains, effectively reducing the ambiguities and uncertainties associated with single-source data interpretations. The findings demonstrate that, under the guidance of geological prospectivity models, the effective integration and synthesis of geological, geophysical, and geochemical data can reveal the interrelationships between metallogenic geological bodies and the contributing factors of the metallogenic system. This enables the identification of anomalous information associated with metallogenic geological bodies and facilitates the spatial localization and prediction of target areas for deep-edge mineral resources. The proposed methodology provides novel insights and techniques for deep-edge mineral exploration. Comprehensive analysis indicates significant prospectivity for mineral resource exploration in the deep-edge regions of the Lintan gold deposit.

Review and updates of the lithosphere structure and geodynamics evolution of the Neogene Transcarpathian Basin and its substratum (Ukraine)

Geological and geophysical data about the structure of Mukachevo and Solotvyno sub-basins of Transcarpathian Basin (TB), located in hinterland of Outer Carpathians, are integrated and adapted to modern ideas about the Carpathian realm geodynamics. Analysis of published data and newly compiled geological map and cross-sections suggests: Mukachevo sub-basin substratum can be attributed to Alcapa terrane, and significant portion of Solotvyno sub-basin basement may belong to Pieniny Klippen Belt. Model of lithospheric structure, supported by deep seismic PANCAKE and P-17 profiles, and density modeling identifies crustal domain beneath Mukachevo sub-basin as rootless fragment of Alcapa terrane. Substratum of Solotvyno sub-basin is interpreted as thrust-sheets of Pieniny Klippen Belt, Czorsztyn continental block, Monastyrets nappe, and Tisza-Dacia terrane at their base. Paleostress reconstruction allowed to identify four evolutionary phases: (1) opening of TB as dextral shear pull-apart (earliest Middle Miocene), (2) rapid subsidence of TB (Badenian), (3) inversion of Solotvyno and slow subsidence in Mukachevo sub-basins (Sarmatian - Pliocene), (4) inversion of TB (Quaternary). Lithosphere of TB is significantly thermally reworked and is characterized by: 1) thinned crust with zones of reduced velocity and density, 2) astenospheric uplift, 3) absence of residual slab, 4) presence of reflector in upper mantle descending under the Carpathians.

Geoelectric Subsurface Characterization in the Emerged Portion of the Barra Falsa Channel using the Ground Conductivity Meter (LIN-EM), Bojuru, RS, Brazil

Geophysical investigation in the coastal region of the emerged portion of Barra Falsa, Bojuru, RS, Brazil, provided valuable information about the depositional evolution and paleoenvironmental changes that occurred during the Quaternary period. The combination of electromagnetic surveys, analysis of stratigraphic wells, 3.5 kHz reflection seismic and previous geological data allowed for a comprehensive characterization of sedimentary environments associated with sea-level fluctuations. Electromagnetic surveys using the LIN- EM method with the Geonics EM34TM system revealed different conductivity responses in the subsurface, which could be interpreted in relation to depositional events. Five depth intervals were identified and related to specific events, such as the closure of the Barra Falsa channel, estuarine infilling, and channel drowning during marine transgressions. Furthermore, the comparison of the results of electromagnetic surveys with data from stratigraphic wells allowed calibration of indirect data. This multidisciplinary approach highlights the importance of integrating geophysical and geological techniques to reconstruct coastal environment evolution over time. This study provides a detailed insight into paleoenvironmental and depositional changes on the coast of Bojuru, demonstrating how these techniques can significantly contribute to future research and the sustainable management of coastal areas. The knowledge gained here is essential for understanding the dynamics of coastal zones and the influences of sea-level variations in the Southern region of Brazil.

Investigating soil erosion vulnerable zones based on clustered geoinformatics approach: a case study of Tyume River Catchment, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Rigorous field surveys, environmental specificity, and data paucity hamper detailed soil erosion assessments, model selection, ecological monitoring, and prioritization against soil erosion. To address this in a topographically complex environment, the present study presents a novel selection of physiographic factors integrated geospatially with the land use/cover and geology data to prioritize the soil erosion vulnerable areas within a watershed, using Tyume River Catchment, Eastern Cape, South Africa as a case study. A quantitative morphometric analysis involving parameters such as the drainage density, topographic wetness index, terrain ruggedness index, topographic position index, and vector roughness measure was computed using a digital elevation model based on their inference of watershed's morphogenetic response to anthropic factors and pluviometric processes. Based on expert judgment for thematic ranking and weightage, the soil erosion prioritization area map was generated through weighted overlay analysis of the morphometric parameters with land use land cover and surficial lithology themes. The results depicted a catchment-scale soil erosion vulnerability map, classified into very high (40 km2), high (135 km2), medium (209 km2), low (186 km2), and non-vulnerable (113 km2) zones. Using Google Earth image analyses through the coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.563) and Receiver Operating Characteristics Curve (AUC = 0.899), the model corroboration indicated that the soil erosion vulnerability assessment is reliable and highly predictive. The study identified free-range animal operation and hillslope overgrazing, especially in riparian zones, as the environmental practices aggravate the catchment's terrain susceptibility to soil erosion. The assessment showed that some of the selected morphometric parameters could be used to improve the validated soil erosion models in mountainous regions. Due to the high precision of the engaged approach and the identified environmental concerns, the method can be adopted in similar environments.