Edge Of Belt Research Articles

Late Quaternary fluvial terrace characteristics and ages of the Pamir‒Tian Shan convergence zone: indications of regional climate change and tectonic uplift

The Pamir‒Tian Shan collision zone, located at the northwestern edge of the Himalaya‒Qingzang orogenic belt, provides a natural laboratory for investigating the development of fluvial terraces controlled by regional climate change and tectonic uplift. In this study, we conducted geomorphological mapping and terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide 10Be dating of fluvial terraces in the Wuheshalu syncline, within the Pamir‒Tian Shan collision zone. Four major fluvial terraces were identified in the Wuheshalu syncline, with ages of approximately 187, 141, 90, and 19 ka, respectively. These terraces were abandoned during three glacial‒interglacial transition periods (Marine Isotope Stage 6/5 (MIS6/5), cold-to-warm transition period of MIS5, and end of MIS2 or MIS2/1) and one interglacial‒glacial period (MIS7/6), and exhibit a strong correlation with regional climate change. Tectonic uplift contributed only one-third of the observed fluvial incision. These results suggest that river incision and terrace formation in the Pamir‒Tian Shan collision zone are primarily driven by periodic fluctuations in climate, with a lesser contribution from tectonic uplift.

Statistical Properties of Quasi‐Periodic Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron Waves: ULF Modulation Effects

AbstractElectromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves effectively scatter relativistic electrons in Earth's radiation belts and energetic ions in the ring current. Empirical models parameterizing the EMIC wave characteristics are important elements of inner magnetosphere simulations. Two main EMIC wave populations included in such simulations are the population generated by plasma sheet injections and another population generated by magnetospheric compression due to the solar wind. In this study, we investigate a third class of EMIC waves, generated by hot plasma sheet ions modulated by compressional ultra‐low frequency (ULF) waves. Such ULF‐modulated EMIC waves are mostly observed on the dayside, between magnetopause and the outer radiation belt edge. We show that ULF‐modulated EMIC waves are weakly oblique (with a wave normal angle ) and narrow‐banded (with a spectral width of of the mean frequency). We construct an empirical model of the EMIC wave characteristics as a function of ‐shell and MLT. The low ratio of electron plasma frequency to electron gyrofrequency around the EMIC wave generation region does not allow these waves to scatter energetic electrons. However, these waves provide very effective (comparable to strong diffusion) quasi‐periodic precipitation of plasma sheet protons.

A line scanning monitoring method for conveyor belt deviation using point cloud

Abstract A precise conveyor belt deviation monitoring method using line array point cloud data is proposed and demonstrated, which can ensure the healthy running of the conveyor system. The point cloud data characterizing the surface of the conveyor belt is collected in a line scanning way. Then, using a unique soft extraction method that weighted fusing three key features (cross-sectional variation, belt’s horizontal width, and previous frame) to process this data, the edge information of the conveyor belt can be accurately and robustly identified in real-time. Furthermore, the point cloud processing mode enables a belt-segmented deviation analysis method based on a standard sequence query. This can accurately determine the offset value and deviation trend of the conveyor belt, thereby achieving early warning of deviation faults. Experimental results show that the belt edge identification precision can reach 0.3 mm, and an early warning can be provided at least 57 m before the occurrence of a belt deviation fault. This belt deviation monitoring method can be widely applied in various working environments, especially in harsh conditions like mines and ports. It also has potential applications in automated production lines within Industry 4.0.

The Global Characteristics of Electrons Near the Inner Edge of the Inner Radiation Belt

AbstractEnergetic electrons around the inner edge of the inner radiation belt (L1.3) have not been studied to the extent of the rest of the inner belt and certainly not to that of the outer radiation belt. Yet, the behavior of electrons at the inner edge of the inner belt could improve our understanding of important dynamics deep within Earth's magnetosphere. Previous work has analyzed these electrons during either isolated events or via significantly limited statistical studies, and it remains unclear what the particular drivers of electron flux enhancements in this region may be. Here, we present a broad statistical study of electrons around the inner edge of the inner radiation belt, utilizing the 7‐year data set of the MagEIS particle detectors aboard both Van Allen Probes spacecraft. Moreover, we separate electron flux measurements into stably trapped and quasi‐trapped electrons and directly compare their behavior. We find both populations to be variable in L and energy, as well as showing a clear magnetic local time (MLT) asymmetry. Potential drivers are also explored, where we demonstrate an association between increased electron fluxes in this region and heightened solar wind speed, Sym‐H, dynamic pressure, southward IMF and most prominently with the AU and AL indices.

Quantitative Monitoring Method for Conveyor Belt Deviation Status Based on Attention Guidance

The efficient monitoring of the belt deviation state will help to reduce unnecessary abnormal wear and the risk of belt tear. This paper proposes a coupling characterization method involving the prediction box features of the target detection network and the linear features of the conveyor belt edge to achieve the quantitative monitoring of conveyor belt deviations. The impacts of the type, location, and number of attention mechanisms on the detection effect are fully discussed. Compared with traditional image-processing-based methods, the proposed method is more efficient, eliminating the tedious process of threshold setting and improving the detection efficiency. In detail, the improved practice and tests are carried out based on the Yolov5 network, and the Grad-CAM technique is also used to explore the effect of attention mechanisms in improving the detection accuracy. The experiments show that the detection accuracy of the proposed method can reach 99%, with a detection speed of 67.7 FPS on a self-made dataset. It is also proven to have a good anti-interference ability and can effectively resist the influence of the conveying material flow, lighting conditions, and other factors on the detection accuracy. This research is of great significance in improving the intelligent operation and maintenance level of belt conveyors and ensuring their safe operation.

FastBeltNet: a dual-branch light-weight network for real-time conveyor belt edge detection

FastBeltNet: a dual-branch light-weight network for real-time conveyor belt edge detection

Tectonics and gravitational phenomena, part two: The Trnovski gozd-Banjšice-Šentviška Gora degraded plain

The article describes the recent conditions at the Paleogene thrust contact between the External Dinaric Thrust Belt composed of carbonate rocks and the External Dinaric Imbricate Belt composed of flysch rocks, geographically, between the Trnovski gozd (Trnovski gozd plateau) and the Vipava Valley at the northwestern end of the Dinarides. Fossil and recent gravity-related phenomena that indicate the uplift of the southwestern edge of the External Dinaric Thrust Belt and the larger complex in the hinterland are found there. However, these phenomena are not related to the reactivated Paleogene thrust tectonics, but to the Neogene-recent underthrusting as a consequence of the Microadria (Adriatic Microplate) movement towards the Dinarides. Only arguments for these processes are presented in this article.

A contact binary satellite of the asteroid (152830) Dinkinesh

Asteroids with diameters less than about 5 km have complex histories because they are small enough for radiative torques (that is, YORP, short for the Yarkovsky–O’Keefe–Radzievskii–Paddack effect)1 to be a notable factor in their evolution2. (152830) Dinkinesh is a small asteroid orbiting the Sun near the inner edge of the main asteroid belt with a heliocentric semimajor axis of 2.19 au; its S-type spectrum3,4 is typical of bodies in this part of the main belt5. Here we report observations by the Lucy spacecraft6,7 as it passed within 431 km of Dinkinesh. Lucy revealed Dinkinesh, which has an effective diameter of only 720 m, to be unexpectedly complex. Of particular note is the presence of a prominent longitudinal trough overlain by a substantial equatorial ridge and the discovery of the first confirmed contact binary satellite, now named (152830) Dinkinesh I Selam. Selam consists of two near-equal-sized lobes with diameters of 210 m and 230 m. It orbits Dinkinesh at a distance of 3.1 km with an orbital period of about 52.7 h and is tidally locked. The dynamical state, angular momentum and geomorphologic observations of the system lead us to infer that the ridge and trough of Dinkinesh are probably the result of mass failure resulting from spin-up by YORP followed by the partial reaccretion of the shed material. Selam probably accreted from material shed by this event.

Characteristics and long-runout mechanisms of the coarse-grained debris avalanche deposit in the ancient continental rift basin

Debris avalanche deposits are developed on slopes in various environments, including submarine volcanoes, continental volcanoes, continental slopes, and mountain ranges. In contrast, research is relatively scarce on the coarse-grained subaqueous debris avalanche deposits formed by the collapse of steep basin margins in continental small rift basins, which are controlled by tectonics. Through the interpretation of satellite imagery, field investigations, and the study of the morphological characteristics and internal structures of sediments, a massive debris avalanche event during the Early Cretaceous, Xiguayuan Formation of the Luanping Basin at the northern edge of the Yanshan tectonic belt on the North China Block, named the Wangying Debris Avalanche Deposit (WYDAD), has been identified and analyzed for its kinematics, dynamics, and long-runout mechanisms. The study reveals that based on sedimentology, internal structures, and basal characteristics, five different types of sedimentary morphologies can be identified from the source zone to the distal zone: convergent ridges and grooves (longitudinal expansion and lateral compression), transverse ridges and grooves (compression), longitudinal ridges and grooves (shearing and stretching), arcuate ridges and grooves (compression), and mixed sediments (radial extension). The grain size of coarse-grained debris avalanche deposits decreases with increasing transport distance and fragmentation due to jigsaw cracking, while matrix content increases. Additionally, the entrainment of fine-grained substrate and the mixing of lake waters during the transport of debris avalanches often evolve into secondary debris flows or high-density turbidity currents. Debris avalanches are likely primarily controlled by regional tectonic activity and volcanic action. Compared to subaerial debris avalanche deposits, the subaqueous WYDAD exhibits characteristics such as low fragmentation, smooth underwater terrain due to water resistance and buoyancy, and higher fluidity. The mechanism for the long-distance, high-speed transport of the WYDAD is explained by “hydroplaning” and high pore pressure generated by non-draining shear. This study provides insights into the transport processes of coarse-grained subaqueous debris avalanche deposits in continental rift basins. It verifies whether such sediments can serve as a primary sedimentary system for CCUS or potential resource storage.

Unveiling Energetic Particle Dynamics in the Near‐Earth Environment From CubeSat Missions

AbstractThe discovery of the Van Allen radiation belts marked a prominent milestone in space physics. Recent advances, through the measurements of two CubeSat missions, have shed new light on the dynamics of energetic particles in the near‐Earth environment. Measurements from CSSWE, a student‐led mission, revealed that the decay of low‐energy neutrons, associated with cosmic rays impacting the atmosphere, is the primary source of relativistic electrons at the inner edge of the inner belt (Li et al., Nature, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature2464). Recently CIRBE captured striking details of energetic electron dynamics (Li et al., GRL, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1029/2023gl107521), further demonstrating high‐quality science achievable with CubeSat missions.

Mixed siliciclastic-carbonate-tuffaceous sedimentation in a rift lacustrine basin: A case study of the Lower Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation in the Luxi sag, Songliao basin

The Lower Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation lacustrine successions in the rift Luxi sag, Songliao Basin are characterized by mixed siliciclastic-carbonate-tuffaceous and organic-rich deposits. Ten facies were recognized and were formed in fan delta, delta, littoral-sublittoral lacustrine and deep lacustrine environments. A depositional sequence characterized by significant changes in facies and lake regime has been defined, and is divided into lowstand systems tract (LST), transgressive systems tract (TST), and highstand systems tract (HST) that are separated by sequence boundaries, initial flooding surfaces, and maximum flooding surfaces, respectively. During the LST, the delta and fan delta deposits covered the marginal area and extended into littoral-sublittoral lacustrine and deep lacustrine environments, respectively. During the TST, the areas of delta and fan delta decreased and lake areas increased, and the carbonate-dominated shoals and mixed siliciclastic-carbonate shorelines occupied the edge of the Majiapu highland belt. During the HST, the lake areas further expanded, and the fan delta deposits extended into deep lacustrine environments and formed deposits of underflows and turbidites. A depositional model in the rift lacustrine Luxi sag is proposed, incorporating the effects of tectonics and sediment supply, climate and carbonate production, hydrodynamic conditions, and lake-level fluctuations. During the LST, the active tectonic movement, high input of siliciclastic sediments, and subaerial volcanic eruptions resulted in the wide distribution of mixed siliciclastic-tuffaceous sedimentation. During the TST, the brackish lake water controlled by periodic dry and hot climate facilitated the carbonate deposition in shallow water, and tractional currents onto the lake shore carried sediments to form the mixed siliciclastic-carbonate-tuffaceous facies. During the HST, more humid climate and increased runoff allowed formation of widely distributed, mostly oil shale-rich deposits, and the gravity flows carried the sediments into the deeper part of basin to form the mixed siliciclastic-carbonate-tuffaceous facies. The depositional model of mixed deposits in this rift lacustrine basin has been proposed here in order to encourage comparison with other similar basins.

Cometary outbursts in the Oort cloud

Comet nuclei in the outer Solar system are constantly irradiated by cosmic rays at low temperatures. Accumulated high concentrations of radicals can undergo fast recombination with significant heating of cometary surface layers. We present the model of comet activity at large heliocentric distances caused by the recombination of radicals. We found that the considered mechanism can cause activity of comets in distant regions of the Solar system, even at the Oort cloud distances. Outbursts in distant comet reservoirs can be a new source of dust and ice particles contributing to the recently discovered anomalous diffuse light in the cosmic extragalactic background optic light and the unexpectedly high flux of dust particles detected by the New Horizons dust counter at the edge of the Kuiper belt. The orbits of small-radii comets in the Oort cloud are highly influenced by cometary outbursts. This effect may account for the observed decrease in the number of small-radius long-period comets.

Symmetric laminates for enhanced tire durability: A numerical study on belt edge separation

Tire failure due to belt edge separation is a common issue caused by various factors such as adhesion loss, high heat generation, and interlaminar shear. This research paper focuses on studying the phenomenon of belt edge separation in tires by investigating the effect of belt lay arrangement on this failure mode. The study examines two types of belt arrangements, namely Symmetric and Asymmetric, in both four belt and three belt package configurations, using advanced finite element analysis (FEA) techniques. MSC-MARC commercial Finite Element software is employed to conduct FE analysis on an 11R22.5 tire model under steady-state rolling conditions. Through numerical simulations, the study reveals that the symmetric belt arrangement, irrespective of the belt package configuration (four belt or three belt), minimizes strain energy density, principal strains, and principal stresses in the belt edge region compared to the asymmetric arrangement. Interestingly, the asymmetric arrangement is commonly used by tire companies for Truck Bus Radial (TBR) tires. Based on the findings of numerical simulations, this research paper proposes a new three belt package configuration that effectively utilizes the symmetric belt lay arrangement as a potential solution to reduce belt edge separation in TBR tires.

The geodynamic origin of Los Humeros volcanic field in Mexico: insights from numerical simulations

Compared to normal arc-related volcanic eruptions, the formation of a volcanic caldera is a relatively atypical event. During caldera formation a series of large volumes of magma are erupted, reducing the structural support for the rock above the magma chamber and creating a large depression at the surface called caldera. Los Humeros volcanic field (LHVF) represents one of the largest volcanic calderas in Mexico. It is located some 400 km from the trench at the eastern edge of the Trans Mexican Volcanic Belt where the depth to the Cocos slab is more than 300 km. In this study we employ high-resolution two-dimensional thermomechanical numerical simulations of magma intrusions and a horizontal tectonic strain rate to better understand the influence of crustal deformation for the formation of Los Humeros caldera. A minimum number of three thermal anomaly pulses of hydrated mantle material (with diameter of 15 km or more) and a regional strain rate of 7.927 × 10–16 s−1 are required for magma to reach the surface. Modeling results show that regional extension coupled with deep thermal anomalies (with a temperature excess of ΔT ≥ 100 °C) that come in a specific chain-type sequence produce surface deformation patterns similar to LHVF. We propose an asthenospheric sub-slab deep source (> 300 km depth) for the thermal anomalies where previous studies showed the existence of a gap or tear in the Cocos slab.

Geomagnetic Storm Effects on the LEO Proton Flux During Solar Energetic Particle Events

AbstractDuring a few solar energetic particle (SEP) events, solar protons were trapped within the geomagnetic field and reached the outer edge of the inner radiation belt. We reproduced this phenomenon by modeling the proton flux distribution at the Low‐Earth Orbit (LEO) for different geomagnetic conditions during solar particle events. We developed a three‐dimensional relativistic test particle simulation code to compute the 70–180 MeV solar proton Lorentz trajectories in low L‐shell range from 1 to 3. The Tsyganenko model (T01) generated the background static magnetic field with the IGRF (v12) model. We have selected three Dst index values: −7, −150, and −210 nT, to define quiet time, strong, and severe geomagnetic storms and to generate the corresponding inner magnetic field configurations. Our results showed that the simulated solar proton flux was more enhanced in the high‐latitude regions and more expanded toward the lower latitude range as long as the geomagnetic storm was intensified. Satellite observations and geomagnetic cutoff rigidities confirmed the numerical results. Furthermore, the LEO proton flux distribution was deformed, so the structure of the proton flux inside the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) became longitudinally extended as the Dst index decreased. Moreover, we have assessed the corresponding radiation environment of the LEO mission. We realized that, for a higher inclined LEO mission during an intense geomagnetic storm (Dst = −210 nT), the probability of the occurrence of the Single Event Upset (SEU) rates increased by 19% and the estimated accumulated absorbed radiation doses increased by 17% in comparison with quiet conditions.

Research on Belt Deviation Fault Detection Technology of Belt Conveyors Based on Machine Vision

Traditional belt deflection detection devices for underground belt conveyors in coal mines have problems, such as their single function, poor fault location and analysis accuracy, low automation level, and low reliability. In order to solve the defects of traditional detection devices, the belt deviation faults of the underground belt conveyor transport process require to be detected effectively and reliably. This paper proposes a belt deviation detection method based on machine vision. This method makes use of a global adaptive high dynamic range imaging method to complete the brightness enhancement processing of the underground image. Then the straight-line features of the conveyor belt edges are extracted using Canny edge detection and the Hough transform algorithm. In addition, a dual-baseline localization judgment method is proposed to realize the identification of band bias faults. Finally, a test bench for belt conveyor deviation was built. Testing experiments for different deviations were conducted. The accuracy of the tape deviation detection reached 99.45%. The method proposed in this study improves the reliability of belt deviation fault detection of underground belt conveyors in coal mines and has wide application prospects in the field of coal mining.

Exploring changes of precipitation extremes under climate change through global variable-resolution modeling

Understanding the responses of precipitation extremes to global climate change remains limited owing to their poor representations in models and complicated interactions with multi-scale systems. Here we take the record-breaking precipitation over China in 2021 as an example, and study its changes under three different climate scenarios through a developed pseudo-global-warming (PGW) experimental framework with 60–3 km variable-resolution global ensemble modeling. Compared to the present climate, the precipitation extreme under a warmer (cooler) climate increased (decreased) in intensity, coverage, and total amount at a range of 24.3%–37.8% (18.7%–56.1%). With the help of the proposed PGW experimental framework, we further reveal the impacts of the multi-scale system interactions in climate change on the precipitation extreme. Under the warmer climate, large-scale water vapor transport converged from double typhoons and the subtropical high marched into central China, enhancing the convective energy and instability on the leading edge of the transport belt. As a result, the mesoscale convective system (MCS) that directly contributed to the precipitation extreme became stronger than that in the present climate. On the contrary, the cooler climate displayed opposite changing characteristics relative to the warmer climate, ranging from the large-scale systems to local environments and to the MCS. In summary, our study provides a promising approach to scientifically assess the response of precipitation extremes to climate change, making it feasible to perform ensemble simulations while investigating the multi-scale system interactions over the globe.

Holocene transformation of natural steppe into an agricultural landscape in the Polabí and Pojizeří Lowlands, Czech Republic, based on mollusc evidence

Recent zonal steppes of Eastern Europe and South-West Asia have their origin in the glacial steppe with its specific continental climate. The westernmost edge of the steppe belt in Central Europe has been climatically shifted from a continental course during the Last Glacial to a rather oceanic one during the Holocene. Steppe enclaves could survive only locally in the driest parts of this area, but as we have confirmed, early arrival of Neolithic agriculture played a significant role in their preservation as well. While pollen analyses can provide the main pattern of landscape development, mollusc successions provide more information about landscape details we need for a better understanding of a steppe transformation towards the recent agricultural ecosystems. Based on the study of 18 mollusc successions in two neighbouring lowlands in the chernozems and alluvial areas of Central and North Bohemia, we described a postglacial development of these two climatically different agricultural landscapes. Based on mollusc evidence, we illustrated the impoverishment of forest communities and the continual occurrence of open habitats throughout the forest climatic optimum of the Holocene. Since the Neolithic colonisation, several erosion events were observed in many profiles documented by a lack of preserved fossil molluscs and layer redeposition which are in excellent agreement with the reconstruction of the fluvial sedimentation and vegetation in the Elbe River floodplain and with the continual settlement of this area. Because we have evidence of a fully developed forest fauna in the Eem interglacial from the Polabí lowland we know that the impoverishment of forest communities and the occurrence of open habitats during the interglacial forest climatic optimum is characteristic only of the Holocene.

Real-Time Belt Deviation Detection Method Based on Depth Edge Feature and Gradient Constraint.

Aiming at the problems of the poor recognition effect and low recognition rate of the existing methods in the process of belt deviation detection, this paper proposes a real-time belt deviation detection method. Firstly, ResNet18 combined with the attention mechanism module is used as a feature extraction network to enhance the features in the belt edge region and suppress the features in other regions. Then, the extracted features are used to predict the approximate locations of the belt edges using a classifier based on the contextual information on the fully connected layer. Next, the improved gradient equation is used as a structural loss in the model training stage to make the model prediction value closer to the target value. Then, the authors of this paper use the least squares method to fit the set of detected belt edge line points to obtain the accurate belt edge straight line. Finally, the deviation threshold is set according to the requirements of the safety production code, and the fitting results are compared with the threshold to achieve the belt deviation detection. Comparisons are made with four other methods: ultrafast structure-aware deep lane detection, end-to-end wireframe parsing, LSD, and the Hough transform. The results show that the proposed method is the fastest at 41 frames/sec; the accuracy is improved by 0.4%, 13.9%, 45.9%, and 78.8% compared to the other four methods; and the F1-score index is improved by 0.3%, 10.2%, 32.6%, and 72%, respectively, which meets the requirements of practical engineering applications. The proposed method can be used for intelligent monitoring and control in coal mines, logistics and transport industries, and other scenarios requiring belt transport.

Effects of Coronal Magnetic Field Configuration on Particle Acceleration and Release during the Ground Level Enhancement Events in Solar Cycle 24

Ground level enhancements (GLEs) are extreme solar energetic particle (SEP) events that are of particular importance in space weather. In solar cycle 24, two GLEs were recorded on 2012 May 17 (GLE 71) and 2017 September 10 (GLE 72), respectively, using a range of advanced modern instruments. Here we conduct a comparative analysis of the two events by focusing on the effects of large-scale magnetic field configuration near active regions on particle acceleration and release. Although the active regions are both located near the western limb, temporal variations of SEP intensities and energy spectra measured in situ display different behaviors at early stages. By combining a potential field model, we find the coronal mass ejection (CME) in GLE 71 originated below the streamer belt, while in GLE 72 it originated near the edge of the streamer belt. We reconstruct the CME shock fronts with an ellipsoid model based on nearly simultaneous coronagraph images from multiple viewpoints and further derive the 3D shock geometry at the GLE onset. The highest-energy particles are primarily accelerated in the shock–streamer interaction regions, i.e., likely at the nose of the shock in GLE 71 and the eastern flank in GLE 72, due to quasi-perpendicular shock geometry and confinement of closed fields. Subsequently, they are released to the field lines connecting to near-Earth spacecraft when the shocks move through the streamer cusp region. This suggests that magnetic structures in the corona, especially shock–streamer interactions, may have played an important role in the acceleration and release of the highest-energy particles in the two events.