Field Of Earth Sciences Research Articles

Ophiolites: Geological Heritage with Multifaceted Cultural Values

Cultural geomorphology is a very recent discipline that studies the geomorphological component of a territory which embodies both a cultural feature of the landscape and its interactions with cultural heritage: this cultural approach concerns the dialogue and cultural integration between humanistic and scientific disciplines and can be extended to all the fields of Earth Sciences. Ophiolite rock masses strongly characterize the landscape: their greenish-black, sometimes red-brown colour; the steep profile of the slopes, which results from their greater resistance to erosion than the surrounding softer sedimentary rocks; the scarce or even absent vegetation cover. The value of ophiolites is not only related to scientific and aesthetic interests, but is also due to historical–geographical, cultural and socio-economic issues. In this research, we present the elements of cultural and landscape value related to the ophiolites of the Northern Apennines, and how these geological and geomorphological features have led to specific relationships with humankind and human geography. Indeed, ophiolites represent characteristic elements of popular culture with immediate reference to toponymy, local legends and religion. Ophiolites are also an element of great strategic importance, as they are crucial for human settlement, with specific reference to defence, and for mining and quarrying activities. The landscape of ophiolites is of great geological, geomorphological, hydrogeological and pedological interest, resulting in a high concentration of geosites, hence on the one hand the opportunity for enhancement and potential geotourism, and on the other hand the need for their protection and geoconservation.

Quantitative characterization of granite failure intensity under dynamic disturbance from energy standpoint

Abstract Quantitative evaluation of rock dynamic disaster intensity is a challenging and difficult task in the field of earth science. In this article, the dynamic compression tests of granite under different impact velocities are carried out, and the energy evolution characteristics of the dynamic failure process of granite are analyzed. The dynamic fracture characteristics of granite were studied by using computed tomography and section scanning equipment. The results show that the energy dissipation and energy accumulation mechanism of granite under dynamic loading are fundamentally changed with the increase of impact disturbance strength, which leads to the transformation of the failure mode from the tension-type sheet crack under low-speed impact to the complex network crack coupled by tension and shear under high-speed impact. At the same time, the greater the impact velocity, the larger the macroscopic crack density, the more uneven the particle distribution on the fracture section, the greater the roughness, and the higher the rock mass fracture degree. In accordance with the results, the energy distribution ratio is proposed to quantitatively characterize the coupling effect of energy dissipation and energy accumulation in the dynamic failure process of granite and to reflect its dynamic failure intensity. The higher the energy distribution ratio, the stronger the energy coupling effect and the more intense the dynamic failure of the rock mass.

XR-based interactive visualization platform for real-time exploring dynamic earth science data

The transition from 2D planar displays to immersive holographic 3D environments has brought advancements in visualization technology. However, there remains a lack of effective interactive visualization tools for complex multi-dimensional structured or unstructured datasets in immersive space. To address this gap, we have developed MetIVA, a state-of-the-art multiscale interactive data visualization platform that leverages the Extended Reality (XR) and cloud rendering technology for immersive data exploration. In this paper, we firstly outline the historical development of scientific visualization and the recent shift towards 3D and higher-dimensional visualization, and then basically introduce the conceptual framework and platform structure of MetIVA, and finally present the evaluation results from recruited potential users. The results confirm that MetIVA is a powerful tool to accelerate data exploration and decision-making processes. Its interactive and intuitive features, along with ongoing optimization efforts, make it a valuable tool for researchers and practitioners in the field of Earth science.

Isyarah ‘Ilmiyyah (Sains) dalam Al-Qur’an Surah Al-Syams Ayat 1-5 Perspektif Zaghloul Raghib Muhammad An-Najjar

Research on scientific signs can provide a deeper understanding of the scientific content of the Quran, but the lack of integration between Quranic scholarly studies and modern scientific studies has led to a gap in the understanding of Muslims regarding the Quran. Based on this issue, the researcher aims to uncover the scientific signs behind Surah Ash-Shams verses 1-5, such as the sun, moon, day, night, and the sky. This research refers to the commentary of Zaghloul An-Najjar due to his expertise in the field of earth sciences, making the study more effective in revealing the truth of the Quran. The research method used is qualitative with a scientific-themed maudhui commentary approach. This study is a literature review using descriptive analysis methods. The results obtained from this research are: Firstly, the immense benefits and materials of sunlight cannot be replaced by human-made alternatives. Secondly, the natural phenomena called solar and lunar eclipses. Thirdly, sunlight influences the production of serotonin hormone during the day, while the increasing darkness of the night helps the production of melatonin hormone. Fourthly, behind the visible sunlight, there is a daytime layer surrounding the earth above the Earth's atmospheric layer, allowing solar energy to reach the Earth. Finally, the vastness of the sky in outer space is discussed, leading to various galaxies and clusters of galaxies.

Preface

Mai Trong Nhuan, Nguyen Manh Khai, Vo Le Phu, Chau Nguyen Xuan Quang, Pham Trung Hieu, Doan Quang Tri, Nguyen Thi Hoai Nga (Editors) International Conference on Earth and Environmental Sciences, Mining for Digital Transformation, Green Development and Response to Global Change (GREEN EME 2023) Proceedings of International Conference on Earth and Environmental Sciences, Mining for Digital Transformation, Green Development and Response to Global Change (GREEN EME 2023) Global change, rapid development of science and technology, and the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) create many opportunities and challenges for sustainable development. Vietnam, being one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change and natural disasters, is devoting great efforts to achieve sustainable development goals and net zero emissions by 2050 as well as to improve productivity and national competitiveness. In this context, innovation, digital transformation in training, basic and applied research on EME become more urgent than ever for green, circular development and response to global change, sustainable development, prosperity, and safety of the country, the region and the world. The fields of Earth, Mines, and Environmental sciences (EME) have emerged and evolved alongside with the evolution of human society, and have created a profound impact on all aspects of life and socio-economic development through utilizing natural resources, impacting the environment, and driving global change. The robust development of these areas serves as the foundation for various other fundamental and applied sciences, and concurrently acts as a catalyst for technological advancements worldwide, contributing to the common prosperity and safety of humankind as well as the conservation of the blue Earth. The EME with the theme of “Earth and Environmental Sciences, Mining for Digital Transformation, Green Development and Response to Global Change” (GREEN EME 2023) was held in Ho Chi Minh City in December 29, 2023. The GREEN EME 2023 was successfully co-organized by Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, in collaboration with Viet Nam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration, the Interdisciplinary Council for Professorship of Earth - Mining Sciences, as well as various research institutes and local and international higher education institutions. The GREEN EME 2023 covers six topics: (i) Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in Earth Sciences, Mines, Environment; (ii) Digital Transformation in Earth, Mining, Environmental Sciences; (iii) Sustainable energy transition for green, renewable (wind power, solar power, gas power, geothermal, garbage electricity, hydrogen, etc.) and low carbon emission technologies; (iv) Circular economy in resource-mineral management and sustainable development; (v) Climate change response and disaster risk reduction; (vi) Solutions to promote innovation in the fields of Earth Science, Mining and Environment to meet the goal of sustainable development. Overall, the Conference has attracted more than 100 papers from scientists, researchers, government managers, and graduate students. Among them, 90 high-quality papers were recommended to submit for peer-reviewing. Then, the double-blind review process was carried out for the 85 papers, in which each paper has been reviewed for its merit and novelty by at least two reviewers and one editor by matching the content areas. As a result, a total of 24 papers have been finally selected to be published in IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. It is strongly believed that this proceedings provides a broad overview of recent advanced studies in the fields of Earth, Mines, and Environmental sciences with a profound impact on all aspects of life and socio-economic development through utilizing natural resources, impacting the environment, and driving global change. List of Editors, International Scientific Committee and Conference Organizing Committee are available in this Pdf.

Preface

Vo Le Phu, Le Anh Kien, Le Van Trung, Nguyen Nhat Huy (Editors) The 3rd International Conference on Environment, Resources and Earth Sciences (ICERES 2023) The International Conference on Environment, Resources and Earth Sciences (ICERES) is a biannually conference organized by the Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources (FENR) and Centre Asiatique de Recherche sur l’Eau (CARE), Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) and Institute for Tropical Technology and Environmental Protection (VITTEP), Academy of Military Science and Technology (AMST). This conference aims to serve as a platform for scientists to exchange and share the results of basic research and applications as well as cutting edge of knowledge and findings in the domain of environment, resources, and earth sciences. During the last three years, the series of ICERES conferences were held successfully which drawn much attention and attracted many scientists in the fields of Environment, Resources and Earth Sciences. This year, the ICERES 2023 elaborated with the theme of “Green and Nature-based Solutions for Environmental Sustainability and Resources Management” was held on 21 October 2023. It provides a forum for presentation, exhibition, and discussion about the sustainable environmental solutions at both international and local levels. These solutions could be a spectrum of environmental engineering (e.g., sustainable treatment technologies for water, wastewater, air-born pollutants, and solid wastes); natural resources and environmental management (e.g., policy, approaches and technologies for the sustainable management practices of natural resources and environment, natural disasters reduction, and climate change adaptation and mitigation), resources and environmental informatics (e.g., applications of GIS, GNSS, UAV, remote sensing and modeling, etc. in the field of environment and natural resources, and possibility of utilizing new technologies in smart cities; infrastructure and sustainable development), and green waste management (e-wastes, hazardous wastes, eco-campus, urban mining, recycling, energy from wastes, valorization of green wastes, green policies for sustainability). We are welcome the participation of and contribution from the wide range of scientists, managers, lecturers, graduate students, and students from universities, institutes, and research centres as well as officials from relevant government departments, agencies, companies, and enterprises. List of Editors, Scientific Committee and Organizing Committee are available in this Pdf.

IFF-Net: Irregular Feature Fusion Network for Multimodal Remote Sensing Image Classification

In recent years, classification and identification of Earth’s surface materials has been a challenging research topic in the field of earth science and remote sensing (RS). Although deep learning techniques have achieved some results in remote sensing image classification, there are still some challenges for multimodal remote sensing data classification, such as information redundancy between multimodal remote sensing images. In this paper, we propose a multimodal remote sensing data classification method IFF-Net based on irregular feature fusion, called IFF-Net. The IFF-Net architecture utilizes weight-shared residual blocks for feature extraction while maintaining the independent batch normalization (BN) layer. During the training phase, the redundancy of the current channel is determined by evaluating the judgement factor of the BN layer. If this judgment factor falls below a predefined threshold, it indicates that the current channel information is redundant and should be substituted with another channel. Sparse constraints are imposed on some of the judgment factors in order to remove extra channels and enhance generalization. Furthermore, a module for feature normalization and calibration has been devised to leverage the spatial interdependence of multimodal features in order to achieve improved discrimination. Two standard datasets are used in the experiments to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The experimental results show that the IFF-NET method proposed in this paper exhibits significantly superior performance compared to the state-of-the-art methods.

Testing and assessment of high-precision and high-accuracy AMS-radiocarbon measurements at Nanjing University, China

AbstractIn 2018, an Ionplus 200 kV MIni-CArbon DAting System (MICADAS) accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS) was installed at the Laboratory of AMS Dating and the Environment, Nanjing University (NJU-AMS Laboratory), China. The NJU-AMS Laboratory is largely devoted to research on radiocarbon dating and 14C analysis in fields of earth, environmental and archaeological sciences. The laboratory has successfully employed various pretreatment methods, including routine pretreatment of tree rings, buried wood and subfossil wood, seeds, charcoal, pollen concentrates, organic matter, and shells. In this study, operational status of the NJU-AMS is presented, and results of radiocarbon measurements made on different sample types are reported. Measurements on international standards, references of known age, and blank samples demonstrate that the NJU-AMS runs stably and has good reproducibility on measurement of single samples. The facility is capable of measuring 14C in samples with the precision and accuracy that meet the requirements for investigating annual 14C changes, history-prehistory age dating, and Late Quaternary stratigraphic chronology research.

Accurate and precise in situ determination of beryllium contents in beryllium minerals using ablation spot size of 13 μm by LA–ICP–MS

Beryllium is a strategically critical metal, and its accurate in situ analysis in beryllium minerals is challenging in the field of earth science. High spatial resolution is also a difficult point in the analysis. A new analysis approach for the accurate and precise determination of beryllium contents in beryl using an ablation spot size of 13 μm by LA–ICP–MS was first achieved in this study. The control variables were used to optimise the instrument conditions and determine the laser ablation parameters suitable for determining beryl under an ablation spot size of 13 μm. The energy density was set at 5.5 J/cm2 with a repetition rate of 4 Hz, and the ablation time was 50 s. A new concept, the Relative Fractionation Index (RFI), was proposed to measure fractionation and matrix effects. Two potential beryl reference substances (B4–2 and Brl-3) were also assessed by determining their homogeneity to further improve the measurement accuracy. Other common beryllium minerals, including phenakite, chrysoberyl, and herderite, were identified in this study. By comparing the RFI values of different minerals and reference materials, appropriate reference materials and determination conditions were selected, and ideal analysis results were obtained. Therefore, the accurate and precise determination of beryllium contents in common beryllium minerals was achieved using an ablation spot size of 13 μm by LA–ICP–MS.

Next Generation Seismic Source Detection by Computer Vision: Untangling the Complexity of the 2016 Kaikōura Earthquake Sequence

AbstractSeismic source locations are fundamental to many fields of Earth and planetary sciences, such as seismology, volcanology and tectonics. However, seismic source detection and location are challenging when events cluster closely in space and time with signals tangling together at observing stations, such as they often do in major aftershock sequences. Though emerging algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) models have made processing high volumes of seismic data easier, their performance is still limited, especially for complex aftershock sequences. In this study, we propose a novel approach that utilizes three‐dimensional image segmentation—a computer vision technique—to detect and locate seismic sources, and develop this into a complete workflow, Source Untangler Guided by Artificial intelligence image Recognition (SUGAR). In our synthetic and real data tests, SUGAR can handle complex, energetic earthquake sequences in near real time better than skillful analysts and other AI and non‐AI based algorithms. We apply SUGAR to the 2016 Kaikōura, New Zealand sequence and obtain five times more events than the analyst‐based GeoNet catalog. The improved aftershock distribution illuminates a continuous fault system with extensive fracture zones beneath the segmented, discontinuous surface ruptures. Our method has broader applicability to non‐earthquake sources and other time series image data sets.

Shannon entropy of transport self-organization due to dissolution–precipitation reaction at varying Peclet numbers in initially homogeneous porous media

Abstract. Dissolution and precipitation processes in reactive transport in porous media are ubiquitous in a multitude of contexts within the field of Earth sciences. In particular, the dynamic interaction between the reactive dissolution and precipitation processes and the solute transport is of interest as it is capable of giving rise to the emergence of preferential flow paths in the porous host matrix. It has been shown that the emergence of preferential flow paths can be considered to be a manifestation of transport self-organization in porous media as these create spatial gradients that distance the system from the state of perfect mixing and allow for a faster and more efficient fluid transport through the host matrix. To investigate the dynamic feedback between the transport and the reactive processes in the field and its influence on the emergence of transport self-organization, we consider a two-dimensional Darcy-scale formulation of a reactive-transport setup, where the precipitation and dissolution of the host matrix are driven by the injection of an acid compound, establishing local equilibrium with the resident fluid and an initially homogeneous porous matrix, composed of a calcite mineral. The coupled reactive process is simulated in a series of computational analyses employing the Lagrangian particle-tracking (LPT) approach, capable of capturing the subtleties of the multiple-scale heterogeneity phenomena. We employ the Shannon entropy to quantify the emergence of self-organization in the field, which we define as a relative reduction in entropy compared to its maximum value. Scalability of the parameters, which characterize the evolution of the reactive process, with the Peclet number in an initially homogeneous field is derived using a simple one-dimensional ADRE model with a linear adsorption reaction term and is then confirmed through numerical simulations, with the global reaction rate, the mean value, and the variance of the hydraulic-conductivity distribution in the field all exhibiting dependency on the reciprocal of the Peclet number. Our findings show that transport self-organization in an initially homogeneous field increases with time, along with the emergence of the field heterogeneity due to the interaction between the transport and reactive processes. By studying the influence of the Peclet number on the reactive process, we arrive at a conclusion that self-organization is more pronounced in diffusion-dominated flows, characterized by small Peclet values. The self-organization of the breakthrough curve exhibits the opposite tendencies, which are observed from the perspective of a thermodynamic analogy. The hydraulic power, required to maintain the driving head pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the field, was shown to increase with the increasing variance, as well as with the increasing mean value of the hydraulic-conductivity distribution in the field, using a simple analytic model. This was confirmed by numerical experiments. This increase in power, supplied to the flow in the field, results in an increase in the level of transport self-organization. Employing a thermodynamic framework to investigate the dynamic reaction–transport interaction in porous media may prove to be beneficial whenever the need exists to establish relations between the intensification of the preferential flow path phenomenon, represented by a decline in the Shannon entropy of the transport, with the amount of reaction that occurred in the porous medium and the change in its heterogeneity.

A fully scalable homogenization method to upscale 3-D elastic media

SUMMARY Modelling seismic wavefields in complex 3-D elastic media is the key in many fields of Earth Science: seismology, seismic imaging, seismic hazard assessment and earthquake source mechanism reconstruction. This modelling operation can incur significant computational cost, and its accuracy depends on the ability to take into account the scales of the subsurface heterogeneities varying. The theory of homogenization describes how the small-scale heterogeneities interact with the seismic waves and allows to upscale elastic media consistently with the wave equation. In this study, an efficient and scalable numerical homogenization tool is developed, relying on the similarity between the equations describing the propagation of elastic waves and the homogenization process. By exploiting the optimized implementation of an elastic modelling kernel based on a spectral-element discretization and domain decomposition, a fully scalable homogenization process, working directly on the spectral-element mesh, is presented. Numerical experiments on the entire SEAM II foothill model and a 3-D version of the Marmousi II model illustrate the efficiency and flexibility of this approach. A reduction of two orders of magnitude in terms of absolute computational cost is observed on the elastic wave modelling of the entire SEAM II model at a controlled accuracy.

The effects of pore structure on wave dispersion and attenuation due to squirt flow: A dynamic stress-strain simulation on a simple digital pore-crack model

Squirt flow, a phenomenon typically observed in porous cracked rocks, occurs due to the contrasting compressibility between the pores and cracks, leading to the pore pressure diffusion and dissipation of wave energy. Understanding the influence of pore structure on wave dispersion and attenuation signatures due to squirt flow is essential for interpreting seismic and sonic logging data in various fields of earth and energy sciences, such as hydrocarbon exploration, geothermal energy exploitation, and CO2 sequestration. In this study, we construct a simple digital pore-crack model with varying pore structures and use a dynamic stress-strain simulation approach to characterize wave dispersion and attenuation signatures due to squirt flow. Numerical simulation suggests that, in addition to the commonly considered parameters such as porosity, crack density, and crack aspect ratio, additional pore structure parameters, such as pore size, pore aspect ratio, crack orientation, crack length, and crack width, significantly affect the wave dispersion and attenuation signatures. Increasing the pore size leads to the pronounced enhancement of attenuation magnitude and a decrease in characteristic frequency. We demonstrate that variations in crack length have a pronounced impact on attenuation magnitude, whereas crack width is decisive in controlling the characteristic frequency. Furthermore, it is found that the saturation paths (the gas filling the pore first or gas filling the crack first) considerably affect the velocity-saturation and attenuation-saturation relationship, suggesting that the coupling effects of pore structure and fluid distribution complicate the fluid pressure diffusion and wave attenuation behaviors. The presented results offer insights for deciphering pore structure parameters using attenuation- or dissipation-related seismic attributes.

The Research Growth Rate (2019-2020) of Forty Countries in the Field of Earth and Planetary Science Research

The project is designed to explore the research output of the world’s top forty countries in the field of Earth and Planetary Sciences from 2010 to 2020. The data in the field of earth and planetary sciences for each country was retrieved from Scopus. Based on the number of publications (in 2020), the top three most productive countries are China (n = 39236), United States (n = 27889), and United Kingdom (n = 10784). However, based on the growth rate (for 2019-2020), the top three countries are Pakistan (n = 38.86), Indonesia (n = 31.36), and Finland (n = 22.00). In 2013-14 and 2010-11, Pakistan was in the 3rd position. While for the years (2015-2018) Pakistan occupied the 2nd position. This motivated us to decode the research productivity of Pakistan since independence (1947). The total number of publications was found to be 4972, where 8814 authors and 10445 institutes significantly contributed. The University of Peshawar was the most productive university with 584 publications. Pakistan produced 90.50 % (n = 4500) publications in the 21st century (after 2000). The astonishing growth could be attributed to several reasons, for example, the establishment of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Islamabad, Pakistan, an increase in total expenditure on higher education, an increase in international collaboration, etc. At the same time (in 2020), Pakistan has a meagre global share of only 0.178 % (total global production is 2,790,854). This confirms that significant measures are needed to increase the overall productivity (both the number and quality of research publication.

Computational Geodynamics Laboratory: 15 years of numerical modeling and high-performance computing at the Centro de Geociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

The rapid development of computer technology in the last decades provided scientists with new opportunities to expand their research fields and in the same time to compress the necessary time to obtain research based scientific conclusions. This fast tendency also significantly affected the scientific discovery trend, and in many research fields we observe a transition from standard laboratory experiments to numerical experiments. In the particular research field of Earth Sciences, computational modeling constitutes a powerful predictive tool that fills a geological and geophysical data gap. The geological record covers well the Earth’s surface but is quite limited in depth, whereas geophysical information can provide depth-based information but it is limited in time to present day. Therefore, there is a large data gap in time and space that cannot be covered unless some indirect and intuitive prediction method is used. In this picture, numerical simulations come as an essential research tool. In this work, we provide a review about the research progress obtained in the last 15 years using high-performance computing at the Computational Geodynamics Laboratory at the Centro de Geociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.

Cartographic models in environmental studies

In this paper, as part of the preparation for a dissertation study on the creation of an eco-cartographic tool of geographic information systems, we consider the use of cartographic models in environmental research. Modeling is a widely used research method in various scientific fields, characterized by its versatility. It can be adapted to solve a variety of tasks, but within specific scientific fields it may undergo large-scale changes due to the nature of the tasks at hand. Cartographic materials are a special kind of modeling, which is not included in standard classifications because of its unique properties. Cartographic models have specific properties that allow them to study complex natural and human-made systems while taking into account spatial components and preserving key parameters. Thematic maps, which are the main means of presenting research findings in the field of Earth sciences, require the use of cartography and geoinformatics in the study of objects and phenomena. This paper provides justification for the significant role that cartographic models and the tools of geoinformation systems play in environmental research. Environmental research is considered a complex system of interconnected processes, and this paper demonstrates how cartographic materials and geographic information systems can be used at different stages to make it more effective. The paper breaks down and presents graphical visualizations using the Business-Process Modeling Notation method to model and describe business-processes. The results show that using cartographic materials and geographic information systems in environmental research allows for more effective preparation of work, studying the relationships between various objects and environmental phenomena, and developing recommendations and strategies for managing risk. The creation of eco-cartographic materials using geographic information systems helps to develop geoinformatics and cartography, as well as contributing to the field of ecology. These materials provide increased visibility for materials that illustrate environmental parameters.

Parts-Per-Million Carbonate Mineral Quantification with Thermogravimetric Analysis-Mass Spectrometry.

Mitigating the deleterious effects of climate change requires the development and implementation of carbon capture and storage technologies. To expand the monitoring, verification, and reporting (MRV) capabilities of geologic carbon mineralization projects, we developed a thermogravimetric analysis-mass spectrometry (TGA-MS) methodology to enable quantification of <100 ppm calcite (CaCO3) in complex samples. We extended TGA-MS calcite calibration curves to enable a higher measurement resolution and lower limits of quantification for evolved CO2 from a calcite-corundum mixture. We demonstrated <100 ppm carbonate mineral quantification with TGA-MS for the first time, an outcome applicable across earth, environmental, and materials science fields. We applied this carbonate quantification method to a suite of Columbia River Basalt Group (CRBG) well cuttings recovered in 2009 from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Wallula #1 Well. Our execution of this new combined calcite and calcite-corundum calibration curve TGA-MS method on our CRBG sample suite indicated average carbonate contents of 0.050 wt % in flow interiors (caprocks) and 0.400 wt % in interflow zones (reservoirs) in the upper 1250 m of the Wallula #1 Well. By advancing our knowledge of continental flood basalt-hosted carbonates in the mafic subsurface and reaching new TGA-MS quantification limits for carbonate minerals, we expand MRV capabilities and support the commercial-scale deployment of carbon mineralization projects in the Pacific Northwest United States and beyond.

Occurrence, distribution, and composition of black sand along the Red Sea, Egypt

Black sand along the Red Sea is often composed of volcanic minerals and heavy minerals. The Red Sea region is known for its unique geological features, and black sand beaches can be found in various areas along its shores. The study presents a comprehensive semi-quantitative chemical analysis of black sand samples collected from various locations along the red sea, revealing significant variations in their elemental compositions. The main oxides were identified in each sample, determined through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses, indicate diverse mineralogical compositions. The spatial distribution of minerals at each site is depicted through mapping. Additionally, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra offer information on the functional groups present in the samples, revealing the existence of hydroxyl groups, aliphatic compounds, and adsorbed water molecules. For Qusier-Elsharm Alqbly, Safaga, Marsa Alam, Gabal Alrosass, Hurghada Titanic, Hurghada Elahiaa, Gemsa, and Ras Elbehar samples, the results highlight the presence of various minerals, such as Quartz, Calcite, Titanium Dioxide, Magnetite, Hematite, Aluminum Oxide, Zirconium Dioxide, Chromium (III) Oxide, and others, providing insights into the geological characteristics of each location. The differences in mineral content among the examined sites are linked to the geological and mineralogical makeup of the source rocks upstream and midstream in the basins that discharge into the surveyed regions. So, variations in black sand concentrations among different locations offer insights into the geological and mineralogical diversity of the studied areas along the Red Sea coast. This study addresses the existing knowledge gap by focusing on the preliminary exploration and description of the occurrence, distribution, and composition of black sand along the Red Sea in Egypt. whereas the results provide valuable insights into the geological diversity of black sand deposits in the surveyed areas, underscoring the need for additional research and interpretation of these variations. Therefore, the in-depth examination of mineralogical composition and crystal structures establishes a foundation for future investigations in the field of geology and earth sciences.

Submillisecond in situ X-ray diffraction measurement system with changing temperature and pressure using diamond anvil cells at BL10XU/SPring-8.

Recently, there has been a high demand for elucidating kinetics and visualizing reaction processes under extreme dynamic conditions, such as chemical reactions under meteorite impact conditions, structural changes under nonequilibrium conditions, and in situ observations of dynamic changes. To accelerate material science studies and Earth science fields under dynamic conditions, a submillisecond in situ X-ray diffraction measurement system has been developed using a diamond anvil cell to observe reaction processes under rapidly changing pressure and temperature conditions replicating extreme dynamic conditions. The development and measurements were performed at the high-pressure beamline BL10XU/SPring-8 by synchronizing a high-speed hybrid pixel array detector, laser heating and temperature measurement system, and gas-pressure control system that enables remote and rapid pressure changes using the diamond anvil cell. The synchronized system enabled momentary heating and rapid cooling experiments up to 5000 K via laser heating as well as the visualization of structural changes in high-pressure samples under extreme dynamic conditions during high-speed pressure changes.

Unforeseen Connections and New Points of View to Promote Interest and Passion for Earth Sciences

This research is a first result of the initial findings of an ongoing, in-depth inquiry among scientific texts and historical documents, which are revealing surprising discoveries on the fundamental role that Earth sciences have played in shaping historical events, influencing social dynamics, and impacting culture and the arts. This perspective is often overlooked in the conventional understanding of this discipline. This research does not claim to present groundbreaking discoveries or original research but seeks to highlight a totally different aspect of Earth sciences and to present it from a completely original point of view. While it is widely acknowledged that Earth sciences play a crucial role in understanding natural phenomena, global dynamics, and natural risks and hazards; their significant contributions to addressing contemporary challenges such as global warming, extreme weather events, land consumption, and biodiversity loss are less recognized. These issues are vital for environmental protection and sustainable development. Despite this, years of teaching students of all ages, engaging them in practical activities and laboratory experiences across various Earth science fields with the aim to promote knowledge, interest and, when possible, passion for this fascinating discipline, have shown that, if communicated without passion the subject can be perceived as undeniably and inevitably boring-seen merely as a discipline dealing with stones and catastrophes, complex and complicated. This research attempts to offer a new perspective on Earth sciences by providing an effective interpretation of geological phenomena, organizing them according to a logical classification, by typology or by temporal sequence. Natural disasters, such as volcanoes or earthquakes, in some cases well known, instantaneous or longlasting events, are portrayed as unpredictable yet indispensable causes of events that, at first glance, may seem unrelated to Earth sciences but have profoundly influenced human history and culture. This research aims to present a collection of information to educate about 'stones and catastrophes,' demonstrating how Earth sciences, through this unconventional lens, serve as a founding role of various disciplines. They promote the development of skills, both hard and soft, and stimulate curiosity, with the hope of guiding individuals towards a complex yet fascinating discipline."