Geological Significance Research Articles

The enrichment characteristics of germanium and it's geological significance in the Banbianjie Ge-Zn deposit, Guizhou

The enrichment characteristics of germanium and it's geological significance in the Banbianjie Ge-Zn deposit, Guizhou

Optimizing geological design of J-shaped deviation oil & gas well by deepening kickoff point

In the geological design of 2-D J-shaped deviated oil and gas wells, once the coordinates of wellhead and production layer target are determined (restricted by specific ground conditions and underground understanding, respectively), the position of the kickoff point (KOP) becomes very sensitive. By deepening the kickoff point (KOP) based on the current conventional fixed upper position and the dog leg severity (DLS) remaining unchanged within the penetrated range, a smaller drill axis and an angle between the production layer and axis can be obtained at the same designated target point to extend the section of penetrated oil-bearing layers, expand the oil drainage area, increase proven reserves, and ultimately enhance the oil production and recovery during the contract period. In addition, after optimization, it is expected to save 1-2% of well drilling costs by reducing drilling time. With the help of drilling engineering and production engineering, drilling KOP can be achieved easily in deeper and harder rock formations, which is able to improve the efficiency of the electric submersible pump (ESP) and to avoid eccentric wear of the ESP, resulting in extension of the service life of the ESP. This optimized design also runs in parallel with various well stimulation programs and projects without any confliction of each other. This design can be either used for comparison of the parameters of the completed inclined wells with assumed ones of deepening KOP design to show how the deepening KOP can be used to differentiate the increased thickness of the penetrated target layers and the drainage area of target zones, or it can be utilized to compare any pair of parameters between inclined production wells within a range. In the same drilling field, any random increase of 1° inclination angle in a stable inclination section can lead to a corresponding increase in the thickness of the penetrated oil-bearing layer and production. Our research results quantitatively indicate that in the geological design of J-shaped deviation oil and gas wells, the KOP can be re-set from a shallower fixed position along the current conventional trajectory to a reasonable position as deep as possible, which shall be suitable for most situations of optimizing well performance, especially for some restricted complex surface conditions and energy-deficient reservoirs, which assign the KOP a new geological significance in line with the business strategy of rapid oil recovery

The discovery of beryllium mineralization at the Tongshanyuan copper polymetallic deposit, Zhejiang Province, South China, and its geological significance

The discovery of beryllium mineralization at the Tongshanyuan copper polymetallic deposit, Zhejiang Province, South China, and its geological significance

Identification of the Early Paleozoic strata in the eastern segment of Bainaimiao-Jizhong orogenic belt and its geological significance

Identification of the Early Paleozoic strata in the eastern segment of Bainaimiao-Jizhong orogenic belt and its geological significance

Legal Protection of Geodiversity

The article examines the legal protection of geodiversity (a set of objects of inanimate nature), which is carried out within the framework of the legal regime of specially protected natural territories, the legal regime of historical and cultural monuments, as well as the legal protection of the habitat of animal world. The necessity of including state nature reserves in the list of specially protected natural territories around which protection zones are established is substantiated. The absence or late establishment of protected zones has been revealed for many natural monuments of regional significance (including natural monuments of regional significance as part of the geopark), which, according to current legislation, should have protected zones, and recommendations for changing legislation have been formulated. It is shown that it is impossible to create a geopark in an area where only objects of archaeological heritage with geological significance and their ensembles are located without including specially protected natural territories of geological and other profile in the geopark. It is proved that the legal protection of the speleofauna habitat is an element of the legal protection of geodiversity. In order to preserve the excursion caves, it is proposed to normalize the duration of artificial lighting from stationary sources located in them.

Geochemistry, zircon U-Pb dating, Hf-Nd isotopic characteristic and geological significance of Late Triassic S-type granite in the Keliya region, West Kunlun Orogen

Geochemistry, zircon U-Pb dating, Hf-Nd isotopic characteristic and geological significance of Late Triassic S-type granite in the Keliya region, West Kunlun Orogen

Geochronology, geochemistry and geological significance of multi-porphyritic alkaline basalt from Hala'alate Formation in Urho area, West Junggar, Xinjiang

Geochronology, geochemistry and geological significance of multi-porphyritic alkaline basalt from Hala'alate Formation in Urho area, West Junggar, Xinjiang

Microscopic characteristics and geological significance of pyrite in shales of the Wufeng-Longmaxi formations, southeastern Chongqing, China

Shales of the Wufeng-Longmaxi formations in the basin-margin transition zone of southeastern Chongqing, China are characterized by high organic matter content and a significant presence of pyrite development. By examining numerous scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and considering the crystal and aggregate characteristics of minerals, we identified four types of pyrite in the study area: euhedral crystals, irregular aggregates, framboidal aggregates, and metasomatized organisms. Among these types, framboidal aggregates are the most prevalent. The formation mechanism of framboidal pyrite can be categorized into inorganic and organic origins. As inferred from the pyrite characteristics in the study area, the formation mechanism of the metasomatized organisms aligns with the biologically induced mineralization mode of organic origin, whereas the framboidal aggregates are more associated with the biologically controlled mineralization mode of organic origin. This underscores a close relationship between the pyrite formation and organic matter, which in turn indicates that an organic origin is more consistent with the pyrite characteristics observed in this study area. The pyrite morphology can reflect reactive iron concentration. Euhedral pyrite crystals tend to form under a low reactive iron concentration, whereas the formation of framboidal pyrite requires a high reactive iron concentration. Additionally, the type and grain size of pyrite aggregates can reflect variations in the redox conditions of the depositional environment. Pyrite produces positive effects on reservoir storage space, with intercrystalline organic pores, intercrystalline pores, and mold pores associated with pyrite contributing greatly to the storage spaces.

Geochronology, geochemistry, and geological significance of early Jurassic intrusive rocks in the Lesser Xing'an- Zhangguangcai Range, northeast China.

The Lesser Xing'an-Zhangguangcai Range of northeast China is located in the eastern segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), which records intense magmatism during the Mesozoic. The petrogenesis and geodynamic setting of the Early Jurassic intrusive rocks in this region are unclear. In this paper, we present new zircon U-Pb age and whole-rock geochemical data for these intrusive rocks to investigate their origins and tectonic setting. Zircon U-Pb dating suggests these intrusive rocks were emplaced during the Early Jurassic (197-187 Ma). The granites are enriched in silica and alkali, and depleted in MgO and CaO. They are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous, and have high A/CNK values and low zircon saturation temperatures (TZr ~ 779°C), suggesting they are highly fractionated I-type granites derived by partial melting of lower crustal materials. The granites exhibit negative Nb, Ta, P, Eu, and Ti anomalies due to fractional crystallization. The diorites and gabbros have low SiO2 contents and high Mg# values, and are enriched in light rare earth and large-ion lithophile (Ba, K, and Sr) elements, and depleted in heavy rare earth and high field strength (Nb, Ta, and Ti) elements. The geochemical characteristics show that the mafic magmas were derived by partial melting of mantle that had been metasomatized by subduction-related fluids. Based on the geochemical characteristics of coeval intrusive rocks and the regional geological setting, we suggest the Early Jurassic intrusive rocks in the Lesser Xing'an-Zhangguangcai Range were formed along an active continental margin, possibly as a result of bidirectional subduction of the Mudanjiang Oceanic plate between the Jiamusi and Songnen-Zhangguangcai Range massifs.

Proposal and Geological Significance of Lunar Low Brightness Temperature Difference Anomaly Based on CE-2 MRM data

Proposal and Geological Significance of Lunar Low Brightness Temperature Difference Anomaly Based on CE-2 MRM data

Thermal evolution and sediment provenance of the Cooper–Eromanga Basin: Insights from detrital apatite

AbstractThe prolific hydrocarbon and geothermal potential of the Cooper–Eromanga Basin has long been recognised and studied, however, the thermal history which underpins these resources has largely remained elusive. This study presents new apatite fission track and U–Pb data for eight wells within the southwestern domain of the Cooper–Eromanga Basin, from which thermal history and detrital provenance reconstructions were conducted. Samples taken from sedimentary rocks of the upper Eromanga Basin (Winton, Mackunda and Cadna‐owie Formations) yield dominant Early‐Cretaceous and minor Late‐Permian–Triassic apatite U–Pb ages that are (within uncertainty) equivalent to corresponding fission track age populations. Furthermore, the obtained Cretaceous apatite ages correlate well with the stratigraphic ages for each analysed formation, suggesting (1) little time lag between apatite exposure in the source region and sediment deposition, and (2) that no significant (>ca. 100°C) reheating affected these formations in this region following deposition. Cretaceous apatites were likely distally sourced from an eastern Australian volcanic arc, (e.g. the Whitsunday Igneous Association), and mixed with Permian–Triassic sediment sources from the New England and/or Mossman Orogens. Deeper samples (>2000 m) from within the southwestern Cooper Basin yielded partially reset fission track ages, indicative of heating to temperatures exceeding ca. 100–80°C after deposition. The associated thermal history models are broadly consistent with previous studies and suggest that maximum temperatures were reached at ca. 100–70 Ma as a result of hydrothermal circulation correlating with high rates of sedimentation. Subsequent Late‐Cretaceous–Palaeogene cooling is interpreted to reflect post magmatic thermal subsidence and cessation of hydrothermal activity, as well as potential modified rock thermal conductivity as a response to fluid flow. Five of the seven modelled wells record a Neogene heating event, the geological significance of which remains tentative but may suggest possible reactivation of the Cooper Hot Spot and associated hydrothermal circulation.

Structural controlling characteristics of the Zhoujia Fe-Co ore deposit and regional geological significance in Dashiqiao, Liaodong Peninsula

Structural controlling characteristics of the Zhoujia Fe-Co ore deposit and regional geological significance in Dashiqiao, Liaodong Peninsula

Eclogites

The beauty of an eclogite is something to behold: any petrologist marvels in the combination of red garnet and green omphacite that are the main mineral constituents of the rock. But besides their stunning appearance, there is much more to eclogites: fundamental concepts in metamorphic petrology and geodynamics were developed based on scientific investigations of eclogites. It is well established that they derive from precursor rocks of basaltic composition and form under high‐pressure conditions at more than c. 45 km depth, but other aspects of their occurrences and geological significance remain debated. The relative scarcity of eclogites among crustal rocks renders them largely unknown to the layperson, so following the 200th anniversary of the term eclogite in 2022, there is an opportunity to take a closer look at this fascinating rock.

The discovery and geological significance of the volcanic-hosted beryllium occurrences at Mikengshan district, Jiangxi Province, South China

The discovery and geological significance of the volcanic-hosted beryllium occurrences at Mikengshan district, Jiangxi Province, South China

Między światami. Poszukując kształtu rzeczywistości po antropocenie

In-Between Worlds: Searching for the Shape of Reality After the Anthropocene The purpose of the article is to highlight the serious challenge of living in the Anthropocene era. Recognizing humans as a force of geological significance, it is also necessary to take into account our responsibility for the state of the world and the search for ways to adequately deal with the threat posed by the deepening degradation of the planet, which is ultimately likely to lead to the disappearance of the human and many other species. One way to deal with the danger is to change the way we describe the situation and find a new language for expressing our new attitude to reality. The path proposed in the text is to step out of the framework of the Western perspective and look to numerous indigenous visions of the world for ways of thinking about, describing, and existing in the world that are different from the one that led to the catastrophe.

Depositional ages of sedimentary rocks obtained from the sea floor around the northern Tokara Islands during GB21-3 cruise, based on calcareous microfossil assemblages, and their geological significance

Depositional ages of sedimentary rocks obtained from the sea floor around the northern Tokara Islands during GB21-3 cruise, based on calcareous microfossil assemblages, and their geological significance

Remote sensing, GIS, and analytic hierarchy process-based delineation and sustainable management of potential groundwater zones: a case study of Jhargram district, West Bengal, India.

The present investigation delineates groundwater potential zones (GPZ) in the Jhargram district through an integrated approach employing analytical hierarchical process (AHP), remote sensing, and geographical information systems (GIS). Twelve parameters were utilized for GPZ analysis based on the Groundwater Potential Index, subsequent to multicollinearity testing. Classification of GPZ yielded five distinct categories: very poor, poor, moderate, good, and very good. Validation through receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and cross-validation with borewell yield data affirmed prediction accuracies of 78.4% and 84%, respectively. Spatial distribution analysis revealed that 30.39%, 30.86%, and 13.19% of the surveyed area fell within the poor, moderate, and good potentiality zones, respectively, whereas 15.86% and 9.69% were categorized as very poor and very good GPZs. Sensitivity analysis highlighted the significance of geology, elevation, geomorphology, slope, and lineament density as influencing parameters; elimination of any single parameter engendered significant alterations in the GPZ classification. The investigation culminated in the formulation of a block-wise sustainable groundwater management blueprint designed to inform policy initiatives.

A new discovery of 423.6 Ma Hongbaoshan gabbro in the Beishan area, NW China, and its geological significance

A new discovery of 423.6 Ma Hongbaoshan gabbro in the Beishan area, NW China, and its geological significance

NEW DISCOVERIES IN 2023 ON MIXED HERITAGE SITES AT DAK NONG UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK

Heritage in UNESCO Global Geopark Dak Nong is rich and diverse with a full range of categories including natural and cultural heritage. Many outstanding heritage sites have been preserved and become invaluable resources for scientific research, education - study and tourism exploitation, contributing to the sustainable socioeconomic development in Dak Nong province. During the recent ield surveys, several dual/mixed heritage points combining geological and cultural significance were discovered, particularly prehistoric geological heritage rsites. Some of these sites can be excavated for on-site conservation and transformed into a unique highlight to attract tourists to tourism purposes. This article introduces some valuable new discoveries related to mixed heritage to preserve and promote the heritage values and toutism development in the UNESCO Global Geopark in Dak Nong.

From Rheic ocean opening to Pangea breakup: a chronostratigraphic and isotopic database of key localities in Mexico

This database includes a wealth of geochronologic, isotopic, and provenance data, published or in publication, which constitutes an effort to unravel the evolution of Mexican, pre-Cretaceous geological units that are key in reconstructing the history of the Rheic Ocean, from its opening to its closure, and the initial breakup of Pangea. The database is built on reference geological maps, that the authors compile from published works and that locally, contain novel cartographic data. Since the localities studied in this work contain successions that are different in age, P-T conditions, lithology, and geologic significance, and given that each stand-alone work (research, undergraduate and graduate theses, etc.) focused on resolving the central theme of the Rheic ocean evolution and Pangea amalgamation and breakup, we generate an open database that will be continuously updated, as soon as new data are available. Initially intended as a database to present the results of several present and previous grants obtained by the authors, and make them available to collaborators, this contribution evolved to be an open source for all the researchers that are interested in the Paleozoic–early Mesozoic Mexican tectonic evolution and the pre-Mesozoic basement characterization.