Geological Research Articles

Earthquake Risk Assessment in Seismically Active Areas of Qinghai Province Based on Geographic Big Data

Earthquakes can cause serious damage to buildings, roads and other infrastructure. The large amount of dust and particulate matter generated when these structures collapse and are damaged can quickly enter the air, leading to a decline in air quality. At the same time, earthquakes may cause secondary disasters such as fires and landslides, which will also produce large amounts of soot and particulate matter, which will have a negative impact on air quality. Therefore, earthquake disaster risk assessment studies are carried out to identify potentially hazardous areas and facilities in advance in order to reduce the air pollution problems that may be caused by earthquakes. Existing research on earthquake disaster risk assessment mainly evaluates earthquake risk from the perspective of geology or seismology, but there are few studies based on multidisciplinary assessment that integrates geology, seismology, engineering and social sciences into socioeconomic factors. To this end, based on remote sensing and GIS technology, this paper takes Qinghai Province, a seismically active area, as the research area, and integrates land use data, natural environment data, social environment data and seismic parameter zoning data to construct a comprehensive assessment model for earthquake disaster vulnerability and risk. The results showed that there were 5 very high-risk areas, 7 high-risk areas, 10 medium-risk areas, 11 low-risk areas and 12 very low-risk areas in Qinghai Province. The high-risk areas are mainly distributed in the central and western parts of Qinghai Province, where the earthquake breeding environment is sufficient, the scale of active faults is huge and the adaptability of the carrier is low. The results of an earthquake disaster risk assessment can provide a reference for the government to formulate environmental protection policies. According to the assessment results, the government can formulate targeted measures to strengthen air pollution control and improve air quality.

Botany of Mt. Saramati and its Environs

The paper gives a brief account of botany of Mt. Saramati in Nagaland, India which represents the state's highest mountain peak (3841m), the remotest and the botanically unexplored area. A brief note on topography, geology, climate and vegetation together with a comprehensive analysis of the floristic compositions of the vegetation types and is followed by enumeration of the species of angiosperms and gymnosperms. Analysis of the species collected established the following five families as the richest ones on the basis of the number of the species. Orchidaceae (25), Poaceae (24), Asteraceae (17), Ericaceae (13), Cyperaceae (9). These together represent about 40% of the total number of species collected. All the species recorded in this paper, except Deyeuxia pulchella (Griseb.) Hook. f. (Poaceae) are new additions to the Kanjilal's Herbarium (ASSAM) from the area. There is also no record of any representation of plant species from there by Clarke (1886, 1889), Hooker (1872-97), Kanjilal et al. (1934-40), Bor (1942), Jamir and Rao (1088). The present paper, therefore, represents the first source of information regarding botany of the Mt. Saramati.

Геолого-геофизические исследования Владимира Марковича Новоселицкого

The article is devoted to the memory of Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences,Professor, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation Vladimir Markovich Novoselitsky (01.01.1935 – 29.10.2008). V.M. Novoselitsky is a well-known scientist in Russia and abroad in the field of fundamental and applied geophysics. The directions developed by him are related to complex geological and geophysical research and studies of the earth's subsoil – search and exploration of mineraldeposits, geoecological, geotechnical research, forecasting of natural and man-made emergencies. His works remain defining in the theory and practice of exploration geophysics, mining geophysics and ensuring the safety of the population and national economic objects.

The geoscience education research (GER) community of practice: a brief history and implications from a needs assessment survey

The geoscience education research (GER) community has evolved and grown over the past several decades. Using Wenger et al.'s Community of Practice (CoP) model (2002), we discuss how the GER CoP (which is broader than the formal discipline of GER) has changed, highlighting noteworthy events and growth points. Trends in community membership and connections are noted. Additionally, we conducted a GER community needs assessment to identify ways in which the CoP could build on its momentum. The survey included questions on CoP member demographics, engagement in GER work, and professional development needs. We received 107 responses, primarily from the United States and from individuals with geology or atmospheric science backgrounds. The survey highlighted the need for intentional outreach to international venues, K-12 teacher audiences, and underrepresented groups in the GER community. The survey also revealed the various ways in which GER CoP members engage in research, teaching, and dissemination activities. The most commonly used resources for increasing GER knowledge were the SERC site and the Journal of Geoscience Education (JGE). Respondents expressed a strong desire for professional development opportunities, including methodological training and community knowledge exchanges. Based on the survey results, recommendations are proposed to enhance the inclusivity, mentorship, and dissemination efforts within the GER community. The findings emphasize the importance of networking, expanding resources, and addressing the needs of diverse members to foster a vibrant and inclusive GER community.

THEORIES OF THE EARTH AND ‘PLUTONISM’ IN THE INTRODUZIONE ALLA GEOLOGIA BY THE ITALIAN GEOLOGIST SCIPIONE BREISLAK (1811)

ABSTRACT Scipione Breislak may be considered as one of the most renowned Italian ‘Plutonists’ at the end of the eighteenth and beginning of the nineteenth centuries. In the 1790s, he was a professor of Physics at the Military Academy of Nunziatella in Naples, where he also devoted himself to the study of Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields. Thus, he acquainted himself with volcanic phenomena. Breislak's works about the volcanic fields of Campania (Southern Italy) disclosed how Torbern Olof Bergman's theories and Antoine-Laurent de Lavoisier's chemistry had affected his belief in the idea that volcanic eruptions were triggered by ignition of petroleum deposits. After a voluntary exile in France, owing to the downfall of the Roman Republic, Breislak returned to Italy and settled in Milan, where he was appointed as an Inspector of Gunpowder in 1802. Due to his new administrative duties, he had the opportunity to continue studying mineralogy and geology, focusing primarily on the stratigraphy of Lombardy and of the Alps. During the ‘Milanese period’, he published the Introduzione alla geologia (Introduction to geology, 1811), which may be regarded as the first Italian handbook about the ‘new’ science of Geology. In the monograph, he also drew on Huttonian ideas in order to describe the lithostratigraphic features of crystalline rocks. Without neglecting Breislak's volcanological hypotheses, this paper aims to analyze the influence that nineteenth-century Plutonist (Huttonian) geological theories had on the Earth's history that he depicted in the Introduzione alla geologia. The influence of Plutonism—a term that Richard Kirwan introduced to define James Hutton's geological system—may also be recognized in Breislak's rejection of transition rocks. Indeed, according to him: “nature does not make passages or transitions, and each of its products has a specific and particular way to exist” (Breislak 1811, volume 1, pp. 308–309).

AN OVERVIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF STRATIGRAPHY IN ITALY DURING THE 17TH AND 18TH CENTURIES: FROM STENO TO ARDUINO

ABSTRACT The great variety of lithological, stratigraphical and structural features (particularly in mountain areas), as well as volcanoes and sub–volcanic phenomena, attracted many travelling scientists to the Italian peninsula since the 17th century. The description of the Earth's strata became an important issue of the naturalistic research after the works by Niels Steensen (Steno). From the end of the 17th century until the end of the 18th century lithostratigraphical research developed in Italy within the studies and fieldwork of remarkable scientists, such as Antonio Vallisneri, Luigi Ferdinando Marsili, Giovanni Arduino and others. The emergence of stratigraphy, as a significant part of the new science of geology, was later supported by the work of several Italian scientists and geological institutions from the 19th to the 20th century.

ARTURO ISSEL (1842–1922): THE MAN FROM GENOA BEHIND THE TYRRHENIAN STAGE OF THE PLEISTOCENE

ABSTRACT Arturo Issel (1842–1922) introduced the regional Tyrrhenian stage of the late Pleistocene in 1914. This still stands within modern stratigraphic classification as an Italian Marine Stage for the Mediterranean Sea marking the base of the Late Pleistocene underlining the scientific importance of Issel's research within the geological sciences. This paper provides a short overview of the career and the wide-ranging interests of this Italian geologist and naturalistic traveller in order to provide a context to the knowledge and research experience behind his stratigraphic work. As university professor in Genovese society during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, he played an important role in scientific instruction, exploration and research contributing to the popularization of science through museum collections and publications and in the application of such knowledge within public office both in Liguria and within Italy. He formed part of the Italian delegation at International Geological Congresses and held membership of the most outstanding geological societies and scientific academies of the time.

Geo-STEM learning ecosystems: A transdisciplinary theory-based framework to establish and engage communities in the geosciences

The geological sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics (geo-STEM) have the capacity to investigate and address geological and environmental challenges. Many of these challenges (e.g., pollution, flooding, and slope failure) unjustly impact lower socio-economic communities in urban and rural settings where there is limited access to geo-STEM expertise. Geo-STEM learning ecosystems (GLEs) integrate geo-STEM and social science research paradigms to broaden civic engagement in the geosciences. GLEs are communities of practice consisting of geo-STEM professionals, educators, and learners who address local issues through place-based STEM research and education. The purpose of this study was to connect the concept of GLEs with the extant literature on learning ecosystems. We conducted a thematic review of the literature evaluating how the term “learning ecosystem” is used in psychology, educational technology, and STEM education research. We categorized the learning ecosystem components described in the literature in terms of inputs (e.g., motivation, software, learning environment), processes (e.g., cognition, device development, curriculum), and outputs (e.g., creativity, innovation, engagement). This approach revealed themes aligned with GLE-relevant research on communities of practice, and place-based and problem-based education, connecting GLEs to a century of existing research. To demonstrate how to use a GLE framework, we analyze the attributes of three existing programs through the GLE lens. Based on our findings, we recommend that to build GLEs geo-STEM researchers should: engage in transdisciplinary collaborations to develop local geo-STEM solutions, use the GLE framework to assess geoscience education and outreach programs, evaluate the role of place in efforts to engage diverse communities, and leverage other fields of inquiry to broaden our theoretical understanding of GLEs.

Preface

GeoShanghai 2024 International Conference Volume 3: Transportation Geotechnics Shanghai, 26-29 May, 2024 GeoShanghai 2024 International ConferenceCollege of Civil Engineering, Tongji University, 2024All Rights ReservedGeoShanghai is a series of international conferences on geotechnical engineering held in Shanghai quadrennially. The conference was inaugurated in 2006 and was successfully held in 2010, 2014 and 2018, with more than 1600 participants in total. Since the last conference, the geotechnical community has witnessed many advances both in fundamental understanding and engineering practices. To demonstrate the latest developments and promote collaborations in geotechnical engineering and related fields, we launch the 5th GeoShanghai International Conference to be held in May 2024.Transportation geotechnics is a vitally interdisciplinary aspect encompassing engineering, geology, and materials science, exploring the durability, safety, and efficiency of transportation networks. Within this domain, pavement materials and structures, railroad engineering, airfield construction, and pipeline infrastructure represent the focal points. Pavements, serving as crucial interfaces between vehicles and the ground, demand attention to material properties and structural integrity. Railroads require resilient tracks capable of withstanding dynamic loads, while airfields necessitate robust pavements to support heavy aircraft. Similarly, pipelines rely on reliable foundation designs to ensure stability and mitigate risks. This topic delves into the latest advancements, challenges, and innovations within transportation geotechnics, with a specific focus on these critical themes. Through collaborative discussions and knowledge exchange, we aim to enhance the resilience, sustainability, and performance of transportation infrastructures worldwide.This volume received a total of 47 papers from countries such as China, United States, Russia, Australia, Thailand, Portugal and others, totaling 41 papers accepted. All papers were reviewed and the accepted papers will be submitted to IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science indexed by Scopus.Cordially yours,Feipeng Xiao, David Connally, Peerapong Jitsangiam, Lin Cong, Fan Gu, Yao ShanThe editors of Volume 3: Transportation GeotechnicsList of Tracks, Conference Steering Committee, International Advisory Committee, Technical Committee, Organizing Committee are available in this pdf.

JUBILIEJINĖS SUKAKTYS: GEOLOGIJOS MOKSLO POPULIARINIMAS BEI NEFORMALAUS GAMTAMOKSLINIO UGDYMO VU GEOLOGIJOS MUZIEJUJE AKTYVINIMAS

During the festive year, one does not want to talk about problems [although the situation of geological science in general education school programs has not improved, in the newly prepared textbooks (if they will be published) it continues to be pushed to the place of the most abused stepdaughter], so we are happy with the successful events of the last anniversary year. We are happy with the increasing traffic. Not counting the visitors who participated in the previously listed events, in 2023, 230 excursions (about 4,500 visitors) came to the Museum of Geology, 48 excursions for ~930 schoolchildren with exercises (educational activities); there were themed evenings for the public + museum excursion on weekends 4, ~80 visitors. Educational classes + excursion in the museum on weekends - 10 (~190 visitors). The constantly updated display "Our latest popular achievements and latest scientific reports" (visited by ~4900). Consultations - identification of brought finds: ~300 (the number of finds varies). A total of ~5,000 visitors heard about geology (not counting TV viewers). Keywords: anniversary, meteorite, geology museum, informal science education, Vilnius University

From media evolution to the Anthropocene: Unpacking sociotechnical autopoiesis

AbstractThe Anthropocene, a term encapsulating humanity's significant impact on Earth's geology, is analysed from a media and socio‐evolutionary lens. The exploration investigates the correlation between human socio‐evolution, media, technology, and the inception and progression of the Anthropocene era. By employing a systems theoretical perspective, this research heavily draws on the theories of German sociologist Niklas Luhmann. Insights from the American philosopher Levi Bryant are also integrated to elucidate the relationship between humans, technology and the Earth's geological state. It is posited that society, as we understand it, emerged with the advent of spoken language. This language‐based communication system shaped cooperation within the human population. Over time, the interplay between biology, consciousness and social structures, driven by language‐based communication in different communication media, has deeply influenced Earth's climate. The evolution of communication media has continuously expanded humanity's capacity to influence its environment. The article provides a comprehensive explanatory model, suggesting that the social structures formed by these media profoundly impact Earth's geology, challenging conventional notions surrounding the origins and implications of the Anthropocene era.

Al-Biruni A Scientist Beyond His Time

Abū Rayḥān Muḥammad ibn Aḥmad al-Bīrūnī (September 15, 973 – December 13, 1048), a celebrated intellectual from the Islamic world, is recognized as a prodigious genius who thrived in Central Asia over a millennium ago. His innovative work and discoveries often surpassed the understanding of his contemporaries. Al-Biruni's expertise extended across various domains, including astronomy, mathematics, geology, mineralogy, physics, and natural sciences. His contributions to these fields were so monumental that scholars considered him the most scientifically accomplished individual of his time. Al-Biruni's works encompassed concepts such as evolution, equatorial leveling, and astronomy, which were later popularized by renowned figures like Darwin, Mercator, Copernicus, Kepler, and Galileo. Furthermore, he proposed the idea of plate tectonics, which geologists would later confirm in the 1960s, by suggesting that parts of the Earth's crust move and geographic coordinates of cities change over time. With his profound comprehension, al-Biruni accurately explained the causes of orogeny and earthquakes through his insights on the shifts in the Earth's weight distribution, the formation of ridges, and the deepening of valleys. This exceptional scientist rightfully holds a distinguished position among Earth scientists of the previous millennium within the cultural sphere of Iran. Delving into his life and work instills awe in those who appreciate his lasting impact on the scientific community.

Code-Free Machine Learning Solutions for Microscopy Image Processing: Deep Learning.

In recent years, there has been a significant expansion in the realm of processing microscopy images, thanks to the advent of machine learning techniques. These techniques offer diverse applications for image processing. Currently, numerous methods are used for processing microscopy images in the field of biology, ranging from conventional machine learning algorithms to sophisticated deep learning artificial neural networks with millions of parameters. However, a comprehensive grasp of the intricacies of these methods usually necessitates proficiency in programming and advanced mathematics. In our comprehensive review, we explore various widely used deep learning approaches tailored for the processing of microscopy images. Our emphasis is on algorithms that have gained popularity in the field of biology and have been adapted to cater to users lacking programming expertise. In essence, our target audience comprises biologists interested in exploring the potential of deep learning algorithms, even without programming skills. Throughout the review, we elucidate each algorithm's fundamental concepts and capabilities without delving into mathematical and programming complexities. Crucially, all the highlighted algorithms are accessible on open platforms without requiring code, and we provide detailed descriptions and links within our review. It's essential to recognize that addressing each specific problem demands an individualized approach. Consequently, our focus is not on comparing algorithms but on delineating the problems they are adept at solving. In practical scenarios, researchers typically select multiple algorithms suited to their tasks and experimentally determine the most effective one. It is worth noting that microscopy extends beyond the realm of biology; its applications span diverse fields such as geology and material science. Although our review predominantly centers on biomedical applications, the algorithms and principles outlined here are equally applicable to other scientific domains. Furthermore, a number of the proposed solutions can be modified for use in entirely distinct computer vision cases.

Investigating the Effects of Elements and Minerals on Public Health: An Overview of Medical Geology

Background & Aims: Medical geology is an emerging branch of geological sciences, which examines the relationship between geological findings and human and ecosystem health, as well as the effect of environmental factors and elements on the geographical distribution of diseases in the field of health and treatment. The aim of this research was to provide a comprehensive understanding of how geological factors and minerals affect public health outcomes. Materials and Methods: A total of 1561 publications including books and papers published from 1992 until 2024 were reviewed, 168 of which were chosen and 21 articles were mentioned. Results: Medical studies on patients showed that there is a direct relationship between minerals and diseases, which is caused by the lack of some minerals in the food chain, or the excessive presence of some of these substances in the food chain of people of different regions of the world. These minerals cause changes in the cellular and molecular structure, which can lead to the development of various diseases. Conclusion: It seems that in the future, with scientific investigations in the field of medical geology, important results can be achieved in the prevention of various diseases. It is obvious that the realization of this requires increased cooperation of medical, health, and earth science researchers and it can be an effective step towards improving the health of the society and preparing and producing new drugs and new treatment methods. It will be presented using this knowledge.

GSeisRT: A Continental BDS/GNSS Point Positioning Engine for Wide-Area Seismic Monitoring in Real Time

Precise coseismic displacements in earthquake/tsunamic early warning are necessary to characterize earthquakes in real time in order to enable decision-makers to issue alerts for public safety. Real-time global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) have been a valuable tool in monitoring seismic motions, allowing permanent displacement computation to be unambiguously achieved. As a valuable tool presented to the seismic community, the GSeisRT software developed by Wuhan University (China) can realize multi-GNSS precise point positioning with ambiguity resolution (PPP-AR) and achieve centimeter-level to sub-centimeter-level precision in real time. While the stable maintenance of a global precise point positioning (PPP) service is challenging, this software is capable of estimating satellite clocks and phase biases in real time using a regional GNSS network. This capability makes GSeisRT especially suitable for proprietary GNSS networks and, more importantly, the highest possible positioning precision and reliability can be obtained. According to real-time results from the Network of the Americas, the mean root mean square (RMS) errors of kinematic PPP-AR over a 24 h span are as low as 1.2, 1.3, and 3.0 cm in the east, north, and up components, respectively. Within the few minutes that span a typical seismic event, a horizontal displacement precision of 4 mm can be achieved. The positioning precision of the GSeisRT regional PPP/PPP-AR is 30%–40% higher than that of the global PPP/PPP-AR. Since 2019, GSeisRT has successfully recorded the static, dynamic, and peak ground displacements for the 2020 Oaxaca, Mexico moment magnitude (Mw) 7.4 event; the 2020 Lone Pine, California Mw 5.8 event; and the 2021 Qinghai, China Mw 7.3 event in real time. The resulting immediate magnitude estimates have an error of around 0.1 only. The GSeisRT software is open to the scientific community and has been applied by the China Earthquake Networks Center, the EarthScope Consortium of the United States, the National Seismological Center of Chile, Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited (GNS Science Te Pū Ao) of New Zealand, and the Geospatial Information Agency of Indonesia.

Modeled versus Experimental Salt Mixture Behavior under Variable Humidity.

This study investigates the kinetics of salt mixture crystallization under relative humidity (RH) conditions, varying between 15 and 95% (at 20 °C), to inform applications in built heritage preservation, geology, and environmental sciences. We focused on commonly found, sulfate-rich and calcium-rich salt mixtures containing five to six ions, Cl-, NO3-, Na+, and K+, including or excluding less common Mg2+, and including either an excess of SO42- or Ca2+, with respect to gypsum. Using time-lapse micrographs and dynamic vapor sorption, we explore how crystallization and dissolution behavior depend on RH and mixture composition under constant temperature. A range of RH change rates were studied to simulate realistic weather events. Microstructural analyses through environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) confirmed the crystal habit corresponding with RH transitions. Phases predicted from thermodynamic modeling (ECOS/RUNSALT) were confirmed using micro-Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and elemental mapping via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). We identify a strong correlation between phase transition kinetics and RH change rates, with crystallization deviating by -15% and dissolution by +7% from modeled values under rapid (several seconds) and slow (several days) RH changes. These insights are important for preservation strategies in built heritage, salt deposition, and dissolution mechanisms in diverse geological and realistic environmental contexts, laboratory experiments, future modeling efforts, and the understanding of stone decay in general.

IN MEMORY THE WELL-KNOWN UKRAINIAN SCIENTIST, STRATIGRAPHER-MICROPALEONTOLOGIST DINA MARKIIANIVNA PYATKOVA (January 20, 1932 – May 17, 2023)

The article is dedicated to Dina Markiianivna Pyatkova, a well-known scientist and researcher in the field of stratigraphy and paleontology, candidate of geological and mineralogical sciences, senior researcher of the department of stratigraphy and paleontology of Mesozoic sediments of the Institute of Geological Sciences of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The main facts from the biography of Dina Markiianivna Pyatkova, her research activities, main achievements and most important scientific publications are highlighted.

The Implementation of Ideological and Political Education in the "Physical Geology" Course

In the context of integrating ideological and political education, this article utilizes Chengdu University of Technology's "Physical Geology" as a case study to explore practical methods for ideological and political education. By integrating ideological and political education with professional teaching, the article introduces and compares examples to achieve the following objectives: Firstly, it aims to enhance students' professional confidence and enthusiasm, providing them with a deeper understanding of their career prospects. Secondly, it seeks to foster scientific thinking among students, encouraging them to question and innovate, thus avoiding the limitations of existing knowledge on their creativity. Lastly, it aims to instill the concept of ecological civilization in students, emphasizing its significance as a prerequisite for the sustainable development of human society.

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.

The Spatially Adaptable Filter for Error Reduction (SAFER) Process: Remote Sensing-Based LANDFIRE Disturbance Mapping Updates

LANDFIRE (LF) has been producing periodic spatially explicit vegetation change maps (i.e., LF disturbance products) across the entire United States since 1999 at a 30 m spatial resolution. These disturbance products include data products produced by various fire programs, field-mapped vegetation and fuel treatment activity (i.e., events) submissions from various agencies, and disturbances detected by the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS)-based Remote Sensing of Landscape Change (RSLC) process. The RSLC process applies a bi-temporal change detection algorithm to Landsat satellite-based seasonal composites to generate the interim disturbances that are subsequently reviewed by analysts to reduce omission and commission errors before ingestion them into LF’s disturbance products. The latency of the disturbance product is contingent on timely data availability and analyst review. This work describes the development and integration of the Spatially Adaptable Filter for Error Reduction (SAFER) process and other error and latency reduction improvements to the RSLC process. SAFER is a random forest-based supervised classifier and uses predictor variables that are derived from multiple years of pre- and post-disturbance Landsat band observations. Predictor variables include reflectance, indices, and spatial contextual information. Spatial contextual information that is unique to each contiguous disturbance region is parameterized as Z scores using differential observations of the disturbed regions with its undisturbed neighbors. The SAFER process was prototyped for inclusion in the RSLC process over five regions within the conterminous United States (CONUS) and regional model performance, evaluated using 2016 data. Results show that the inclusion of the SAFER process increased the accuracies of the interim disturbance detections and thus has potential to reduce the time needed for analyst review. LF does not track the time taken by each analyst for each tile, and hence, the relative effort saved was parameterized as the percentage of 30 m pixels that are correctly classified in the SAFER outputs to the total number of pixels that are incorrectly classified in the interim disturbance and are presented. The SAFER prototype outputs showed that the relative analysts’ effort saved could be over 95%. The regional model performance evaluation showed that SAFER’s performance depended on the nature of disturbances and availability of cloud-free images relative to the time of disturbances. The accuracy estimates for CONUS were inferred by comparing the 2017 SAFER outputs to the 2017 analyst-reviewed data. As expected, the SAFER outputs had higher accuracies compared to the interim disturbances, and CONUS-wide relative effort saved was over 92%. The regional variation in the accuracies and effort saved are discussed in relation to the vegetation and disturbance type in each region. SAFER is now operationally integrated into the RSLC process, and LANDFIRE is well poised for annual updates, contingent on the availability of data.