Marine Geology Research Articles

Recent Advances in Geological Oceanography II

Marine geology is a well-known [...]

Spatial Distribution of Physical and Chemical Properties of Deep Sea Water in Xisha, South China Sea

Deep sea water (DSW) is a globally utilized source of renewable energy and other resources. To understand the characteristics of DSW resources in the South China Sea, in July 2022, the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey (GMGS) investigated temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), inorganic salts (DIN, PO43−-P, and SiO3-Si), heavy metals (Hg, Pb, As, and Cd), trace elements (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Se, and Mo), and other related indicators. The results of this investigation elucidate the horizontal and vertical changes in the physical and chemical properties of deep sea water in the Xisha Sea. The surface seawater quality in Xisha was found to be excellent and to meet first-class seawater survey standards. However, the concentrations of various nutrient salts in the surface layer were relatively low. As the seawater depth increased, different trace elements and heavy metals exhibited variations, and the concentrations of various nutrients also gradually increased.

Crafting very low frequency magnetoelectric antenna via piezoelectric and electromechanical synergic optimization strategy

A boom in exploration for marine geology and ocean resources has resulted in a huge demand for radio navigation or special environment communications, in turn spurring the rapid development of portable underwater wireless communication technology. State of the art acoustic communication methods used today are plagued by substantial transmission delays, multipath effects, and doppler frequency shifts, among other challenges, thus impeding the advancement of underwater wireless communication technology. Low-frequency electromagnetic transmission has proven to be a prospective solution for underwater communication, but the conventional electrical antennas is too large for portable underwater wireless communication. Emergent magnetoelectric (ME) antennas driven by piezoelectric materials have become a promising solution for miniaturizing very low frequency (VLF) communication systems. Here, a theoretical model between the radiation performance and piezoelectric material properties of the ME antenna was conducted. Guide by the theory analysis, Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3-Pb(Mn1/3Sb2/3)O3-Pb(Zr0.49Ti0.51)O3 (PIN-PMS-PZT) piezoelectric ceramic simultaneous with high d33 and Qm (d33 ∼ 401, Qm ∼ 1510) has been designed to enhance the magnetoelectric radiation of the VLF ME antenna. The PIN-PMS-PZT based ME antenna achieves a large converse magnetoelectric response 1.78 Gs·cm/V in EMR, which is almost doubled to commercial PZT based ME antenna. More importantly, a VLF communication system was built based on the VLF antenna, which successfully transmitted digital signals using Amplitude-Shift-Keying (ASK) modulation. It is believed that the presented work could provide a theoretical basis and feasible technical path for the employment of ME antennas in the future.

Representative Dynamic Accumulation of Hydrate-Bearing Sediments in Gas Chimney System since 30 Kyr BP in the QiongDongNan Area, Northern South China Sea

A stratigraphic complex composed of mass transport deposits (MTDs), where the gas occurrence allows for the formation of a gas chimney and pipe structure, is identified based on seismic interpretation in the QiongDongNan area of the northern South China Sea. During the Fifth Gas Hydrate Drilling Expedition of the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, this type of complex morphology that has close interaction with local gas hydrate (GH) distribution was eventually confirmed. A flow-reaction model is built to explore the spatial–temporal matching evolution process of massive GH reservoirs since 30 kyr before the present (BP). Five time snapshots, including 30, 20, 10, and 5 kyr BP, as well as the present, have been selected to exhibit key strata-evolving information. The results of in situ tensile estimation imply fracturing emergence occurs mostly at 5 kyr BP. Six other environmental scenarios and three cases of paleo-hydrate existence have been compared. The results almost coincide with field GH distribution below the bottom MTD from drilling reports, and state layer fracturing behaviors always feed and probably propagate in shallow sediments. It can be concluded that this complex system with 10% pre-existing hydrates results in the exact distribution and occurrence in local fine-grained silty clay layers adjacent to upper MTDs.

Geoheritage in the making: the discovery and vulnerability of deep-sea hydrothermal vents

Abstract Some significant geological sites are inaccessible. Among the most inaccessible sites are the hydrothermal vents and their associated biological communities located deep in the ocean. These prime geoheritage sites, hosting what may be the most primordial life on Earth, are vulnerable to mineral and fishing exploitation. Many lie in international waters, protected only by non-binding agreements with no clearly defined means of enforcement. The discovery of these vents in 1977 fundamentally altered scientists’ view of basic Earth processes and the extreme conditions under which life can exist. The discovery of the vents was a group effort and required technological accomplishments not available to previous generations of researchers. Often overlooked in the credits for this discovery was the persistence and determination of Kathleen Crane, a graduate student at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Many women of her era faced significant challenges as they attempted to break into an often-unwelcoming field, marine geology. The challenges were not unique to geology; women were not welcomed in many other disciplines, both scientific and non-scientific. In spite of the obstacles, few people have made as remarkable a geoscience discovery as Dr Crane.

Numerical simulation and experimental study on seafloor sampling of an anchor-type mud collector based on SPH-FEM coupling method

Marine sediments are important for research in scientific fields such as marine geology, environmental testing of waters, marine biology and seabed resource exploration. Among them, mud miner is an important way to obtain sediments. However, due to the complexity of the marine environment, the seabed sampling operation is a relatively difficult and complicated project. The structural design of the sampler, the operation mode, and the interaction between the sampler and the sediment affect the sampling effect, which leads to the low efficiency of the sampler operation. In order to investigate the main factors affecting the drag force of the sampler during seafloor sampling, this paper takes a simple and portable anchor-type mud collector surface sediment sampler as a study. This paper introduces the mechanical structure and working principle of an anchor-type mud collector, establishes a mechanical model of the mud collector seafloor sampling process and derives the main factors affecting the dragging force: internal friction angle; the horizontal angle of the bi-directional shaft rod; undercut angle [Formula: see text] of bottom cover and dragging speed. A FEM-SPH method based on the coupling of the finite element method (FEM) and the smooth particle hydrodynamics method (SPH) was proposed to simulate the dynamic process of mud collector subsea sampling, and the mechanical data of fine sand and clay were obtained through land-based experiments. Based on the comparison between experimental data and numerical simulation data, the simulation validity of the FEM-SPH method was verified. The results show that the drag force of the clay was greater than that of the fine sand in the experiment of cutting the lower cover of the mud collector into the fine sand and clay, the internal friction angle of the clay is greater than that of the fine sand; with the increase in horizontal inclination angle and the decrease in undercut angle, the dragging force gradually increased; The dragging speed ranged from 0.2 to 0.6 m/s, with an increase in the mass of clay and fine sand collected with increasing speed, resulting in a gradual increase in dragging force. This paper provides a new method to study the force of the mud collector, provides a theoretical method to reduce the intensity and difficulty of manual work in the sampling process and increase the efficiency of sampling.

Earth System Model Analysis of How Astronomical Forcing Is Imprinted Onto the Marine Geological Record: The Role of the Inorganic (Carbonate) Carbon Cycle and Feedbacks

AbstractAstronomical cycles are strongly expressed in marine geological records, providing important insights into Earth system dynamics and an invaluable means of constructing age models. However, how various astronomical periods are filtered by the Earth system and the mechanisms by which carbon reservoirs and climate components respond, particularly in absence of dynamic ice sheets, is unclear. Using an Earth system model that includes feedbacks between climate, ocean circulation, and inorganic (carbonate) carbon cycling relevant to geological timescales, we systematically explore the impact of astronomically‐modulated insolation forcing and its expression in model variables most comparable to key paleoceanographic proxies (temperature, the δ13C of inorganic carbon, and sedimentary carbonate content). Temperature predominately responds to obliquity and is little influenced by the modeled carbon cycle feedbacks. In contrast, the cycling of nutrients and carbon in the ocean generates significant precession power in atmospheric CO2, benthic ocean δ13C, and sedimentary wt% CaCO3, while inclusion of marine sedimentary and weathering processes shifts power to the long eccentricity period. Our simulations produce reduced pCO2 and dissolved inorganic carbon δ13C at long eccentricity maxima and, contrary to early Cenozoic marine records, CaCO3 preservation in the model is enhanced during eccentricity modulated warmth. Additionally, the magnitude of δ13C variability simulated in our model underestimates marine proxy records. These model‐data discrepancies hint at the possibility that the Paleogene silicate weathering feedback was weaker than modeled here and that additional organic carbon cycle feedbacks are necessary to explain the full response of the Earth system to astronomical forcing.

Retraction: Earth System Model Analysis of How Astronomical Forcing Is Imprinted Onto the Marine Geological Record: The Role of the Inorganic (Carbonate) Carbon Cycle and Feedbacks

RetractionVervoort, P., Kirtland Turner, S., Rochholz, F., and Ridgwell, A. (2021). Earth system model analysis of how astronomical forcing is imprinted onto the marine geological record: The role of the inorganic (carbonate) carbon cycle and feedbacks, Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology, 36, e2020PA004090. https://doi.org/10.1029/2020PA004090. The above article, published online on 17 September 2021, in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors; the journal Editor‐in‐Chief, Matthew Huber; the American Geophysical Union; and Wiley Periodicals LLC. The retraction has been agreed upon following the authors identification of an error in the insolation code, based on a previously unknown error in the legacy code inherited from a widely used family of climate models, which resulted in a mistake in the orbital calculation affecting the conclusions of their work. The authors have also notified the maintainers of the underlying code.The authors have revised the above article after correcting the errors in the insolation code and re‐running the simulations. A description of the corrections to the code and detailed evaluation of the resulting insolation maps can be found in the republished article and its revised supporting information. This includes a comparison between the original and corrected daily and annual mean insolation, and those calculated from the online tool provided in Laskar et al. (2004). Because the calculated insolation is integral to the main results and interpretation of the simulations in this study, and because the erroneous insolation code may have been used in other studies, a retraction and new publication was the mutual agreement.The new manuscript reflecting the corrected information is now republished here: https://doi.org/10.1029/2023PA004826.

Вулканологические и геоэкологические исследования на о. Итуруп (Курильские острова) в 2023 году

Some preliminary results of the field work of the Institute of Marine Geology and Geophysics, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, on Iturup Island in 2023 are presented. The data on the modern volcanic activity of Machekha Crater of Tebenkov Volcano are provided. The data on the activity of Berutarube Volcano available in the literature have been supplemented. The data characterizing the current activity of Tebenkov and Berutarube Volcanoes have been obtained. Samples of thermal waters, hydrothermally altered rocks, and products of solfataric activity have been collected, and their thermal imaging has been performed. During the monitoring work, the waters of the thermal springs of the Dachnoe deposit have been sampled. In order to evaluate the impact of volcanism on the formation and development of the bryoflora and lichen flora of the south of Iturup Island, representatives of lichens and bryophytes have been collected on the slopes of Berutarube Volcano.

Экспедиция «Итуруп 2022–2023»: основные направления работ и предварительные результаты

The paper provides information on the objectives, methods, targets and some preliminary results of the expeditionary work carried out within the framework of the RSF project No.21-17-00049 by the employees of the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology of the FEB RAS, Institute of Marine Geology and Geophysics of the FEB RAS, Pacific Geographical Institute of the FEB RAS and Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum-Gas Geology and Geophysics of the SB RAS in 2022 and 2023. The main objectives of the expedition were geological-volcanological, hydrogeological, geophysical, tephrochronological, and paleoseismological studies. In accordance with the set objectives, field teams were formed, which began work in February 2022. On the basis of the data obtained during the expedition, previously unknown hydrothermal manifestations and seismic events on Iturup Island were identified. A number of geophysical and paleomagnetic surveys were carried out.

Marine Geological Studies of the Bay of Naples (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy): Revised Applications of the Seismo-Stratigraphic Concepts and Evolving Technologies to a Late Quaternary Volcanic Area

Marine geological studies of Naples Bay are discussed and reviewed, focusing on the application of the seismo-stratigraphic concepts to a Late Quaternary volcanic area. The Naples Bay represents an active volcanic area in which the interactions between volcanic and sedimentary processes controlled a complex stratigraphic architecture during the Late Quaternary period. While the volcanic processes took place in correspondence with the activity of the Somma–Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei Ischia, and Procida volcanic complexes, the sedimentary processes were controlled by the fluvial processes in the Sarno-Sebeto coastal plain and by the tectonic uplift in correspondence with the Sorrento Peninsula’s structural high Key geophysical and stratigraphic studies of the three active volcanic complexes are revised and discussed. The seismo-stratigraphic concepts applied in the geological interpretation of seismic profiles of Naples Bay are reviewed and discussed: here, the classical concepts of seismic and sequence stratigraphy have been successfully applied, but only partly, due to the occurrence of several buried volcanoes and volcanic seismic units and tephra layers, calibrated by gravity cores.

Editorial: Methods and advances in marine geology and hydrodynamics environment

Editorial: Methods and advances in marine geology and hydrodynamics environment

АКАДЕМИК АЛЕКСАНДР ПЕТРОВИЧ ЛИСИЦЫН – ЖИЗНЬ В ГЕОЛОГИИ

Academician Alexander Petrovich Lisitzin is an outstanding pioneer scientist in the field of ocean sedimentogenesis, whose works forced to revise the previously prevailing ideas about the patterns of modern and ancient sedimentation in the World Ocean, founder of the School of marine geology in Russia, who worked for more than 70 years at the P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

УЧЕНИЕ АКАДЕМИКА А.П. ЛИСИЦЫНА О ГЛОБАЛЬНЫХ БИОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ФИЛЬТРАХ И РАЗВИТИЕ БИОГЕОХИМИИ МИКРОЭЛЕМЕНТОВ В ОКЕАНЕ

Academician Alexander P. Lisitsyn has developed a theory of biogenic sedimentation and global biofilters in the ocean that became an important part of marine geology and geochemistry. As a follower of Academician V.I. Vernadsky, A.P. Lisitsyn revealed a fundamental role of living matter in formation of the major part of the ocean bottom sediments. This paper presents some data on the trace metal biogeochemistry in the ocean, their bioaccumulation in the global ocean biofilters is quantitively evaluated.

УЧЕНИЕ АКАДЕМИКА А.П. ЛИСИЦЫНА О ГЛОБАЛЬНЫХ БИОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ФИЛЬТРАХ И РАЗВИТИЕ БИОГЕОХИМИИ МИКРОЭЛЕМЕНТОВ В ОКЕАНЕ

Academician A.lexander P. Lisitsyn has developed a theory of biogenic sedimentation and global biofilters in the ocean that became an important part of marine geology and geochemistry. As a follower of Academician V.I. Vernadsky, A.P. Lisitsyn revealed a fundamental role of living matter in formation of the major part of the ocean bottom sediments. This paper presents some data on the trace metal biogeochemistry in the ocean, their bioaccumulation in the global ocean biofilters is quantitively evaluated.

Гербарий лишайников Института морской геологии и геофизики ДВО РАН (SAK): первые результаты инвентаризации

The organization of the lichen herbarium in the Institute of Marine Geology and Geophysics of the FEB RAS was initiated in 2014 after a number of integrated expeditions in the Sakhalin Region. The herbarium is based on the collections of Aleksandr K. Ezhkin and Vladimir V. Kaganov. A significant amount of lichen samples was collected in protected areas of the Sakhalin Region, in wild remote sites, and in areas of volcanic activity. Currently, a part of the collection (1178 samples, 307 species) is mounted and stored in the Laboratory of plant ecology and geoecology, which is about 1/8 of all herbarium material of lichens stored in the Institute of Marine Geology and Geophysics of the FEB RAS.

АКАДЕМИК АЛЕКСАНДР ПЕТРОВИЧ ЛИСИЦЫН – ЖИЗНЬ В ГЕОЛОГИИ

Academician Alexander Petrovich Lisitzin is an outstanding pioneer scientist in the field of ocean sedimentogenesis, whose works forced to revise the previously prevailing ideas about the patterns of modern and ancient sedimentation in the World Ocean, founder of the School of marine geology in Russia, who worked for more than 70 years at the P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

EXPLORING MARINE GEOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY IN MANGGAR WATERS: A PRELUDE TO THE BURGEONING BELITONG GEOPARK

A survey on marine geology and oceanography was conducted in Manggar Waters, East Belitung, in order to protect the geological heritage of the newly inaugurated Belitong UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) in 2021. This study is aimed at understanding the characteristics of the seabed, marine sediments, currents, and coastal features in the area. A bathymetrical survey was done using an Echotrac echosounder to measure water depths, and current measurements were taken with an Infinity device. Forty sediment samples were collected and analyzed for their characteristics. The coastal features were examined through direct observation, and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) drone was used to investigate the morphology of small islands. The results showed that the seabed was mainly composed of coarse sediments, such as sand and clayey sand, with some areas containing gravel near Buku Limau Island. The microfauna foraminifera analysis indicated a relatively low diversity, with Operculina and Amphistegina being the dominant species. Two types of beaches were recognized: the northern part, consisting of rocky beaches made of igneous rocks, and the southern part, which has flat beaches made of beach alluvium deposits. Abrasion was found to be dominant in the southern part, particularly at Tambak Beach. The study provides valuable information for the planning and management of marine areas in the Belitong Geopark. It also highlights the importance of preserving and protecting the geological heritage of the region. With this newfound knowledge, stakeholders can make cognizant decisions to ensure the conservation of the Belitong Geopark and its unique geological features.

Underwater Sensing Technologies for Assessment of Marine Geological Hazards

In recent years, more and more countries are facing the threat of marine geological hazards. The huge losses caused by marine geological disasters have forced people to put on the agenda to develop technologies that can monitor marine geological hazards. There are currently multiple technologies available for monitoring marine geological hazards, the purpose of this article is to explore possibly the basic information of technologies used for marine geohazards assessment and their advantages for using various assessment technologies to monitor the occurrence of marine geological hazards. The technologies to be explored in this article include AUV, multibeam sonar mapping, and sub-bottom profiler. UAVs can take images of the seafloor, seamount, and sediments of the eruptions, and multiple sensors carried by the AUVs can collect related marine geological data including the temperature and salinity of the seawater. The data collected and the images produced can be used to assess the occurrence of marine geohazards. The multi-beam sonars with different working frequencies are used for different purposes, which means that sonars with different working frequencies are also attached to different platforms to fit their mission assigned. The sub-bottom profilers can be used for assessment of eruptions of mud volcanoes and the fluid mud produced during the eruptions.

OUR MEMORY ON LIFE AND SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY BY PROFESSOR DIMITROV PETKO STOYANOV

Professor Dimitrov P. S. was well-known scientist by marine geology, oceanology and marine archaeology from Oceanology institute of BulgAS in Varna, Bulgaria. He did working within the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and other seas, in Pacific ocean, Atlantic ocean as a researcher of marine geologist. He had close scientific connections with Odessa University, geography and geology departments. The aim was sediment throw down to the Black sea. This essay is devoting for memory by Prof. Dimitrov, who was our gentle friend and good colleague.