Transfer Zone Research Articles

Deep Regional Fluid Pathways in an Extensional Setting: The Role of Transfer Zones in the Hot and Cold Degassing Areas of the Larderello Geothermal System (Northern Apennines, Italy)

AbstractHigh‐temperature geothermal areas are often characterized by widespread surficial manifestations, whose location is strictly controlled by sets of faults of regional relevance. The geochemical and isotopic signature of the discharged fluids can reveal key information on the geothermal fluids pathway, shedding light on the sources and fluid‐rock interaction within the geothermal reservoirs. In this paper, a geochemical and structural data set from the Larderello geothermal area and surroundings is presented and discussed. We constrain the role of transfer and normal faults in controlling the geothermal circulation enhanced by a cooling magmatic intrusion underneath the Lago area (SW of Larderello). The structural control on the fluids circulation is highlighted by both the location of the CO2 emissions along the fault segments, where permeability is enhanced, and their degassing rates, which increase moving away from the core of the Larderello geothermal system. The main results unravel the presence of deep regional pathways along which endogenous fluids circulate before being discharged in the investigated areas. The peripheral zone emissions are affected by interaction with shallow aquifers and condensation processes whereas the CO2 emitted from the central areas, located near the core of the geothermal system, was accompanied by high amounts of steam, and suffers intense shallow fractionation processes. The latter areas emit medium‐to‐low normalized‐CO2‐degassing rates (<270 t d−1 km−2) when compared to the extremely high values occurring in the peripheral sectors (up to 1,300 t d−1 km−2) of the Larderello geothermal systems, possibly suggesting an incipient propagation of such a system, likely wider than previously thought.

THE INFLUENCE OF WELDING TYPE ON THE STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS OF CONNECTIONS OF REINFORCING BARS WITH A METAL PLATE

Introduction. In reinforced concrete structures, the ends of reinforcing bars are anchored in the concrete by launching the reinforcement beyond the considered section for the length of the force transfer zone from the reinforcement to the concrete as well as by using anchoring devices. If the required design length of the reinforcement cannot be ensured, special measures to anchor the reinforcement bars are applied [1, p. 5.36]. One of these measures is to install special anchoring devices in the form of plates at the ends of the longitudinal bars. When anchoring devices in the form of plates, special attention is paid to the welding type of the plate with the bar, which should prevent the bar from being pulled out when longitudinal forces from external load are applied. Materials and methodology. The material to be investigated was reinforcing bars of class A500C with diameters of 25 and 32 mm, connected at the ends to metal plates by means of contact welding. Holes with a diameter equal to the diameter of the reinforcement were drilled in the metal plates. The bars were inserted into the holes flush with the surface of the plates and welded to the plates by one and double sided welding. A total of two bars were used per welded joint. The strength of welded connection of reinforcing bars with plates was determined on the tensile testing machine HMS-100 by applying maximum tensile force to reinforcing bars. The fracture pattern of each reinforcing bar to plate joint was noted. The results of the experiment. As a result of the experiment, it was found that the destruction of the connection between the two reinforcing bars of 25 mm and 32 mm diameter and the metal plate during one-sided welding occurred by destroying the welding connection and pulling the bars out of the plate. When the bars were joined on both sides, there was no pulling out of the plate. In this case, one 25-mm-diameter bar joint is out of service due to bar breakage in the area of contact with the weld and the other is due to the exhaustion of its physical yield strength. The destruction of the 32mm diameter bars and metal plate joint in the two-sided welding process was due to the rupture of one bar in the area of its contact with the weld and the cracking of the other bar's contact with the weld. Conclusions. As a result of the experiment, it was found that the strength values of the welded connection between reinforcing bars 25 mm and 32 mm in diameter and a metal plate at bilateral welding were 1,33−1,36 times higher than those at one-sided welding.

Visualised combustion monitoring and mathematical modelling for moving magnesium particles in water vapour flow

Magnesium has received significant attention as a potential hydro-reactive metal particle fuel due to its superior ignition and combustion characteristics. In this work, a laser ignition testing system was designed for visualised combustion monitoring of moving magnesium particles with different average diameters. Combustion images were recorded and the effect of particle diameter on the combustion phenomena and combustion time were analysed. The statistical results show that the average combustion times are 4.5 ± 2.5, 15.2 ± 7.9, and 31.7 ± 17.9 ms for the magnesium particle fractions of 100, 150, and 200 µm, respectively. Moreover, a quasi-stable state, heterogeneous, and diffusion limited mathematical model was developed to describe the combustion process. In the model, a flame surface exists and divides the gas phase field between the particle surface and infinity into an internal zone and an external zone. Effects of particle relative movement on the heat transfer and external zone components were also considered.

Insight into mass transfer during adsorption of geniposidic acid onto a fixed-bed column by numerical simulation considering influence of operating conditions on column adsorption performance

In this work, the adsorption rate of geniposidic acid (GSA) on a fixed-bed column packed with porous adsorbents was studied, thoroughly by a Fick pore diffusion model based on numerical simulation and 3D visualization. Adsorption breakthrough curves of GSA were studied experimentally, under various operation conditions such as feeding concentrations, flow rates and packed column aspect ratio. For ion exchange adsorption of GSA onto the adsorbent used in this paper, a maximum adsorption capacity reached 637.5 mmol·L−1 at 298.5 K. Modeling method for an adsorption packed column was based on the coupling of mass transfer equations with a steady velocity field obtained from Navier-Stokes equation. A finite element method was adopted by COMSOL Multiphysics with proper mesh refinement, to solve the equation system. Moreover, the influences of operation conditions on the magnitude and direction of mass fluxes induced by convection and diffusion were analyzed in details. 3D data of Mass fluxes proved that the existence of forming period and transferring period of mass transfer zone (MTZ), which are important knowledge for comprehending the dynamics of adsorption process. The magnitude of convection flux was almost 107–108 times larger than that of pore diffusion flux. Average pore diffusion diffusivities of GSA and Cl− were fitted to be 5.19 × 10−10 and 1.71 × 10−9 m2·s−1, while their maximal mass fluxes were 9.366 × 10−3 and 3.926 × 10−3 mol m−2·s−1 in simulations, respectively. Finally, adsorption and elution recycle experiments proved the feasibility of the novel GSA adsorption technology in the future scaling-up process.

Structural geometry and tectonic evolution of an Early Cretaceous rift crossing the Nile Valley in Upper Egypt

Two-dimensional (2D) seismic reflection data tied to well logs are used to present new insights on the structural geometry and tectonic evolution of an Early Cretaceous rift crossing the Nile Valley in Upper Egypt. This rift extends to ∼260 km long in a NW-SE direction, and 80–100 km wide, and was previously unstudied due to a lack of subsurface data. It is named here as the Upper Egypt Rift. It is divided into three depocentres, or segments, from southeast to northwest: The Kharit, Nuqra, and Komombo basins, filled with thick (ca. 3700 m) continental to open marine Lower Cretaceous-Campanian/Maastrichtian strata. The Kharit and Komombo basins are NW-striking fault-bounded half-grabens associated with NE-dipping syn-rift rocks. They are linked by a major N–S oriented normal fault bounding the eastern side of the Nuqra basin and terminate in two overlapping synthetic transfer zones. This rift geometry is controlled by the reactivation of a Precambrian Najd-parallel (N125°E) shear zone during rift initiation. Seismic cross-section restoration indicates a multiphase extensional history for the Upper Egypt Rift. The first rift episode occurred during the Berriasian-Valanginian and the early Aptian as a result of the opening of the South Atlantic, and was influenced by the tectonic evolution of the Neotethys Ocean as well. The second rift locally developed in the area during the Cenomanian-Turonian and was characterized by extrusive alkaline volcanics and intrusive rocks. Rift-related Natash volcanics and trachyte plugs of Cenomanian/Turonian age are exposed at the eastern side of the Nuqra basin but not recorded in the Komombo and Kharit basins. Soon after that, the whole basin experienced mild tectonic inversion synchronously with the Syrian Arc compressional events. Rotated fault blocks and slightly inverted anticlines thus comprise the main hydrocarbon trapping structures in the Komombo basin. Further work is required to define the time-dependent relationship between oil migration and trap development in the Upper Egypt Rift.

Structural characteristics and genetic mechanism of transfer zones in an extensional rift zone: An example from the Xihu Sag, East China Sea Basin

The Xihu rift zone within the East China Sea Shelf Basin (ECSSB) is governed by NE-striking segmented extensional faults, which were formed by Cenozoic orthogonal NW-SE extension. However, the segmentation of the NE-striking faults has up to now received only limited attention. Here, we employ seismic data, information about pre-existing faults, the Cenozoic fault system, and fault activity rate to analyze the structural characteristics and genetic mechanism of the transfer zones in the Xihu sag. Our results demonstrate that: (1) The Cenozoic structures and evolution of the Xihu sag are fundamentally controlled by the NE-striking extensional faults, while showing influence from the pre-existing NW-striking basement structures. (2) The transfer zones are preliminarily recognized on the fault system map along the bottom of the Pinghu Formation (T40 surface, ∼43 Ma), which is segmented by the NE-striking faults. The cross faults are identified in the transfer zones, which are commonly truncated by the T30 (∼33.9 Ma) surface and above the T100 (∼66 Ma) surface. These faults are generally composed of strike-slip structures. In addition, the transfer zones are primarily developed above the pre-existing NW-striking basement faults. (3) A hybrid genetic model is proposed to interpret the formation of the NW-striking strike-slip transfer zones in the Xihu sag, including the influence of the pre-existing NW-striking basement faults, and the different extensions along the rifts. Finally, six genetic-mechanism-structural models are established for general cases, based on whether the pre-existing faults are developed and the different extensions existed or not. This study may have significant implication for future study on the transfer zones in this area.

Microseismicity clustering and mechanic properties reveal fault segmentation in southern Italy

We analyze the clustered microseismicity recorded over more than one decade in the Irpinia region, an active seismic area in Southern Italy. We studied the spatiotemporal properties of rate, source parameters and slipping mechanisms of the clustered seismicity in relationship with local medium properties and the deformation signal. Spatial pattern of both medium properties and source parameters indicates a segmentation along strike of the fault network with evidence of a high- and a low-coupling segments separated by a region with diffused microseismicity and high b-value. The high-coupling segment shows high fraction of clustered seismicity, low b-value, high relative coseismic slip, low Vp/Vs (1.7–1.75) and near-repeating earthquakes. We find that the seismicity in this high-coupling segment is triggered by non-tectonic loading, such as the recharge of a karst aquifer, suggesting a system close to critical conditions. The high-coupling segment can be identified as a potential strong motion area for future earthquakes, while the intermediate segment can mark the edges of an extensional transfer zone, which can act as a discontinuity for slip propagation. The low-coupling segment is the same where the Ms. 6.9, 1980 Irpinia earthquake nucleated. This segment shows today both relatively high b-values and high coseismic slip, but above all it shows temporal dependencies in its properties, which leads us to pay attention to it for the future spatiotemporal evolution of microseismicity in this area.

Characterization of the Soapaga Fault deformation in the central part of the Eastern Cordillera, Colombia

The eastern border of the Floresta Massif is characterized by the confluence of the Soapaga Fault and the Corrales Fault, two reverse faults that are linked to each other in a simple transfer zone and whose deformation influenced the formation of the Betéitiva Syncline. The Betéitiva Syncline, located on the Soapaga Fault footwall, shows geometric features, such as upright to inverted backlimbs and thickness changes related to the fault's deformation. However, none of the previously proposed kinematic models (fault-propagation, fault-bend, and buckling–folding models) clearly explain the evolution of the Betéitiva Syncline related to the Soapaga Fault or the differentiation between this fault and the Corrales Fault. In this work, we developed a structural analysis to differentiate the Soapaga Fault from the Corrales Fault through a detailed description of the fault zones, geomorphic evidence, geometric relationships, and deformation features related to each fault. Then, we developed a structural analysis of the evolution of the aforementioned structures using five balanced cross-sections that illustrate how they are related to one another. Three kinematic models or structural processes were used to explain the evolution of the study area: the trishear fault-propagation fold model, the fault-propagation fold model, and the gravitational fold and fault model. This work presents the structural, geological, and geomorphic evidence that allowed us to differentiate the Corrales Fault from the Soapaga Fault. Additionally, our results show an increase in the Soapaga Fault displacement (4.7 km–9.5 km), the Corrales Fault displacement (0.6 km–1.3 km), and the total shortening (1.9 km–3.4 km) from north to south. In addition, we propose a structural evolution model that better explains the geometric features of the Betéitiva Syncline regarding the deformation of the Soapaga Fault, which requires 10x less shortening than previous structural models. Finally, we propose that the deformation of the Soapaga Fault is a scale-dependent variable because of the relationship that this fault has with regional structures, such as the Floresta Anticlinorium, but also with local structures, such as the Betéitiva Syncline.

Scale-up analysis of a twin-bed PSA pilot plant

Small-scale pressure swing adsorption (PSA) plants, also referred to as pilot plants, are commonly exploited for studying separation processes in favour of the development of mathematical models and scale-up strategies. The applicability of a lately presented mathematical model, which was developed based on experimental data acquired from a high-purity twin-bed N2-PSA pilot plant, is verified in this paper for the design of large-scale systems by an analysis of the mass transfer zone development at different PSA cycle times. Effects of the PSA scale-up factor, adsorber aspect ratio, packed-bed density, and flow resistances along the piping system on the process performance are studied numerically. These considerations are particularly relevant for the scale-up of bank-type PSA units as well as for skid-mounted systems fitted to local space limitations, where the standard scale-up concept of keeping the gas velocity constant often cannot be fully realised. It is demonstrated that the sensitivity of the PSA performance to studied factors increases along with the required product purity level. Therefore, recommendations for adequate dimensions of pilot plants depending on the desired gas purity level can be derived. Limitations of the gas velocity through the adsorber shall be observed to generate reliable simulation data. The agreement between experimental results obtained from an industrial-scale system on one hand, and the outcome of a dynamic simulation on the other hand, is confirmed—provided that realistic pressure profiles are generated by a proper adjustment of flow resistances along the piping.

Fine‐scale spatial genetic structure in a locally abundant native bunchgrass (Achnatherum thurberianum) including distinct lineages revealed within seed transfer zones

AbstractAnalyses of the factors shaping genetic variation in widespread plant species are important for understanding the evolutionary history and local adaptation and have applied significance for guiding conservation and restoration decisions. Thurber's needlegrass (Achnatherum thurberianum) is a widespread, locally abundant grass that inhabits heterogeneous arid environments of western North America and is of restoration significance. It is a common component of shrubland steppe communities in the Great Basin Desert, where drought, fire, and invasive grasses have degraded natural communities. Using a reduced representation sequencing approach, we generated SNP data at 5677 loci across 246 individuals from 17 A. thurberianum populations spanning five previously delineated seed zones from the western Great Basin. Analyses revealed a pronounced population genetic structure, with individuals forming consistent geographical clusters across a variety of population genetic analyses and spatial scales. Low levels of genetic diversity within populations, as well as high population estimates of linkage disequilibrium and relatedness, were consistent with self‐fertilization as a contributor to population differentiation. Variance partitioning and partial redundancy analysis (pRDA) indicated local adaptation to environment as additionally influencing the spatial distribution of genetic variation. The environmental variables driving these results were similar to those implicated in recent genecological work which inferred local adaptation for seed zone delineation. Our analyses also revealed a complex evolutionary history of A. thurberianum in the Great Basin, where previously delineated seed zones contain distantly related populations. Our results indicate evolutionary history, mating system, and differentiation across distinct geographic and environmental scales have shaped genetic variation in A. thurberianum and illustrate how numerous aspects of population genetic variation might require consideration for restoration planning.

Continuous fixed-bed adsorption of reactive azo dye on activated red mud for wastewater treatment-Evaluation of column dynamics and design parameters

Continuous adsorption of Remazol Brilliant Blue (RBB) dye in water onto sulfuric acid activated red mud (CATRM) in a fixed bed column was investigated. Breakthrough curves were obtained experimentally by varying the bed height (Z), influent flow rate (Q), and dye concentration(C0). The adsorption efficiency in the removal of RBB was favored at lower C0, higher Z, and lower Q. The maximum adsorption capacity of the activated red mud bed in the column was obtained at C0 = 70mg/L, Z = 8cm, and Q = 5mL/min and found to be 106mg/g. Important parameters of column dynamics and design such as mass transfer zone (MTZ) and length of unused bed (LUB) were evaluated from the breakthrough curves. The MTZ and LUB have varied with varying Z, which indicated the existence of nonideal conditions. Thomas model was found to be valid to predict the column dynamics and the model parameters were evaluated. Bed depth service time (BDST) model parameters were evaluated to facilitate the determination of packed bed height for the design of packed bed adsorption column. The bed could be regenerated with NaOH solution with desorption efficiency decreasing from 83.8 to 55.72% from the first to third cycle. A fixed bed of CATRM can be effectively used for continuous dye removal from industrial wastewater.

Development of correlations for predicting Nusselt number and friction factor of roughened solar air heater duct for sustainable development

ABSTRACT The solar air heater (SAH), which utilizes solar energy to satisfy the building’s heating demands, is an important integrated component of the building. However, SAH’s performance isn’t good enough for it to be used in building. Adding roughness component to the effective zone of heat transfer underneath the absorber plate is the most successful and efficient technique to augment the thermal performance of solar air heater (SAH). In this regards, artificial roughness consisting of several Multiple Open Trapezoidal Rib (MOTR) has been devised with intention of capitalizing on the benefits of secondary flows with regard to the improvement of heat transmission. The geometrical parameters of MOTRs such as relative limb length (L/w = 0.2–1.0), Reynold number (Re = 2000–16000), relative rib height (e/Dh = 0.023–0.054), and relative roughness pitch (p/e = 6–12) have been exploited, while relative width ratio (W/w = 6) and angle of attack (α = 60°) are maintained constant in all the set of experiments. The highest augmentation in Nusselt number (Nu) is observed as 6.07 times as that of smooth absorber plate. In addition, following empirical correlations have been developed for Nu & f with accuracy of average absolute deviation of 5.47% and 5.02%, respectively.

Coseismic and Postseismic Imaging of a Composite Fault System: The Samos 2020 Mw 7.0 Sequence

ABSTRACT The 2020 Mw 7.0 Samos earthquake (eastern Aegean Sea) provides a rare chance to study the ongoing interaction of normal and strike-slip faulting during an aftershock sequence in a suspected transfer zone with differential deformation style. After assessing them for possible site-effect influence, we first backproject local strong-motion data to elicit the high-frequency (HF) radiation for the main seismic event using the Source Scanning Algorithm. Our results indicate the existence of multiple HF radiators during the main rupture. Second, we construct a new, high-precision catalog for the aftershock sequence utilizing a deep-learning-based detector and picker. This new catalog contains thousands of additional seismic events compared with the routine catalogs built by local agencies and is accompanied by an enhanced dataset of fault-plane solutions determined with automated techniques. Complex fault networks activated during the aftershock period are mapped in detail, indicating the existence of an active transtensional, possibly asymmetric, basin offshore Samos Island. This detailed seismological characterization of Samos sequence leads to an improved understanding of the controlling mechanisms that operate concurrently during a sequence in a transtensional type of system.

The production of activated biochar using Calophyllum inophyllum waste biomass and use as an adsorbent for removal of diuron from the water in batch and fixed bed column.

The Calophyllum inophyllum species annually produces a large volume of cylindrical fruits, which accumulate on the soil because they do not have nutritional value. This study sought to enable the use of this biomass by producing activated biochar with zinc chloride as an activating agent for further application as an adsorbent in batch and fixed bed columns. Different methodologies were used to characterize the precursor and the pyrolyzed material. Morphological changes were observed with the emergence of new spaces. The carbonaceous material had a surface area of 468 m2g-1, Dp = 2.7nm, and VT = 3.155 × 10-1 cm3g-1. Scientific and isothermal studies of the adsorption of the diuron were conducted at the natural pH of the solution and adsorbent dosage of 0.75g L-1. The kinetic curves showed a good fit to the Avrami fractional order model, with equilibrium reached after 150min, regardless of the diuron concentration. The Liu heterogeneous surface model well represented the isothermal curves. By raising the temperature, adsorption was encouraged, and at 318K, the Liu Qmax was reached at 250.1mgg-1. Based on the Liu equilibrium constant, the nonlinear van't Hoff equation was employed, and the ΔG° were < 0 from 298 to 328K; the process was exothermic nature (ΔH0 = -46.40kJmol-1). Finally, the carbonaceous adsorbent showed good removal performance (63.45%) compared to a mixture containing different herbicides used to control weeds. The stoichiometric column capacity (qeq) was 13.30 and 16.61mgg-1 for concentrations of 100 and 200mg L-1, respectively. The length of the mass transfer zone was 5.326cm (100mg L-1) and 4.946cm (200mg L-1). This makes employing the leftover fruits of the Calophyllum inophyllum species as biomass for creating highly porous adsorbents a very effective and promising option.

Flow and Convective Exchanges Study in Rotor-Stator System With Eccentric Impinging Jet

Abstract This paper investigates numerically and experimentally the flow structure and convective heat transfers in an unconfined air gap of a discoid technology rotor–stator system. The cavity between the interdisk is defined by dimensionless spacing varying between G = 0.02 (Haidar et al., 2020, “Numerical and Experimental Study of Flow and Convective Heat Transfer on a Rotor of a Discoidal Machine With Eccentric Impinging Jet,” J. Therm. Sci. Eng. Appl., 12(2), 021012) and G = 0.16. For experimental data, an infrared thermography is applied to obtain a measurement of the rotor surface temperatures and a steady-state energy equation is solved to evaluate the local convective coefficients. A numerical study is performed with a computational code ansys-fluent and based to apply two different turbulence models named the Reynolds stress model (RSM) and k–ε renormalization group (RNG). The results of the numerical simulation are compared with experimental results on heat transfer for the rotational Reynolds number ranging from 2.38×105 to 5.44×105, the jet Reynolds numbers varying from 16.6×103 to 49.6×103, and for dimensionless spacing G between 0.04 and 0.16. Three heat transfer zones on the rotating disk surface are identified. A good accord between a numerical result and experimental data was obtained. Finally, a correlation relating the Nusselt number to the rotational Reynolds number, jet Reynolds number, and dimensionless spacing varying from 0.02 to 0.16 is proposed.

Multi-side Digital Image Correlation (DIC) evaluation of CFRP bonded to poplar timber

Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is a technique that permits full analysis of the strain field distribution upon the surface of solids. The nonlinear bonding interaction between poplar timber and CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers) reinforcement under mixed mode I&II is analyzed. The test setup inserts an eccentric axial load and a corresponding bending moment. The experiments show strain distributions composed of two lateral transfer zones in which bonding mode II predominates and, a central zone of constant strain in which bonding mode I is dominant. The maximum load capacity increases with the bond length until the effective bond length.

Cenozoic evolution of the Yangjiang-Yitong’ansha fault zone in the northern South China Sea: Evidence from 3D seismic data

The Yanjiang-Yitong’ansha Fault Zone (YYFZ) traverses the Pearl River Mouth Basin (PRMB) and plays an essential role in basin formation and hydrocarbon accumulation in the PRMB. Because of the lack of seismic data, its distribution, evolution, and effect on the basin evolution in the Cenozoic are poorly known. Based on a detailed interpretation of 3D multi-channel seismic data and previous research results, the YYFZ was identified and characterized. It comprises a series of NW-trending strike-slip faults that exhibit horsetail and en echelon structures in the map view and flower-like or Y-shaped structures in the profile view. By comprehensively analyzing the Paleogene migration of depocenters, activity characteristics of the YYFZ-related faults, and the relationships between faults and sedimentary sequences along the YYFZ, we propose the sinistral motion of the YYFZ initiated at about 35 Ma. The YYFZ served as a transfer zone during the intense rifting in the PRMB from 65 to 35 Ma. Then due to the combined effect of the Indian-Eurasian collision to the west, the Pacific subduction to the east, and the proto-SCS slab-pull to the south, it became a sinistral transtensional fault from 35 Ma to 16.5 Ma. Our results highlight the significant role of the NW-trending fault systems in the basin formation and the regional tectonic evolution of the PRMB.

The effects of salt flow on the cross-section restoration of salt-bearing fold-and-thrust belts: An example from the Kuqa depression

Thrust sequence analysis using cross-section restoration is critical for understanding the evolution involved in folds and thrusts as well as kinematics, the distribution of strain, and hydrocarbon accumulation. However, the application of cross-section restoration is challenging in salt-bearing fold-and-thrust belts. Salt flow causes uncertainty and difficulty in quantifying the geometry because of salt mobility and poorly constrained deformation kinematics. In this paper, we first analyze the role of salt flow in the cross-section restoration of salt-bearing fold-and-thrust belts using a synthetic model. Then an applicable method has been systematically described to quantify the effect of salt flow on the cross-section restoration. The method is efficient in determining the sub-salt thrust sequence, whereas accurate fault throw can be restored when the history of salt flow is known. Two well-constrained seismic profiles in the western Kuqa salt-bearing fold-and-thrust belts are restored sequentially to analyze the evolutionary process of sub-salt faults. The results show that the sub-salt thrust system propagates forward in sequence in the Bozi segment and out of sequence in the Dabei segment. The differential evolution of the sub-salt thrust between the Bozi and Dabei segments forms an oblique transfer zone. This study shows that understanding salt flow is the key point for cross-section restoration in salt-bearing fold-and-thrust belts, and relationships between supra-salt deformations and sub-salt thrust can be built by clarifying the contribution of salt flow.

Integrated structural, geophysical and remote sensing data for characterizing extensional linked fault systems and related land deformation hazards at Cairo-Suez District, Egypt

A tiered framework has been developed to map and characterize extensional linked fault systems at Cairo-Suez District, Egypt to better understand seismic and land deformation hazards. As a test site, the present tiered approach is applied on the Cairo-Suez District (CSD), Egypt, which is considered as an active seismogenic zone that encompasses complex deformation settings. Tier 1, which involves outcrop observations and structural mapping, reveals four geometries belonging to soft- and hard-linkage transfer zones (TZs). Considering the mapped TZs, the near-surface heterogeneity is characterized using a 2D-electrical resistivity tomography (2D-ERT) technique at “tier 2” applying an advanced inversion scheme (AIS). Inversion results of the 2D-ERT profiles indicate a subsurface continuity of the mapped surface geological and structural features including shale smears of fault zones and shale layer distributions. At “tier 2”, we particularly identify a highly deformed shale bed of 15-m thick, that accommodate fault slips as indicated by internal gouge zones. We further represent all local hazard factors including slope, drainage density, land use/land cover and displacement maps using the “Fuzzy-Shannon Entropy Model”. Overall, our findings show that most of the delineated deformation hazards in the test site are related to hard-linked TZs. At “tier 3”, we ultimately provide our recommendation for regional and site-specific engineering mitigation and to avoid active faults by defining setback-zone buffer (i.e., no build zone) correlated with the local fault activity and near-surface geometry. For Egypt, an economically developing country, this approach represents a major advancement from conventional geologic and geotechnical investigations through introducing a tiered framework for risk-relevant characterization of the extensional linked fault systems to apply adequate procedures/precautions by engineers for urban planning.

Prediction of Native Seed Habitat Distribution According to SSP Scenario and Seed Transfer Zones: A Focus on Acer pictum subsp. mono and Quercus acuta

Acer pictum and Quercus acuta are native species recommended for restoration. To restore ecosystem functions and maintain natural ecosystems, it is suggested to deploy well-adapted and locally adapted plant material, and this notion is gaining interest. Studying how species change in response to climate change is an important part of forest restoration planning. Our method uses climate data to define the habitat range of species and to identify regions with relatively similar climates through Seed Transfer Zones (STZs). Potential habitat suitability changes of A. pictum and Q. acuta were identified under various environmental scenarios using seven climatic factors and five topographical factors. The MaxEnt algorithm was used to predict potential habitat suitability in current and future (1980–2100) climate change scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, SSP5-8.5). STZs are maps of areas with comparable climates and have been used to determine the climates of potentially habitable areas. This helps to minimize the maladaptation of seed movement within the same area. As a result, A. pictum growth increased along the southern coastal area and drainage was the paramount factor influencing A. pictum distribution. By checking the climate of regions with high habitability in STZs (Winter Minimum Temperature (WMT) 15–20 °F, Annual Heat: Moisture (AHM) 16–19 °C/m zone, WMT 20–25 °F, AHM 16–19 °C/m located in the zone), Q. acuta was shown to move northward with climate change centering on the southern coastal area. Additionally, Annual Precipitation (Bio12) was the most significant factor influencing Q. acuta distribution. In confirming the climate of areas with high habitability in STZs, we verified that habitat density was high in the WMT 10–15 °F, AHM 19–21 °C/m zone and WMT 20–25 °F, AHM 19–21 °C/m zone. This study establishes that the potential distributions of A. pictum and Q. acuta are affected by climate change. It supplies evidence for ecological restoration and sustainable development, and can formulate future conservation and management plans for economically valuable species.