Stability Zone Research Articles

Experimental Research on the Floating Amount of Shield Tunnel Based on the Innovative Cumulative Floating Amount Calculation Method

The study of shield tunnel segment flotation is crucial for controlling the precision of underground excavation projects. Based on Winkler’s beam foundation theory, the load structure method, and the equivalent continuous beam model, and by considering the mechanical and spatial conditions that cause segment flotation, a novel theoretical calculation method for cumulative flotation is proposed using a simplified equivalent stiffness model of the tunnel. Additionally, a new concept of “equivalent flotation force” is introduced. The rationality and applicability of this theoretical calculation method are verified by comparing it with on-site construction data from the Yuanjiang River Crossing Tunnel Project in Changde, Hunan Province, China. The experimental results demonstrate that the theoretical calculation closely approximates the surface deformation monitoring data of the tunnel alignment in the eastern section of the project, and their deformation patterns are similar. Near the starting shaft, there is significant settlement influenced by stratum loss due to smaller tunnel flotation, with greater settlement occurring in the upper part. However, at approximately 45 m into both sections, they enter a deformation stability zone showing significant correlation in longitudinal deformation. Through comparison and verification of on-site experiments and theoretical model analysis, we preliminarily elucidate the feasibility of this innovative cumulative flotation theoretical calculation method which provides an important theoretical basis for assessing segment flotation issues in subsequent tunnel shield construction evaluations.

Bottom simulating reflections across the northern Gulf of Mexico slope

Bottom simulating reflections (BSRs) are widely used indicators for natural gas hydrate in reflection seismic data. BSRs, however, are typically studied on a local scale at a single site and less frequently on a large, regional scale. Herein, we map and describe BSRs over a 68,000 km2 area across the northern Gulf of Mexico slope, using publicly released industry-acquired 3D seismic data. We map 74 BSR zones that cover a total area of 2060 km2. To understand the characteristics of these BSR zones, we classify them based on their BSR characteristics in the seismic data (continuous, discontinuous, and clustered) and the geological settings in which they appear (structural, stratigraphic, and venting). The most common type of BSRs are discontinuous BSRs; such BSRs were mapped over ∼60% of the total BSR area. Discontinuous BSRs occur most commonly in structural or stratigraphic settings. Discontinuous BSRs indicate that gas and hydrate are likely concentrated in discrete layers crossing the base of the hydrate stability zone (HSZ). Continuous BSRs occur in 27% of the total BSR area and they primarily occur in venting and stratigraphic settings. At vent sites, hydrate formation likely reduces sediment permeability and focuses fluid flow laterally underneath the base of the HSZ, likely resulting in a continuous BSR along the area of lateral gas flow. Clustered BSRs, chaotic sequences of high amplitude reflections, occur in only 13% of the total BSR area and are only found within structural settings. In addition, the majority of clustered BSR zones are close to paleochannels, suggesting that clustered BSRs may be more common where coarser-grained sediments exist.

Study on the Mechanism of Natural Gas Hydrate Decomposition and Seabed Seepage Triggered by Mass Transport Deposits

Previous studies indicate that mass transport deposits are related to the dynamic accumulation of natural gas hydrates and gas leakage. This research aims to elucidate the causal mechanism of seabed seepage in the western region of the southeastern Qiongdongnan Basin through the application of seismic interpretation and attribute fusion techniques. The mass transport deposits, bottom simulating reflector, submarine mounds, and other phenomena were identified through seismic interpretation techniques. Faults and fractures were identified by utilizing variance attribute analysis. Gas chimneys were identified using instantaneous frequency attribute analysis. Free gas and paleo-seepage points were identified using sweetness attributes, enabling the analysis of fluid seepage pathways and the establishment of a seepage evolution model. Research has shown that in areas where the mass transport deposits develop thicker layers, there is a greater uplift of the bottom boundary of the gas hydrate stability zone, which can significantly alter the seafloor topography. Conversely, the opposite is true. The research indicates that the upward migration of the gas hydrate stability zone, induced by the mass transport deposits in the study area, can result in the rapid decomposition of gas hydrates. The gas generated from the decomposition of gas hydrates is identified as the principal factor responsible for inducing seabed seepage. Moderate- and low-speed natural gas seepage can create spiny seamounts and domed seamounts, respectively.

Methane seeps on the U.S. Atlantic margin: An updated inventory and interpretative framework

Since the discovery of >570 methane flares on the northern U.S. Atlantic margin between Cape Hatteras and Georges Bank in the last decade, the acquisition of thousands of kilometers of additional water column imaging data has provided greater coverage at water depths between the outer continental shelf and the lower continental slope. The additional high-resolution data reveal >1400 gas flares, but the removal of probable duplicates from the combined database of new flares and those recognized in 2014 yields ∼1139 unique sites. Most of these sites occur in clusters of 5 or more seeps, leaving about 275 unique locations (including 47 clusters) for seepage along the margin. As a function of depth, seep distribution is heavily skewed toward the upper continental slope at water depths shallower than 400 m on the southern New England margin and ∼ 550 m in the Mid-Atlantic Bight, with additional seeps clustered at ∼1100 m and just deeper than ∼1400 m in both sectors. Despite little ongoing tectonic deformation or active faulting on this passive margin, a variety of processes driven from below the seafloor (e.g., migration of fluids along faults or through permeable strata, seepage above diapirs or other pre-existing structures) and from above (e.g., erosion, sapping, unroofing) contribute to the development of seeps in different settings along the margin. In addition, the prevalence of seeps on promontories overlooking shelf-breaking canyons may be directly related to the three-dimensional nature of the hydrate stability zone in these locations. As a function of depth, the parts of the slope at the contemporary landward limit of gas hydrate stability are devoid of seeps, and the upper slope zones with the most concentrated seepage were not within the gas hydrate stability zone even during the Last Glacial Maximum. Thus, if the large number of upper slope seeps is at least partially sourced in gas hydrate degradation, the gas emitted at these seeps must have migrated there from greater depths on the continental slope.

Using the LabVIEW Simulation Program to Design and Determine the Characteristics of Amplifiers

Because of the large number of parameters that interact in amplifier functions, determining dynamic regime parameters as well as the mode of function of amplifier stages is an extremely complex problem. This paper describes a LabVIEW application for studying the functioning of an amplifier in various connections. The user selects the generator’s parameters, the type of connection and its parameters, as well as the load circuit characteristics. The application can determine both the stage characteristics and the Bode characteristics. The amplifier’s stability zone, as well as its gain and phase, are determined based on these characteristics. An important advantage of this application is that the design of the amplifier stage can be created starting from some parameters that the amplifier can establish, from which the values of components can be determined. In order to validate the simulation results from the LabVIEW application, the specialized program Multisim was used, as well as experimental measurements using the Electronics Explorer Board. Both Multisim and Electronics Explorer Board can determine Bode characteristics. In both simulations and experimental amplifiers, the same schemes with the same transistor were used. The application can be used for educational purposes as well as to design an amplifier’s stage to achieve specific parameters.

An experimental study of the flow structure in arrays of cold bidirectional swirling jets

Jets arrays have become a promising technology for industrial applications, including heat transfer and combustion processes. This paper presents the first experimental results of arrays of bidirectional swirling jets, including their flow structures and specific turbulent interactions. Particle image velocimetry of non-reacting linear arrays showed the formation of recirculation zones within each jet of the array. These regions are the most stable, with fluctuations less than 0.002 of the bulk inlet velocity Vin. In addition, jets merging locations also show a significant decrease in velocity fluctuations, with values V′/Vin < 0.005, which is most clearly seen at a smaller pitch distance. However, the highest turbulent fluctuations occur in shear layers, reaching values of V'/Vin ≈ 0.02 for linear arrays and V'/Vin ≈ 0.03 for planar configurations. The flow structure of planar arrays is more complex, leading to the formation of secondary vortex structures at locations of jet interaction. This results in a significant decrease in the flow swirl number, from an initial value of Sin = 2.1 in the vortex chamber, to S1 = 0.36–0.49 at z/dout2 = 1 and S2 = 0.19–0.27 at z/dout2 = 2 beyond the outlet nozzle. Strong cross-sectional motions are observed in planar arrangements, leading to the development of additional regions of negative axial velocity between the outlet nozzles. The boundaries of these regions have nearly zero axial velocity values and can provide reliable ignition and flame stabilization in the case of reactive bidirectional jets. Therefore, the flow structure in planar arrays forms a large stabilization zone, and the obtained results can be used to develop a new multipoint combustion technique.

INFLUENCE OF PLEISTOCENE GLACIATION ON PETROLEUM SYSTEMS AND GAS HYDRATE STABILITY IN THE OLGA BASIN REGION, BARENTS SEA

This study presents the results of a 2D numerical basin and petroleum systems model of the Olga Basin in the NW Barents Sea offshore northern Norway, a frontier exploration area in which there are abundant seafloor oil and gas seepages. The effects of Pleistocene ice sheet advances on rock properties and subsurface fluid migration in this area, and on seafloor hydrocarbon seepage, are not well understood. The 2D numerical model takes account of recurrent ice advances and retreats, together with related erosional and temperature effects, and investigates the influence of these parameters on fluid migration. Model results show that Pleistocene glaciations reduced the temperature in the sedimentary succession in the Olga Basin by up to 20 °C, for example in the uppermost Cretaceous and Jurassic sediments which underlie the seafloor down to a depth of 0.5 to 1 km. The decrease in temperature was in general predominantly related to the intensity of glacial erosion, which was set in this study to a depth of 600 m based on previous studies. Hydrocarbon fluids expelled from potential thermogenic source rocks of Carboniferous to Triassic ages on the SW margin of the Olga Basin migrated to the seafloor through permeable carrier beds. However, fluid migration to the surface in the NE of the study area took place along fault conduits. In a closed fault model scenario, only 0.3 Mt of hydrocarbons are modelled to have migrated along the 0.5 km wide model section; in a second scenario with partially open faults, about 22 Mt of hydrocarbons, representing about 11% of the total hydrocarbons generated by potential thermogenic source rocks in the study area, were lost to the surface during the Pleistocene. The potential for microbial methane generation in the Olga Basin was limited both during the Pleistocene and at the present day due to the significant reduction in temperature during glacial episodes, and due to the intense glacial‐related erosion of the Mesozoic to Cenozoic stratigraphy. During glacial stages, the gas hydrate stability zone beneath the ice sheet is modelled to have extended to a depth of up to 900 m for a pure methane composition, and to a depth of up to 1100 m for a possible thermogenic‐sourced mixed gas composition of 90% methane, 7% propane and 3% ethane. Gas hydrates with this mixed composition are modelled to have been stable in the Olga Basin during the last three glacial advances and into the present. These modelling results provide an insight into the key factors controlling the migration and surface leakage of hydrocarbon fluids in the Olga Basin region, and into the effects of glaciations on rock properties in a glaciated basin.

Can Glacial Sea‐Level Drop‐Induced Gas Hydrate Dissociation Cause Submarine Landslides?

AbstractWe conducted two‐dimensional numerical simulations to investigate the mechanisms underlying the strong spatiotemporal correlation observed between submarine landslides and gas hydrate dissociation due to glacial sea‐level drops. Our results suggest that potential plastic deformation or slip could occur at localized and small scales in the shallow‐water portion of the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ). This shallow‐water portion of the GHSZ typically lies within the area enclosed by three points: the BGHSZ–seafloor intersection, the seafloor at ∼600 m below sea level (mbsl), and the base of the GHSZ (BGHSZ) at ∼1,050 mbsl in low‐latitude regions. The deep BGHSZ (>1,050 mbsl) could not slip; therefore, the entire BGHSZ was not a complete slip surface. Glacial hydrate dissociation alone is unlikely to cause large‐scale submarine landslides. Observed deep‐water (much greater than 600 mbsl) turbidites containing geochemical evidence of glacial hydrate dissociation potentially formed from erosion or detachment in the GHSZ pinch‐out zone.

Effects of differential tectonic activities on overpressure evolution in the deep-water area of the Qiongdongnan Basin: implications for gas hydrate accumulation

The lack of data on the complex tectonics of the Qiongdongnan Basin has thus far restricted our understanding of the overpressure, deep hydrocarbon and shallow gas hydrate distribution. We therefore combined integrated seismic, well and borehole test data with basin models to clarify the relationship between tectonic activity and overpressure evolution, as well as the potential effects of the subsurface pressure on gas hydrate accumulation. The results show differences in tectonic activity and pressure characteristics between the eastern and western basins. Large numbers of faults and magmatic intrusions have developed in the post-rift layer of the eastern basin (the Baodao to Changchang sub-basins) since the Late Miocene ( c. 10.5 Ma), although they seldom formed in the western basin (the Lengdong to Lingshui sub-basins). Correspondingly, the eastern basin was characterized by lower overpressures (up to 40 MPa) and the western basin displayed higher overpressures (up to 110 MPa). The results indicate that tectonic activity since c. 10.5 Ma caused the relief of overpressure in the eastern basin. In stark contrast, the overpressure in the western basin increased significantly due to the lack of structural conduits and rapid sedimentation of the thick Pliocene and Quaternary deposits. Numerical models reveal that the faults and gas chimneys associated with the intrusions constituted shallow plumbing systems through which deep natural gas was able to migrate upwards. The formation of gas hydrates relied on the migration of deep gas to the hydrate stability zone below the seafloor. The relatively lower overpressured zones due to pressure relief in the eastern basin are therefore considered the next areas potentially favourable for the formation of gas hydrates. Thematic collection: This article is part of the Emerging knowledge on the tectonics of the South China Sea collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/south-china-sea

The Thermal Properties of an Active–Passive Heat Storage Wall System Incorporating Phase Change Materials in a Chinese Solar Greenhouse

The use of renewable energy for food and vegetable production is a potential sustainable method to reduce fossil energy consumption. Chinese solar greenhouses (CSGs) are horticultural facility buildings in the northern hemisphere that use solar energy to produce off-season vegetables in winter. The north wall heat storage and release capacity of CSG has a significant impact on the indoor thermal–humidity environment. However, common traditional solar greenhouses commonly have problems such as insufficient heat storage and release, thick temperature stability zones inside the walls, and inability to dynamically regulate the entire greenhouse environment. Therefore, a novel active–passive heat storage wall system (APHSWS) incorporating phase change materials has been developed to promote the thermal performance of the CSG and its internal temperature of the thermal storage wall in this paper. Through experimental and simulation methods, the heat storage and release of the APHSWS and its impact on the greenhouse environment are investigated. The findings indicate that the APHSWS has increased the wall heat storage and release capacity, compared to the ordinary greenhouse without the APHSWS, in three typical weather conditions in winter (i.e., sunny, overcast, and cloudy); the average temperature of greenhouse with the APHSWS has increased in indoor air temperature, wall surface temperature, and soil surface temperatures of 1.58–6.06 °C, 2.71–6.58 °C, 0.91–6.39 °C, respectively; and during the experiment, the greenhouse with the APHSWS has a monthly average daily effective accumulated temperature of 1.39 times, 1.18 times, 0.60 times, and 0.20 times that of the ordinary greenhouse without the APHSWS from December to March of the next year, respectively. Under typical sunny conditions, the greenhouse wall heat storage capacity increased by 1.59–2.44 MJ/m2 and the heat release capacity increased by 0.97–1.17 MJ/m2. At the direction of wall thickness, the temperature at each point inside the wall with the APHSWS is always higher than that of ordinary wall without the APHSWS. In addition, the operating cost of the APHSWS in winter is analyzed.

Gas hydrate in the North Carnarvon Basin, offshore Western Australia

Analysis of hydrate systems across basins is not common, as most studies are focused on smaller sites. Using petroleum industry well and seismic data, we identify natural gas hydrate accumulations across the entire North Carnarvon Basin, offshore Western Australia. Out of 120 wells, 52 wells have evidence for gas hydrate, though hydrate is distributed throughout the hydrate stability zone in low concentrations. In addition, we do not observe a connection between the presence of hydrate in wells and deeper thermogenic gas reservoirs. From 3D seismic data, we observe bottom simulating reflections (BSRs) are very rare. In addition, while faults are common across the basin, shallow bright spots, which indicate shallow free gas, are uncommon. Based on all these observations from well and seismic data, we argue that hydrate across the North Carnarvon Basin formed predominantly from in-situ gas that is microbial in nature.

Three-Dimensional Amplitude versus Offset Analysis for Gas Hydrate Identification at Woolsey Mound: Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico Hydrates Research Consortium selected the Mississippi Canyon Lease Block 118 (MC118) as a multi-sensor, multi-discipline seafloor observatory for gas hydrate research with geochemical, geophysical, and biological methods. Woolsey Mound is a one-kilometer diameter hydrate complex where gas hydrates outcrop at the sea floor. The hydrate mound is connected to an underlying salt diapir through a network of shallow crestal faults. This research aims to identify the base of the hydrate stability zone without regionally extensive bottom simulating reflectors (BSRs). This study analyzes two collocated 3D seismic datasets collected four years apart. To identify the base of the hydrate stability zone in the absence of BSRs, shallow discontinuous bright spots were targeted. These bright spots may mark the base of the hydrate stability field in the study area. These bright spots are hypothesized to produce an amplitude versus offset (AVO) response due to the trapping of free gas beneath the gas hydrate. AVO analyses were conducted on pre-stacked 3D volume and decreasing amplitude values with an increasing offset, i.e., Class 4 AVO anomalies were observed. A comparison of a time-lapse analysis and the AVO analysis was conducted to investigate the changes in the strength of the AVO curve over time. The changes in the strength are correlated with the decrease in hydrate concentrations over time.

Deep Fault‐Controlled Fluid Flow Driving Shallow Stratigraphically Constrained Gas Hydrate Formation: Urutī Basin, Hikurangi Margin, New Zealand

AbstractThe Hikurangi Margin east of New Zealand's North Island hosts an extensive gas hydrate province with numerous gas hydrate accumulations related to the faulted structure of the accretionary wedge. One such hydrate feature occurs in a small perched upper‐slope basin known as Urutī Basin. We investigated this hydrate accumulation by combining a long‐offset seismic line (10‐km‐long receiver array) with a grid of high‐resolution seismic lines acquired with a 600‐m‐long hydrophone streamer. The long‐offset data enable quantitative velocity analysis, while the high‐resolution data constrain the three‐dimensional geometry of the hydrate accumulation. The sediments in Urutī Basin dip landward due to ongoing deformation of the accretionary wedge. These strata are clearly imaged in seismic data where they cross a distinct bottom simulating reflection (BSR) that dips counterintuitively in the opposite direction to the regional dip of the seafloor. BSR‐derived heat flow estimates reveal a distinct heat flow anomaly that coincides spatially with the upper extent of a landward‐verging thrust fault. We present a conceptual model of this gas hydrate system that highlights the roles of fault‐controlled fluid flow at depth merging into strata‐controlled fluid flow into the hydrate stability zone. The result is a layer‐constrained accumulation of concentrated gas hydrate in the dipping strata. Our study provides new insight into the interplay between deep faulting, fluid flow and gas hydrate formation within an active accretionary margin.

Моделювання процесу парашутування літака на злітно-посадкову смугу при його посадці

The landing of an aircraft is an unknown part of its flight, and at this stage, the highest number of accidents and even disasters are observed. It should be noted that the movement of the aircraft in its airspace, when it is under the influence of aerodynamic forces, gravity, and engine thrust, is quite accurately modeled by various authors and presented in printed sources. The peculiarities of the aircraft’s movement during air-to-ground landing, i.e., at the moment of parachuting directly onto the runway, are insufficiently studied. The influence of parachuting conditions on post-landing stability has barely been studied. The subject of study in this article is the modeling of the parachuting process under conditions of aircraft landing. The goal of this study is to develop and test mathematical and simulation models of the aircraft’s movement during its parachuting from the alignment zone to the runway and to ensure the stability of longitudinal movement at the moment of the first landing impact and subsequent movement. Tasks: analyze the characteristics of the landing distances of transport category aircraft; establish the features of the parasailing stage of the aircraft during landing; develop a parametric model of the aircraft in its parachute configuration; establish conditions for modeling shock-absorbing landing gear; and, based on general and simulation models, establish zones of longitudinal movement stability of the aircraft after the first landing. Based on the results of experimental studies, the proposed mathematical model of the aircraft in landing configuration and the simulation model of participation in the landing of shock-absorbing landing gear systems quite reliably (compared to experimental data) estimate the aircraft’s movement at the moment of its touchdown and subsequent roll. This means that mathematical modeling can avoid repeated bounces during landing, ensure stability of longitudinal aircraft movement, reduce the length of the unbraked roll, and decrease the required runway length during aircraft landing. Conclusions: By analyzing normalized landings, the six most characteristic stages in the landing distance of transport category aircraft have been identified. A method of mathematical modeling of aircraft movement during parachuting onto the runway, considering not only the glider’s characteristics but also the features of the landing gear shock-absorbing systems, allows evaluating the parameters of parachuting that ensure stability of longitudinal aircraft movement after the first impact on the landing gear. Using the example of the An-140 aircraft, it is demonstrated how the values of brake wheel stability parameters are ensured and how the parachuting speed affects the length of its landing distance.

Seafloor morphology and potential gas hydrate distribution in the offshore Niger Delta

Bottom simulating reflectors (BSRs) and seismic pipe features have been used as proxies for defining the distribution of gas hydrate sediments in the offshore Niger Delta. This is the most extensive mapping of gas hydrate sediments in the Delta as of today. The seismic data merge comes from multiple surveys acquired with different parameters and seismic resolutions over the course of decades of oil and gas exploration in the region. Indicated gas hydrate distribution generally follows the structural fabric of the Niger Delta with BSRs occurring along the apexes of the thrust-related ridges that have bathymetric relief on the seafloor. The presence of swarms of seismic pipe features landwards of BSR locations suggests hydrates occur beyond BSR locations. The potential gas hydrates sediment acreage in offshore Niger Delta is 17600 sq-km, representing 20% of the area with a thickness of the gas hydrate stability zone reaching 440 m in the more outboard regions of the Delta. Total gas hydrates sediment coverage likely exceeds this value as BSRs become indistinguishable from sediment strata in regions of flat dips. The presence of double BSRs further suggests the presence of thermogenic gas hydrates in the region and allows to extend the thickness of the potential hydrate zone to 550 m in the outboard regions of the Delta.

On stable and quasi-chaotic regimes in a one-dimensional unimodal mapping obtained by modeling the dynamics of a biological population

The paper considers the properties of the difference equation describing the dynamics of the animal population, obtained earlier in the framework of studies of tundra communities. We have considered a special case in which the model is represented by a one-parameter difference equation that defines a one-dimensional unimodal mapping of a segment into itself, similar to the well-known triangular (tent) mapping, supplemented by a region with a constant value. A change in the mapping parameter generates a bifurcation scenario, in which stability zones arise, characterized by orbits of a constant period, interspersed with zones with more complicated, “quasi-chaotic” regimes. Based on the properties of the n-iterated triangular mapping, a necessary and sufficient condition for the localization of cyclic orbits in the considered type of unimodal mappings is formulated, which makes it possible to identify stability regions for any given period n. On the basis of this condition an algorithm for detecting stability zones is proposed. The main subject of the study is the fractal properties of the set, which is the complement of the obtained set of stability regions to the entire domain of mapping definition. The dynamics of the DH (n) value is obtained, the limit of which at n → ∞ is equal to the fractal dimension dH . It is shown that in the studied range of n (2 ≤ n ≤ 22), the DH (n) < 0.9, which suggest that dH < 1. If so, then according to the definition of a fractal set, its topological dimension is dT = 0, which means that the complement of the set of stability regions consists of isolated points.

Lunar polar volatile remobilization in regolith-filled craters

Under lunar polar cold traps, volatile molecules within porous regolith may experience temperature and depth dependent slow mobility. Many degraded lunar craters exhibit thick regolith fill based on models of topographic diffusion and observations of fresh and degraded craters. Regolith has a low thermal conductivity relative to megaregolith and may act as a blanket for internal lunar heat flow, leading to increased temperatures at depth. We develop 2D thermal models of fresh and regolith-filled lunar craters over depths of meters to hundreds of meters below the surface. We find that the base of the stability and slow mobility zones migrate upward with regolith fill, which leads to temperatures that may increase the sublimation rate of volatiles at depth. For a notional cold trap crater 1.6 km in diameter and 3.6 billion years old, topographic diffusion fills it with approximately 90 m of regolith, and the regolith fill's blanketing effect causes the 110 K isotherm to shift about 180 m upward. This places it approximately 25 m below the current cold trap surface and well above the initial crater floor. The slow water ice mobility zone below the 110 K isotherms also shifts upward with regolith fill, potentially increasing volatile concentrations at shallower depths. These secondary volatile concentrations may be targets for sampling and testing hypotheses of volatile system processes. In addition, remobilized volatile concentrations may be a resource for future In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) applications. The thick regolith fill in degraded craters and volatile remobilization potential in lunar subsurface cold traps have implications for future exploration instruments, sampling, and ISRU architectures.

Subsea permafrost and associated methane hydrate stability zone: how long can they survive in the future?

Subsea permafrost and associated methane hydrate stability zone: how long can they survive in the future?

Spatial patterns of historical crop yields reveal soil health attributes in US Midwest fields

Attaining high crop yields and increasing carbon storage in agricultural soils, while avoiding negative environmental impacts on water quality, soil erosion, and biodiversity, requires accurate and precise management of crop inputs and management practices. The long-term analysis of spatial and temporal patterns of crop yields provides insights on how yields vary in a field, with parts of field constantly producing either high yields or low yields and other parts that fluctuate from one year to the next. The concept of yield stability has shown to be informative on how plants translate the effects of environmental conditions (e.g., soil, climate, topography) across the field and over the years in the final yield, and as a valuable layer in developing prescription maps of variable fertilizer rate inputs. Using known relationships between soil health and crop yields, we hypothesize that areas with measured constantly low yield will return low carbon to the soil affecting its heath. On this premises, yield stability zones (YSZ) provide an effective and practical integrative measure of the small-scale variability of soil health on a field relative basis. We tested this hypothesis by measuring various metrics of soil health from commercial farmers’ fields in the north central Midwest of the USA in samples replicated across YSZ, using a soil test suite commonly used by producers and stakeholders active in agricultural carbon credits markets. We found that the use of YSZ allowed us to successfully partition field-relative soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil health metrics into statistically distinct regions. Low and stable (LS) yield zones were statistically lower in normalized SOC when compared to high and stable (HS) and unstable (US) yield zones. The drivers of the yield differences within a field are a series of factors ranging from climate, topography and soil. LS zones occur in areas of compacted soil layers or shallow soils (edge of the field) on steeper slopes. The US zones occurring with high water flow accumulation, were more dependent on topography and rainfall. The differences in the components of the overall soil health score (SHS) between these YSZ increased with sample depth suggesting a deeper topsoil in the US and HS zones, driven by the accumulation of water, nutrients, and carbon downslope. Comparison of the field management provided initial evidence that zero tillage reduces the magnitude of the variance in SOC and soil health metrics between the YSZ.

Effect of radiation-induced vacancy saturation on the first-order phase transformation in nanoparticles: insights from a model.

By employing a model of nanomaterials with polymorphic phase transitions and using a thermodynamic approach to describe the effects of vacancy saturation, irradiation dose, powder dispersion, and surface energies, we demonstrate the possibility of radiation-induced phase transitions and the zones of radiation stability for nanoparticles. We utilize nanoparticles exhibiting transitions from the body-centered cubic α phase to the face-centered cubic β phase, and the reverse transition from β phase to α phase, as a model system for first-order phase transformations. We incorporate nucleation through the appearance and growth of the nucleus of a new phase, resulting in the formation of a two-phase α+β system, and we highlight the importance of accounting for nucleation. Our model study reveals that very small α-phase particles are unstable (while very small β-phase particles are stable) because of surface effects. There is an intermediate zone of sizes and parameters where radiation-induced defects become important so that the α-phase particle is unstable without irradiation but becomes stable under irradiation. For large sizes and low temperatures, the α→β transformation cannot occur regardless of irradiation because of bulk driving forces; initially, α-phase particles are stable, whereas the β-phase particles are unstable. In some cases, nucleation requires a large additional energy change, resulting in a low probability of phase change fluctuations. This behavior is confirmed by calculations for iron particles under irradiation. Substances characterized by high vacancy migration energy, small diffusion coefficients of defects, and low temperatures of first-order phase transitions can serve as suitable candidates for radiation-induced phase transitions in nanosystems. Ceramic nanomaterials, which possess high vacancy migration energy, will have their behavior significantly influenced by radiation doses. In contrast, most metals exhibit small vacancy migration energy and demonstrate better resistance to irradiation, making them recommended candidates for nuclear materials.