Comprehensive modeling of mineral potential mapping by integration of multiset geosciences data

This work has evaluated the functionality of various fuzzy-based fusion methods in the mineral potential mapping (MPM), by which a multi-criteria decision-making problem was solved to design a layout for drilling complementary boreholes through a comprehensive analysis of geospatial datasets. The novel methods employed were fuzzy c-means clustering, fuzzy gamma operator, fuzzy inference system (FIS), fuzzy outranking, and fuzzy ordered weighted averaging (FOWA). Kahang porphyry Cu-Mo deposit in the Isfahan province of Iran was chosen as a case study to examine the performance of these fuzzy methods in MPM. Extracted geospatial indicator layers for assessing the potential of porphyry-type mineralization were derived from four criteria, namely geology (rock units and faults), remote sensing (alteration map), geochemistry (Cu, Mo, and factor maps), and geophysics (reduced to the pole and analytical signal of magnetic data). The concentration-area multifractal method was utilized to reclassify each synthesized fuzzy favorability map into five classes. To appraise and compare the efficiency of each employed method, a productivity measure assumed as a cumulative summation of Cu grade multiplied by its thickness above an economical cut-off value of 0.2% was calculated along with each drilling (totally 33 ones). According to fuzzy favorability maps derived from running all fuzzy methods, the FIS and FOWA had the highest efficiency with 80 and 78% of accuracy, respectively. Eventually, taking all fuzzy maps into account led to the delineation of some new favorable zones, whereby further exploratory investigations are envisioned for determining their mining potential.     

地学空间数据库建设快捷方法研究

作者在承担多项地学空间数据库建设项目的基础上,对地学空间数据库建设过程中点位图生成、色块换色及填充、属性数据录入及二值变量取值等几种快捷方法进行了研究,说明灵活地综合运用GIS软件的各种功能,能加快地学空间信息系统建设的速度。      

Remote data analysis, visualization and problem solving environment (PSE) based on wavelets in the geosciences

We discuss here the issues faced by earth scientists in analyzing and visualizing large datasets over a GRID-like setup from a client-server perspective. We approach this problem by using a remote, web-based visualization and data analysis framework, called WEB-IS, and by employing second-generation wavelets as a means for reducing the amount of data transferred and for extracting coherent features in complex geophysical flows and surface faulting patterns. As an example, we describe how onboard processors on satellites can function as a server for beaming down extracted information to the client computer on the ground, thus exemplifying WEB-IS as a viable middleware on a GRID network for geosciences.Reviewed by: Prof. I.D. Clemens, Prof. L. Hanyk     

土壤数据对分布式流域水文模型模拟效果的影响

基于空间半分布式的SWAT模型和全分布式的WetSpa Extension模型,分析了高分辨率的SoLIM数字土壤数据和美国SSURGO传统土壤数据对流域径流空间分布式模拟和总量模拟的影响.结果显示:利用不同土壤数据得到的产水模拟结果在空间上差别明显,但模拟径流总量的差别随着模拟面积的增大而逐渐减小.根据实验结果,对于...     

End-member modeling of compositional data: Numerical-statistical algorithms for solving the explicit mixing problem

Linear mixing models of compositional data have been developed in various branches of the earth sciences (e.g., geochemistry, petrology, mineralogy, sedimentology) for the purpose of summarizing variation among a series of observations in terms of proportional contributions of (theoretical) end members. Methods of parameter estimation range from relatively straightforward normative partitioning by (nonnegative) least squares, to more sophisticated bilinear inversion techniques. Solving the bilinear mixing problem involves the estimation of both mixing proportions and end-member compositions from the data. Normative partitioning, also known as linear unmixing, thus can be regarded as a special situation of bilinear unmixing with (supposedly) known end members. Previous attempts to model linear mixing processes are reviewed briefly, and a new iterative strategy for solving the bilinear problem is developed. This end-member modeling algorithm is more robust and has better convergence properties than previously proposed numerical schemes. The bilinear unmixing solution is intrinsically nonunique, unless additional constraints on the model parameters are introduced. In situations where no a priori knowledge is available, the concept of an “ optimal ” solution may be used. This concept is based on the trade-off between mathematical and geological feasibility, two seemingly contradictory but equally desirable requirements of the unmixing solution.     

Developments in budget remote sensing for the geosciences

Acquiring outcrop, landform or other surface topography data in the field for the geosciences has always been challenging. Accessibility is often a problem, time is usually limited and an ideal spatial and temporal coverage often has to be compromised to be more manageable. However, emerging technologies, and some re-inventions of rather older ones, can overcome many of these constraints in a very exciting and budget-friendly manner. This article briefly introduces and reviews four major recent developments in budget remote sensing, specifically the use of blimps, kites, drones or UAVs (including quadcopters), and structure from motion (SFM) software. Both scientific and applied case studies are given and some possibilities for future studies are highlighted. Overall, the potential for these technologies to revolutionise the geosciences is clear and should be opportunistically embraced by scientists, resource and hazard managers and educators alike.     

岩石三维微观结构定量研究方案与应用实例

微观CT技术可以提供微米(或更小)分辨率的三维高精度数字图像,为研究岩石内部结构提供了强有力的技术支持。微观CT数据的定量分析主要包含三个方面:(1)图像数据中岩石微观结构的定量表征;(2)流体力学代表性体元的确定和流体力学参数计算;(3)固体力学代表性体元的确定及固体力学参数计算。简要介绍了三个方面定量分析的实施方案,并将可视化技术作为数据分析的辅助手段。给出了糜棱岩、砂岩和灰岩三个不同样品的计算分析实例。岩石微观三维CT数据量大,尤其是包含了时间序列的四维CT数据量更为巨大,其中包含了丰富且独特的信息,处理过程复杂多变,构成了地学大数据的一个重要组成部分。     

Optimization techniques for integrating spatial data

Two optimization techniques ta predict a spatial variable from any number of related spatial variables are presented. The applicability of the two different methods for petroleum-resource assessment is tested in a mature oil province of the Midcontinent (USA). The information on petroleum productivity, usually not directly accessible, is related indirectly to geological, geophysical, petrographical, and other observable data. This paper presents two approaches based on construction of a multivariate spatial model from the available data to determine a relationship for prediction. In the first approach, the variables are combined into a spatial model by an algebraic map-comparison/integration technique. Optimal weights for the map comparison function are determined by the Nelder-Mead downhill simplex algorithm in multidimensions. Geologic knowledge is necessary to provide a first guess of weights to start the automatization, because the solution is not unique. In the second approach, active set optimization for linear prediction of the target under positivity constraints is applied. Here, the procedure seems to select one variable from each data type (structure, isopachous, and petrophysical) eliminating data redundancy. Automating the determination of optimum combinations of different variables by applying optimization techniques is a valuable extension of the algebraic map-comparison/integration approach to analyzing spatial data. Because of the capability of handling multivariate data sets and partial retention of geographical information, the approaches can be useful in mineral-resource exploration.     

一种基于TIN-CPG混合空间数据模型的精细三维地质模型构建方法

精细三维地质模型的构建是实现地质体真三维可视化分析的难题之一。提出一种基于不规则三角网(TIN)和角点网格(CPG)的混合空间数据模型来构建三维精细地质模型的方法。首先建立基于TIN的构造-地层格架三维地质模型,然后进行TIN面元模型到CPG体元模型的转换,将基于TIN的构造-地层格架模型转换为基于CPG的精细网格体元地质模型,从而实现"表达上"精细三维地质模型的构建。在转换过程中首先要进行地层序列的定义,然后对空间格网进行划分,在此基础上计算格网中各个单元格的空间坐标和各个网格的有效性,并将计算结果存储为GRDECL格式文件,最后通过QuantyView3D系统读取该文件实现精细地质属性模型的展示。利用该方法对沿海某城市一个重点区域进行精细水文地质模型的构建,验证了其方法的可行性。     

Finite element formulation for poroelastic problem with zero effective stress boundary condition

Zero effective stress boundary condition along with constant fluid flux is commonly encountered in geotechnical applications such as uncased borehole stability, fluid injection and production at an uncased borehole, hydraulic fracturing and sand production. This complex boundary condition introduces high nonlinearity in the numerical simulation. Conventional iterative methods such as Newton–Raphson method are required to solve this nonlinear problem iteratively, which involve huge computing time and also pose numerical difficulties on the convergence. To overcome this numerical difficulty and hence reduce the computing time, a novel numerical technique is proposed in this paper. Its performance is evaluated using a numerical example simulating fluid injection around an uncased borehole. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Social networks in spatial data infrastructures

Data sharing over the internet is increasingly efficient and increasingly anonymous. This growing anonymity makes it difficult for data users to exchange feedback: interesting ideas, innovations, ancillary data, concerns about data quality, etcetera. For data producers not knowing the end-users makes it more difficult to collect end-user feedback and tailor the production process to users needs. Feedback can be exchanged through social networks, in other words contacts with other users. Very little is known about such social networks in the case of data sharing. In this paper we present an analysis of the social networks associated with two land cover datasets. We found that most users have zero to two links to other users and virtually no links to users in other her organisations. Without these links, it seems almost impossible to identify users of a particular dataset. Internet technology can help but is currently not used to enhance exchange of feedback within the user community.     

Generalized solution to the anisotropic Mandel's problem

Existing solutions to Mandel's problem focus on isotropic, transversely isotropic, and orthotropic materials, the last two of which have one of the material symmetry axes coincide with the vertical loading direction. The classical plane strain condition holds for all these cases. In this work, analytical solution to Mandel's problem with the most general matrix anisotropy is presented. This newly derived analytical solution for fully anisotropic materials has all the three nonzero shear strains. Warping occurs in the cross sections, and a generalized plane strain condition is fulfilled. This solution can be applied to transversely isotropic and orthotropic materials whose material symmetry axes are not aligned with the vertical loading direction. It is the first analytical poroelastic solution considering mechanical general anisotropy of elasticity. The solution captures the effects of material anisotropy and the deviation of the material symmetry axes from the vertical loading direction on the responses of pore pressure, stress, strain, and displacement. It can be used to match, calibrate, and simulate experimental results to estimate anisotropic poromechanical parameters. This generalized solution is capable of reproducing the existing solutions as special cases. As an application, the solution is used to study the responses of transversely isotropic and orthotropic materials whose symmetry axes are not aligned with the vertical loading direction. Examples on anisotropic shale rocks show that the effects of material anisotropy are significant. Mandel-Cryer's effects are highly impacted by the degree of material anisotropy and the deviation of the material symmetry axes from the vertical loading direction.     

A skeleton design theory for spatial data infrastructure

In this paper, we look into the theory of designing geoservice systems, i.e., SDI networks and their constituent SDI nodes. As the field of SDI is strongly about bridging between geoservice systems, interoperability and harmonisation, it is not surprising that standardisation efforts are of crucial importance in it. These efforts have historically addressed abstract and concrete content models for data and metadata exchange, as well as abstract and concrete behavioural models for computational processes. The list of standards that are in use in the SDI field continues to expand, and reaches out to neighbouring fields such as sensor nets. We argue that given these trends, the resulting levels of standardisation in actual systems, and the complexity of geoservice systems in general, it appears only natural to look into the possibility to define a standardised design theory for SDI and its nodes, which addresses the function base and the communication base. Specifically, we provide an overview of those components that need to be designed, and what are their relationships. We do so in an abstract way, focussing on the concern of information content in this paper, and only hinting at an appropriate theory of realisation based on our skeleton theory.     

Stochastic modeling based on deterministic formulation: An example

In the context of seismology, an example of stochastic modeling on the basis of an established deterministic formulation is presented. The advantages of this approach to modeling over those based solely on statistical fit are discussed. It is demonstrated that the result of applying this procedure is a model whose main parameter has a physical interpretation, and therefore a validation based on criteria other than statistical goodness of fit is also possible. Statistical inference together with some demonstrating examples are also included.     

地学模拟相关技术的研究与进展

地学模拟技术的一个发展方向是与地学过程分析密切结合,另一个发展方向是与数据可视化技术相结合。前者试图通过使用各种数学方法模拟地学随机现象,并对这些不良结构化或半结构化的地学问题进行定量化描述;后者运用计算机的三维可视化功能,在三维环境下将空间信息管理、地学解译、空间分析、地学统计与预测、三维图形可视化等技术相结合,实现计算可视化、分析可视化、过程可视化、结果可视化和决策可视化,并用于地学分析。回顾了地学中计算机三维地学建模技术、地质统计学和地学非线性现象模拟方法,并对该领域的发展进行了展望,认为加强地学模拟的理论体系、方法体系、技术体系的研究和实践既有着重要的理论意义,又有着重要的现实意义。     

Magnitude conversion problem for the Turkish earthquake data

Earthquake catalogues which form the main input in seismic hazard analysis generally report earthquake magnitudes in different scales. Magnitudes reported in different scales have to be converted to a common scale while compiling a seismic data base to be utilized in seismic hazard analysis. This study aims at developing empirical relationships to convert earthquake magnitudes reported in different scales, namely, surface wave magnitude, M _S, local magnitude, M _L, body wave magnitude, m _b and duration magnitude, M _d, to the moment magnitude (M _w). For this purpose, an earthquake data catalogue is compiled from domestic and international data bases for the earthquakes occurred in Turkey. The earthquake reporting differences of various data sources are assessed. Conversion relationships are established between the same earthquake magnitude scale of different data sources and different earthquake magnitude scales. Appropriate statistical methods are employed iteratively, considering the random errors both in the independent and dependent variables. The results are found to be sensitive to the choice of the analysis methods.     

Applying different scenarios for landslide spatial modeling using computational intelligence methods

Landslides every year impose extensive damages to human beings in various parts of the world; therefore, identifying prone areas to landslides for preventive measures is essential. The main purpose of this research is applying different scenarios for landslide susceptibility mapping by means of combination of bivariate statistical (frequency ratio) and computational intelligence methods (random forest and support vector machine) in landslide polygon and point formats. For this purpose, in the first step, a total of 294 landslide locations were determined from various sources such as aerial photographs, satellite images, and field surveys. Landslide inventory was randomly split into a testing dataset 70% (206 landslide locations) for training the different scenarios, and the remaining 30% (88 landslides locations) was used for validation purposes. To providing landslide susceptibility maps, 13 conditioning factors including altitude, slope angle, plan curvature, slope aspect, topographic wetness index, lithology, land use/land cover, distance from rivers, drainage density, distance from fault, distance from roads, convergence index, and annual rainfall are used. Tolerance and the variance inflation factor indices were used for considering multi-collinearity of conditioning factors. Results indicated that the smallest tolerance and highest variance inflation factor were 0.31 and 3.20, respectively. Subsequently, spatial relationship between classes of each landslide conditioning factor and landslides was obtained by frequency ratio (FR) model. Also, importance of the mentioned factors was obtained by random forest (RF) as a machine learning technique. The results showed that according to mean decrease accuracy, factors of altitude, aspect, drainage density, and distance from rivers had the greatest effect on the occurrence of landslide in the study area. Finally, the landslide susceptibility maps were produced by ten scenarios according to different ensembles. The receiver operating characteristics, including the area under the curve (AUC), were used to assess the accuracy of the models. Results of validation of scenarios showed that AUC was varying from 0.668 to 0.749. Also, FR and seed cell area index indicators show a high correlation between the susceptibility classes with the landslide pixels and field observations in all scenarios except scenarios 10_RF and 10_SVM. The results of this study can be used for landslides management and mitigation and development activities such as construction of settlements and infrastructure in the future.     

Fortran IV program for grey-level mapping of spatial data

Afortran iv computer program for grey-level mapping of spatial data using a CDC 6600 is described. The program produces maps for irregularly distributed data in as many as 10 intensity levels which are displayed in grey tones by a lineprinter. Unlimited map size and unrestricted data input provide for as many as 5000 data points per 13-in.-wide strip of map. The program is easily modified for other installations. Examples are given of geochemical analyses of stream sediments in Northern Ireland.