Methods for Enhancing Geological Structures inSpectral Spatial Difference—Based on Remote-Sensing Image

In this paper,som e image processing methods such asdirectional template (mask) matching enhancement,pseudo-color or false color enhancement,K- L transform enhancementare used to enhance a geological structure,one of importantore- controlling factors,shown in the remote- sensing images.This geological structure is regarded as image anomaly in theremote- sensing image,since considerable differences,basedon the spatial spectral distribution pattern,in gray values(spectral) ,color tones and textu…     

Typical Upper Bound–Lower Bound Mixed Mode Fracture Resistance Envelopes for Rock Material

Mixed mode fracture experiments were conducted on Harsin marble using two disc-shape samples namely the Brazilian disc (BD) and the semi-circular bend (SCB) specimens. For each specimen, a complete fracture toughness envelope ranging from pure mode I to pure mode II was obtained. The experimental results indicate that the mixed mode fracture toughness depends on the geometry and loading conditions such that for any similar mode mixture, the BD test data were significantly greater than the SCB fracture toughness results. Therefore, the conventional fracture criteria which present a unique mixed mode fracture curve, fail to predict the test results. It is shown that a generalized criterion, which takes into account the effects of geometry and loading conditions, is able to provide individual fracture curves for theses specimens with very good estimates for the test results obtained from both BD and SCB specimens. The BD and SCB specimens can be suggested as appropriate specimens for obtaining typical upper bound and lower bound envelopes for mixed mode fracture toughness of rocks.     

Analysis of Methods for Computing the Trajectories of Dust Particles in a Gas–Dust Circumstellar Disk

A systematic analysis ofmethods for computing the trajectories of solid-phase particles applied in modern astrophysics codes designed for modeling gas–dust circumstellar disks has been carried out for the first time. Themotion of grains whose velocities are determinedmainly by the gas drag, that is, for which the stopping time or relaxation time for the velocity of the dust to the velocity of the gas t_stop is less than or comparable to the rotation period, are considered. The methods are analyzed from the point of view of their suitability for computing the motions of small bodies, including dust grains less than 1 μm in size, which are strongly coupled to the gas. Two test problems are with analytical solutions. Fast first order accurate methods that make it possible to avoid additional restrictions on the time step size τ due to gas drag in computations of the motion of grains of any size are presented. For the conditions of a circumstellar disk, the error in the velocity computations obtained when using some stable methods becomes unacceptably large when the time step size is τ > t_stop. For the radial migration of bodies that exhibit drifts along nearly Keplerian orbits, an asymptotic approximation, sometimes called the short friction time approximation or drift flux model, gives a relative error for the radial-velocity computations equals to St², where St is the Stokes number, the ratio of the stopping time of the body to some fraction of the rotation period (dynamical time scale) in the disk.     

Technical approaches on permafrost thermal stability for Qinghai–Tibet Railway

Widespread warm permafrost with a high ice content is a key problem for the roadbed stability of the Qinghai–Tibet Railway. A new approach is proposed to alleviate the effect of global warming and engineering construction on permafrost by cooling the roadbed and positively protecting the permafrost. Measures for cooling the roadbed by adjusting solar radiation, conduction, and convection are studied and applied to prevent ground ice from thawing and to ensure roadbed stability in permafrost regions. The results of monitoring permafrost embankments at Beiluhe and along the Qinghai–Tibet Railway show that the measures adopted for cooling the roadbed are very effective in raising permafrost table and reducing the soil temperature.     

Analysis of Trends in Aridity Changes for the Southern Ural Region over the Period 1960–2019 Using Various Methods

Doklady Earth Sciences - A statistical analysis of extreme episodes of aridity and humidity for the territory of the Southern Urals was performed. The calculations were based on the average daily...     

Effect of Specimen Geometry and Testing Method on Mixed Mode I–II Fracture Toughness of a Limestone Rock from Saudi Arabia

Summary The effect of testing method and specimen geometry such as diameter, thickness, and crack length and type on measured fracture toughness was investigated using specimens collected from a limestone rock formation outcropping in the Central Province of Saudi Arabia. Straight Edge Cracked Round Bar Bend (SECRBB), semicircular disk specimens under three point bending, and Brazilian disk specimens under diametrical compression were used in this investigation. SECRBB specimens were used for the Mode-I study, and notched Brazilian disk and semicircular specimens were used for the mixed Mode I–II study. The results show that specimen diameter and crack type have a substantial influence on the measured fracture toughness; however, loading rate, crack size, and specimen thickness seem to have a negligible effect on the fracture toughness. Mode-I fracture toughness is significantly influenced by specimen diameter and crack type, while their effects on Mode-II fracture toughness are generally negligible. The different specimens (SECRBB, Brazilian disk, and semicircular) can give comparable results only when the proper span to diameter ratio is used. The Brazilian disk with a straight notch was found to be the most convenient geometry to use for fracture toughness determination. A simple method of making a precise notch inside the disk is presented, using the combination of a drilling machine and a wire saw.     

Is the HP–UHP Hong’an–Dabie–Sulu orogen a piercing point for offset on the Tan–Lu fault?

The Tan–Lu fault is a major strike-slip fault in eastern China that appears to offset the high-grade rocks of the Hong’an–Dabie–Sulu orogen left-laterally ∼540 km. We evaluate models for the collision between the South and North China blocks, published radiometric dates recording HP–UHP metamorphism and exhumation in the Hong’an–Dabie and Sulu terranes, and the timing of sinistral motion on the Tan–Lu fault to evaluate whether UHP rocks provide a piercing point for offset on the Tan–Lu fault. UHP metamorphism in Hong’an–Dabie was concurrent with Sulu based on U–Pb dating of coesite-bearing domains of zircon at 244 ± 5–226 ± 2 Ma for Hong’an–Dabie and 243 ± 4–225 ± 2 Ma for Sulu. Retrograde metamorphism began c. 220 Ma for both Hong’an–Dabie and Sulu, but retrograde zircon growth ended c. 214 Ma in Hong’an–Dabie and continued until c. 202 Ma in Sulu based on U–Pb dating of zircon domains external to coesite-bearing domains. Structures in Sulu are rotated 25° counter-clockwise from, but are broadly similar to, Hong’an–Dabie suggesting the two areas have a common Triassic orogenic history that pre-dates motion on the Tan–Lu fault, and that is consistent with paleomagnetic studies. We constructed a pre-Cretaceous restoration of the Hong’an–Dabie–Sulu belt that moves the Sulu terrane south, aligning the suture and the eclogite-facies isograd, and rotates Sulu c. 25° clockwise to re-align structures with Hong’an–Dabie. Our restoration is supported by published data and shows that the Hong’an–Dabie–Sulu orogen is a piercing point for post-collisional offset on the Tan–Lu fault and that these regions shared a common subduction–exhumation history. The Tan–Lu fault did not play a significant role in the Hong’an–Dabie–Sulu collision and likely developed later, in the Early Cretaceous.     

New data about tsunami evidence on Russia’s Pacific coast based on instrumental measurements for 2009–2010

Doklady Earth Sciences -     

A review on using heat as a tool for studying groundwater–surface water interactions

In terms of the research on groundwater–surface water heat-tracing methods, investigation of the interactions within the compound system of the groundwater–surface water–hyporheic zone can effectively reveal the relevant physicochemical processes and microbial properties. The evaluation of these properties represents a key component in qualitative and quantitative research on groundwater–surface water interactions. Therefore, this paper reviews the research results on groundwater–surface water interactions achieved by related researchers using heat as a natural tracer over the last decade. In connection with the application of heat-tracing theory to the basic principles of hyporheic exchange between groundwater and surface water, research on groundwater–surface water interaction through one-dimensional steady-state and transient-state heat transport analytical models, techniques to collect and analyze temperature time series data, and numerical simulation technology is reviewed. In addition, directions for future research using groundwater–surface water heat-tracing methods are suggested. First, hypothetical, difficult temperature boundary and hydrogeological conditions require further research. Second, hydrodynamic exchange capacity and the processes of heat exchange and solute concentration exchange in the hyporheic zone alongside riverbeds should be appropriately and accurately measured under multi-scale influences. Third, the overall study of the heat transport process inside the hyporheic zone induced by complex riverbed forms should be performed, and the response mechanism of riverbed hyporheic exchanges driven by riverbed form, the hydrodynamic force of surface water, and sediment permeability should be revealed. The objectives and goals of this paper are to encourage scholars interested in analyzing groundwater–surface water interactions using heat as a tracer to creatively solve practical problems and to improve the ecological functions of river aquatic habitats through new research results.     

Distance to the Pulsar B1642–03 and the Influence of the H II Region S27 on Its Dispersion Measure and Scattering Parameters

Based on data on the dispersion measure and the interstellar-scattering parameters of the pulsar B1642–03, which is observed in the direction of the emission nebula S27 around the early-type star ζ Oph, it is concluded that this nebula makes a relatively small contribution to its dispersion measure (～9?23%) and scattering angle (～9?16%). It is shown that the distance to B1642–03 is 2.2–2.6 kpc.     

Evaluation of numerical stress-point algorithms on elastic–plastic models for unsaturated soils with hardening dependent on the degree of saturation

Constitutive models of unsaturated soils, and in particular those based on constitutive variables which include both degree of saturation and suction, are characterised by strong non linearities due to hydromechanical coupling. In this paper, a refined Runge–Kutta–Dormand–Prince explicit algorithm and a fully implicit Euler scheme are compared for the integration of the latter class of models. The explicit and implicit procedures have been tested along different hydromechanical paths, involving various hydraulic and mechanical external control conditions. Accuracy and efficiency of the algorithms have been investigated. The results confirm that substepping is mandatory for the explicit algorithm to converge regardless the initial step size and to remain sufficiently accurate. The value of the incremental hydromechanical work per unit volume was calculated during the explicit integration procedure. The numerical results show that the maximum size of the substep which can be adopted to meet a given tolerance depends on the gradient of the incremental work per unit volume. Therefore, the latter appears a good candidate to identify problematic integration steps in terms of convergence. Accuracy of the implicit algorithm also depends on the chosen step size, although the algorithm proved to be convergent in all the paths analysed.     

Impact of tunneling on regional groundwater flow and implications for swelling of clay–sulfate rocks

Tunnels play a key role in many transportation concepts. The swelling of clay–sulfate rocks leads to serious damage to many tunnels crossing such rock, producing great difficulties and high extra costs in tunnel engineering. The swelling is caused by the transformation of the sulfate mineral anhydrite into gypsum, entailing a 60% volume increase. The transformation involves anhydrite dissolution in water, transport of the solution with groundwater flow, and gypsum precipitation at a different location. Therefore, the knowledge of groundwater flow systems at the tunnel and adjacent areas is essential to better understand the swelling processes. The present study investigates the groundwater flow systems at the Chienberg tunnel in Switzerland before and after the tunnel excavation, based on numerical flow modeling. The models include faults and the hydrostratigraphic layering in the subsurface to assess the role of the hydrogeological setting. The results of this study indicate effects on groundwater flow caused by the tunneling, which may trigger rock swelling by favoring anhydrite dissolution and gypsum precipitation, including (1) increase of flow rates around the tunnel, (2) broadened, shifted and more distributed capture zones leading to a change in origin and age of groundwater, (3) access of groundwater from preferential flow paths (e.g. faults) due to the drainage effect of the tunnel, and (4) change in geochemical equilibrium conditions because of decreased pore water pressures in the tunnel area.     

Impact of wetting–drying cycles on the hydraulic conductivity of liners made of lime-stabilized sand–bentonite mixtures for sanitary landfills

In this study, an investigation was performed to determine if lime-stabilized sand–bentonite mixtures are appropriate for the construction of sanitary landfills liners. For this aim, the hydraulic conductivity tests were conducted in the laboratory on sand–bentonite mixtures and lime-stabilized sand–bentonite mixtures to evaluate the effect of wetting–drying cycles. The hydraulic conductivity tests were performed to see if their hydraulic conductivities are affected by wetting–drying cycles. First series of specimens have been prepared as a mixture of sand and bentonite only. In the first series of specimens, sand was mixed with bentonite in proportions of 20, 30, 40, and 50 %. In the second series of the specimens, lime in proportions of 1, 2 and 3 % by weight was added to the mixtures of sand–bentonite in proportions of 20, 30, 40, and 50 %. From the results of the tests, it was observed that while optimum water content increased, maximum dry density decreased with addition of lime to the sand–bentonite mixtures. Generally, the hydraulic conductivity increased with the addition of lime to the mixtures but at low percentages of lime (1–2 %), however, slight decreases in k were recorded. It was also observed that the wetting–drying cycles on the permeability test indicate cure effect on specimens with addition of lime which resulted in decreased the hydraulic conductivity.     

Constitutive model for tailing soils subjected to freeze–thaw cycles based on meso-mechanics and homogenization theory

A constitutive model is proposed for tailing soils subjected to freeze–thaw cycles based on the meso-mechanics and homogenization theory. The evolution of meso-structure upon loading was analyzed within the framework of breakage mechanism. When the new model is formed, tailing soils are idealized as composite materials composed of bonded elements described by an elastic brittle model and frictional elements described by a double hardening model. Based on meso-mechanics and homogenization theory, the nonuniform distributions of stress and strain within the representative volume element are given by introducing a structure parameter of breakage ratio with the derivation of the strain coefficient tensor, which connects the strains of the bonded elements and the representative volume element. The methods for determining model parameters are suggested based on the available tested results. The model proposed here can predict the deformation properties of tailing soils experiencing freeze–thaw cycles with acceptable accuracy. The strain-hardening and post-peak strain-softening behaviors of tailing soils under various confining pressures as well as different numbers of freeze–thaw cycles are well captured, and the dilatancy and contraction features are also adequately represented.

     

Earthquake hazard and risk assessment based on unified scaling law for earthquakes: Altai–Sayan Region

We apply the general concept of seismic risk analysis based on morphostructural analysis of the territory, pattern recognition of earthquake-prone nodes, and the Unified Scaling Law for Earthquakes, USLE, in another seismic region of Russia to the west from Lake Baikal, i.e., Altai–Sayan Region. The USLE generalizes the empirical Gutenberg–Richter relationship making use of apparently fractal distribution of earthquake sources of different size: \( \log_{10} N\left( {M,L} \right)\, = \,A\, + \,B \cdot \left( {5\, - \,M} \right)\, + \,C \cdot \log_{10} L, \) where N (M, L) is the expected annual number of earthquakes of a certain magnitude M within an seismically prone area of linear dimension L. The local estimates of A, B, and C allow determination of the expected maximum credible magnitude in a given time interval and the associated spread around ground shaking parameters (e.g., peak ground acceleration, PGA, or macroseismic intensity, I₀). Compilation of the corresponding seismic hazard map of Altai–Sayan Region and its rigorous testing against the available seismic evidences in the past is used to model regional maps of specific earthquake risks for population, cities, and infrastructures.