Quantitative characterization of different coal rank reservoirs permeability based on NMR and X-CT technology

With the increasing development of coalbed methane (CBM) field, the quantitative characterization and evaluation of coal reservoir physical properties is becoming more and more important to CBM scale development. In order to solve the limitations of conventional methods for testing coal reservoir physical properties, the authors used the high-tech technologies such as nuclear magnetic resonance technology and CT scanning technology to effectively solve the problems of in-situ and integrity of rock samples and acquire the porosity and permeability. Nuclear magnetic resonance and CT scanning experiments of coal samples were carried out to rapidly obtain the pore type, pore size distribution and connectivity, effective porosity, spatial distribution of pore fissures and other refined coal reservoir physical parameters, based on the samples of middle and low rank coal in Shenfu block and high rank coal in Shizhuangnan block. So a set of quantitative characterization analysis technology that can be applied to coal reservoirs with different coal rank was formed.     

岩浆-热液系统中铁的富集机制探讨

与岩浆-热液系统有关的铁矿类型有岩浆型钒钛磁铁矿床、玢岩铁矿、矽卡岩型铁矿和海相火山岩型铁矿,与这些铁矿有关的岩浆岩从基性-超基性、中性到中酸性岩均有,其中岩浆型钒钛磁铁矿床与基性-超基性深成侵入岩有关,形成于岩浆阶段,主要与分离结晶作用有关,但是厚大的富铁矿石的形成则可归结于原始的富铁钛苦橄质岩浆、分离结晶作用、多期次的岩浆补充以及流动分异等联合过程。钒钛磁铁矿石产于岩体下部还是上部与母岩浆的氧逸度有关:高的氧逸度导致磁铁矿早期结晶而使得其堆积于岩体的下部,相反,低氧逸度则导致低品位的浸染状矿石产于岩体的上部。虽然野外一些证据表明,元古宙斜长岩中的磷铁矿石可能是不混溶作用形成的,但是目前尚无实验证据。某些玢岩铁矿的一些磷灰石-磁铁矿石可能与闪长质岩浆同化混染了地壳中的磷导致的不混溶作用有关。除此之外,其他各类与岩浆作用有关的铁矿床均与岩浆后期的岩浆-热液作用有关。这些不同类型铁矿床的蚀变和矿化过程具有相似性,反映了它们形成过程具有相似的物理化学条件。成矿实验以及流体包裹体研究表明,岩浆-流体转换过程中出溶流体的数量以及成分受多种因素控制,其中岩浆分离结晶作用以及碳酸盐地层和膏盐层的混染可导致出溶的流体中Cl浓度的升高。早期高氧逸度环境可以使得硫以SO42-形式存在,抑制硫与铁的结合形成黄铁矿,有利于铁在早期以Cl的络合物发生迁移。大型富铁矿的形成需要一个长期稳定的流体对流循环系统,而岩浆的多期侵位或岩浆房以及在相对封闭的环境中(需要一个不透水层)一个有利于流体循环的断裂/裂隙系统是形成一个长期稳定的流体对流循环系统的必要条件。但是由于不同地质环境,流体中铁的卸载方式和位置会有明显差别,由此导致不同的矿石结构构造和不同的矿体产状。     

Chemical fluid transport (CFT): A window into Earth and its development

Gas phase transport according to chemical fluid transport (CFT) in Earth's crust as well as in the solar nebula is characterized by very high transport efficiency. Systematic investigations of mobilization, transport and deposition of gaseous MeX (Me = metal, X = F or Cl) compounds by solid gas equilibrium reactions are suitable to explain numerous extensive accumulations of minerals and ores. More than 40 of the considered chemical elements form volatile MeX compounds. Some elements tend to form MeF compounds, whereas others are more likely to form MeCl compounds. Silicon reacts with HF to form SiF₄ and replaces other elements to form MeF compounds at low temperature ranges. Accumulations caused by SiF₄ transport explain the formation of numerous quartz varieties and silicate minerals in Earth's crust. Iron most likely reacts with HCl to form FeCl₂ as well as FeCl₃ and explain the formation of iron or iron compounds. Thermodynamically directed transport from cool to hot areas in connection with cyclic processes increases the transport efficiency of MeX-species. Such species are SiF₄, Al₂F₆, POF₃, Cu₃Cl₃, SnCl₄, BF₃, GeF₄, GeCl₄, Ga₂Cl₆, ZrF₄, NbF₅ and TiF₄. The transport gases SiF₄ and POF₃ often react with environmental compounds forming pneumatolytic and metasomatical mineral accumulations. CFT is the “motor” of pneumatolytic and metasomatical processes.     

An inexpensive and portable drill rig for bedrock groundwater studies in headwater catchments

Bedrock groundwater dynamics in headwater catchments are poorly understood and poorly characterized. Here, we present an inexpensive and portable bedrock drilling system designed for use in remote locations. Our system is capable of drilling bedrock wells up to 11 m deep and 38 mm in diameter in a wide range of bedrock types. The drill consists of a lawn mower engine adapted to rotate a diamond tipped coring bit, a small water pump to cool and flush the drill bit and a scaffolding platform for stable footing on steep slopes. The complete drilling assembly costs under $ 2000 USD. Here, we show proof‐of‐concept of our approach with 40 successful wells drilled in different geological substrates, including a conglomerate at the Maimai experimental catchment in New Zealand, volcanic breccias at the HJ Andrews experimental watershed in Oregon, USA, sandstone and siltstone at the Alsea watershed in Oregon, USA, and basalt at the Los Gavilanes experimental watershed in Veracruz, Mexico. We also present a transparent comparison between our design and other portable bedrock drilling systems and outline the strengths and weaknesses of each system. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of connecting rain barrels on the storage size reduction

In this article, the possibility of sharing rain barrels and the potential benefit of reducing storage size through physical and non‐physical connections of rain barrels in a community are investigated. Using the concepts of homogeneous/heterogeneous users in rainwater harvesting systems (RWHS), two simple cases of a community composed of four prospective users are examined. The first is performed with the users who have the same mean and variance in water demands (homogeneous users), and the second is with the users with different means and variances (heterogeneous users). To take account for the rainfall characteristics in different places, historical records from six cities in the USA are used for storage–reliability–yield analysis. The result indicates that required total storage can be reduced by connecting multiple rain barrels. In addition, a significant difference is found between homogeneous and heterogeneous user groups. Homogeneous users do not achieve a substantial benefit from connecting their rain barrels; these users may even be disadvantaged by sharing. In contrast, heterogeneous users receive benefit by reducing the total required storage. Most benefit is expected between users with maximum difference in mean water demands. The reduction in storage size was as considerable as 37% in this study. The quantity of storage reduction depends on locations and target reliabilities. Knowledge of the benefits and limitations of rain barrel connections can improve RWHS performance through ability to customize a network plan for individual users. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The influence of local topography for wind direction on Mars: two examples of dune fields in crater basins

In this work, we perform an analysis of large dark dunes within Moreux Crater and Herschel Crater on Mars using High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) and Context Camera (CTX) data sets. These data allow us to conduct a detailed analysis of dune morphology and slip faces, concluding that the studied dune fields are influenced by topographically‐controlled complex wind directions. Our morphological analysis reveals that inside Moreux Crater in particular, the topographic setting dominates the wind flow direction, leading to the development of a sand transport pathway encircling the central peak of the crater. The dune fields in Herschel Crater are also affected by winds controlled by variable topography as suggested by the presence of complex dunes and dune fields. Our analysis indicate that the studied dune systems is not the result of paleo‐wind regimes. Furthermore, we perform thermal inertia measurements using thermal emission spectrometer (TES) data, which indicate that the studied dune fields consist of medium sand 250–500 µm in diameter. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Perched lobe formation in the Gulf of Cadiz: Interactions between gravity processes and contour currents (Algarve Margin, Southern Portugal)

The Gulf of Cadiz is swept by the strong saline Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW). On the Algarve Margin (South Portugal), this current has constructed fine-grained contourite drifts. This margin is dissected by the Portimao Canyon and three short channels that only incise the upper slope, and are absent on a terrace located at mid-slope depths along the Algarve Margin. High-resolution seismic profiles and sediment cores highlight the original architecture of the sedimentary deposits on this terrace. Coarse-grained lenticular chaotic bodies formed during major relative sea-level lowstands are intercalated within the drift. The lobate shape and sandy nature of the lenticular chaotic bodies and their location at the mouths of the three short channels suggest they are gravity-generated deposits that are perched on the middle continental slope.In the Gulf of Cadiz, the interaction between contour current and gravity processes is strongly controlled by climatic variations and relative sea-level changes during the late Quaternary. During cold periods when sea-level was low, erosion intensified on the continental shelf and the deepest part of MOW was active. Sediment was transported downslope through the channels and deposited on sedimentary lobes perched on the mid-slope terrace. During warm periods when relative sea-level was high, the supply of sediment from the shelf was shut off and the shallowest part of MOW was more active. Contourite drifts fill the channels and bury the sandy lobes.     

右江裂谷区三叠系岩石物性特征及其与金矿化的关系

本文阐述了右江裂谷区微细粒浸染型金矿床控矿层位三叠系百蓬组泥质粉砂岩及砂质泥岩的粒度，比表面、孔隙度及孔隙类型和渗透率等物性特征，讨论了与其成矿流体的循回、水岩反应及其有效浸取围岩矿物质的关系。在此基础邮成矿流体和矿矿物质主要来自于地层；由于热液躲避低势能方向迁移，造成断理解发的盆地边缘区和水下隆起周围的环状断裂带为金矿床沉淀的场所。并通过形成金矿所需热液量的估算得出，该区金矿床的形成，是由于热流     

Late glacial and holocene landscapes of central Beringia

New palynological and sedimentological data from St. Lawrence Island present a rare view into late-glacial and Holocene environments of the central Bering Land Bridge. The late glaciation was a time of dynamic landscape changes in south-central Beringia, with active thermokarst processes, including the formation and drainage of thaw lakes. The presence of such a wet, unstable substrate, if widespread, probably would have had an adverse impact on food sources and mobility for many of the large mammal populations. The establishment of Betula shrub tundra on the island suggests late-glacial summers that were warmer than present, consistent with regional paleoclimatic interpretations. However, the increasing proximity to the Bering Sea, as postglacial sea levels rose, modified the intensity of warming and prevented the establishment of deciduous forest as found in other areas of Beringia at this time. The mid- to late Holocene is marked by more stable land surfaces and development of Sphagnum and Cyperaceae peat deposits. The accumulation of organic deposits, decline of shrub Betula, and decrease in thermokarst disturbance suggest that conditions were cooler than the previous. A recent decline in peat accumulation at the study sites may relate to local geomorphology, but similar decreases have been noted for other arctic regions.     

鄂北杭锦旗地区下石盒子组储层物性特征及评价

杭锦旗地区位于鄂尔多斯盆地北部伊盟隆起杭锦旗断阶带上,下石盒子组为辫状河和河流相沉积。通过薄片观察、岩心物性分析和压汞曲线实验,对岩石学特征、物性特征、孔隙结构特征进行了分析。结果表明:下石盒子组砂岩储层孔隙类型,主要有剩余原生粒间孔、次生孔隙和高岭石晶间隙;裂缝不发育;孔隙结构可分为细喉微孔型、粗喉大孔型和细喉中孔型三类,其中以细喉中孔型为主。储层为中低孔、低渗储层,盒3段物性最好。利用径向基神经网络解释的孔隙度参数在岩心实验校正后进行储层平面分布评价,结果表明:锦2、锦6～锦7井区是下石盒子组有利发育带。