Journal Description
Geosciences
Geosciences
is an international, peer-reviewed open access journal on geoscience, future earth and planetary science published monthly online by MDPI. The European Federation of Geologists (EFG) is affiliated with Geosciences, and its members receive a discount on the article processing charge.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), GeoRef, Astrophysics Data System, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q1 (General Earth and Planetary Sciences)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 23.6 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
2.7 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.8 (2022)
Latest Articles
Geotechnical Characterisation of Flysch-Derived Colluvial Soils from a Pre-Alpine Slope Affected by Recurrent Landslides
Geosciences 2024, 14(5), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14050115 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
►
Show Figures
Heterogeneous rock masses that include rhythmic alternations of marl, shale, marly limestone, sandstone, siltstone, and argillite, such as Flysch, are particularly prone to generating colluvial deposits on gentle slopes, which are often subject to failures triggered by heavy rainfall. Flysch-derived colluvial soils are
[...] Read more.
Heterogeneous rock masses that include rhythmic alternations of marl, shale, marly limestone, sandstone, siltstone, and argillite, such as Flysch, are particularly prone to generating colluvial deposits on gentle slopes, which are often subject to failures triggered by heavy rainfall. Flysch-derived colluvial soils are made up of highly heterogeneous sediments ranging from clayey loam to rock fragments, and they have been studied more rarely than homogeneous soils. In this work, we present a geotechnical and hydraulic characterisation performed both in situ and in the laboratory on flysch-derived colluvial soils that were involved in a channelised landslide in the pre-alpine area of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region (NE Italy). The investigated soils were characterised by the average values of the grain size composition of about 25% gravel, 20% sand, 30% silt, and 25% clay. The loamy matrix presented low-to-medium values of the liquid and plastic limits, as well as of the plasticity index (LL = 40%, PL = 23%, and PI = 17%, respectively). The values of the peak friction angle for natural intact samples were 33° < ϕ’p < 38°, whereas the residual friction angle fell to 23–24° at great depths and high vertical stresses, for a prevailing silty–clayey matrix. Variable head permeability tests were performed both in situ and in the laboratory, showing that the values of the vertical and horizontal permeability were very close and in the range 1 × 10−4–1 × 10−6 m/s. The soil permeability measured in the field was generally higher than the hydraulic conductivity calculated on laboratory samples. The proposed geotechnical and hydrological characterisation of flysch-derived colluvial soils can be of fundamental importance before the use of more thorough analyses/models aimed at forecasting the possible occurrence of slope failures and evaluating the related landslide hazard. The reported geotechnical and hydraulic parameters of flysch-derived colluvial materials can represent a useful reference for rainfall infiltration modelling and slope stability analyses of colluvial covers that are subject to intense and/or prolonged precipitation. However, when facing engineering problems involving colluvial soils, particularly those coming from flysch rock masses, the intrinsic variability in their grain size composition, consistency, and plasticity characteristics is a key feature and attention should be paid to the proper assumption of the corresponding geotechnical and hydraulic parameters.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Thousands of Induced Earthquakes per Month in West Texas Detected Using EQCCT
by
Yangkang Chen, Alexandros Savvaidis, Omar M. Saad, Daniel Siervo, Guo-Chin Dino Huang, Yunfeng Chen, Iason Grigoratos, Sergey Fomel and Caroline Breton
Geosciences 2024, 14(5), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14050114 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
West Texas has been a seismically active region in the past decade due to the injection of industrial wastewater and hydrocarbon exploitation. The newly founded Texas seismological network has provided a catalog that characterizes the intense seismicity down to a magnitude of 1.5
[...] Read more.
West Texas has been a seismically active region in the past decade due to the injection of industrial wastewater and hydrocarbon exploitation. The newly founded Texas seismological network has provided a catalog that characterizes the intense seismicity down to a magnitude of 1.5 Ml. However, there are numerous small-magnitude events (Ml < 1.0) occurring every day that are not analyzed and reported, due to the prohibitively high workload to manually verify the picks from automatic picking methods. We propose to apply an advanced deep learning method, the earthquake compact convolutional transformer (EQCCT), to unleash our power in analyzing hundreds of small earthquakes per day in West Texas. The EQCCT method is embedded in an integrated-detection-and-location framework to output a highly complete earthquake catalog, given a list of available seismic stations, in a seamless way. The EQCCT has enabled us to detect and locate 50-times more earthquakes (mostly smaller than magnitude 1) than we previously could. We applied the EQCCT-embedded detection and location workflow to the Culberson and Mentone earthquake zone (CMEZ) in West Texas and detected thousands of earthquakes per month for consecutively three months. Further relocation of the new catalog revealed an unprecedentedly high-resolution and precise depiction of shallow and deep basement-rooted faults. The highly complete catalog also offers significant insights into the seismo-tectonic status of the CMEZ. Association with nearby injection activities also revealed a strong correlation between the rate of injected fluid volume and the number of small earthquakes.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Hazards)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
The East Variscan Shear Zone (EVSZ) and Its Regional Mylonitic Complex: A New Geodynamic Interpretation of the Variscan Axial Zone in Sardinia (Italy)?
by
Federico Mantovani and Franco Marco Elter
Geosciences 2024, 14(5), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14050113 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Sardinia (Italy) represents one of the most comprehensive cross-sections of the Variscan orogen. The metamorphic and structural complexity characterizing its axial zone still presents many unresolved issues in the current state of knowledge. The data presented from the structural study of the entire
[...] Read more.
Sardinia (Italy) represents one of the most comprehensive cross-sections of the Variscan orogen. The metamorphic and structural complexity characterizing its axial zone still presents many unresolved issues in the current state of knowledge. The data presented from the structural study of the entire axial zone of this area have allowed the authors to propose a subdivision into two new structural complexes. In particular, a younger complex is identified as the New Gneiss Complex, containing remnants of an older and higher-grade metamorphic complex defined as the Old Gneiss Complex. The structural and geometric relationships between the two complexes suggest the redefinition of the axial zone of Sardinia as part of the intracontinental East Variscan Shear Zone/medium-temperature Regional Mylonitic Complex. Comparable relationships are also highlighted in many other areas of the Variscan chain (e.g., Morocco, Corsica, Maures Massif, and Argentera Massif). Extending this new structural interpretation to other axial zones of the South European Variscan orogen could provide new hints for reconstructing the collision boundaries between Gondwana and Laurussia in the late Carboniferous to the early Permian periods.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Structural Geology: The Role of Tectonics on Applied Geology Αspects)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Analysis of Wildfire Susceptibility by Weight of Evidence, Using Geomorphological and Environmental Factors in the Marche Region, Central Italy
by
Matteo Gentilucci, Maurizio Barbieri, Hamed Younes, Hadji Rihab and Gilberto Pambianchi
Geosciences 2024, 14(5), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14050112 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Fires are a growing problem even in temperate climate areas, such as those in Central Italy, due to climate change leading to longer and longer periods of drought. Thus, knowing the fire susceptibility of an area is crucial for good planning and taking
[...] Read more.
Fires are a growing problem even in temperate climate areas, such as those in Central Italy, due to climate change leading to longer and longer periods of drought. Thus, knowing the fire susceptibility of an area is crucial for good planning and taking appropriate countermeasures. In this context, it was decided to use only causal factors of a geomorphological and environmental nature in order to obtain a fire susceptibility analysis that can also be applied to climatically under-sampled areas. Vector data of fires in Central Italy from 2005 to 2023 were collected, and the correct areal extent was calculated for each. At the same time, six factors were selected that could have an influence on fire development, such as ecological units, topographic wetness index (TWI), geology, slope, exposure, and altitude. The model was obtained by means of the weight of evidence statistical method, which takes into account past data by reinterpreting them in a future-oriented way on the basis of the identified factors and classes. The model was validated with a test sample and shows an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.72 with a reliability that can be described as good considering the total absence of climatic factors that are known to play a major role in fire development. Furthermore, the identified causal factors were divided into classes, and these were carefully weighted in order to define their relative influence in the study area. Particularly Ecological Units with characteristic and well-defined contrast (C) values, which could lead to a more complete definition of forests that tend to increase fire susceptibility and those that tend to decrease it, allowing the latter to be exploited as a hazard mitigation agent.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Chemistry in Retrieved Ryugu Asteroid Samples Revealed by Non-Invasive X-ray Microanalyses: Pink-Beam Fluorescence CT and Tender-Energy Absorption Spectroscopy
by
Paul Northrup, Ryan Tappero, Timothy D. Glotch, George J. Flynn, Mehmet Yesiltas, Yoko Kebukawa, Leonard Flores, Marina E. Gemma and Gavin Piccione
Geosciences 2024, 14(4), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14040111 - 21 Apr 2024
Abstract
The Hayabusa2 space mission recently retrieved 5.4 g of material from asteroid Ryugu, providing the first direct access to pristine material from a carbonaceous asteroid. This study employs a novel combination of non-invasive synchrotron X-ray techniques to examine microscale chemistry (elemental distributions and
[...] Read more.
The Hayabusa2 space mission recently retrieved 5.4 g of material from asteroid Ryugu, providing the first direct access to pristine material from a carbonaceous asteroid. This study employs a novel combination of non-invasive synchrotron X-ray techniques to examine microscale chemistry (elemental distributions and element-specific chemical speciation and local structure) inside Ryugu grains without physically cutting the samples. Manganese primarily occurs in carbonate: Mn-bearing dolomite with minor earlier ankerite. Iron sulfides present as large single grains and as smaller particles in the finer-grained matrix are both predominantly pyrrhotite. At the 5 μm scale, Fe sulfides do not show the mineralogical heterogeneity seen in many carbonaceous meteorites but exhibit some heterogeneous localized oxidation. Iron is present often as intergrowths of oxide and sulfide, indicating incomplete replacement. Trace selenium substitutes for S in pyrrhotite. Copper is present as Fe-poor Cu sulfide. These results demonstrate multiple episodes of fluid alteration on the parent body, including partial oxidation, and help constrain the sequence or evolution of fluids and processes that resulted in the current grain-scale mineralogical composition of Ryugu materials.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geochemistry)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
New Tsunami Evacuation Training Methods: A Tsunami Evacuation Training Application
by
Toshiya Arakawa, Fumiaki Obayashi, Kazunobu Kobayashi, Tomoki Itamiya, Shintaro Uno, Shigeyuki Yamabe and Takahiro Suzuki
Geosciences 2024, 14(4), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14040110 - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Despite evacuation on foot being recommended by authorities, evacuation in practice is assumed to include evacuation on foot and evacuation by car, as a certain amount of evacuation by car is to be expected. We developed a tsunami evacuation training application operating on
[...] Read more.
Despite evacuation on foot being recommended by authorities, evacuation in practice is assumed to include evacuation on foot and evacuation by car, as a certain amount of evacuation by car is to be expected. We developed a tsunami evacuation training application operating on smartphones and tablets, and a tsunami evacuation training simulator to evaluate the effect of this application. We then conducted an experiment in Nishio City to evaluate the application. We found that the subjects were able to quickly grasp the attention targets that were present near them but had difficulty grasping attention targets that were far away. This suggests that participants need to be trained repeatedly on distant objects of attention to be able to locate them instantaneously.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Mapping the Flood Vulnerability of Residential Structures: Cases from The Netherlands, Puerto Rico, and the United States
by
Nicholas D. Diaz, Yoonjeong Lee, Baukje L. M. Kothuis, Ismael Pagán-Trinidad, Sebastiaan N. Jonkman and Samuel D. Brody
Geosciences 2024, 14(4), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14040109 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Floods are consistently ranked as the most financially devastating natural disasters worldwide. Recent flood events in the Netherlands, Caribbean, and US have drawn attention to flood risks resulting from pluvial and fluvial sources. Despite shared experiences with flooding, these regions employ distinct approaches
[...] Read more.
Floods are consistently ranked as the most financially devastating natural disasters worldwide. Recent flood events in the Netherlands, Caribbean, and US have drawn attention to flood risks resulting from pluvial and fluvial sources. Despite shared experiences with flooding, these regions employ distinct approaches and flood management strategies due to differences in governance and scale—offering a three-site case study comparison. A key, yet often lacking, factor for flood risk and damage assessments at the parcel level is building elevation compared to flood elevation. First-floor elevations (FFEs) are a critical element in the vulnerability of a building flooding. US-based flood insurance policies require FFEs; however, data availability limitations exist. Drone-based FFEs were measured in all locations to assess the flood vulnerabilities of structures. Flood vulnerability profiles revealed 64% of buildings were vulnerable to a form of inundation, with 40% belonging to “moderate” or “major” inundation, and inundation elevation means (IEMs) of −0.55 m, 0.19 m, and 0.71 m within the US, Netherlands, and Puerto Rico sites, respectively. Spatial statistics revealed FFEs were more responsible for flood vulnerabilities in the US site while topography was more responsible in the Netherlands and Puerto Rico sites. Additional findings in the Puerto Rico site reveal FFEs and next highest floor elevations (NHFEs) vulnerable to future sea level rise (SLR) flood elevations. The findings within the Netherlands provide support for developing novel multi-layered flood risk reduction strategies that include building elevation. We discuss future work recommendations and how the different sites could benefit significantly from strengthening FFE requirements.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flood Risk Reduction)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
IMD: A Dating Code to Facilitate the Study of Transient Phenomena on the Surface of Mars
by
Adriano Nardi, Paolo Bagiacchi and Antonio Piersanti
Geosciences 2024, 14(4), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14040108 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Today, we have satellite images of Mars with a resolution of up to 24 cm per pixel. The planet has a thin atmosphere compared to Earth’s, but its surface is revealing itself to be active and complex. The use of images is an
[...] Read more.
Today, we have satellite images of Mars with a resolution of up to 24 cm per pixel. The planet has a thin atmosphere compared to Earth’s, but its surface is revealing itself to be active and complex. The use of images is an increasingly precise means of investigation for the study of transient phenomena that occur on the surface of the planet. We have developed a dating code that could be useful in the study of such phenomena. Thanks to this dating code, it is possible to immediately understand what season is in progress in the observed area starting from the terrestrial reference date of the photos taken by the orbiters. Some intermediate parameters of this calculation, such as the Martian year and the day of the year, can be equally useful for similar investigations. Satellite study of transient phenomena observable on the surface of Mars can range from geology (wind erosion and sedimentation) to meteorology (wind and phase transitions) to indigenous or non-indigenous biology.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Climate)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
An Inversion Method for Surrounding Rock Parameters of Tunnels Based on a Probabilistic Baseline Model under a Constructional Environment
by
Chenpeng Shi, Xiaokun Yan, Jianxing Yang and Yang Liu
Geosciences 2024, 14(4), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14040107 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
The uncertainty of surrounding rock parameters varies due to changes in the boundary conditions of the tunnel model, and no suitable method to ensure that the updated parameters of the finite element model (FEM) are applicable throughout the constructional environment. To address this
[...] Read more.
The uncertainty of surrounding rock parameters varies due to changes in the boundary conditions of the tunnel model, and no suitable method to ensure that the updated parameters of the finite element model (FEM) are applicable throughout the constructional environment. To address this issue, a probabilistic baseline model method was introduced to invert the rock parameters and obtain values suitable for the complete constructional environment. First, the probabilistic statistical theory was applied to statistically analyze the measurement data from tunnels under different constructional environments, which provides insight into the variation in rock parameters. Then, an objective optimization function based on a genetic algorithm (GA) was constructed to optimize the accuracy by minimizing the error between the measurement data and the simulation data. Next, a Kriging model was built that utilized Young’s modulus and cohesion as updated parameters. This approach contributes to overcoming the inefficiency of multi-objective optimization computations. By using the Kriging model, optimal values for the rock parameters were obtained. Finally, the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method were validated by comparing the measured data with the updated model data under different constructional environments.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geomechanics)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
A Meteorological Drought Migration Model for Assessing the Spatiotemporal Paths of Drought in the Choushui River Alluvial Fan, Taiwan
by
Hsin-Fu Yeh, Xin-Yu Lin, Chia-Chi Huang and Hsin-Yu Chen
Geosciences 2024, 14(4), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14040106 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Understanding drought evolution and its driving factors is crucial for effective water resource management and forecasting. This study enhances the analysis of drought probability by constructing bivariate distributions, providing a more realistic perspective than single-characteristic approaches. Additionally, a meteorological drought migration model is
[...] Read more.
Understanding drought evolution and its driving factors is crucial for effective water resource management and forecasting. This study enhances the analysis of drought probability by constructing bivariate distributions, providing a more realistic perspective than single-characteristic approaches. Additionally, a meteorological drought migration model is established to explore spatiotemporal paths and related characteristics of major drought events in the Choushui River alluvial fan. The results reveal a significant increase in the probability of southward-moving drought events after 1981. Before 1981, drought paths were diverse, while after 1981, these paths became remarkably similar, following a trajectory from north to south. This is primarily attributed to the higher rainfall in the northern region of the Choushui River alluvial fan from February to April, leading to a consistent southward movement of drought centroids. This study proposes that climate change is a primary factor influencing changes in the spatiotemporal paths of drought. It implies that changes in rainfall patterns and climate conditions can be discerned through the meteorological drought migration model. As a result, it provides the potential for simplifying drought-monitoring methods. These research findings provide further insight into the dynamic process of drought in the Choushui River alluvial fan and serve as valuable references for future water resource management.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessComment
Comment on Nasir et al. The Mahout Structure in the Central Desert of Oman: A Possible Simple Impact Crater. Geosciences 2023, 13, 363
by
Wolf Uwe Reimold
Geosciences 2024, 14(4), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14040105 - 18 Apr 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
A possible impact crater at Mahout in Oman was recently proposed by Nasir et al. (2023 [1]). They alleged that “crater” morphology, shatter cones, shock metamorphic evidence in quartz, plagioclase, and calcite, as well as initial geochemical information and geophysical data
[...] Read more.
A possible impact crater at Mahout in Oman was recently proposed by Nasir et al. (2023 [1]). They alleged that “crater” morphology, shatter cones, shock metamorphic evidence in quartz, plagioclase, and calcite, as well as initial geochemical information and geophysical data supported this proposal. Their conclusion was that “All current analyses suggest the impact origin of the Mahout structure” (p. 20 of the article). In this Comment, their evidence is critically discussed and largely refuted. It is demonstrated that the basis to consider the Mahout structure a possible impact structure is very limited and that further detailed, state-of-the-art analyses of the mesoscopic and microscopic de-formation features are required to obtain credible evidence. Beyond the discussion of the article by Nasir et al., this Comment emphasizes the general need for careful and comprehensive analysis of the geological structures that might, a priori, suggest a possible impact origin if, ultimately, a new impact structure can be successfully confirmed.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Geotechnical and Geophysical Assessment of the 2021 Tamban Chimbo Landslide, Northern Andes of Ecuador
by
Isela Salinas, Abelardo Paucar, María Quiñónez-Macías, Francisco Grau, Marysabel Barragán-Taco, Theofilos Toulkeridis and Kervin Chunga
Geosciences 2024, 14(4), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14040104 - 16 Apr 2024
Abstract
The recent landslide at the Tamban site, on 21 December 2021 (23:30 local time), provides relevant information on the trigger mechanisms and their relationship with geological factors. Therefore, the predominant aims of the current study were to identify the lithological units in the
[...] Read more.
The recent landslide at the Tamban site, on 21 December 2021 (23:30 local time), provides relevant information on the trigger mechanisms and their relationship with geological factors. Therefore, the predominant aims of the current study were to identify the lithological units in the rocky substrate and subsoil from geophysical surveys, delineating the thickness of the tuff- and lapilli-supported fall layers. Additionally, we evaluated the deformation dynamics from probabilistic and deterministic analysis, where a plane with well-differentiated discontinuities of normal-type geological fault was evidenced. This deformation feature was associated with a planar-type landslide that reached a debris flow up to 330 m distance, with varied thicknesses. Furthermore, we conducted a probabilistic analysis, which started from the characteristics of the post-slide material analyzed through triaxial trials that were conducted to a retro-analysis in order to obtain the parameters of the moment the event occurred. With the base parameters to perform the landslide analysis and determine its safety factors in compliance with current regulations, a reinforced earth configuration was applied using the Maccaferri’s Terramesh method. Hence, it was possible to provide an analysis methodology for further geological scenarios of landslides that occurred in the province of Bolívar, the northern Andes of Ecuador.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landslide Monitoring and Mapping II)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Shear Banding and Cracking in Unsaturated Porous Media through a Nonlocal THM Meshfree Paradigm
by
Hossein Pashazad and Xiaoyu Song
Geosciences 2024, 14(4), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14040103 - 09 Apr 2024
Abstract
The mechanical behavior of unsaturated porous media under non-isothermal conditions plays a vital role in geo-hazards and geo-energy engineering (e.g., landslides triggered by fire and geothermal energy harvest and foundations). Temperature increase can trigger localized failure and cracking in unsaturated porous media. This
[...] Read more.
The mechanical behavior of unsaturated porous media under non-isothermal conditions plays a vital role in geo-hazards and geo-energy engineering (e.g., landslides triggered by fire and geothermal energy harvest and foundations). Temperature increase can trigger localized failure and cracking in unsaturated porous media. This article investigates the shear banding and cracking in unsaturated porous media under non-isothermal conditions through a thermo–hydro–mechanical (THM) periporomechanics (PPM) paradigm. PPM is a nonlocal formulation of classical poromechanics using integral equations, which is robust in simulating continuous and discontinuous deformation in porous media. As a new contribution, we formulate a nonlocal THM constitutive model for unsaturated porous media in the PPM paradigm in this study. The THM meshfree paradigm is implemented through an explicit Lagrangian meshfree algorithm. The return mapping algorithm is used to implement the nonlocal THM constitutive model numerically. Numerical examples are presented to assess the capability of the proposed THM mesh-free paradigm for modeling shear banding and cracking in unsaturated porous media under non-isothermal conditions. The numerical results are examined to study the effect of temperature variations on the formation of shear banding and cracking in unsaturated porous media.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Characterization and Modelling of Unsaturated Soils)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Radon Emanation and Dynamic Processes in Highly Dispersive Media
by
Vladislav B. Zaalishvili, Dmitry A. Melkov, Nikita V. Martyushev, Roman V. Klyuev, Vladislav V. Kukartsev, Vladimir Yu. Konyukhov, Roman V. Kononenko, Angelika L. Gendon and Tatiana A. Oparina
Geosciences 2024, 14(4), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14040102 - 09 Apr 2024
Abstract
The paper considers a dispersive geological medium (seismically turbid medium, as defined by A.V. Nikolaev), which is in a stress–strain state. Results of studies on the joint monitoring of seismic effects and radon emanation in various geological environments are presented. It is concluded
[...] Read more.
The paper considers a dispersive geological medium (seismically turbid medium, as defined by A.V. Nikolaev), which is in a stress–strain state. Results of studies on the joint monitoring of seismic effects and radon emanation in various geological environments are presented. It is concluded that the turbidity of the medium, as a statistical characteristic, can be generalized in terms of other media parameters, such as permeability. A stable connection between radon emanation and dynamic processes occurring in a geological environment and caused by external influences has been established. The concentration of radon can also reflect the degree of enrichment of the environment by underground fractures. Consequently, saturation of the environment with radon provides information about the presence of disturbances in a geological environment in the form of cracks and a stress–strain state of the medium before and after seismic loadings. Radon observations make it possible to assess a continuity of the environment and the possibility of leaching in natural conditions. Therefore, it could be efficiently used for underground leaching efficiency assessment.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Precursory Phenomena Prior to Earthquakes 2023)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Temperature Dependence of the Dielectric Constant on the Lunar Surface Based on Mini-RF and Diviner Observations
by
Chenhao Sun, Hideaki Miyamoto and Makito Kobayashi
Geosciences 2024, 14(4), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14040101 - 09 Apr 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Radar observation is an effective way to understand subsurface structures in terms of the dielectric constant, whose controlling factors include chemical composition, packing density, and water/ice content. Recently, laboratory measurements have shown that the dielectric constant of lunar regolith simulants also depends on
[...] Read more.
Radar observation is an effective way to understand subsurface structures in terms of the dielectric constant, whose controlling factors include chemical composition, packing density, and water/ice content. Recently, laboratory measurements have shown that the dielectric constant of lunar regolith simulants also depends on the temperature, which has never been evaluated from remote sensing data. In this study, we estimated the dielectric constant from the Miniature Radio Frequency (Mini-RF) data on a lunar crater floor in the north polar region at two different local times (i.e., different surface temperatures). We calculated the dielectric constant using the inversion method and obtained the bolometric surface temperature from the Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment (Diviner) data. The histograms of the estimated dielectric constant values are different between the two local times. This could be interpreted as a result of the temperature dependence of the dielectric constant, while further evaluation of the influence of topography on the incidence angle and small surface roughness is needed. Nevertheless, our result suggests that the temperature dependence of the dielectric constant should be considered when interpreting S-band radar observations of the Moon and other celestial bodies with large surface temperature differences.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Nonlinear 3D Finite Element Analysis of a Coupled Soil–Structure System by a Deterministic Approach
by
Francesco Castelli, Salvatore Grasso, Valentina Lentini and Maria Stella Vanessa Sammito
Geosciences 2024, 14(4), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14040100 - 05 Apr 2024
Abstract
Fully coupled soil–structure analyses were performed for a building of strategic importance located in the city of Messina (Sicily, Italy). The structure was built after the destructive 1908 earthquake, also known as the ‘Messina and Reggio Calabria earthquake’, which caused severe ground shaking.
[...] Read more.
Fully coupled soil–structure analyses were performed for a building of strategic importance located in the city of Messina (Sicily, Italy). The structure was built after the destructive 1908 earthquake, also known as the ‘Messina and Reggio Calabria earthquake’, which caused severe ground shaking. A parametric study considering three seismograms of this earthquake was performed. Deep in situ and laboratory investigations allowed the definition of the geometric and geotechnical model of the subsoil. Numerical analyses were performed with PLAXIS3D finite element software (Version 21.01.00.479). The Hardening Soil model with small-strain stiffness was accurately calibrated using laboratory and field data. The dynamic response was investigated in terms of accelerations, response spectra, amplification functions, displacements and stress–strain hysteretic loops. The findings show that many aspects must be investigated for the retrofitting of buildings with shallow foundation in areas characterized by a medium to high level of seismic risk: (i) a key role is played by an accurate investigation of the soil; taking into account the specific conditions of the soil, it was possible to investigate its filtering effects; (ii) the dynamic response of the fully-coupled soil–structure system deviates from the free field-site response analysis; (iii) the results reveal the importance of considering the soil nonlinearity in seismic soil–structure interaction problems.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geomechanics)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Absolute Dating of Fault-Gouge Material Using Isothermal Thermoluminescence: An Example from the Nojima Fault Zone, SW Japan
by
Evangelos Tsakalos, Eleni Filippaki, Aiming Lin, Maria Kazantzaki, Takafumi Nishiwaki and Yannis Bassiakos
Geosciences 2024, 14(4), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14040099 - 04 Apr 2024
Abstract
Establishing the absolute age of palaeoearthquakes is of great significance for the assessment of the seismicity and seismic hazards of a region. As such, several different geochronological techniques to date earthquake-related material have been developed to provide answers on the time of past
[...] Read more.
Establishing the absolute age of palaeoearthquakes is of great significance for the assessment of the seismicity and seismic hazards of a region. As such, several different geochronological techniques to date earthquake-related material have been developed to provide answers on the time of past earthquakes. The present study is part of a wider palaeoseismic research project conducted in the Nojima Fault Zone (NFZ), where the 1995 Mw 6.9 Kobe (Japan) earthquake was triggered, to assess the suitability of the isothermal thermoluminescence (ITL) dating technique on fine-grained quartz and medium-grained feldspar and to provide a sequence of ages for fault-rock samples separated from a drilled core that was retrieved from a depth of ~506 m. Our analysis reveals that ITL can produce consistent dating results and can be considered a reliable luminescence technique for the absolute dating of fault-gouge material. The produced ITL ages signified the existence of repeated seismic events within the NFZ that took place through the late Pleistocene period, with gouge ages spanning from 78.6 ± 4.2 to 13.4 ± 1.4 ka; however, overestimation of the produced ITL dating results may be apparent. Nonetheless, even though some degree of overestimation is considered, ITL dating results denote the oldest possible age boundary of formation (or luminescence signal resetting) of the collected fault-gouge layers.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geochronology and Chemostratigraphy of Quaternary Environment)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Defense and Protection of the Marine Coastal Areas and Human Health: A Case Study of Asbestos Cement Contamination (Italy)
by
Roberta Somma, Salvatore Giacobbe, Francesco Paolo La Monica, Maria Letizia Molino, Marina Morabito, Sebastiano Ettore Spoto, Salvatore Zaccaro and Giuseppe Zaffino
Geosciences 2024, 14(4), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14040098 - 01 Apr 2024
Abstract
Pivotal environmental geology research was carried out in the protected area of Cape Peloro (Messina, NE Sicily, Italy). The main aims were the ascertainment of the presence of Asbestos Cement Materials (ACMs), their mapping, and, consequently, an estimation of the potential risk for
[...] Read more.
Pivotal environmental geology research was carried out in the protected area of Cape Peloro (Messina, NE Sicily, Italy). The main aims were the ascertainment of the presence of Asbestos Cement Materials (ACMs), their mapping, and, consequently, an estimation of the potential risk for human health and marine coastal environments. The beaches surveyed covered 4500 m of coastline. Through high-resolution photographic surveys, over 520 fiber cement fragments were documented on the beaches as well as in beach deposits. The materials, after microscope, SEM-EDS, and FTIR analyses, were found to be composed of Portland cement with chrysotile and crocidolite fibers. Fragments of ACMs showed typical corrugated forms with centimeter-to-decimeter sizes and prevailing well-rounded, platy, and sub-elongate shapes. In a few localities, some fragments were found to be angular or friable. Furthermore, some fragments found on the beach were covered by conspicuous encrustations of marine organisms, testifying to their long staying in shallow-water marine environments. Illicit landfills and abandoned materials were identified in natural sections on the coastal plain. Most of the rounded ACMs were characterized by their surface texture, with mm-size asbestos fibers exposed on the surface due to significant weathering and abrasion. Notably, new fragments appeared after storms. Significant criticisms have been made related to the ACMs, analogously to what was reported for other Italian marine beaches. Possible intervention and reclamation activities cannot limit themselves to removing the fragments on the beach, as fragments are immersed in the coastal sediments at different depths and are also found in the marine deposits. Here, it is underlined that any asbestos removal and reclamation activities, if not designed and based on a multidisciplinary approach and knowledge of local coastal dynamics and the meteo-marine climate, will be very expensive and ineffective.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeontology)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessReview
Sulfur Impurities: The Overlooked Process in Volcanic Hazard Assessment
by
Teresa Scolamacchia
Geosciences 2024, 14(4), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14040097 - 01 Apr 2024
Abstract
One of the most intriguing questions of modern volcanology is the inception of an eruption. Despite efforts to detect premonitory signals, numerous unpredicted eruptions have occurred recently. It has been suggested that these unpredicted eruptions might be explained by viscosity variations in elemental
[...] Read more.
One of the most intriguing questions of modern volcanology is the inception of an eruption. Despite efforts to detect premonitory signals, numerous unpredicted eruptions have occurred recently. It has been suggested that these unpredicted eruptions might be explained by viscosity variations in elemental sulfur accumulated within the hydrothermal systems present in several volcanic settings under the influence of organics, hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulfide, halogens, and ammonia. Changes in impure sulfur viscosity are more complex than those in pure S, invoked decades ago to trigger eruptions by system sealing in volcanoes hosting a crater lake. Growing evidence suggests that sulfur accumulation is a common process, not restricted to crater lakes. Moreover, both types and amounts of gas species released at the surface, critical for volcano monitoring, would be altered, following chemical reactions involving impure S, invalidating signals used to issue alerts. Impure sulfur behavior may explain puzzling degassing and contrasting signals reported at volcanoes and restless calderas worldwide, with implications for hazard assessment and volcanic-risk-mitigation strategies.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Hazards)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Observation of the Preparation Phase Associated with Mw = 7.2 Haiti Earthquake on 14 August 2021 from a Geophysical Data Point of View
by
Dedalo Marchetti
Geosciences 2024, 14(4), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14040096 - 30 Mar 2024
Abstract
On 14 August 2021, an earthquake of moment magnitude Mw = 7.2 hit Haiti Island. Unfortunately, it caused several victims and economic damage to the island. While predicting earthquakes is still challenging and has not yet been achieved, studying the preparation phase of
[...] Read more.
On 14 August 2021, an earthquake of moment magnitude Mw = 7.2 hit Haiti Island. Unfortunately, it caused several victims and economic damage to the island. While predicting earthquakes is still challenging and has not yet been achieved, studying the preparation phase of such catastrophic events may improve our knowledge and pose the basis for future predictions of earthquakes. In this paper, the six months that preceded the Haiti earthquake are analysed, investigating the lithosphere (by seismic catalogue), atmosphere (by climatological archive) and ionosphere by China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES-01) and Swarm satellites, as well as Total Electron Content (TEC) data. Several anomalies have been extracted from the analysed parameters using different techniques. A comparison, especially between the different layers, could increase or decrease the probability that a specific group of anomalies may be (or not) related to the preparation phase of the Haiti 2021 earthquake. In particular, two possible coupling processes have been revealed as part of the earthquake preparation phase. The first one was only between the lithosphere and the atmosphere about 130 days before the mainshock. The second one was about two months before the seismic event. It is exciting to underline that all the geo-layers show anomalies at that time: seismic accumulation of stress showed an increase of its slope, several atmospheric quantities underline abnormal atmospheric conditions, and CSES-01 Ne depicted two consecutive days of ionospheric electron density. This suggested a possible coupling of lithosphere–atmosphere and ionosphere as a sign of the increased stress, i.e., the impending earthquake.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lithosphere-Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling during Earthquake Preparation: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives)
►▼
Show Figures
Graphical abstract
Journal Menu
► ▼ Journal Menu-
- Geosciences Home
- Aims & Scope
- Editorial Board
- Topical Advisory Panel
- Instructions for Authors
- Special Issues
- Topics
- Sections & Collections
- Article Processing Charge
- Indexing & Archiving
- Editor’s Choice Articles
- Most Cited & Viewed
- Journal Statistics
- Journal History
- Journal Awards
- Society Collaborations
- Editorial Office
Journal Browser
► ▼ Journal BrowserHighly Accessed Articles
Latest Books
E-Mail Alert
News
Topics
Topic in
Atmosphere, GeoHazards, Geosciences, Remote Sensing, Water
Natural Hazards and Environmental Challenges in the Anthropocene Age
Topic Editors: Johnbosco C. Egbueri, Chaitanya B. Pande, Quoc Bao PhamDeadline: 1 May 2024
Topic in
Diversity, Geosciences, Land, Resources, Sustainability
Advances in Geodiversity Research
Topic Editors: Paulo Pereira, Murray Gray, Maria da Glória GarciaDeadline: 20 May 2024
Topic in
Energies, Geosciences, Minerals, Quaternary
Petroleum Geology and Geochemistry of Sedimentary Basins
Topic Editors: Daniel Rodrigues do Nascimento Junior, Ana Clara Braga de Souza, Thomas GentzisDeadline: 31 May 2024
Topic in
Energies, Gases, Geosciences, Minerals
Microstructural Analysis of Organic Matter in Shale
Topic Editors: Kouqi Liu, Mehdi OstadhassanDeadline: 30 June 2024
Conferences
Special Issues
Special Issue in
Geosciences
Geoheritage as A Tool to Increase Awareness about Past and Present Climate Change
Guest Editors: Anna Masseroli, Cristina VianiDeadline: 25 April 2024
Special Issue in
Geosciences
Arctic Geoarchaeology and Environmental Archaeology
Guest Editors: Najat Bhiry, Émilie Gauthier, Dominique TodiscoDeadline: 30 April 2024
Special Issue in
Geosciences
Precursory Phenomena Prior to Earthquakes 2023
Guest Editor: Dimitrios NikolopoulosDeadline: 25 May 2024
Special Issue in
Geosciences
New Trends in Earthquake Engineering and Seismotectonics
Guest Editors: Claudia Pirrotta, Sebastiano Imposa, Maria Serafina Barbano, Sabrina GrassiDeadline: 31 May 2024
Topical Collections
Topical Collection in
Geosciences
Women in Geosciences: Past, Present, and Future
Collection Editor: Suzanne Golding
Topical Collection in
Geosciences
Early Career Scientists’ (ECS) Contributions to Geosciences
Collection Editor: Jesus Martinez-Frias
Topical Collection in
Geosciences
Advances in Statistical Seismology
Collection Editor: Luciano Telesca
Topical Collection in
Geosciences
Ethics in Geosciences
Collection Editors: Piero Farabollini, Francesco Muto, Francesca Romana Lugeri, Francesco De Pascale