Geostatistical seismic inversion and 3D modelling of metric flow units,porosity and permeability in Brazilian presalt reservoir

Flow units(FU)rock typing is a common technique for characterizing reservoir flow behavior,producing reliable porosity and permeability estimation even in complex geological settings.However,the lateral extrapolation of FU away from the well into the whole reservoir grid is commonly a difficult task and using the seismic data as constraints is rarely a subject of study.This paper proposes a workflow to generate numerous possible 3D volumes of flow units,porosity and permeability below the seismic resolution limit,respecting the available seismic data at larger scales.The methodology is used in the Mero Field,a Brazilian presalt carbonate reservoir located in the Santos Basin,who presents a complex and heterogenic geological setting with different sedimentological processes and diagenetic history.We generated metric flow units using the conventional core analysis and transposed to the well log data.Then,given a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm,the seismic data and the well log statistics,we simulated acoustic impedance,decametric flow units(DFU),metric flow units(MFU),porosity and permeability volumes in the metric scale.The aim is to estimate a minimum amount of MFU able to calculate realistic scenarios porosity and permeability scenarios,without losing the seismic lateral control.In other words,every porosity and permeability volume simulated produces a synthetic seismic that match the real seismic of the area,even in the metric scale.The achieved 3D results represent a high-resolution fluid flow reservoir modelling considering the lateral control of the seismic during the process and can be directly incorporated in the dynamic characterization workflow.

Facies development and sedimentology of the Middle Miocene carbonates of the Raghama Formation, northeastern Saudi Arabia

Ragahama Formation comprises a siliciclastic continental deposits followed by marine carbonates, representing prograding alluvial fans from adjacent high hinterlands seaward into lagoons and fringing reef environments. The present work aimed to document the facies development and sedimentology of the Raghama carbonates exposed along the eastern coastal plain of the Red Sea, northwestern Saudi Arabia. Four stratigraphic sections were measured and sampled(D1–D4) and thin sections and major and trace element analyses were prepared and applied for petrographic and geochemical approaches. The carbonates were subdivided into three successive fore-reef, reef-core, and back-reef depositional facies. Sandy stromatolitic boundstone, microbial laminites, dolomitic ooidal grainstone, bioclastic coralline algal wackestone, sandy bioclastic wackestone, and coral boundstones were the reported microfacies types. Petrographic analysis reveals that the studied carbonates were affected by dissolution, dolomitization, and aggrading recrystallization, which affects both the original micrite matrix and grains or acts as fracture and veinlet filling leading to widespread vuggy and moldic porosity. No evidence of physical compaction, suggesting rapid lithification and recrystallization during early diagenesis and prior to substantial burial and intensive flushing by meteoric waters. Most of the original microstructure of corals were leached and destructed. This is indicated by the higher depletion in Sr and Ca levels and increase in Mg,Na, Fe, and Mn levels, especially in section D1, in comparison with the worldwide carbonates.

Experimental and ab initio study of Ba_(2)Na_(3)(B_(3)O_(6))_(2)F stability in the pressure range of 0–10 GPa

Both numerical and experimental studies of the stability and electronic properties of barium–sodium metaborate Ba_(2)Na_(3)(B_(3)O_(6))_(2)F(P63/m) at pressures up to 10 GPa have been carried out. Electronic-structure calculations with HSE06 hybrid functional showed that Ba_(2)Na_(3)(B_(3)O_(6))_(2)F has an indirect band gap of 6.289 eV. A numerical study revealed the decomposition of Ba_(2)Na_(3)(B_(3)O_(6))_(2)F into the BaB_(2)O_(4),Na BO_(2), and NaF phases above 3.4 GPa at 300 K. Subsequent high-pressure high-temperature experiments performed using ‘Discoverer-1500’DIA-type apparatus at pressures of 3 and 6 GPa and temperature of 1173 K confirmed the stability of Ba_(2)Na_(3)(B_(3)O_(6))_(2)F at 3 GPa and its decomposition into BaB_(2)O_(4), NaBO_(2), and NaF at 6 GPa, which was verified by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and Raman spectroscopy. The observed Raman bands of the Ba_(2)Na_(3)(B_(3)O_(6))_(2)F phase were assigned by comparing the experimental and calculated spectra. The experimental Raman spectra of decomposition reaction products obtained at 6 GPa suggest the origin of a new high-pressure modification of barium metaborate BaB_(2)O_(4).

Adsorption of methane onto mudstones under supercritical conditions: Mechanisms, physical properties and thermodynamic parameters

Since the mechanisms of methane-mudstone interactions are important for estimating shale gas reserves,methane adsorption under supercritical conditions of 30 MPa pressure and 303.15,333.15,363.15 K temperatures was studied to measure the excess methane adsorption in two mudstone samples from Yanchang Formation,Ordos Basin.Excess adsorption features inflection points where the amount of adsorbed gas changes from increasing to decreasing concentrations.Three methods(fixed,slope,and freely fitted density)were applied to calculate the adsorbed-phase density(rad),which was then used to fit the measured excess adsorption.Two criteria,the goodness-of-fit and whether the fitting can obtain reasonable absolute adsorption,were applied to determine the most accurate model.Results indicated that the supercritical Dubinin-Radushkevich(SDR)model with freely fitted rad was the most reasonable model.The volume of adsorbed methane at 363.15 K is close to the micropore(d<2 nm)volume of the corresponding mudstone.Considering the actual geological conditions,the adsorbed gas should be predominantly stored in micropores.Thermodynamic parameters reveal that the methane adsorption on mudstone is a physisorption process that is jointly controlled by the heterogeneity of,and interaction forces between the methane molecule and,the rock surface.

Stochastic seismic inversion and Bayesian facies classification applied to porosity modeling and igneous rock identification

We apply stochastic seismic inversion and Bayesian facies classification for porosity modeling and igneous rock identification in the presalt interval of the Santos Basin. This integration of seismic and well-derived information enhances reservoir characterization. Stochastic inversion and Bayesian classification are powerful tools because they permit addressing the uncertainties in the model. We used the ES-MDA algorithm to achieve the realizations equivalent to the percentiles P10, P50, and P90 of acoustic impedance, a novel method for acoustic inversion in presalt. The facies were divided into five: reservoir 1,reservoir 2, tight carbonates, clayey rocks, and igneous rocks. To deal with the overlaps in acoustic impedance values of facies, we included geological information using a priori probability, indicating that structural highs are reservoir-dominated. To illustrate our approach, we conducted porosity modeling using facies-related rock-physics models for rock-physics inversion in an area with a well drilled in a coquina bank and evaluated the thickness and extension of an igneous intrusion near the carbonate-salt interface. The modeled porosity and the classified seismic facies are in good agreement with the ones observed in the wells. Notably, the coquinas bank presents an improvement in the porosity towards the top. The a priori probability model was crucial for limiting the clayey rocks to the structural lows. In Well B, the hit rate of the igneous rock in the three scenarios is higher than 60%, showing an excellent thickness-prediction capability.

The Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point （GSSP） for the base of Changhsingian Stage （Upper Permian）

The Global Stratotype Section and Point （GSSP） for the base-Changhsingian Stage is defined at the First Appearance Datum （FAD） of the conodont Clarkina wangi within the lineage from C. longicuspidata to C. wangi at a point 88 cm above the base of the Changxing Limestone in the lower part of Bed 4 （base of 4α-2） at Meishan D section, Changxing County, Zhejiang Province, South China. This level is consistent with the first appearance of Changhsingian index fusulinid Palaeofusulina sinensis and tapashanitid ammonoids. The speciation event from Clarkina longicuspidata to C. wangi occurs just above the flooding surface of the second parasequence in the Changxing Limestone. In addition, the boundary interval is clearly recognizable by the depletion of isotopic carbon ratios and the normal polarity zone appearing above the Late Wuchiapingian reversed polarity zone. Section C, about 300 m to the west of Section D, exposes more of the upper Longtan Formation. It clearly shows the transitional nature of deposition across the Longtan/Changxing formational boundary, and thus is described as a supplementary reference section.

Frequency dependent polarization analysis of ambient seismic noise recorded at a broadband seismometer in the central United States

We present a new approach to polarization analysis of seismic noise recorded by three-component seismometers. It is based on statistical analysis of frequency-dependent particle motion properties determined from a large number of time windows via eigenanalysis of the 3-by-3, Hermitian, spectral covariance matrix. We applied the algorithm to continuous data recorded in 2009 by the seismic station SLM, located in central North America. A rich variety of noise sources was observed. At low frequencies （〈0.05 Hz） we observed a tilt-related signal that showed some elliptical motion in the horizontal plane. In the microseism band of 0.05-0.25 Hz, we observed Rayleigh energy arriving from the northeast, but with three distinct peaks instead of the classic single and double frequency peaks. At intermediate frequencies of 0.5-2.0 Hz, the noise was dominated by non-fundamental-mode Rayleigh energy, most likely P and Lg waves. At the highest frequencies （〉3 Hz）, Rayleigh-type energy was again dominant in the form of Rg waves created by nearby cultural activities. Analysis of the time dependence of noise power shows that a frequency range of at least 0.02-1.0 Hz （much larger than the microseism band） is sensitive to annual, meteorologically induced sources of noise.

Biodegradation and origin of oil sands in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin

The oil sands deposits in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin （WCSB） comprise of at least 85% of the total immobile bitumen in place in the world and are so concentrated as to be virtually the only such deposits that are economically recoverable for conversion to oil. The major deposits are in three geographic and geologic regions of Alberta： Athabasca, Cold Lake and Peace River. The bitumen reserves have oil gravities ranging from 8 to 12° API, and are hosted in the reservoirs of varying age, ranging from Devonian （Grosmont Formation） to Early Cretaceous （Mannville Group）. They were derived from light oils in the southern Alberta and migrated to the north and east for over 100 km during the Laramide Orogeny, which was responsible for the uplift of the Rocky Mountains. Biodegradation is the only process that transforms light oil into bitumen in such a dramatic way that overshadowed other alterations with minor contributions. The levels of biodegradation in the basin increasing from west （non-biodegraded） to east （extremely biodegraded） can be attributed to decreasing reservoir temperature, which played the primary role in controlling the biodegradation regime. Once the reservoir was heated to approximately 80℃, it was pasteurized and no biodegradation would further occur. However, reservoir temperature could not alone predict the variations of the oil composition and physical properties. Compositional gradients and a wide range ofbiodegradation degree at single reservoir column indicate that the water-leg size or the volume ratio of oil to water is one of the critical local controls for the vertical variations ofbiodegradation degree and oil physical properties. Late charging and mixing of the fresh and degraded oils ultimately dictate the final distribution of compositions and physical properties found in the heavy oil and oil sand fields. Oil geochemistry can reveal precisely the processes and levels that control these variations in a given field, which opens the possibility of model-driven prediction of oil properties and sweet spots in reservoirs.

Modeling of normal faulting in the subducting plates of the Tonga,Japan,Izu-Bonin and Mariana Trenches:implications for near-trench plate weakening

The plate flexure and normal faulting characteristics along the Tonga, Japan, Izu-Bonin and Mariana Trenches are investigated by combining observations and modeling of elastoplastic deformation of the subducting plate. The observed average trench relief is found to be the smallest at the Japan Trench(3 km) and the largest at the Mariana Trench(4.9 km), and the average fault throw is the smallest at the Japan Trench(113 m) and the largest at the Tonga Trench(284 m). A subducting plate is modeled to bend and generate normal faults subjected to three types of tectonic loading at the trench axis: vertical loading, bending moment, and horizontal tensional force. It is inverted for the solutions of tectonic loading that best fit the observed plate flexure and normal faulting characteristics of the four trenches. The results reveal that a horizontal tensional force(HTF) for the Japan Trench is 33%, 50% and 60% smaller than those of the Mariana, Tonga and Izu-Bonin Trenches, respectively. The normal faults are modeled to penetrate to a maximum depth of 29, 23, 32 and 32 km below the sea floor for the Tonga,Japan, Izu-Bonin and Mariana Trenches, respectively, which is consistent with the depths of relocated normal faulting earthquakes in the Japan and Izu-Bonin Trenches. Moreover, it is argued that the calculated horizontal tensional force is generally positively correlated with the observed mean fault throw, while the integrated area of the reduction in the effective elastic thickness is correlated with the trench relief. These results imply that the HTF plays a key role in controlling the normal faulting pattern and that plate weakening can lead to significant increase in the trench relief.

Geochemical characteristics and mode of occurrence of trace elements in coal at West Bokaro coalfield

The mineralogy and trace element contents in coals from the West Bokaro coalfield, which is the one of the biggest Gondwana coalfields of India, were studied to delineate enrichment of trace elements and their modes of occur- rence. Elemental concentrations with reference to their crustal abundances indicated that coals are relatively enriched in As （4.4-15.5 mg/kg）, Cd （0.3-3.0 mg/kg）, Cu （28.0-68.1 mg/kg） and V （46.6-178.0 mg/kg）; depleted in Co （10.8-28.4 mg/ kg）, Mn （7.6-483.4 mg/kg）, Ni （13.0-31.6 mg/kg）, Cr （14.2-85.5 mg/kg） and Zn （5.25-70.4 mg/kg）. The concentration of As, Cd, Co, Cu and V were higher than the average values of world and Indian coals. Mineralogical study carried out by X-ray diffraction shows that quartz and kaolinite occur as dominant mineral phases in this coal. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy pattern suggests organic structures primarily containing aromatic nuclei, aliphatic side chain and some oxygen containing groups. The modes of occurrence of trace elements present in these coals have been determined through statistical approach. Both Cu and Cr are more closely associated with mineral matter, whereas Co is dominantly present with its organic form. The concentrations of Cd, Mn, Ni, Zn, As and V have apparently occur in both organic and inorganic constituents. This study would be helpful to assess the potential environmental impacts during mining and combustion of this coal.

Structural Evolvement of Heating Treatment of Mg/AI-LDH and Preparation of Mineral Mesoporous Materials

Although hydrotalcite, or layered double hydroxides （LDHs）, is not a common mineral, it is an important material that can be easily synthesized in laboratory. In this study, structural evolvement and BET surface area changes of heat treated Mg/AI-LDH is evaluated by XRD, TEM and N2-BET analyses. The results indicate that the magnesium-aluminum LDH with carbonate as interlayer anion, periclase-like oxides was formed at temperatures of 400-800℃. Meanwhile, 2-3 nanometer mesoporous were formed during decomposition of LDH. However, the heat treated samples still preserve the morphology of the original LDH plates. Periclase-like formed from LDH heat treatment may re-hydrolyze and recover the structure of LDH. However, crystallinity of the recovered LDH is lower than that of the original LDH. This heat treatment will result in formation of （Mg, Al）-oxide nano-crystals and nanopores among the nano-crystals. When heating temperature exceeds 1000, the periclase-like （Mg, Al）-oxide is transformed into a composite with periclase （MgO） and spinel phases. The periclase can be re-hydrolyzed and dissolved in HCl solution. After acid treatment, the sample with a high surface area is composed of spinel nano-crystals and nanopores among them. Our results will provide a new and economic way to synthesize mesoporous materials through pathways of phase transformation of precursor materials with different composition.

Sedimentology and Sequence Stratigraphy of Marine to Lacustrine Deltaic Deposits in a Craton Basin and Their Controlling Factors: Shan 2 Member–He 8 Member(Guadalupian–Lopingian, Permian), Southeast Ordos Basin, North China

The Shan 2 Member, Shan 1 Member and He 8 Member of the Mid-Late Permian Shanxi and lower Xiashihezi formations, in the southeastern Ordos Basin, together comprise -150 m of deltaic deposits. This sequence records an overall evolution from deep marine environment to shallow lake associated with braided river, braided river delta and meandering river delta. Core description, well log interpretation, and stable isotope analysis, including carbon, oxygen and strontium, were conducted to understand the sedimentary evolution of Shan 2 to He 8 Member. The Shanxi Formation, which consists of the Shan 2 and Shan 1 members, is characterized by a tidal-influenced meandering river delta environment and a higher j13C value and S7Sr/S6Sr ratio and a lower jlSo value. The He 8 Member, the basal part of the Xiashihezi Formation, is featured by a braided river to braided river delta system and a lower j13C value, S7Sr/S6Sr ratio, and a higher jlSo value. Four third-order depositional sequences separated by five sequence boundaries are determined. Coarsening upward sequences of the Shan 2 Member-He 8 Member indicate a general regression trend, which can be correlated to global sea-level fall occurring during the Roadian-Wuchiapingian, as also evidenced by previous published zircon U-Pb results. The coal-bearing sequence （Shanxi Formation） to non-coal-bearing sequence （He 8 Member）, as well as a decrease of 87Sr/86Sr, suggest a trend from humid to arid climates. A combined effect of sea-level drop and a small uplift at the end of Shanxi Formation are proposed.

Modified method for fracability evaluation of tight sandstones based on interval transit time

Fracability is a property that indicates how easy reservoir rocks can be fractured in hydraulic fracturing operations.It is a key parameter for fracturing design and evaluation.In order to utilize continuous logging data to predict fracability,synchronous tests of dynamic and static mechanical parameters of rocks under different confining pressures were conducted on13 tight sandstone samples derived from the central Junggar Basin,China.A modified formula between dynamic and static mechanical parameters was established.Fracability of the tight reservoir in the Junggar Basin was then evaluated based on brittleness index,fracture toughness,and fracability index.The effectiveness of fracturing was analyzed combined with the oil testing curve after hydraulic fracturing.The results show that:(1)The distribution of oil-bearing formations in the studied area coincides well with stratum of higher fracability index.(2)The critical fracability index is determined to be 0.3,three formations are selected as fracturing candidates,and a thin mudstone interbed is identified in the oil-bearing formation.(3)Well testing curve verifies the reliability of the fracability evaluation method and the accuracy of the modified formula between dynamic and static mechanical parameters.This study provides useful information for improving fracturing operations of tight oil and gas reservoirs.

Theoretical calculation of equilibrium Mg isotope fractionation between silicate melt and its vapor

Isotope fractionation during the evaporation of silicate melt and condensation of vapor has been widely used to explain various isotope signals observed in lunar soils, cosmic spherules, calcium-aluminum-rich inclu- sions, and bulk compositions of planetary materials. During evaporation and condensation, the equilibrium isotope fractionation factor （α） between high-temperature silicate melt and vapor is a fundamental parameter that can con- strain the melt＇s isotopic compositions. However, equilib- rium a is difficult to calibrate experimentally. Here we used Mg as an example and calculated equilibrium Mg isotope fractionation in MgSiO3 and Mg2SiO4 melt-vapor systems based on first-principles molecular dynamics and the high- temperature approximation of the Bigeleisen-Mayer equation. We found that, at 2500 K, 625Mg values in the MgSiO3 and Mg2SiO4 melts were 0.141 ±0.004 and 0.143 ±0.003‰ more positive than in their respective vapors. The corresponding 626Mg values were 0.270 ± 0.008 and 0.274 ± 0.006‰ more positive than in vapors, respectively. The general α - T equations describing the equilibrium Mg α in MgSiO3 and Mg2SiO4 melt-vapor systems were： αMg（l）-Mg（g） = 1 ＋ 5.264×10^5/T^2 （1/m - 1/m＇） and αmg（l）-Mg（g） = 1 ＋ 5.340×10^5/T^2 （1/m - 1/m＇）, respectively, Where m is the mass of light isotope, ^25Mg or ^26Mg. These results offer a necessary parameter for mechanistic under- standing of Mg isotope fractionation during evaporation and condensation that commonly occurs during the early stages of planetary formation and evolution.

Triple oxygen isotope constraints on the origin of ocean island basalts

Understanding the origin of ocean island basalts(OIB) has important bearings on Earth's deep mantle.Although it is widely accepted that subducted oceanic crust, as a consequence of plate tectonics, contributes material to OIB's formation, its exact fraction in OIB's mantle source remains ambiguous largely due to uncertainties associated with existing geochemical proxies. Here we show, through theoretical calculation, that unlike many known proxies, triple oxygen isotope compositions(i.e.D^(17 )O) in olivine samples are not affected by crystallization and partial melting. This unique feature, therefore, allows olivine D^(17 )O values to identify subducted oceanic crusts in OIB's mantle source. Furthermore, the fractions of subducted ocean sediments and hydrothermally altered oceanic crust in OIB's mantle source can be quantified using their characteristic D^(17 )O values. Based on published D^(17 )O data, we estimated the fraction of subducted oceanic crust to be as high as 22.3% in certain OIB, but the affected region in the respective mantle plume is likely to be limited.

Geochemistry and Petrogenesis of Late Ediacaran Rare-metal Albite Granites of the Arabian-Nubian Shield

The Abu Dabbab albite granite(ADAG),in the central Eastern Desert of Egypt,hosts the most significant rare metal ore deposit in the northern part of the Neoproterozoic Arabian-Nubian Shield.Here,we report detailed field,petrographic,mineralogical and geochemical investigation of the ADAG,an isolated stock-like granitic body with sharp intrusive contacts against metamorphic country rocks,probably emplaced at about 600 Ma.The fine-grained porphyritic upper unit is a preserved remnant of the shallowly-emplaced apex of the magma chamber,whereas the medium-grained lower unit crystallized at deeper levels under subvolcanic conditions.The peraluminous leucocratic ADAG shares common geochemical characteristics with post-collisional intraplate A-type magmas.In addition to the conspicuous enrichment in Na2O,the ADAG is remarkable for its anomalous concentrations of Ta,Nb,Li,Hf,Ga,Sn,Zn and heavy rare-earth elements.Nb-Ta minerals in the ADAG are mixed with Fe-Mn oxides,forming black patches that increase in abundance toward of the base of the intrusion.Columbite-tantalite,cassiterite and wolframite are the most important ore minerals.Pronounced negative Eu anomalies(Eu/Eu*=0.10–0.24)reflect extreme magmatic fractionation and perhaps the effects of late fluid-rock interaction.The ADAG was most likely generated by partial melting of the juvenile middle crust of the ANS as the geotherm was elevated by erosional uplift following lithospheric delamination and it was emplaced at the intersection of lineations of structural weakness.Although formation of the ADAG and its primary enrichment in rare metals are essentially due to magmatic processes,late-stage metasomatism caused limited redistribution of rare metals.Fluid-driven subsolidus modification was limited to the apex of the magma chamber and drove development of greisen,amazonite,and quartz veins along fracture systems.

Nature and source of the ore-forming fluids associated with orogenic gold deposits in the Dharwar Craton

Neoarchean orogenic gold deposits, associated with the greenstone-granite milieus in the Dharwar Craton include(1) the famous Kolar mine and the world class Hutti deposit;(2) small mines at HiraBuddini, Uti, Ajjanahalli, and Guddadarangavanahalli;(3) prospects at Jonnagiri; and(4) old mining camps in the Gadag and Ramagiri-Penakacherla belts. The existing diametric views on the source of ore fluid for formation of these deposits include fluids exsolved from granitic melts and extracted by metamorphic devolatilization of the greenstone sequences. Lode gold mineralization occurs in structurally controlled higher order splays in variety of host rocks such as mafic/felsic greenstones, banded iron formations, volcaniclastic rocks and granitoids. Estimated metamorphic conditions of the greenstones vary from lower greenschist facies to mid-amphibolite facies and mineralizations in all the camps are associated with distinct hydrothermal alterations. Fluid inclusion microthermometric and Raman spectroscopic studies document low salinity aqueous-gaseous(H_2O + CO_2 ± CH_4 + NaCl) ore fluids,which precipitated gold and altered the host rocks in a narrow P-T window of 0.7-2.5 kbar and 215-320℃. While the calculated fluid O-and C-isotopic values are ambiguous, S-isotopic compositions of pyrite-precipitating fluid show distinct craton-scale uniformity in terms of its reduced nature and a suggested crustal sulfur source.Available ages on greenstone metamorphism, granitoid plutonism and mineralization in the Hutti Belt are tantamount, making a geochronology-based resolution of the existing debate on the metamorphic vs.magmatic fluid source impossible. In contrast, tourmaline geochemistry suggests involvement of single fluid in formation of gold mineralization, primarily derived by metamorphic devolatilization of mafic greenstones and interlayered sedimentary rocks, with minor magmatic contributions. Similarly, compositions of scheelite, pyrite and arsenopyrite point toward operation of fault-valves that caused pressure fluctuation-induced fluid phase separation, which acted as the dominant process of gold precipitation,apart from fluid-rock sulfidation reactions. Therefore, results from geochemistry of hydrothermal minerals and those from fluid inclusion microthermometry corroborate in constraining source of ore fluid,nature of gold transport(by Au-bisulfide complex) and mechanism of gold ore formation in the Dharwar Craton.

An early view of Permo-Carboniferous glaciation and its implications, from Australia （1906）

Introduction （Sir） Tannatt William Edgeworth David （1858-1934） is recognised as probably Australia＇s greatest geologist. Born at St Fagan＇s, near Cardiff, Wales, he graduated from Oxford University in 1880 and studied briefly at the Royal School of Mines, London. He was influenced by the geologists Joseph Prestwich and John Judd, his relative William Ussher, and the romantic author and artist John Ruskin, who had a significant interest in geology.

"Miles wide and miles deep"-Exploring the depth and breadth of geoscience during the first ten years of Geoscience Frontiers

When early explorers first crossed the Platte River in what is now Nebraska (USA), it was said the river was “a mile wide and an inch deep”(Mokler, 1923;Smith, 1971). This phrase was used to describe not only the difficulty in crossing the river but also in navigating its length. The trouble with a river being too wide is the risk that it won’t provide the depth necessary to be useful. The same thing can be said of multidisciplinary scientific journals. While a journal can claim to be multidisciplinary, there is a risk of it being so broad that its articles can only engage the reader at a superficial level. Nothing could be further from the truth with Geoscience Frontiers. Over the past ten years, this journal has successfully navigated the wide breadth of geoscience while providing a level of depth and detail that rivals discipline-specific journals.

Geochemistry of the lava and its implications in Musicians Seamounts

Chemical and isotopic data of the lava samples dredged in the southern Bach Ridge and the northern Italian Ridge of the Musicians Seamounts province, northeast of Hawaii. Although most of the samples analyzed are generally altered, a few are fresh. The latter exhibits similar geochemical and isotopic characteristics to normal MORB （Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalts）. There are systematic geochemical trends from hotspot to mid-ocean ridge in the province. Incompatible element and isotopic variations suggest that the flow field had at least two distinct parental magmas, one with higher and one with lower MgO concentrations. The two parental magmas could be related by a magma mixing model. The major and trace element modeling shows that the two parental magmas could not have been produced by different degrees of melting of a homogeneous mantle source, but they are consistent with melting of a generally depleted mantle containing variable volumes of embedded enriched heterogeneity enriched interbeds.