Effects of weathering depth and thickness on rock failure:Experimental approach and particle flow code simulation

This study investigated the effects of weathering depth and thickness on the failure mechanisms of rock samples through experimental and numerical methods.The first configuration involved conducting artificial weathering on limestone using the freezing and thawing(F-T)for 40 cycles.The mechanical parameters of the samples were measured at the end of the 40th cycle.In the second configuration,a series of specimens underwent salt crystallization(S-C)tests for 20 cycles.Experimental results were validated using discrete element method(DEM).Next,the weathered limestone model with dimensions of 108 mm54 mm were prepared.The weathering layers were tested at four different thicknesses(i.e.2.5 mm,5 mm,7.5 mm,and 10 mm)and three different positions(at the surface,5 mm under the rock surface,and 10 mm under the rock surface).According to the results,weathering depth and thickness have a considerable effect on the failure process.The results also showed a correlation between the values of compressive strength and failure mechanisms associated with the weathering layer.The numerical results revealed that the tension crack was the dominant factor.Additionally,with increasing weathering thickness,Young's modulus,crack initiation stress,and final strength decreased in constant weathering depth.The results also demonstrated that the failure progress of the numerical models was similar to that observed in the laboratory.

Quantifying the chemical composition of weathering products of Hainan basalts with reflectance spectroscopy and its implications for Mars

With the development of the hyperspectral remote sensing technique,extensive chemical weathering profiles have been identified on Mars.These weathering sequences,formed through precipitation-driven leaching processes,can reflect the paleoenvironments and paleoclimates during pedogenic processes.The specific composition and stratigraphic profiles mirror the mineralogical and chemical trends observed in weathered basalts on Hainan Island in south China.In this study,we investigated the laboratory reflectance spectra of a 53-m-long drilling core of a thick basaltic weathering profile collected from Hainan Island.We established a quantitative spectral model by combining the genetic algorithm and partial least squares regression(GA-PLSR)to predict the chemical properties(SiO2,Al2O3,Fe2O3)and index of laterization(IOL).The entire sample set was divided into a calibration set of 25 samples and a validation set of 12 samples.Specifically,the GA was used to select the spectral subsets for each composition,which were then input into the PLSR model to derive the chemical concentration.The coefficient of determination(R2)values on the validation set for SiO2,Al2O3,Fe2O3,and the IOL were greater than 0.9.In addition,the effects of various spectral preprocessing techniques on the model accuracy were evaluated.We found that the spectral derivative treatment boosted the prediction accuracy of the GA-PLSR model.The improvement achieved with the second derivative was more pronounced than when using the first derivative.The quantitative model developed in this work has the potential to estimate the contents of similar weathering basalt products,and thus infer the degree of alteration and provide insights into paleoclimatic conditions.Moreover,the informative bands selected by the GA can serve as a guideline for designing spectral channels for the next generation of spectrometers.

Weathering and accumulation of trace elements in the soils of the Porali Plain, Balochistan: repercussions in agriculture

This study is thefirst attempt to assess the nature of the soil,especially on the western side of the Porali Plain in Balochistan;a new emerging agriculture hub,using weathering and pollution indices supplemented by multi-variate analysis based on geochemical data.The outcomes of this study are expected to help farmers in soil manage-ment and selecting suitable crops for the region.Twenty-five soil samples were collected,mainly from the arable land of the Porali Plain.After drying and coning-quarter-ing,soil samples were analyzed for major and trace ele-ments using the XRF technique;sieving and hydrometric methods were employed for granulometric analysis.Esti-mated data were analyzed using Excel,SPSS,and Surfer software to calculate various indices,correlation matrix,and spatial distribution.The granulometric analysis showed that 76%of the samples belonged to loam types of soil,12%to sand type,and 8%to silt type.Weathering indices:CIA,CIW,PIA,PWI,WIP,CIX,and ICV were calculated to infer the level of alteration.These indices reflect mod-erate to intense weathering;supported by K_(2)O/AI_(2)O_(3),Rb/K_(2)O,Rb/Ti,and Rb/Sr ratios.Assessment of the geo-ac-cumulation and Nemerow Pollution indices pinpoint rela-tively high concentrations of Pb,Ni,and Cr concentration in the soils.The correlation matrix and Principal Compo-nent Analysis show that the soil in this study area is mainly derived from the weathering of igneous rocks of Bela Ophiolite(Cretaceous age)and Jurassic sedimentary rocks of Mor Range having SEDEX/MVT type mineralization.Weathering may result in the undesirable accumulation of certain trace elements which adversely affects crops.

Weathering Characterization and Degradation Analysis of Landscape Wooden Buildings in Semi-Arid and Sandy Area

Wooden buildings play a very important role in China’s construction and landscape architecture industry.In order to explore the weathering characteristics of the surface layer of landscape wooden buildings,the main causes of weathering were analyzed on the basis of summarizing the common types of weathering characterization.The results showed that the weathering characterization was mainly reflected in the surface defects of wood structures,such as cracking,discoloration,peeling,wind erosion wear,and so on.The coating technology on the surface of constructions was the main artificial factor affecting the surface defects of constructions.In the case of similar surface decoration conditions,sunlight and moisture were the main natural factors affecting the weathering of wooden buildings,which will promote the process of weathering.

Middle Eocene terrestrial paleoweathering and climate evolution in the midlatitude Bohai Bay Basin of eastern China

The middle Eocene climatic optimum(MECO,ca.-42 Ma)is a key time period for understanding Cenozoic cooling of the global climate.Still,midlatitude terrestrial records of climate evolution during MEcO epoch are rare.In this study,continuous high-resolution record of shale sediments in mid-Eocene Shahejie Formation(MES shales)in the Bohai Bay Basin were performed with major-element and wavelet analysis.The midlatitude paleoweathering and paleoclimatic evolution during MEcO epoch were analyzed in this study.The MES shales experienced weak-moderate paleoweathering under a subtropical monsoon paleoclimate with mean annual temperature of 8.3-12.9℃ and mean annual precipitation of 685-1100 mm/yr.The MES shales record a mixed provenance involving intermediate igneous rocks,and low compositional maturity.The nutrient-rich environment led to enrichment in organic matter in the MES shales.Wavelet analysis revealed good periodicity about the paleoclimate and weathering during MECO epoch.In the stage I of MES shales depositional process,the paleolake was high in nutrients,and the MES shales experienced high chemical weathering due to a relatively warmer and more humid climate.In contrast,the climate in stage II was relatively cold and dry,and the maturity of the MES shales was relatively high during this stage,suggesting a relatively stable tectonic background.This work provides more terrestrial records of MEco epoch for midlatitude region,and is benefit for better understanding of the palaeoenvironment when MES shales formed.The implication of organic matters enrichment in this study is meaningful for the shale oil/gas exploration in Nanpu Sag.

Fractionation characteristics of magnesium isotope in the ancient weathering crust

Weathering has always been a concerned around the world,as the first and most important step in the global cycle of elements,which leads to the fractionation of isotopes on the scale of geological age.The Middle Ordovician Majiagou Formation in Daniudi area of the Ordos Basin had experienced weathering for>130 Myr.Through thin section observation,major and trace element analysis,carbon,oxygen,and magnesium isotopes composition analysis,the dolomitization modes and weathering of ancient dolo-mite in Daniudi area were analyzed in detail.The results showed that the Sabkha and brine-reflux dolomitization modes had developed,and the Mg isotopes in different layers of the karst crust were fractionated by various factors.The vertical vadose zone was affected by weathering,the Mg isotope of dolomite(δ^(26)Mgdol)showed a downward decreasing trend;the horizontal underflow zone was controlled by diagenesis and formation fluid,δ^(26)Mgdol showed a vertical invariance and negative;the main reason for Mg isotope fractionation in the deep slow-flow zone was the brine-reflux dolomitization mode during early burial period,which showed a vertical downward increase.Finally,the Mg isotope characteristic data of the ancient weathering crust were provided and the process of Mg isotope frac-tionationinthekarstcrust was explained.

Effect of sodium starch octenyl succinate-based Pickering emulsion on the physicochemical properties of hairtail myofibrillar protein gel subjected to multiple freeze-thaw cycles

A Pickering emulsion based on sodium starch octenyl succinate(SSOS)was prepared and its effects on the physicochemical properties of hairtail myofibrillar protein gels(MPGs)subjected to multiple freeze-thaw(F-T)cycles were investigated.The whiteness,water-holding capacity,storage modulus(G')and texture properties of the MPGs were significantly improved by adding 1%-2%Pickering emulsion(P<0.05).Meanwhile,Raman spectral analysis demonstrated that Pickering emulsion promoted the transformation of secondary structure,enhanced hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions,and promoted the transition of disulfide bond conformation from g-g-g to g-g-t and t-g-t.At an emulsion concentration of 2%,theα-helix content decreased by 10.37%,while theβ-sheet content increased by 7.94%,compared to the control.After F-T cycles,the structure of the MPGs was destroyed,with an increase in hardness and a decrease in whiteness and water-holding capacity,however,the quality degradation of MPGs was reduced with 1%-2%Pickering emulsion.These findings demonstrated that SSOS-Pickering emulsions,as potential fat substitutes,can enhance the gel properties and the F-T stability of MPGs.

Impact of mica on geotechnical behavior of weathered granitic soil using macro and micro investigations

The micaceous weathered granitic soil(WGS)is frequently encountered in civil engineering worldwide,unfortunately little information is available regarding how mica affects the physico-mechanical behaviors of WGS.This study prepares reconstituted WGS with different mica contents by removing natural mica in theWGS,and then mixes it with commercial mica powders.The geotechnical behavior as well as the microstructures of the mixtures are characterized.The addition of mica enables the physical indices of WGS to be specific combinations of coarser gradation and high permeability but high Atterberg limits.However,high mica content in WGS was found to be associated with undesirable mechanical properties,including increased compressibility,disintegration,and swelling potential,as well as poor compactability and low effective frictional angle.Microstructural analysis indicates that the influence of mica on the responses of mixtures originates from the intrinsic nature of mica as well as the particle packing being formed withinWGS.Mica exists in the mixture as stacks of plates that form a spongy structure with high compressibility and swelling potential.Pores among the plates give the soil high water retention and high Atterberg limits.Large pores are also generated by soil particles with bridging packing,which enhances the permeability and water-soil interactions upon immersion.This study provides a microlevel understanding of how mica dominates the behavior of WGS and provides new insights into the effective stabilization and improvement of micaceous soils.

Non-crossing Quantile Regression Neural Network as a Calibration Tool for Ensemble Weather Forecasts

Despite the maturity of ensemble numerical weather prediction(NWP),the resulting forecasts are still,more often than not,under-dispersed.As such,forecast calibration tools have become popular.Among those tools,quantile regression(QR)is highly competitive in terms of both flexibility and predictive performance.Nevertheless,a long-standing problem of QR is quantile crossing,which greatly limits the interpretability of QR-calibrated forecasts.On this point,this study proposes a non-crossing quantile regression neural network(NCQRNN),for calibrating ensemble NWP forecasts into a set of reliable quantile forecasts without crossing.The overarching design principle of NCQRNN is to add on top of the conventional QRNN structure another hidden layer,which imposes a non-decreasing mapping between the combined output from nodes of the last hidden layer to the nodes of the output layer,through a triangular weight matrix with positive entries.The empirical part of the work considers a solar irradiance case study,in which four years of ensemble irradiance forecasts at seven locations,issued by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts,are calibrated via NCQRNN,as well as via an eclectic mix of benchmarking models,ranging from the naïve climatology to the state-of-the-art deep-learning and other non-crossing models.Formal and stringent forecast verification suggests that the forecasts post-processed via NCQRNN attain the maximum sharpness subject to calibration,amongst all competitors.Furthermore,the proposed conception to resolve quantile crossing is remarkably simple yet general,and thus has broad applicability as it can be integrated with many shallow-and deep-learning-based neural networks.

Quantitative characterization of vertical zonation of Mesozoic granite weathering reservoirs in the coastal area of eastern Fujian Province,China

Weathering crust reservoirs have obvious vertical zonation,which is the focus of weathering crust reservoir research,but there is a lack of quantitative characterization indexes.To achieve the quantitative characterization of granite weathering crust reservoir and provide the basis for oil exploration of granite weathering crust buried hill reservoir,in this paper,the vertical zonation of granite weathering crust reservoir is quantitatively divided by testing and analyzing the uniaxial compressive strength(UCS),magnetic susceptibility(MS),permeability,and chemical index of alteration(CIA)of the Mesozoic granite weathering crust in the coastal area of eastern Fujian.The results show that the granite weathering crust reservoir can be divided into four zones vertically:a soil zone(SZ),weathered and dissolved zone(WDZ),fracture zone(FZ),and bedrock zone(BZ).A cataclastic area is developed in the FZ and BZ,in which structural fractures are well-developed,the fracture surface density is usually greater than 200 m/m^(2),and the contribution to the fractures in the rock mass is up to about 50%,making this the sweet spot of the reservoir.In the SZ,the rocks are loose,and the pores are well-developed.The UCS is less than 10 MPa,and the average rate of change of the UCS(Δ_(σ))is 0.90.The average permeability is 2823.00 mD,and the average rate of change of the permeability(Δ_(κ))is 5.13.The average CIA is 74.9%.The average clay mineral content is 7%.The rocks in the WDZ have been significantly weathered by physical and chemical processes,and the weathering fractures and dissolution pores are well-developed.The average UCS is 18.2 MPa,and the averageΔ_(σ)is 0.70.The average permeability is 143.80 mD,and averageΔ_(κ)is 4.17.The average CIA is 65.3%.The average clay mineral content is 4%.Under the influence of tectonic movement and physical weathering,the rocks in the FZ have developed structural fractures and a few weathered fractures.The average UCS is 57.9 MPa,and the averageΔ_(σ)is 0.18.The average permeability is 5.50 mD,and the averageΔ_(κ)is 2.55.The average CIA is 61.6%.The average clay mineral content is 2%.In the BZ,the rocks are intact and hard.The average UCS is 69.9 MPa,and the average Ds is 0.13.The average permeability is 1.46 mD,and the averageΔ_(κ)is 1.43.The average CIA is 57.8%.The average clay mineral content is less than 1%.The multi-parameter combination of the UCS,Δ_(σ),permeability,Δ_(κ),CIA,and clay mineral content achieved good results in the division of the zones of the weathering crust.The UCS increases gradually from top to bottom,while Ds,permeability,Δ_(κ),CIA,and clay mineral content all decrease gradually.In addition,based on the petrophysical parameters of the rocks,including the density,resistivity,and acoustic velocity,a good division effect was also achieved,which can provide a basis for the vertical zonation of the granite buried-hill weathering crust reservoir.

Chemical weathering profile in the V–Ti–Fe mine tailings pond:a basalt-weathering analog

The(ultra-)mafic mine tailings pond revealed a weathering discrepancy in the tailings profile,which provided a valuable analog to assess the role of carbonate and silicate weathering of the basalt.In this study,drill-cores samples were selected from the Wanniangou V–Ti–Fe mine tailings pond(Sichuan province,China)to investigate the mineralogicand geochemical characteristics in the tailings profile.The results reveal(1)the tailings pond profile consist of upper and lower layers.The upper layer is composed of carbonate weathering(1.4%),which was formed in the initial stages of tailings exposure and represented a minimal weathering degree.(2)The lower layer was primarily observed at the aquifer zone of the tailings pond,and was consistent with 0.45%carbonate weathering and 48.4%silicate weathering.(3)The weathering discrepancy in the tailings profile could be due to the sulfide oxidation and aerobic/flowing aquifer,which facilitate the water-tailings reactions.The tailings profile provides an analog to studying basalt weathering,as it spans both carbonate and silicate weathering.This research reinforces the idea that silicate weathering is predominant in basaltic areas and plays a crucial role in regulating atmospheric CO_(2)(carbon dioxide)levels on Earth.

Characteristics and identification of weathering crust of Pennsylvanian volcanic rocks in Shixi area,Junggar Basin

Based on drill core and thin section observation,major geochemical element analysis and con-ventional well log analysis,this study summarizes the characteristics and thickness of weathering crust of Pennsylvanian volcanic rocks(Carboniferous)in Shixi area,Junggar Basin.The weathering crust is identified and divided into three types according to the petrological characteristics and well log interpretations in Shixi area,and the isopach of weathering crust is mapped.The results show that:(1)With the increase of depth,the weathering weakens,and the rocks become less fractured with decreased porosity;(2)the weathering crust of the Upper Carboniferous volcanic rocks can be divided into strongly weathered and mildly weathered layers in Shixi area;(3)the weathering crust is relatively thicker in Dinan uplift and Shixi uplift.This study provides research basis for further evaluation of Upper Carboniferous volcanic reservoir,and will benefit for well location deployment and potential oilfield development in the Shixi area.

Frost deformation and microstructure evolution of porous rock under uniform and unidirectional freeze-thaw conditions

The frost deterioration and deformation of porous rock are commonly investigated under uniform freeze-thaw(FT)conditions.However,the unidirectional FT condition,which is also prevalent in engineering practice,has received limited attention.Therefore,a comparative study on frost deformation and microstructure evolution of porous rock under both uniform and unidirectional FT conditions was performed.Firstly,frost deformation experiments of rock were conducted under cyclic uniform and unidirectional FT action,respectively.Results illustrate that frost deformation of saturated rock exhibits isotropic characteristics under uniform FT cycles,while it shows anisotropic characteristics under unidirectional FT condition with both the frost heaving strain and residual strain along FT direction much higher than those perpendicular to FT direction.Moreover,the peak value and residual value of cumulative frost strain vary as logarithmic functions with cycle number under both uniform and unidirectional FT conditions.Subsequently,the microstructure evolution of rock suffered cyclic uniform and unidirectional FT action were measured.Under uniform FT cycles,newly generated pores uniformly distribute in rock and pore structure of rock remains isotropic in micro scale,and thus the frost deformation shows isotropic characteristics in macro scale.Under unidirectional FT cycles,micro-cracks or pore belts generate with their orientation nearly perpendicular to the FT direction,and rock structure gradually becomes anisotropic in micro scale,resulting in the anisotropic characteristics of frost deformation in macro scale.

Prediction of Chemical Composition of Ancient Glass Relics before Weathering

Ancient glass relics are easily weathered by the influence of buried environment, and the internal elements exchange with the environmental elements in large quantities, resulting in changes in their composition ratio. Archaeological research can often detect the component content of glass relics after weathering, but it is difficult to obtain the corresponding component content before weathering. It is necessary to predict the chemical composition of glass relics before weathering in order to accurately identify the type of glass relics and repair them. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a distributed matching strategy, and studies the influence of weathering on the composition content of glass through compositional correlation analysis and linear regression statistical methods, so as to build a prediction model of the composition content of glass relics before weathering. The results show that the composition prediction model of glass cultural relics constructed by the distribution matching strategy has a good prediction ability, which is consistent with the change trend of the composition ratio of linear regression analysis. Moreover, the model is simple and easy to operate, which is convenient for popularization and application, and provides theoretical basis and reference value for further research on the composition and accurate classification of glass cultural relics.

Fractal Study on the Evolution of Micro-Pores in Concrete Under Freeze-Thaw

After exposure to freeze-thaw cycles, scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) were used to test the four mixtures. The microstructure is qualitatively analyzed from the 2D SEM image and the 3D pore distribution curve before and after freezing and thawing. The fractal dimension is utilized to characterize the two-dimensional topography image and the three-dimensional pore distribution, quantitatively. The results reveal that the surface porosity and volume porosity increase as the freeze-thaw action increases. Self-similarity characteristics exist in micro-damage inside the concrete. In the fractal dimension, it is possible to characterize pore evolution quantitatively. The fractal dimension correlates with pore damage evolution. The fractal dimension effectively quantitatively characterizes micro-damage features at various scales from the local to the global level.

Freeze-thaw cycles and associated geomorphology in a post-glacial environment:current glacial,paraglacial,periglacial and proglacial scenarios at Pico de Orizaba volcano,Mexico

The glacial history of Pico de Orizaba indicates that during the Last Glacial Maximum,its icecap covered up to~3000 m asl;due to the air temperature increasing,its main glacier has retreated to 5050 m asl.The retraction of the glacier has left behind an intense climatic instability that causes a high frequency of freeze-thaw cycles of great intensity;the resulting geomorphological processes are represented by the fragmentation of the bedrock that occupies the upper parts of the mountain.There is a notable lack of studies regarding the fragmentation and erosion occurring in tropical high mountains,and the associated geomorphological risks;for this reason,as a first stage of future continuous research,this study analyzes the freezing and thawing cycles that occur above 4000 m asl,through continuous monitoring of surface ground temperature.The results allow us to identify and characterize four zones:glacial,paraglacial,periglacial and proglacial.It was found that the paraglacial zone presents an intense drop of temperature,of up to~9℃ in only sixty minutes.The rock fatigue and intense freeze-thaw cycles that occur in this area are responsible for the high rate of rock disintegration and represent the main factor of the constant slope dynamics that occur at the site.This activity decreases,both in frequency and intensity,according to the distance to the glacier,which is where the temperature presents a certain degree of stability,until reaching the proglacial zone,where cycles are almost non-existent,and therefore there is no gelifraction activity.The geomorphological processes have resulted in significant alterations to the mountain slopes,which can have severe consequences in terms of risk and water.

Predicting uniaxial compressive strength of tuff after accelerated freeze-thaw testing: Comparative analysis of regression models and artificial neural networks

Ignimbrites have been widely used as building materials in many historical and touristic structures in the Kayseri region of Türkiye. Their diverse colours and textures make them a popular choice for modern construction as well. However, ignimbrites are particularly vulnerable to atmospheric conditions, such as freeze-thaw cycles, due to their high porosity, which is a result of their formation process. When water enters the pores of the ignimbrites, it can freeze during cold weather. As the water freezes and expands, it generates internal stress within the stone, causing micro-cracks to develop. Over time, repeated freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles lead to the growth of these micro-cracks into larger cracks, compromising the structural integrity of the ignimbrites and eventually making them unsuitable for use as building materials. The determination of the long-term F-T performance of ignimbrites can be established after long F-T experimental processes. Determining the long-term F-T performance of ignimbrites typically requires extensive experimental testing over prolonged freeze-thaw cycles. To streamline this process, developing accurate predictive equations becomes crucial. In this study, such equations were formulated using classical regression analyses and artificial neural networks (ANN) based on data obtained from these experiments, allowing for the prediction of the F-T performance of ignimbrites and other similar building stones without the need for lengthy testing. In this study, uniaxial compressive strength, ultrasonic propagation velocity, apparent porosity and mass loss of ignimbrites after long-term F-T were determined. Following the F-T cycles, the disintegration rate was evaluated using decay function approaches, while uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) values were predicted with minimal input parameters through both regression and ANN analyses. The ANN and regression models created for this purpose were first started with a single input value and then developed with two and three combinations. The predictive performance of the models was assessed by comparing them to regression models using the coefficient of determination (R2) as the evaluation criterion. As a result of the study, higher R2 values (0.87) were obtained in models built with artificial neural network. The results of the study indicate that ANN usage can produce results close to experimental outcomes in predicting the long-term F-T performance of ignimbrite samples.

Evaluation of a Wireless Solar Powered Personal Weather Station

We are evaluating dryland cotton production in Martin County, Texas, measuring cotton lint yield per unit of rainfall. Our goal is to collect rainfall data per 250 - 400 ha. Upon selection of a rainfall gauge, we realized that the cost of using, for example, a tipping bucket-type rain gauge would be too expensive and thus searched for an alternative method. We selected an all-in-one commercially available weather station;hereafter, referred to as a Personal Weather Station (PWS) that is both wireless and solar powered. Our objective was to evaluate average measurements of rainfall obtained with the PWS and to compare these to measurements obtained with an automatic weather station (AWS). For this purpose, we installed four PWS deployed within 20 m of the Plant Stress and Water Conservation Meteorological Tower that was used as our AWS, located at USDA-ARS Cropping Systems Research Laboratory, Lubbock, TX. In addition, we measured and compared hourly average values of short-wave irradiance (Rg), air temperature (Tair) and relative humidity (RH), and wind speed (WS), and calculated values of dewpoint temperature (Tdew). This comparison was done over a 242-day period (1 October 2022-31 May 2023) and results indicated that there was no statistical difference in measurements of rainfall between the PWS and AWS. Hourly average values of Rg measured with the PWS and AWS agreed on clear days, but PWS measurements were higher on cloudy days. There was no statistical difference between PWS and AWS hourly average measurements of Tair, RH, and calculated Tdew. Hourly average measurements of Rg and WS were more variable. We concluded that the PWS we selected will provide adequate values of rainfall and other weather variables to meet our goal of evaluating dryland cotton lint yield per unit rainfall.

Promising Results Predict Role for Artificial Intelligence in Weather Forecasting

Artificial intelligence(AI)has already demonstrated its proficiency at difficult scientific tasks like predicting how proteins will fold and identifying new astronomical objects in masses of observational data[1].Now,recent results suggest that AI also excels at weather forecasting.For global predictions,GraphCast,an AI system developed by Google subsidiary DeepMind(London,UK),outperforms the state-of-the-art model from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts(ECMWF),providing more accurate projections of variables such as temperature and humidity 90%of the time[2,3].Other AI systems,including Pangu-Weather from the Chinese tech company Huawei(Shenzhen,China)[4],can also match or beat traditional global forecasting models.

Effects of cementation on physical properties of clastic rock-originated weathering crust reservoirs in the Kexia region,Junggar Basin,NW China

Cements are widely developed in clastic rock-originated weathering crust(CWC)reservoirs in the Kexia region along the northwestern margin of the Junggar Basin and significantly affect reservoir physical properties and oil and gas distribution in this area.Focusing on the CWC reservoirs at the top of both the Permian Jiamuhe Formation and the Triassic Karamay Formation,this study analyzed the types and characteristics of cements in the reservoirs and explored their effects on reservoir physical properties based on thin sections,SEM images,XRD results,and tests of physical properties.The main results are as follows.The cements in the CWC reservoirs in Kexia region mainly consist of carbonate minerals(41.5%),clay minerals(27.8%)and zeolite minerals(30%),as well as small amount of siliceous minerals.Among them,the carbonate minerals are dominated by siderite and calcite,the clay minerals mainly include kaolinite,interstratified illite/smectite(I/S)and chlorite,and the zeolite minerals primarily comprise heulandite and laumontite.These different types of multiphase cements are generally paragenetic or associated and affect reservoir physical properties to different degrees.Specifically,the carbonate and clay cements of the early diagenetic stage reduced the reservoirs’average porosity from 21%to 15%.The dissolution of some carbonate and zeolite cements in the early A substage of the middle diagenetic stage restored the average porosity to 18%,and the cementation in the late A substage decreased the average porosity to 13%again,of which about 4%was reduced by carbonate cements.The average porosity of the CWC reservoirs gradually decreased to the current value of approximately 10%in the B substage of the middle diagenetic stage.The impact of cementation on the CWC reservoirs can reach as far as 70 m below the unconformity.Moreover,the types and contents of cements vary with their depth below the unconformity surface,leading to the development of multiple zones with high cement content and the differentiated oil and gas distribution.