Migration and accumulation characteristics of natural gas hydrates in the uplifts and their slope zones in the Qiongdongnan Basin,China

Various factors controlling the accumulation of natural gas hydrates(NGHs)form various enrichment and accumulation modes through organic combination.This study mainly analyzes the geological and geophysical characteristics of the NGHs occurrence in the uplifts and their slope zones within the deep-water area in the Qiongdongnan(QDN)Basin(also referred to as the study area).Furthermore,it investigates the dominant governing factors and models of NGHs migration and accumulation in the study area.The results are as follows.(1)The uplifts and their slope zones in the study area lie in the dominant pressure-relief direction of fluids in central hydrocarbon-rich sags in the area,which provide sufficient gas sources for the NGHs accumulation and enrichment through pathways such as gas chimneys and faults.(2)The top and flanks of gas chimneys below the bottom simulating reflectors(BSRs)show high-amplitude seismic reflections and pronounced transverse charging of free gas,indicating the occurrence of a large amount of gas accumulation at the heights of the uplifts.(3)Chimneys,faults,and high-porosity and high-permeability strata,which connect the gas hydrate temperature-pressure stability zones(GHSZs)with thermogenic gas and biogenic gas,form the main hydrate migration system.(4)The reservoir system in the study area comprises sedimentary interlayers consisting of mass transport deposits(MTDs)and turbidites.In addition,the reservoir system has developed fissure-and pore-filling types of hydrates in the pathways.The above well-matched controlling factors of hydrate accumulation enable the uplifts and their slope zones in the study area to become the favorable targets of NGHs exploration.

Basic Types and Structural Characteristics of Uplifts:An Overview of Sedimentary Basins in China

The uplift is a positive structural unit of the crust. It is an important window for continental dynamics owing to its abundant structural phenomena, such as fault, fold, unconformity and denudation of strata. Meanwhile, it is the very place to store important minerals like oil, natural gas, coal and uranium. Giant and large-scale oil and gas fields in China, such as the Daqing Oilfield, Lunnan-Tahe Oilfield, Penglai 19-3 Oilfield, Puguang Gas Field and Jingbian Gas Field, are developed mainly on uplifts. Therefore, it is the main target both for oil and gas exploration and for geological study. The uplift can be either a basement uplift, or one developed only in the sedimentary cover. Extension, compression and wrench or their combined forces may give rise to uplifts. The development process of uplifting, such as formation, development, dwindling and destruction, can be taken as the uplifting cycle. The uplifts on the giant Precambrian cratons are large in scale with less extensive structural deformation. The uplifts on the medium- and small-sized cratons or neo-cratons are formed in various shapes with strong structural deformation and complicated geological structure. Owing to changes in the geodynamic environment, uplift experiences a multi-stage or multi-cycle development process. Its geological structure is characterized in superposition of multi-structural layers. Based on the basement properties, mechanical stratigraphy and development sequence, uplifts can be divided into three basic types-the succession, superposition and destruction ones. The succession type is subdivided into the maintaining type and the lasting type. The superposition type can be subdivided into the composite anticlinal type, the buried-hill draped type, the faulted uplift type and the migration type according to the different scales and superimposed styles of uplifts in different cycles. The destruction type is subdivided into the tilting type and the negative inverted type. The development history of uplifts and their controlling effects on sedimentation and fluids are quite different from one another, although the uplifts with different structural types store important minerals. Uplifts and their slopes are the main areas for oil and gas accumulation. They usually become the composite oil and gas accumulation zones （belts） with multiple productive formations and various types of oil and gas reservoirs.

Terraces and Tectonic Uplifts at Yandantu and Changcaogou on the Northern Margin Fault of Altun

The formation of strath and strath terrace is closely related to tectonic uplift in the drainage basin. Based on the investigation of straths at Yandantu and Changcaogou on the eastern segment of the northern margin fault of Altun, and in combination with the paleoclimatic data, the tectonic uplift since late Epipleistocene as revealed by stream terraces at the two places is discussed. At Yandantu, three levels of stream terraces(T 1, T 2 and T 3)have developed since 16ka BP, where T 1, T 3 and T 2 are fill terraces and the buried major straths are exposed. The ages of three treads are dated to be about 16.1ka BP, 12.8ka BP and 6.2ka BP, respectively. The three terraces reflect three tectonic uplift events, while the ages of the treads represent the occurrence time of these events. The stream is still beveling the bedrock and widening the channel at present, and the modern strath is being generated. The uplift rate is 4.8～4.5mm/a since 16.1 ka BP in this area. From 12.8ka B.P to 6.2ka BP, The uplift rate was 6.4mm/a. The uplift rate is 3.1mm/a since 6.2ka BP. At Changcaogou, four levels of stream terraces(T 1, T 2, T 3 and T 1′)have developed since 7ka BP. All of them are fill terraces. There are buried straths under the deposits. The buried major strath is exposed on T 3 and T 2 and the minor strath on T 1′and T 1. The ages of treads of the three terraces (T 3, T 2 and T 1′) are 7 ka BP, 3 ka BP and 2.5 ka BP, respectively. The four terraces reflect two uplift events induced by tectonic activities. One occurred in about 7 ka BP, and the other in 3ka BP. The uplift rate is 5.9mm/a since 7.0 ka BP at Changcaogou. From 7ka BP to 3ka BP, the uplift rate was 7.0mm/a, and since 3ka BP till now, the uplift rate is 4.7 mm/a.

Multiple Uplift and Exhumation of the Southeastern Tibetan Plateau:Evidence from Low-Temperature Thermochronology

Since the Cenozoic,the Tibetan Plateau has experienced large-scale uplift and outgrowth due to the India-Asia collision.However,the mechanism and timing of these tectonic processes still remain debated.Here,using apatite fission track dating and inverse thermal modeling,we explore the mechanism of different phases of rapid cooling for different batholiths and intrusions in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau.In contrast to previous views,we find that the coeval granitic batholith exposed in the same tectonic zone experienced differential fast uplift in different sites,indicating that the present Tibetan Plateau was the result of differential uplift rather than the entire lithosphere uplift related to lithospheric collapse during Cenozoic times.In addition,we also suggest that the 5-2 Ma mantle-related magmatism should be regarded as the critical trigger for the widely coeval cooling event in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau,because it led to the increase in atmospheric CO_(2)level and a hotter upper crust than before,which are efficient for suddenly fast rock weathering and erosion.Finally,we propose that the current landform of the southeastern Tibetan Plateau was the combined influences of tectonic and climate.

Hydrocarbon Generation Potential and Organic Matter Enrichment Mechanism of the Cambrian Marine Shale in the Tadong Low Uplift,Tarim Basin

Cambrian shales in China and elsewhere contain abundant oil and gas resources.However,due to its deep burial and limited outcrop,there has been relatively little research conducted on it.The Cambrian shale of the Tadong low uplift in the Tarim Basin of western China,specifically the Xidashan-Xishanbulake Formation(Fm.)and overlying Moheershan Fm.provide a case study through the use of organic petrology,mineralogy,organic and elemental geochemistry,with the aim of analyzing and exploring the hydrocarbon generation potential(PG)and organic matter(OM)enrichment mechanisms within these shale formations.The results indicate that:(1)the Cambrian shale of the Tadong low uplift exhibits relatively dispersed OM that consists of vitrinite-like macerals and solid bitumen.These formations have a higher content of quartz and are primarily composed of silica-based lithology;(2)shale samples from the Xidashan-Xishanbulake and Moheershan formations demonstrate high total organic carbon(TOC)and low pyrolytic hydrocarbon content(S_(2))content.The OM is predominantly typeⅠand typeⅡkerogens,indicating a high level of maturation in the wet gas period.These shales have undergone extensive hydrocarbon generation,showing characteristics of relatively poor PG;(3)the sedimentary environments of the Xidashan-Xishanbulake and Moheershan formations in the Tadong low uplift are similar.They were deposited in warm and humid climatic conditions,in oxygen-deficient environments,with stable terrigenous inputs,high paleoproductivity,high paleosalinity,weak water-holding capacity,and no significant hydrothermal activity;and(4)the relationship between TOC and the paleoproductivity parameter(P/Ti)is most significant in the Lower Cambrian Xidashan-Xishanbulake Fm.,whereas correlation with other indicators is not evident.This suggests a productivity-driven OM enrichment model,where input of landderived material was relatively small during the Middle Cambrian,and the ancient water exhibited lower salinity.A comprehensive pattern was formed under the combined control of paleoproductivity and preservation conditions.This study provides valuable guidance for oil and gas exploration in the Tarim Basin.

The Geology, Fluid Inclusions, and O-S Isotopes of the Mibei Gold Deposit, Hunan Province, Southern China

The Mibei gold deposit,located in the southwestern part of the Xuefengshan uplift zone,the middle section of the Jiangnan orogenic belt in southern China,has estimated gold resources of approximately seven tons.This deposit is primarily a quartz vein-type gold deposit,with ore bodies occurring mainly within Neoproterozoic metasediments.The main metallic minerals in the ore are pyrite,chalcopyrite,and arsenopyrite.In this study,the petrography and microthermometry of ore-forming fluid inclusions,oxygen isotopes of gold-bearing quartz,and sulfur isotopes of goldbearing sulfides and arsenopyrite were analyzed.Three types of fluid inclusions were identified:type Ⅰa three-phase inclusions comprising vapor and two phases of liquids(V_(CO_(2))+L_(CO_(2))+L_(H2O)),type Ⅰb two-phase liquids(L_(CO_(2))+L_(H2O)),typeⅡ two-phase vapor-rich inclusions(V/V+L> 50%),and type Ⅲ pure liquid inclusions.Type Ⅰ inclusions were heated uniformly to the liquid phase,type Ⅱ inclusions were heated uniformly to the gas phase,and type Ⅲ inclusions were heated without change.In general,the temperature range of homogenization to liquid phase of fluid inclusions in the Mibei gold deposit is 204-227℃.The salinity of the inclusion ranges from 4.6 to 12.2 wt% NaCl equiv.The δ~(18)O_(SMOW) of gold-bearing quartz varies from 16.9‰ to 17.5‰.The δ~(18)O_(H2O) of gold-bearing quartz are varied from 6.5‰ to 7.5‰.The δ~(34)S values of gold-bearing pyrite range from 1.7‰ to 6.8‰.The δ~(34)S values of gold-bearing arsenopy rite range from 5.6%o to 5.9‰.Theδ~(34)S values of pyrite from wall rocks slate range from 6.4‰ to 11.6‰.This evidence implies that the ore-forming fluids of the Mibei gold deposit originated from magmatic-hydrothermal processes,mixing with minor S from the surrounding metasediments.Combined with the evolution of the Jiangnan orogenic belt,due to the magmatic and tectonic activities of the Xuefengshan uplift during the Caledonian period,the fault seal mechanism controlled the ore-forming process.Overall,the Mibei gold deposit is more akin to a magmatic-hydrothermal gold deposit.

An improved analytical solution for solving the shield tunnel uplift problem

The problem of shield tunnel uplift is a common issue in tunnel construction.Due to the decrease in shear stiffness at the joints between the rings,uplift is typically observed as bending and dislocation deformation at these joints.Existing modeling methods typically rely on the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory,only considering the bending effect while disregarding shear deformation.Furthermore,the constraints on the shield tail are often neglected in existing models.In this study,an improved theoretical model of tunnel floating is proposed.The constraint effect of the shield machine shell on the tunnel structure is considered using the structural forms of two finite long beams and one semi-infinite long beam.Furthermore,the Timoshenko beam theory is adopted,providing a more accurate description of tunnel deformation,including both the bending effect and shear deformation,than existing models.Meanwhile,the buoyancy force and stratum resistance are calculated in a nonlinear manner.A reliable method for calculating the shear stiffness correction factor is proposed to better determination of the calculation parameters.The proposed theoretical model is validated through five cases using sitemonitored data.Its applicability and effectiveness are demonstrated.Furthermore,the influences of soil type,buried depth,and buoyancy force on the three key indicators of tunnel floating(i.e.the maximum uplift magnitude,the ring position with the fastest uplift race,and the ring position with the maximum uplift magnitude)are analyzed.The results indicate that the proposed model can provide a better understanding of the floating characteristics of the tunnel structure during construction.

An integrated north–south paleo-Dadu-Anning River: New insights from bulk major and trace element analyses of the Xigeda Formation

The Xianshuihe-Anninghe fault extends SE–S and constitutes the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau.However,the Dadu River which is associated with the fault does not flow following the path,but makes a 90ºturn within a distance of 1 km at Shimian,heading east,and joins the Yangtze River,finally flowing into the East China Sea.Adjacent to the abrupt turn,a low and wide pass near the Daqiao reservoir at Mianning separates the N–S course of the Dadu River from the headwater of the Anning River which then flows south into the Yunnan Province along the Anninghe fault.Therefore,many previous studies assumed southward flow of the paleo-Dadu River from the Shimian to the Anning River.However,evidences for the capture of the integrated N–S paleo-Dadu-Anning River,its timing,and causes are still insufficient.This study explored the paleo-drainage pattern of the Dadu and Anning Rivers based on bulk mineral and geochemical analyses of the large quantities of fluvial/lacustrine sediments along the trunk of the Dadu and Anning Rivers.Similar with sands in the modern Dadu River,the Xigeda sediments also exhibit a granitoid affinity with the bulk major mineral compositions of quartz(>50%),anorthite(about 10%),orthoclase(about 5%),muscovite(about 5%),and clinochlore(about 4%).Correspondingly,bulk major elements show high SiO_(2),with all samples>60%,and some of them>70%,low TiO_(2)(≤0.75%),P_(2)O_(5)(≤0.55%),FeO*(≤5%),and relatively high CaO(1.02%–8.51%),Na_(2)O(1.60%–2.52%),and K_(2)O(2.17%–2.71%),with a uniform REE patterns.Therefore,synthesizing all these results indicate that these lacustrine sediments have similar material sources,which are mainly derived from its course in the Songpan-Ganzi flysch block,implying that the paleo-Dadu originally flowed southward into the Anning River and provided materials to the Xigeda ancient lake.The rearrangement of the paleo-Dadu River appears to be closely related to the locally focused uplift driven by strong activities of the XianshuiheXiaojiang fault system.

Thermal and exhumation history of the Songnan Low Uplift,Qiongdongnan Basin:constraints from the apatite fission-track and zircon(U-Th)/He thermochronology

Significant advancements have been made in the study of Mesozoic granite buried hills in the Songnan Low Uplift(SNLU)of the Qiongdongnan Basin.These findings indicate that the bedrock buried hills in this basin hold great potential for exploration.Borehole samples taken from the granite buried hills in the SNLU were analyzed using apatite fission track(AFT)and zircon(U-Th)/He data to unravel the thermal history of the basement rock.This information is crucial for understanding the processes of exhumation and alteration that occurred after its formation.Thermal modeling of a sample from the western bulge of the SNLU revealed a prolonged cooling event from the late Mesozoic to the Oligocene period(~80-23.8 Ma),followed by a heating stage from the Miocene epoch until the present(~23.8 Ma to present).In contrast,the sample from the eastern bulge experienced a more complex thermal history.It underwent two cooling stages during the late Mesozoic to late Eocene period(~80-36.4 Ma)and the late Oligocene period(~30-23.8 Ma),interspersed with two heating phases during the late Eocene to early Oligocene period(~36.4-30 Ma)and the Miocene epoch to recent times(~23.8-0 Ma),respectively.The differences in exhumation histories between the western and eastern bulges during the late Eocene to Oligocene period in the SNLU can likely be attributed to differences in fault activity.Unlike typical passive continental margin basins,the SNLU has experienced accelerated subsidence after the rifting phase,which began around 5.2 Ma ago.The possible mechanism for this abnormal post-rifting subsidence may be the decay or movement of the deep thermal source and the rapid cooling of the asthenosphere.Long-term and multi-episodic cooling and exhumation processes play a key role in the alteration of bedrock and contribute to the formation of reservoirs.On the other hand,rapid post-rifting subsidence(sedimentation)promotes the formation of cap rocks.

Structural characteristics and tectonic division of the Zambezi Delta basin in the offshore East Africa:evidences from gravity and seismic data

The Zambezi Delta basin is a passive marginal basin located on the East African coast that has good oil and gas exploration potential.Due to the special geological evolutionary background of the Beira High in the Zambezi Delta basin,it has a low gravity anomaly,and the existing seismic survey lines do not cover the whole basin;therefore,it is difficult to interpret the structural characteristics of the whole basin based solely on gravity or seismic data.Based on satellite altimetry gravity anomaly data,this study infers the distribution characteristics of faults in the Zambezi Delta basin by using the normalized vertical derivative of the total horizontal derivative(NVDR-THDR)technique.Then,constrained by seismic data,the gravity anomaly at the Moho interface is extracted by using the fast forward method of the double-interface model of the gravity anomaly,and this anomaly is then removed from the Bouguer gravity anomaly to obtain the sedimentary layer gravity anomaly.The thickness of the sedimentary strata is obtained by inversing the sedimentary basement depth of the whole basin.Then,uplifts and depressions are divided based on a sedimentary layer thickness of 3 km.This research demonstrates that the Zambezi Delta basin mainly features nearly SN-trending and NE-trending faults and that these faults exhibit east-west partitioning.The nearly SN-trending strike-slip faults controlled the sedimentary development of the basin,and the NE-trending tensile faults may have acted as migration channels for oil,gas and magma.The“overcompensation”effect of the Moho interface gravity anomaly on the gravity anomaly of the sedimentary layer is caused by the depression of the Moho interface beneath the Beira High,which results in a low gravity anomaly value for the Beira High.The pattern of uplifts and depressions trends NE and has the structural characteristics of east-west blocks.

AI机器学习:体育消费实验Uplift因果模型研究

2019年Metalearners for Estimating Heterogeneous Treatment Effects using Machine Learning的发表引发了世界因果推断理论的研究热情。目前,机器学习与因果推断论中的许多统计模型已被广泛应用。本文采用文献资料法、数理统计分析方法、案例研究法等研究方法,研究推演现代因果推断理论中较为知名的Uplift因果模型在体育中的应用场景,其中Uplift因果模型包括S-learner(单模型)、T-learner(双模型)、X-learner(交叉训练模型)。结果显示,在体育消费随机对照实验中应用Uplift因果模型,可以基于基本模型进一步推导出各变量因素之间的因果关系,验证并分析自变量对因变量变化的影响;率先在体育消费市场研究与实验中应用Uplift因果模型可以填补我国体育消费实验数据分析方法的空缺。

Uplift算法在商业银行智能营销体系中的应用研究

当今时代,商业银行将大量机器学习模型应用于客户营销领域中,但传统的机器学习模型仅预测客户AUM是否提升或客户是否购买某产品,无法区分提升与营销间的因果关系。针对当前商业银行在智能营销方面的不足,文章深入探索了Uplift模型在商业银行营销端的实践应用。以X商业银行数据为基础,文章构建了与Uplift模型相匹配的智能营销体系,并设计了合理的评估指标体系。通过实证研究,发现以X-Learner为代表的Uplift模型在评估指标上表现优异,显著提高了营销的精准性和效率,为商业银行降本增效提供了有效手段。本研究不仅为商业银行的智能营销提供了新的视角和方法论,也为Uplift算法在更广泛领域的应用提供了有益的参考。

The Central Guizhou and Yi-chang uplifts, Upper Yangtze region,between Ordovician and Silurian

The Central Guizhou and Yichang Uplifts are present in central Guizhou to western Hubei. Biostrati-graphic evidences from more than 20 sections in 14 counties of this region provide the data about the duration of these uplifts. Although this duration differs from locality to locality, it is mainly from Ashgillian to Rhuddanian. The uplifts result from a horizontally driven movement to the South China Paleoplate from an uncertain block in southeast. Global sea-level drop during the end of the Ordovician made the uplifts obvious, particularly the Central Guizhou Uplift.It might have emerged above sea level in the short interval between the Ordovician and Silurian.

EW-trending uplifts along the southern side of the central segment of the Altyn Tagh Fault, NW China: Insight into the rising mechanism of the Altyn Mountain during the Cenozoic

The Altyn Tagh Fault and the Altyn Mountain define respectively the tectonic and geographical northern edges of the Tibetan Plateau, and figure prominently in the growth and rising mechanism of the plateau. The rhombus-shaped Altyn Mountain has long been thought to have an intimate relation with the Altyn Tagh Fault; however, its formation mechanism remains unclear and debatable. In this paper, we focus on the EW-trending uplifts in the Altyn Mountain, and investigated three Cenozoic sedimentary sections in the vicinity of the EW-trending uplifts located along the southern side of the central segment of the Altyn Tagh Fault. Magnetostratigraphy and pollen analysis were used to constrain ages of the sediments. Clast composition of conglomerate and paleocurrents obtained from clast imbrications were applied to determine the provenance. We also established a geological section parallel to the Altyn Tagh Fault on sedimentary facies across the northwestern Qaidam Basin. The results indicate that these en-echelon EW-trending uplifts formed as early as ca. 36 Ma and were preferred to be under the control of basal shear of the Altyn Tagh Fault in the middle-lower crust, symbolizing the early uplift of the Altyn Mountain during the Cenozoic. Left-slip along the Altyn Tagh Fault occurring during the Miocene and afterwards displaced and altered these uplifts, shaping the Altyn Mountain to its present fabric.

Determination of minimum overburden depth for underwater shield tunnel in sands:Comparison between circular and rectangular tunnels

With the development of global urbanization,the utilization of underground space is more critical and attractive for civil purposes.Various shapes of shield tunnels have been gradually proposed to cope with different geological conditions and service purposes of underground structures.Generally,reducing the burial depth of shield tunnel is conducive to construction and cost saving.However,extremely small overburden depth cannot provide sufficient uplift resistance to maintain the stability and serviceability of the tunnel.To this end,this paper firstly reviewed the status of deriving the minimum sand over-burden depth of circular shield tunnel using mechanical equilibrium(ME)method.It revealed that the estimated depth is rather conservative.Then,the uplift resistance mechanism of both circular and rectangular tunnels was deduced theoretically and verified with the model tests.The theoretical uplift resistance is consistent with the experimental values,indicating the feasibility of the proposed equations.Furthermore,the determination of the minimum soil overburden depth of rectangular shield tunnel under various working conditions was presented through integrated ME method,which can provide more reasonable estimations of suggested tunnel burial depth for practical construction.Additionally,optimizations were made for calculating the uplift resistance,and the soil thickness providing uplift resistance is suggested to be adjusted according to the testing results.The results can provide reference for the design and construction of various shapes of shield tunnels in urban underground space exploitation.

Exploring the rules of cropland elevation uplift in China

Cropland elevation uplift(CLEU) has recently become a new challenge for agricultural modernization,food security,and sustainable cropland use in China.Uncovering the rules of CLEU is of great theoretical and practical significance for China’s sustainable agricultural development and rural revitalization strategy.However,existing studies lack in-depth disclosure of multi-scale CLEU evolution rules,making it difficult to support the formulation of specific cropland protection policies.We analyzed the spatio-temporal evolution and multiscale CLEU in China from 1980 to 2020 using the Lorenz curve,gravity center model,hotspot analysis,and cropland elevation spectrum.The results indicated that the center of gravity of cropland moved to the northeast from 1980 to 2000 and then shifted to the northwest.The spatial distribution of cropland became increasingly imbalanced from 1980 to 2000.The change hotspots clustered in the northwest and the northeast,whereas cold-spots were mainly in southeastern China.The average elevation of cropland increased by 17.38 m,and the elevation uplift rule in different regions differed evidently across scales.From 1980 to 2000,all provinces except Xinjiang,Inner Mongolia,Gansu,and Yunnan exhibited CLEU,with Qinghai,Tibet,Beijing,and Guangdong showing the most noticeable uplifting.The CLEU can alleviate the shortage of cropland to some extent.However,without a planning constraint,the CLEU will lead to the increase of ecological risk and food security risk.

Failure of levees induced by toe uplift:Investigation of post-failure behavior using material point method

Levees are essential structures in flood defense systems,and their failures can lead to devastating consequences on the surrounding territories.One of the failure mechanisms mostly controlled by the foundation soil stratigraphy is the instability of the land side slope,triggered by the development of high uplift pressures in the foundation.This complex phenomenon has been investigated experimentally with centrifuge tests or large-scale tests and numerically with the limit equilibrium method(LEM)and the finite element method(FEM).In this work,we applied a multiphase formulation of the material point method(MPM)to analyze the development of toe uplift instability mechanism,from the onset of failure to large displacements.The numerical model is inspired by an experiment carried out in a geotechnical centrifuge test by Allersma and Rohe(2003).The comparison with the experiment allows for understanding critical pore pressure triggering large displacements in the foundation soils.Moreover,we numerically evaluated the impact of different values of foundation soils’hydraulic conductivity on the failure mechanism.The results show that hydraulic conductivity mainly influences the time of failure onset and the extension of shear localization at depth.Finally,the advantages of using large displacement approaches in the safety assessment of earth structures are discussed.Unlike FEM,there are no issues with element distortions generating difficulties with numerical convergence,allowing for full postfailure reproduction.This capability permits precise quantification of earth structure damages and post-failure displacements.The ensuing reinforcement systems’design is no longer over-conservative,with a significant reduction in associated costs.

Texture development of mesophase in reservoir pyrobitumen and the temperature-pressure converting of the gas reservoir in the Chuanzhong Uplift, Southwestern China

The Neoproterozoic-Lower Paleozoic dolostone gas reservoirs in the Chuanzhong Uplift in Southwestern China contain the mesophase pyrobitumen (pyrobitumen with mesophase). The mesophase in the pyrobitumen is mostly composed of a mixture of condensed macromolecule polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and has been mostly converted to various grain, flow, and domain textures. The volcanic activity nearby the Chuanzhong Uplift may have generated very hot (over 300 °C) hydrothermal fluid, with migration of the fluid into the dolostone reservoir transforming the hydrocarbons in the reservoir into an anisotropic carbon by-product, which formed under high temperature and pressure conditions;over 300 °C and 200 MPa according to fluid inclusion analysis. The high temperature-pressure in reservoir was caused by sudden devolatilization of the hydrocarbons due to hydrothermal heating, which formed the unusual texture of the mesophase. The elliptical mesophase grains (EG), the honeycomb structure of pyrobitumen, and the occurrence of polarized classes of mesophase in single pyrobitumen deposits are all unusual textures. This study investigates the texture development of this pressure-affected pyrobitumen. Observation and study of the mesophase suggest that the class of mesophase in pyrobitumen is determined by temperature, while pressure (assessed from associated fluid inclusions) significantly affected the texture. Analysis of the texture of the pyrobitumen in conjunction with previous thermometry results from methane inclusions suggests that the high class mesophase of the pyrobitumen could be applied as a temperature indicator for geological conditions. Furthermore, the unusual textures of the pyrobitumen including elliptical mesophase grains (EG), the honeycomb structure of pyrobitumen, and the occurrence of polarized classes of mesophase in single pyrobitumen could reflect the abnormal high formation pressure.

Investigation of groundwater characteristics and its influence on Landslides in Heifangtai Plateau using comprehensive geophysical methods

The occurrence of landslides in Heifangtai plateau is primarily caused by the rise in water levels due to irrigation. To accurately understand the distribution of groundwater and its impact on the landslide hazard, a combination of Electrical Resistivity Tomography(ERT), Induced Polarization(IP) and Surface Nuclear Magnetic Resonance(SNMR) methods were used in this study. By conducting a comprehensive analysis, the characteristics of water-bearing structure in vertical and groundwater distribution in horizontal were detected;and the influence of the groundwater on plateau and landslides was also identified. The results indicate that the groundwater occurs in the loess aquifer with a three-layer structure in vertical.Horizontally, the aquifer has a unified water table over the plateau, with a low water level in the north and high one in the south. The high resistivity bedrock uplift belt in the middle of the plateau forms a watershed,with the north side of the uplift belt being a relatively stable slope area with stable water content and fewer geological disasters. In contrast, the south side of the uplift belt is a disaster-prone region with vertical fissures well developed in the loess aquifers. The southern landslides are characterized by the interphase distribution of high and low electrical resistivity. The infiltration and discharge of groundwater result in the formation of a collapse belt in the low resistivity water-bearing structure of landslide, which causes the entire block with high resistivity and stable bedrock to slide. There was a newly formed landslide in a larger range at the landslide' s trailing edge. This study provides a scientific basis for the study of landslides mechanisms and disaster prevention by identifying the distribution characteristics of groundwater and analyzing its influence from a geophysical perspective in Heifangtai.

Geochemical characteristics of Sr isotopes in the LS33 drill core from the Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea, and their response to the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau

Making full use of modern analytical and testing techniques to explore and establish new indexes or methods for extracting paleoseawater geochemical information from sediments will help to reconstruct the sedimentary paleoenvironment in different research areas.The connection between the subsidence of the South China Sea basin and the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau has been a scientific concern in recent decades.To explore the information on the sedimentary paleoenvironment,provenance changes and uplift of Tibetan Plateau contained in core sediments(debris),we selected core samples from Well LS33 in the Qiongdongnan Basin,South China Sea,and analyzed the contents of typical elements(Al,Th,and rare earth elements)that can indicate changes in provenance and the Sr isotopic compositions,which can reveal the geochemical characteristics of the paleoseawater depending on the type of material(authigenic carbonate and terrigenous detritus).The results show the following:(1)during the late Miocene,the Red River transported a large amount of detrital sediments from the ancient continental block(South China)to the Qiongdongnan Basin.(2)The authigenic carbonates accurately record changes in the 87Sr/86Sr ratios in the South China Sea since the Oligocene.These ratios reflect the semi-closed marginal sea environment of the South China Sea(relative to the ocean)and the sedimentary paleoenvironment evolution process of the deep-water area of the Qiongdongnan Basin from continental to transitional and then to bathyal.(3)Since the Neogene,the variations in the 87Sr/86Sr ratio in the authigenic carbonates have been consistent with the variations in the uplift rate of the Tibetan Plateau and the sediment accumulation rate in the Qiongdongnan Basin.These consistent changes indicate the complex geological process of the change in the rock weathering intensity and terrigenous Sr flux caused by changes in the uplift rate of the Tibetan Plateau,which influence the Sr isotope composition of seawater.