Preface to the special issue dedicated to the 37^(th) International Geological Congress

The 37^(th) International Geological Congress,a premier forum held quadrennially and eagerly anticipated by geologists and geology enthusiasts worldwide,will take place from August 25 to 31,2024 in Busan,Republic of Korea.To celebrate this grand event,China Geology,a multidisciplinary geosciences journal sponsored by China Geological Survey and Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences(where the Secretariat of the International Union of Geological Sciences is currently located),presents this special issue and extends our best wishes for the success of the conference!

Geological conditions and reservoir characteristics of various shales in major shalehosted regions of China

China is home to shales of three facies:Marine shale,continental shale,and marine-continental transitional shale.Different types of shale gas are associated with significantly different formation conditions and major controlling factors.This study compared the geological characteristics of various shales and analyzed the influences of different parameters on the formation and accumulation of shale gas.In general,shales in China’s several regions exhibit high total organic carbon(TOC)contents,which lays a sound material basis for shale gas generation.Marine strata generally show high degrees of thermal evolution.In contrast,continental shales manifest low degrees of thermal evolution,necessitating focusing on areas with relatively high degrees of thermal evolution in the process of shale gas surveys for these shales.The shales of the Wufeng and Silurian formations constitute the most favorable shale gas reservoirs since they exhibit the highest porosity among the three types of shales.These shales are followed by those in the Niutitang and Longtan formations.In contrast,the shales of the Doushantuo,Yanchang,and Qingshankou formations manifest low porosities.Furthermore,the shales of the Wufeng and Longmaxi formations exhibit high brittle mineral contents.Despite a low siliceous mineral content,the shales of the Doushantuo Formation feature a high carbonate mineral content,which can increase the shales’brittleness to some extent.For marine-continental transitional shales,where thin interbeds of tight sandstone with unequal thicknesses are generally found,it is recommended that fracturing combined with drainage of multiple sets of lithologic strata should be employed to enhance their shale gas production.

The State of Geological Sciences in the USSR by the Mid-Twentieth Century

The November 1948 open session of the Institute of Geological Sciences AS USSR was previously unknown,in contrast to the August 1948 session of VASKhNIL.The publication of the transcript of the session of geologists is based on the original verified transcript from the Geological Institute and the Archive RAS.It presented reports on the main scientific directions of geology:stratigraphy,the Quaternary geology,lithology,geotectonics,petrography and petrology,mineralogy and geochemistry,and the geology of ore and coal deposits.This thick book details all the Q&A sessions,discussions of theories,methods,and practice among the leading Soviet geoscientists.The session and its resolution describe the situation and development of geology in the USSR in the mid-twentieth century as well as the collateral impact of the Lysenko affair on the earth sciences in the USSR.

Scale-space effect and scale hybridization in image intelligent recognition of geological discontinuities on rock slopes

Geological discontinuity(GD)plays a pivotal role in determining the catastrophic mechanical failure of jointed rock masses.Accurate and efficient acquisition of GD networks is essential for characterizing and understanding the progressive damage mechanisms of slopes based on monitoring image data.Inspired by recent advances in computer vision,deep learning(DL)models have been widely utilized for image-based fracture identification.The multi-scale characteristics,image resolution and annotation quality of images will cause a scale-space effect(SSE)that makes features indistinguishable from noise,directly affecting the accuracy.However,this effect has not received adequate attention.Herein,we try to address this gap by collecting slope images at various proportional scales and constructing multi-scale datasets using image processing techniques.Next,we quantify the intensity of feature signals using metrics such as peak signal-to-noise ratio(PSNR)and structural similarity(SSIM).Combining these metrics with the scale-space theory,we investigate the influence of the SSE on the differentiation of multi-scale features and the accuracy of recognition.It is found that augmenting the image's detail capacity does not always yield benefits for vision-based recognition models.In light of these observations,we propose a scale hybridization approach based on the diffusion mechanism of scale-space representation.The results show that scale hybridization strengthens the tolerance of multi-scale feature recognition under complex environmental noise interference and significantly enhances the recognition accuracy of GD.It also facilitates the objective understanding,description and analysis of the rock behavior and stability of slopes from the perspective of image data.

Estimation of the anisotropy of hydraulic conductivity through 3D fracture networks using the directional geological entropy

With an extension of the geological entropy concept in porous media,the approach called directional entrogram is applied to link hydraulic behavior to the anisotropy of the 3D fracture networks.A metric called directional entropic scale is used to measure the anisotropy of spatial order in different directions.Compared with the traditional connectivity indexes based on the statistics of fracture geometry,the directional entropic scale is capable to quantify the anisotropy of connectivity and hydraulic conductivity in heterogeneous 3D fracture networks.According to the numerical analysis of directional entrogram and fluid flow in a number of the 3D fracture networks,the hydraulic conductivities and entropic scales in different directions both increase with spatial order(i.e.,trace length decreasing and spacing increasing)and are independent of the dip angle.As a result,the nonlinear correlation between the hydraulic conductivities and entropic scales from different directions can be unified as quadratic polynomial function,which can shed light on the anisotropic effect of spatial order and global entropy on the heterogeneous hydraulic behaviors.

Modularized and Parametric Modeling Technology for Finite Element Simulations of Underground Engineering under Complicated Geological Conditions

The surrounding geological conditions and supporting structures of underground engineering are often updated during construction,and these updates require repeated numerical modeling.To improve the numerical modeling efficiency of underground engineering,a modularized and parametric modeling cloud server is developed by using Python codes.The basic framework of the cloud server is as follows:input the modeling parameters into the web platform,implement Rhino software and FLAC3D software to model and run simulations in the cloud server,and return the simulation results to the web platform.The modeling program can automatically generate instructions that can run the modeling process in Rhino based on the input modeling parameters.The main modules of the modeling program include modeling the 3D geological structures,the underground engineering structures,and the supporting structures as well as meshing the geometric models.In particular,various cross-sections of underground caverns are crafted as parametricmodules in themodeling program.Themodularized and parametric modeling program is used for a finite element simulation of the underground powerhouse of the Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station.This complicatedmodel is rapidly generated for the simulation,and the simulation results are reasonable.Thus,this modularized and parametric modeling program is applicable for three-dimensional finite element simulations and analyses.

Application of oblique photogrammetry technique in geological hazard identification and decision management

With the continuous development of the oblique photography technique, it has been used more and more widely in the field of geological disasters. It can quickly obtain the three-dimensional(3D) real scene model of dangerous mountainous areas under the premise of ensuring the safety of personnel while restoring the real geographic information as much as possible. However, geological disaster areas are often accompanied by many adverse factors such as cliffs and dense vegetation. Based on this, the paper introduced the flight line design of oblique photogrammetry, analyzed the multi-platform data fusion processing, studied the multi-period data dynamic evaluation technology and proposed the application methods of data acquisition, early warning, disaster assessment and decision management suitable for geological disaster identification through the analysis of actual cases, which will help geologists to plan and control geological work more scientifically and rationally, improve work efficiency and reduce the potential personnel safety hazards in the process of geological survey, to offer technical support to the application of oblique photogrammetry in geological disaster identification and decision making and provide the scientific basis for personal and property safety protection and later-stage geological disaster management in disaster areas.

Investigation of gravity influence on EOR and CO_(2) geological storage based on pore-scale simulation

Gravity assistance is a critical factor influencing CO_(2)-Oil mixing and miscible flow during EOR and CO_(2)geological storage.Based on the Navier-Stokes equation,component mass conservation equation,and fluid property-composition relationship,a mathematical model for pore-scale CO_(2) injection in oilsaturated porous media was developed in this study.The model can reflect the effects of gravity assistance,component diffusion,fluid density variation,and velocity change on EOR and CO_(2) storage.For nonhomogeneous porous media,the gravity influence and large density difference help to minimize the velocity difference between the main flow path and the surrounding area,thus improving the oil recovery and CO_(2) storage.Large CO_(2) injection angles and oil-CO_(2) density differences can increase the oil recovery by 22.6% and 4.2%,respectively,and increase CO_(2) storage by 37.9% and 4.7%,respectively.Component diffusion facilitates the transportation of the oil components from the low-velocity region to the main flow path,thereby reducing the oil/CO_(2) concentration difference within the porous media.Component diffusion can increase oil recovery and CO_(2) storage by 5.7% and 6.9%,respectively.In addition,combined with the component diffusion,a low CO_(2) injection rate creates a more uniform spatial distribution of the oil/CO_(2) component,resulting in increases of 9.5% oil recovery and 15.7% CO_(2) storage,respectively.This study provides theoretical support for improving the geological CO_(2) storage and EOR processes.

Application of Feature, Event, and Process Methods to Leakage Scenario Development for Offshore CO_(2) Geological Storage

Offshore carbon dioxide(CO_(2)) geological storage(OCGS) represents a significant strategy for addressing climate change by curtailing greenhouse gas emissions. Nonetheless, the risk of CO_(2) leakage poses a substantial concern associated with this technology. This study introduces an innovative approach for establishing OCGS leakage scenarios, involving four pivotal stages, namely, interactive matrix establishment, risk matrix evaluation, cause–effect analysis, and scenario development, which has been implemented in the Pearl River Estuary Basin in China. The initial phase encompassed the establishment of an interaction matrix for OCGS systems based on features, events, and processes. Subsequent risk matrix evaluation and cause–effect analysis identified key system components, specifically CO_(2) injection and faults/features. Building upon this analysis, two leakage risk scenarios were successfully developed, accompanied by the corresponding mitigation measures. In addition, this study introduces the application of scenario development to risk assessment, including scenario numerical simulation and quantitative assessment. Overall, this research positively contributes to the sustainable development and safe operation of OCGS projects and holds potential for further refinement and broader application to diverse geographical environments and project requirements. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the establishment of OCGS leakage scenarios and demonstrates their practical application to risk assessment, laying the foundation for promoting the sustainable development and safe operation of ocean CO_(2) geological storage projects while proposing possibilities for future improvements and broader applications to different contexts.

Three-dimensional structural models,evolution and petroleum geological significances of transtensional faults in the Ziyang area,central Sichuan Basin,SW China

With drilling and seismic data of Transtensional(strike-slip)Fault System in the Ziyang area of the central Sichuan Basin,SW China plane-section integrated structural interpretation,3-D fault framework model building,fault throw analyzing,and balanced profile restoration,it is pointed out that the transtensional fault system in the Ziyang 3-D seismic survey consists of the northeast-trending F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones dominated by extensional deformation,as well as 3 sets of northwest-trending en echelon normal faults experienced dextral shear deformation.Among them,the F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones cut through the Neoproterozoic to Lower Triassic Jialingjiang Formation,presenting a 3-D structure of an“S”-shaped ribbon.And before Permian and during the Early Triassic,the F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones underwent at least two periods of structural superimposition.Besides,the 3 sets of northwest-trending en echelon normal faults are composed of small normal faults arranged in pairs,with opposite dip directions and partially left-stepped arrangement.And before Permian,they had formed almost,restricting the eastward growth and propagation of the F_(I)19 fault zone.The F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones communicate multiple sets of source rocks and reservoirs from deep to shallow,and the timing of fault activity matches well with oil and gas generation peaks.If there were favorable Cambrian-Triassic sedimentary facies and reservoirs developing on the local anticlinal belts of both sides of the F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones,the major reservoirs in this area are expected to achieve breakthroughs in oil and gas exploration.

Potential evaluation of saline aquifers for the geological storage of carbon dioxide: A case study of saline aquifers in the Qian-5 member in northeastern Ordos Basin

The well-developed coal electricity generation and coal chemical industries have led to huge carbon dioxide(CO_(2))emissions in the northeastern Ordos Basin.The geological storage of CO_(2) in saline aquifers is an effective backup way to achieve carbon neutrality.In this case,the potential of saline aquifers for CO_(2) storage serves as a critical basis for subsequent geological storage project.This study calculated the technical control capacities of CO_(2) of the saline aquifers in the fifth member of the Shiqianfeng Formation(the Qian-5 member)based on the statistical analysis of the logging and the drilling and core data from more than 200 wells in the northeastern Ordos Basin,as well as the sedimentary facies,formation lithology,and saline aquifer development patterns of the Qian-5 member.The results show that(1)the reservoirs of saline aquifers in the Qian-5 member,which comprise distributary channel sand bodies of deltaic plains,feature low porosities and permeabilities;(2)The study area hosts three NNE-directed saline aquifer zones,where saline aquifers generally have a single-layer thickness of 3‒8 m and a cumulative thickness of 8‒24 m;(3)The saline aquifers of the Qian-5 member have a total technical control capacity of CO_(2) of 119.25×10^(6) t.With the largest scale and the highest technical control capacity(accounting for 61%of the total technical control capacity),the Jinjie-Yulin saline aquifer zone is an important prospect area for the geological storage of CO_(2) in the saline aquifers of the Qian-5 member in the study area.

Opportunities and challenges for geological work in China in the new era

In celebration of the Geological Society of China’s centennial anniversary, a seminar titled “Groundwater and Healthy & Green Development” was held on November 24-25, 2022. It was hosted by the Geological Society of China and organised by its committees on Hydrogeology, Geothermy, Medical Geology, and Mine Water Prevention and Utilization. The seminar aimed to adapt to the new requirements of geological work in the new era and fully leverage the basic, leading, and binding roles of water resources. It sought to promote the conservation of water resources, the protection and ecological restoration of water environments, and the conversion of the cutting edge theoretical research in geothermal technology into achievements;and the advancement of interdisciplinary development of hydrogeology,geothermal geology, and medical geology. The seminar featured an important speech by Wang Min, Vice Minister of the former Ministry of Land and Resources of the PRC, which is included below.

IUGS released first 100 Geological Heritage Sites and China has seven in the list

On October 26,2022,the International Union of Geological Sciences(IUGS)unveiled the First 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites in Spain.These sites are located in56 countries,including 34 in the Americas,28 in Europe,15 in Africa and 23 in the Asia-Pacific-Middle East region(Table 1).The seven selected sites of China are introduced as follows(black font in Table 1).

Recent Advances of Deep Learning in Geological Hazard Forecasting

Geological hazard is an adverse geological condition that can cause loss of life and property.Accurate prediction and analysis of geological hazards is an important and challenging task.In the past decade,there has been a great expansion of geohazard detection data and advancement in data-driven simulation techniques.In particular,great efforts have been made in applying deep learning to predict geohazards.To understand the recent progress in this field,this paper provides an overview of the commonly used data sources and deep neural networks in the prediction of a variety of geological hazards.

Numerical Simulation of Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical-Chemical Response Caused by CO_(2)Injection into Saline Geological Formations:A Case Study from the Ordos Project,China

Thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical(THMC)interactions are prevalent during CO_(2)geological sequestration(CGS).In this study,a sequential coupling THMC numerical simulation program was constructed,which can be used to explore the following issues of CGS:fluid and heat flow,solute transport;stresses,displacements and rock failures related to geo-mechanical effects;equilibrium and kinetic chemical reactions;chemical damage to mechanical properties of the rock.Then,the coupling program was applied to the Ordos CGS Project to study the formation response under the multifield interaction caused by CO_(2)injection.The simulation results show that the mechanical process dominates the short CO_(2)injection period.Specifically,the formation’s permeability near the injection well increases by 43%,due to the reduction of effective stress,which significantly promotes the lateral migration of CO_(2).When the injection rate exceeds 0.15 million tons per year,the cohesion of the reservoir rock is not enough to resist the shear force inside the rock and rock failure may occur.During the subsequent long-term sequestration period(200 years),the influence of mineral reactions gradually increases.Due to calcite dissolution,the shear modulus of caprock is predicted to decrease by 7.6%,which will to some extent increase the risk of rock failure.

Geological characteristics of the southern segment of the Late Sinian–Early Cambrian Deyang-Anyue rift trough in Sichuan Basin, SW China

Based on the latest drilling, seismic and field outcrop data, the geological characteristics(e.g. strata, development and sedimentary evolution) of the southern segment of the Late Sinian–Early Cambrian Deyang–Anyue rift trough in the Sichuan Basin are analyzed. First, the strata in the southern segment are complete. The first to second members of Dengying Formation(Deng 1 + Deng 2) are found with relatively stable thickness(400–550 m), and the third to fourth members(Deng 3+ Deng 4) show great thickness difference between the marginal trough and the inner trough, which is up to 250 m. The Cambrian Maidiping Formation and Qiongzhusi Formation in southern Sichuan Basin are relatively thin, with the thickness changing greatly and frequently. Second, the Deyang–Anyue rift trough extended southward during the Deng 4 period, affecting southern Sichuan Basin. Compared to the middle and northern segments of the rift trough, the southern segment is generally wide, gentle and shallow, with multiple steps, and alternating uplifts and sags, which are distributed in finger shape. Third, the Deng 1 + Deng 2 in southern Sichuan Basin records the dominance of carbonate platform and unobvious sedimentary differentiation, and the Deng 4 exhibits obvious sedimentary differentiation, namely, basin–slope–secondary slope–slope–secondary slope–platform margin–restricted platform, from the inner trough to the marginal trough. Fourth, the rift trough in southern Sichuan Basin has evolved in four stages: stabilization of Deng 1–Deng 2, initialization of Deng 3–Deng 4, filling of Maidiping–Qiongzhusi, and extinction of Canglangpu Formation.

Relationship between spatio-temporal evolution of soil pH and geological environment/surface cover in the eastern Nenjiang River Basin of Northeast China during the past 30 years

To illuminate the spatio-temporal variation characteristics and geochemical driving mechanism of soil pH in the Nenjiang River Basin,the National Multi-objective Regional Geochemical Survey data of topsoil,the Second National Soil Survey data and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI)were analyzed.The areas of neutral and alkaline soil decreased by 21100 km^(2)and 30500 km^(2),respectively,while that of strongly alkaline,extremely alkaline,and strongly acidic soil increased by 19600 km^(2),18200 km^(2),and 15500 km^(2),respectively,during the past 30 years.NDVI decreased with the increase of soil pH when soil pH>8.0,and it was reversed when soil pH<5.0.There were significant differences in soil pH with various surface cover types,which showed an ascending order:Arbor<reed<maize<rice<high and medium-covered meadow<low-covered meadow<Puccinellia.The weathering products of minerals rich in K_(2)O,Na_(2)O,CaO,and MgO entered into the low plain and were enriched in different parts by water transportation and lake deposition,while Fe and Al remained in the low hilly areas,which was the geochemical driving mechanism.The results of this study will provide scientific basis for making scientific and rational decisions on soil acidification and salinization.

Geological characteristics and models of fault-foldfracture body in deep tight sandstone of the second member of Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation in Xinchang structural belt of Sichuan Basin,SW China

In the second member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation(T_(3)x_(2))in the Xinchang area,western Sichuan Basin,only a low percent of reserves has been recovered,and the geological model of gas reservoir sweet spot remains unclear.Based on a large number of core,field outcrop,test and logging-seismic data,the T_(3)x_(2) gas reservoir in the Xinchang area is examined.The concept of fault-fold-fracture body(FFFB)is proposed,and its types are recognized.The main factors controlling fracture development are identified,and the geological models of FFFB are established.FFFB refers to faults,folds and associated fractures reservoirs.According to the characteristics and genesis,FFFBs can be divided into three types:fault-fracture body,fold-fracture body,and fault-fold body.In the hanging wall of the fault,the closer to the fault,the more developed the effective fractures;the greater the fold amplitude and the closer to the fold hinge plane,the more developed the effective fractures.Two types of geological models of FFFB are established:fault-fold fracture,and matrix storage and permeability.The former can be divided into two subtypes:network fracture,and single structural fracture,and the later can be divided into three subtypes:bedding fracture,low permeability pore,and extremely low permeability pore.The process for evaluating favorable FFFB zones was formed to define favorable development targets and support the well deployment for purpose of high production.The study results provide a reference for the exploration and development of deep tight sandstone oil and gas reservoirs in China.

“Extreme utilization” theory and practice in gas storages with complex geological conditions

Based on more than 20-year operation of gas storages with complex geological conditions and a series of research findings, the pressure-bearing dynamics mechanism of geological body is revealed. With the discovery of gas-water flowing law of multi-cycle relative permeability hysteresis and differential utilization in zones, the extreme utilization theory targeting at the maximum amount of stored gas, maximum injection-production capacity and maximum efficiency in space utilization is proposed to support the three-in-one evaluation method of the maximum pressure-bearing capacity of geological body, maximum well production capacity and maximum peak shaving capacity of storage space. This study realizes the full potential of gas storage(storage capacity) at maximum pressure, maximum formation-wellbore coordinate production, optimum well spacing density match with finite-time unsteady flow, and peaking shaving capacity at minimum pressure, achieving perfect balance between security and capacity. Operation in gas storages, such as Hutubi in Xinjiang, Xiangguosi in Xinan, and Shuang6 in Liaohe, proves that extreme utilization theory has promoted high quality development of gas storages in China.

Thinking on Effective Methods of Successful Prediction of Geological Hazards in Shaanxi, China

In the process of human survival and development, it is inevitable to transform the original state of the world, thus forming a contradiction between the earth and the earth. The violent form of this contradiction is geological disasters. Geological disasters pose a threat to human life and property, and cause damage caused by natural or human factors, often causing casualties. The destruction process of geological disasters is usually a gradual process, showing many pre-disaster symptoms, such as local landslides, surface cracks, building deformation, tree skew, and ground sound. Evacuation can be avoided in advance according to the disaster precursors, so as to avoid casualties and achieve successful prediction. By reviewing the general situation of geological disasters in Shaanxi Province and the casualties in 2020, the difficulties in the prevention and control of geological disasters are summarized. In view of these difficulties, an on-site investigation, visit and analysis of geological disaster points and successful forecast points in Shaanxi Province in 2020 were conducted. In addition, combined with actual cases and years of work experience, the successful prediction experience of geological disasters was discussed from 8 aspects. Finally, the “Regulations on the Reward for Successful Geological Disaster Forecasting in Shaanxi Province” was revised in order to improve the successful prediction ability of geological disasters in Shaanxi Province and even the whole country, provide reference for future prevention and control of geological disasters, and effectively protect the safety of people’s lives and property.