Deep seabed mining:Frontiers in engineering geology and environment

Ocean mining activities have been ongoing for nearly 70 years,making great contributions to industrialization.Given the increasing demand for energy,along with the restructuring of the energy supply catalyzed by efforts to achieve a low-carbon economy,deep seabed mining will play an important role in addressing energy-and resource-related problems in the future.However,deep seabed mining remains in the exploratory stage,with many challenges presented by the high-pressure,low-temperature,and complex geologic and hydrodynamic environments in deep-sea mining areas,which are inaccessible to human activities.Thus,considerable efforts are required to ensure sustainable,economic,reliable,and safe deep seabed mining.This study reviews the latest advances in marine engineering geology and the environment related to deep-sea min-ing activities,presents a bibliometric analysis of the development of ocean mineral resources since the 1950s,summarizes the development,theory,and issues related to techniques for the three stages of ocean mining(i.e.,exploration,extraction,and closure),and discusses the engineering geology environment,geological disasters,in-situ monitoring techniques,envi-ronmental protection requirements,and environmental effects in detail.Finally,this paper gives some key conclusions and future perspectives to provide insights for subsequent studies and commercial mining operations.

Geology and S-Pb isotope geochemistry of the Hatu gold deposit in West Junggar,NW China:Insights into ore genesis and metal source

The Hatu gold deposit is the largest historical gold producer of the West Junggar,western China,with an Au reserve of about 62 t.The orebodies were controlled by NE-,EW-,and NW-trending subsidiary faults associated with the Anqi fault.This deposit exhibits characteristics typical of a fault-controlled lode system,and the orebodies consist of auriferous quartz veins and altered wall rocks within Early Carboniferous volcano-sedimentary rocks.Three stages of mineralization have been identified in the Hatu gold deposit:the early pyrite-albite-quartz stage,the middle polymetallic sulfides-ankerite-quartz stage,and late quartz-calcite stage.The sulfur isotopic values of pyrite and arsenopyrite vary in a narrow range from-0.8‰to1.3‰and an average of 0.4‰,the near-zeroδ~(34)S values implicate the thorough homogenization of the sulfur isotopes during the metamorphic dehydration of the Early Carboniferous volcano-sedimentary rocks.Lead isotopic results of pyrite and arsenopyrite(^(206)Pb/^(204)Pb=17.889-18.447,^(207)Pb/^(204)Pb=15.492-15.571,^(208)Pb/^(204)Pb=37.802-38.113)are clustered between orogenic and mantle/upper crust lines,indicating that the lead was mainly sourced from the hostrocks within the Early Carboniferous Tailegula Formation.The characteristics of S and Pb isotopes suggest that the ore-forming metals of the Hatu orogenic gold deposit are of metamorphogenic origin,associated with the continental collision between the Yili-Kazakhstan and Siberian plates during the Late Carboniferous.

An investigation on the wind profiles and gravity wave dynamics in MLT region based on the meteor radars from the Meridian Project

The meteor radar can detect the zenith angle,azimuth,radial velocity,and altitude of meteor trails so that one can invert the wind profiles in the mesosphere and low thermosphere(MLT)region,based on the Interferometric and Doppler techniques.In this paper,the horizontal wind field,gravity wave(GW)disturbance variance,and GW fluxes are analyzed through the meteor radar observation from 2012−2022,at Mohe(53.5°N,122.4°E)and Zuoling(30.5°N,114.6°E)stations of the(Chinese)Meridian Project.The Lomb−Scargle periodogram method has been utilized to analyze the periodic variations for time series with observational data gaps.The results show that the zonal winds at both stations are eastward dominated,while the meridional winds are southward dominated.The variance of GW disturbances in the zonal and meridional directions increases gradually with height,and there is a strong pattern of annual variation.The zonal momentum flux of GW changes little with height,showing weak annual variation.The meridional GW flux varies gradually from northward to southward with height,and the annual periodicity is stronger.For both stations,the maximum values of zonal and meridional wind occur close to the peak heights of GW flux,with opposite directions.This observational evidence is consistent with the filtering theory.The horizontal wind velocity,GW flux,and disturbance variance of the GW at Mohe are overall smaller than those at Zuoling,indicating weaker activities in the MLT at Mohe.The power spectral density(PSD)calculated by the Lomb−Scargle periodogram shows that there are 12-month period and 6-month period in horizontal wind field,GW disturbance variance and GW flux at both stations,and especially there is also a 4-month cycle in the disturbance variance.The PSD of the 12-month and 6-month cycles exhibits maximum values below 88 km and above 94 km.

Mesoscopic fracture damage evolution and fractal damage constitutive model of heat-treated red sandstone under direct tensile impact loadings

Understanding the mesoscopic tensile fracture damage of rock is the basis of evaluating the deterioration process of mechanical properties of heat-damaged rock. For this, tensile tests of rocks under high-temperature treatment were conducted with a ϕ75 mm split Hopkinson tension bar (SHTB) to investigate the mesoscopic fracture and damage properties of rock. An improved scanning electron microscopy (SEM) experimental method was used to analyze the tensile fracture surfaces of rock samples. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed to assess evolution of mesoscopic damage of heat-damaged rock under tensile loading. A constitutive model describing the mesoscopic fractal damage under thermo-mechanical coupling was established. The results showed that the high temperatures significantly reduced the tensile strength and fracture surface roughness of the red sandstone. The three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the fracture surface of the samples that experienced tensile failure at 900 °C showed a flat surface. The standard deviation of elevation and slope angle of specimen fracture surface first increased and then decreased with increasing temperature. The threshold for brittle fracture of the heat-damaged red sandstone specimens was 600 °C. Beyond this threshold temperature, local ductile fracture occurred, resulting in plastic deformation of the fracture surface during tensile fracturing. With increase of temperature, the internal meso-structure of samples was strengthened slightly at first and then deteriorated gradually, which was consistent with the change of macroscopic mechanical properties of red sandstone. The mesoscopic characteristics, such as the number, mean side length, maximum area, porosity, and fractal dimension of crack, exhibited an initial decline, followed by a gradual increase. The development of microcracks in samples had significant influence on mesoscopic fractal dimension. The mesoscopic fractal characteristics were used to establish a mesoscopic fractal damage constitutive model for red sandstone, and the agreement between the theoretical and experimental results validated the proposed model.

A complementary approach to quantify the basic GSI chart considering scale effect on rock structure

Geological strength index(GSI)has been widely used as an input parameter in predicting the strength and deformation properties of rock masses.This study derived a series of equations to satisfy the original GSI lines on the basic GSI chart.Two axes ranging from 0 to 100 were employed for surface conditions of the discontinuities and the structure of rock mass,which are independent of the input parameters.The derived equations can analyze GSI values ranging from 0 to 100 within±5%error.The engineering dimensions(EDs)such as the slope height,tunnel width,and foundation width were used together with representative elementary volume(REV)in jointed rock mass to define scale factor(sf)from 0.2 to 1 in evaluating the rock mass structure including joint pattern.The transformation of GSI into a scaledependent parameter based on engineering scale addresses a crucial requirement in various engineering applications.The improvements proposed in this study were applied to a real slope which was close to the time of failure.The results of stability assessments show that the new proposals have sufficient capability to define rock mass quality considering EDs.

Normal faulting and its role in the drainage divide migration in the Karιncalιda?region,Menderes Massif,Western Türkiye

Drainage divide migration refers to the shifting boundaries between adjacent drainage basins over time,driven by processes such as tectonic uplift,differential erosion,stream capture,and lithological variations.This phenomenon has a significant impact on water flow patterns and basin extents,serving as an indicator of the landscape's response to active tectonic forces.One of the key drivers of divide migration is asymmetric uplift,which causes divides to shift from areas of lower uplift to regions experiencing higher uplift.Drainage divides are inherently dynamic,evolving over time as drainage networks develop and adjust to changing conditions.This study focuses on the migration of the main drainage divide along Karιncalιda?,located between Bozdo?an and Karacasu.It employs geomorphic analyses using metrics such as the normalized steepness index(ksn),Chi(χ),and Gilbert metrics.The main divide is categorized into four segments(D1–D4),with the Karacasu Fault,situated along the mountain's north-eastern boundary,identified as the primary factor influencing divide dynamics.Secondary factors include the relatively low elevation of Karιncalιda?,uniform lithology,and consistent rainfall patterns across the region.The results indicate that the main divide is currently stable,suggesting a balance between uplift and erosion.However,higherχvalues in the D4 segment suggest that future erosion may dominate,potentially causing the divide to migrate toward the Bozdo?an Basin.These findings highlight the dynamic nature of drainage divides and the complex interplay of tectonic,erosional,and lithological processes that shape their evolution.Continued monitoring and advanced geomorphic analysis are essential for understanding the long-term stability of the divide and its response to future tectonic activity and erosional modifications.

Petrogenesis of late Cretaceous high Ba-Sr granodiorites,SE Lhasa block,China:implications for the reworking of juvenile crust and continental growth

The high Ba-Sr rocks can provide significant clues about the evolution of the continent lithosphere,but their petrogenesis remains controversial.Identifying the Late Cretaceous high Ba–Sr granodiorites in the SE Lhasa Block could potentially provide valuable insights into the continent evolution of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.Zircon U–Pb ages suggest that the granodiorites were emplaced at 87.32±0.43 Ma.Geochemically,the high Ba–Sr granodiorites are characterized by elevated K_(2)O+Na_(2)O contents(8.18-8.73 wt%)and K_(2)O/Na_(2)O ratios(0.99-1.25,mostly>1),and belong to high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic series.The Yonglaga granodiorites show notably high Sr(653-783 ppm)and Ba(1346-1531 ppm)contents,plus high Sr/Y(30.92-38.18)and(La/Yb)_(N)(27.7-34.7)ratios,but low Y(20.0-22.8 ppm)and Yb(1.92-2.19 ppm)contents with absence of negative Eu anomalies(δEu=0.83-0.88),all similar to typical high Ba–Sr granitoids.The variable zirconεHf(t)values of-4.58 to+12.97,elevated initial^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr isotopic ratios of 0.707254 to 0.707322 and lowεNd(t)values of-2.8 to-3.6 with decoupling from the Hf system suggest that a metasomatized mantle source included significant recycled ancient materials.The occurrence of such high Ba–Sr intrusions indicates previous contributions of metasomatized mantle-derived juvenile material to the continents,which imply the growth of continental crust during the Late Cretaceous in the SE Lhasa.Together with regional data,we infer that the underplated mafic magma provides a significant amount of heat,which leads to partial melting of the juvenile crust.The melting of the metasomatized mantle could produce a juvenile mafic lower crust,from which the high Ba–Sr granitoids were derived from reworking of previous mafic crust during the Late Cretaceous(ca.100-80 Ma)in the SE Lhasa.

Hydraulic conductivity over a wide suction range of loess with different dry densities

Experimental research into the hydraulic conductivity curve (HCC) of unsaturated soil is limited due to the inherent challenge associated with labor, cost, and time. Typically, the HCC is estimated using the soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) based models and saturated hydraulic conductivity (SHC). However, the efficiency of the SWCC-based model is rarely assessed, and the influence of soil density and pore structure on HCC remains incomplete due to limited experimental data. To address this gap, this study employs an innovative filter-paper-based column method, which can measure the HCC over a wide suction range (e.g. 0−105 kPa), to capture the HCCs of both intact and compacted specimens with varying dry densities. The efficiency of two typical SWCC-based models is assessed using the measured data. Meanwhile, the mercury intrusion porosity (MIP) technique is employed to obtain the pore characteristic (i.e. pore size distribution (PSD)) and a method of predicting the HCC using the PSD data is proposed, emphasizing the dominant role of the pore structure in shaping the HCC. The results reveal that the dry density's influence on the HCC is primarily observed within the low suction range, corresponding to variations in the dominant and large pores. In the high suction range, the HCCs align along a linear trajectory when plotted in a log-log format. A notable finding is the overestimation of the HCC obtained from the SWCC-based models using the measured SHC. When the SHC is regarded as a fitting parameter, good agreement is achieved. The adjusted SHC value is typically 0-1 order of magnitude lower than the measured value, and this discrepancy diminishes as dry density increases. On the other hand, the proposed PSD-based model performs well with the measured SHC data. Caution is exercised when using the SHC to estimate the HCC for modeling water movement in partially saturated soil.

Key technologies and engineering practices for soft-rock protective seam mining

Severe gas disasters in deep mining areas are increasing,and traditional protective coal seam mining is facing significant challenges.This paper proposes an innovative technology using soft rock as the protective seam in the absence of an appropriate coal seam.Based on the geological engineering conditions of the new horizontal first mining area of Luling Coal Mine in Huaibei,China,the impacts of different mining parameters of the soft-rock protective seam on the pressure-relief effect of the protected coal seam were analyzed through numerical simulation.The unit stress of the protected coal seam,which was less than half of the primary rock stress,was used as the mining stress pressure-relief index.The optimized interlayer space was found to be 59 m for the first soft-rock working face,with a 2 m mining thickness and 105 m face length.The physicochemical characteristics of the orebody were analyzed,and a device selection framework for the soft-rock protective seam was developed.Optimal equipment for the working face was selected,including the fully-mechanized hydraulic support and coal cutter.A production technology that combined fully-mechanized and blasting-assisted soft-rock mining was developed.Engineering practices demonstrated that normal circulation operation can be achieved on the working face of the soft-rock protective seam,with an average advancement rate of 1.64 m/d.The maximum residual gas pressure and content,which were measured at the cut hole position of the protected coal seams(Nos.8 and 9),decreased to 0.35 MPa and 4.87 m^3/t,respectively.The results suggested that soft-rock protective seam mining can produce a significant gas-control effect.

In-situ Observations of Engineering Geological Environment during Hydrate Production Tests in Deepwater

Gas hydrates are ice-like combinations of methane and water.The global inventory of gas hydrates appears to be very large.Recent estimates of the total amount of methane contained in the world’s gas hydrates range

Geology, geochronology, and exploration of the Jiama giant porphyry copper deposit (11 Mt), Tibet, China: A review

Jiama,with more than 11 Mt of copper metal,is the largest porphyry-skarn copper system in the Gangdese metallogenic belt,Tibet,China,creating ideal conditions for deciphering the origin of porphyry ores in a collision setting.Despite massive studies of the geology,chronology,petrogenesis,and ore-related fluids and their sources in Jiama,there is a lack of systematic summaries and reviews of this system.In contrast to traditional porphyry copper systems in a subduction setting,recent studies and exploration suggest that the Jiama deposit includes porphyry-type Mo-Cu,skarn-type Cu polymetallic,vein-type Au and manto orebodies.This paper reviews the latest studies on the geology,chronology,petrogenesis,fluid inclusions,and isotopic geochemistry(hydrogen,oxygen,sulfur,and lead)of the Jiama deposit.Accordingly,a multi-center complex mineralization model was constructed,indicating that multi-phase intrusions from the same magma reservoir can form multiple hydrothermal centers.These centers are mutually independent and form various orebodies or are superimposed on each other and form thick,high-grade orebodies.Finally,a new comprehensive exploration model was established for the Jiama porphyry copper system.Both models established in this study help to refine the theories on continental-collision metallogeny and porphyry copper systems.

Surface Geophysical Methods used to Verify the Karst Geological Structure in the Built-up Area:A Case Study of Specific Engineering-Geological Conditions

This article presents a research study of complex limestone karst engineering-geological conditions in the municipality Valaskanear Banska Bystrica in Slovakia.The aim of the study is to demonstrate the impossibility of spatial identification of cave spaces using surface geophysical methods due to the specific engineering-geological conditions of a thick surface layer of anthropogenic fill containing highly heterogeneous anthropogenic material.Its maximum thickness is 3 m.Another specificific condition of the study area is its location in the built-up area,due to which the applicability of geophysical methods was limited.The article contains methodological recommendations to be used in analogous geological conditions with karst structures topped with anthropogenic fill,which complicates the identification of cave spaces.The recommended solution herein is the identification of the cave system using underground mapping of the karst and its projection onto the surface for which surface geophysical methods have been combined.

Assessments on slope instabilities triggered by engineering excavations near a small settlement(Turkey)

In this study,the mechanisms of slope instabilities triggered by engineering excavations at location of a planned tunnel portal in the northwest region of Turkey were assessed,and stability of the current slopes which has impacts on safety of a settlement(village)and agricultural fields was investigated.In the first stage of the study,in order to identify the geological units and structural properties of the sedimentary rocks in the area,to clarify the mechanisms of instabilities and to characterize discontinuity and rock mass properties field works were conducted.In this content,geotechnical boreholes,geophysical explorations between the boreholes,line surveys to explore discontinuity properties,preparation of slope profiles using topographical techniques and sampling of rock blocks and discontinuity planes were performed.In the second stage,laboratory tests were carried out on the samples to determine the geomechnical properties of the slope forming materials and discontinuities.Then,back analyses of the instabilities were made to assess the responsible shear strength parameters of the geological units during failures by considering laboratory shear test results too.Based on the backanalyses of the failures,the strength properties of the slope debris were estimated,and it has been clarified that the residual shear strength properties are the factors controlling slip mechanism along the beddings.Following the stability analyses,it is understood that a further instability along the mass or bedding planes in the failed and redesigned area are not expected,if the current slope geometry is not changed.However,safety factor calculated for the slope in the debris is 1.1 which is well below the recommended value in the literature.The minimum safety factor for currently stable slopes which were cut at the eastern part of the failed area is 1.22 which is also less than that suggested in literature.Some remedial measures such as mini-pile or slope flattening are suggested after analyses to increase the factor of safety for this part below the settlement.

Application of passive source surface-wave method in site engineering seismic survey

Site engineering seismic survey provides basic data for seismic effect analysis. As an important parameter of soil, shear-wave velocity is usually obtained through wave velocity testing in borehole. In this paper, the passive source surface-wave method is introduced into the site engineering seismic survey and practically applied in an engineering site of Shijingshan District. By recording the ubiquitous weak vibration on the earth surface, extract the dispersion curve from the surface-wave components using the SPAC method and obtain the shear-wave velocity structure from inversion. Over the depth of 42 m under- ground, it totally consists of five layers with interface depth of 3.31, 4.50, 7.23, 17.41, and 42.00 m; and shear-wave velocity of 144.0, 198.3, 339.4, 744.2, and 903.7 m/s, respectively. The inversion result is used to evaluate site classification, determine the maximum shear modulus of soil, provide basis for further seismic hazard analysis and site assessment or site zoning, etc. The result shows that the passive source surface-wave method is feasible in the site engineering seismic survey and can replace boreholes,shorten survey period, and reduce engineering cost to some extent.

An engineering classification system for the detached granite blocks distributed on slopes

Gentle slopes with large amounts of granite blocks are widespread in granitic areas with warm and humid climate.These blocks pose a potential risk to the existing and planned infrastructure.The instability type and geometry of these blocks will influence their motility and destructive power to some extent.This study aims at creating a classification system that can indicate both the shape and the instability type of these blocks and then developing a block removal scheme.The classification system was constructed based on the mechanical stability analysis of blocks on an inclined surface.This analysis identified key factors affecting stability,including block shape,block weathering roundness,the existing state of a block on a slope,and the friction between the block and the slope.The achieved work allowed the establishment of a direct correlation between block geometry and their instability types.The availability of this classification system was validated by field data and experimental data in the literature.The proposal to remove blocks identified as the toppling types,such as cylindrical-toppling types,cuboid-toppling types,cube-toppling types,was put forward to avoid the uneconomical problem of a complete clearance.Meanwhile,this classification provides a foundation for further research on the instability probability of each type of block and the development of a more refined blocks’removal scheme.The classification approach adopted in this paper can provide a reference for the classification of other lithological blocks under similar engineering geological conditions.

Engineering Geological and Geotechnical Investigations for Design of Oxygen Plant

The most important aspect of every civil engineering project is acquiring reliable information on the ground on which the project will be constructed. This research includes a site investigation, which is seen as a primary stage in gathering geological, geotechnical, and other essential engineering data for structures’ safe and cost-effective design. Five boreholes at well-spaced spots were drilled for subsurface investigation at a maximum depth of 15 m to 30 m. The standard penetration tests (SPT) were performed at different depths, soil samples were taken at various intervals, and lithological changes were observed. The friction angle was between 19.6ºand 33.03º, whereas the cohesion ranges between 0.25 kg/cm2 and 0.42 kg/cm2, indicating a strong resistance to shearing and a high capacity to sustain the load. Furthermore, the soil samples’ maximum dry density ranges from 1.63 g/cm3 to 1.80 g/cm3. In addition, water table depths were recorded from 6.0 m to 7.0 m. The net bearing capacity for isolated/pad foundation at a depth of 1.5 m to 2.5 m below the ground level has been calculated as 95.0 to 120.0 kPa and 120.0 to 180.0 kPa for raft foundation. The net allowable pressure settlement limits for isolated/pad and raft foundations are 25 mm (1-inch) and 50 mm (2-inches), respectively. The investigation has found no severe geological flaws on the proposed construction site, and therefore it is appropriate for the construction of an Air Separation Unit (ASU) Oxygen Plant.

Application of the Engineering-Geological Conditions in Land-Use Plans in the Petrvald Region(Czech Republic)

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate necessity to inform relevant parties about engineering-geological conditions for various practical purposes, especially including appropriate land-use planning. However, the relationship between relevant geological information and the geological environment is vital for foundation engineering purposes, especially where demanding structures are involved. This information is most conveniently structured when accumulated information concerning engineering-geological zones is utilized. This necessarily includes knowledge of rock workability and also of the pre-Quaternary bedrock, and these characteristics were then related to the current built-up area and future development according to the land-use plans in a case study are from the Petrvald Region （Czech Republic）. The geological environment of area has been severely influenced by anthropogenic effects of deep black coal mining. Results of this research showed that future development should be founded on spoil banks, dumps, and settling basins. According to the land-use plan, this zone occupies 44.9% of the area of interest, and its materials predominantly emanate from mining in the Ostrava-Karvina Coal District. For future foundation structures planned there, it is imperative to consult detailed engineering-geological study. However, attention to and reliance on this necessity is not reflected in the existing land-use plan.

Hydrogeology of the Basin Granitoids in the Sekyere South District of Ashanti Region, Ghana

The hydrogeology of the Basin Granitoids in the Sekyere South District of Ashanti Region of Ghana has been evaluated applying the electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) geophysical technique and pumping test analysis. The ERI was conducted to obtain information on resistivity distribution for groundwater accumulation and pumping test was used to obtain transmissivity and sustainable yields of boreholes. Results from the ERI technique show that the general resistivity distribution in the area is between (20 - 4000) &#937-m and the resistivity range that is related to groundwater occurrence is between (50 - 300) &#937-m for the weathered and (100 - 600) &#937-m for the fractured granitic rocks. The aquifers are generally shallow to medium depth and where resistivities of the aquifer zones are less than 400 &#937-m in the fresh granites, high yields are likely to be attained. Pumping test also revealed that transmissivity values range between (5.89 - 43) m2/day, with sustainable yields ranging between 50 - 380 m3/day. These results suggest that boreholes in the area will be sustainable for domestic supplies.

Comparative analysis on soil engineering classifications of China and America

Based on China National Standard of Soil Engineering Classification (GB/T 50145-2007) and the Unified Soil Classification System of American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM D-2478), two kinds of soil laboratory engineering classification methods were discussed and analyzed from the aspects of the definition in particle fraction, classification of soil type and evaluation standard for soil gradation. There is a same limit of fine grains fraction in the two standards, and there are three main types of soil in GB/T 50145-2007 and two in ASTM D-2487. Different evaluation standards of gradation are put forward for gravels and sands in ASTM D-2487. Same criteria of A line, B line and controlling value of plastic index are in the plasticity chart of both standards.

Factors Affecting Employment for Engineering Higher Vocational College Students and Elimination of Countermeasures

Ministry of Education put forward to adhere to the employment-oriented development of higher vocational education. The key of Employment-oriented is to enhance and train Students＇ Employability and competitiveness. In this paper, the writer analyzed the vocational colleges engineering graduates employment status quo, investigated many unfavorable factors affecting the employment of graduates. Finally, the write strive to fred countermeasures come to reduce or eliminate the adverse factors. Current graduates＇ increasingly severe employment pressure situation and the analysis to guide and promote the employment of graduates of vocational college graduates have some practical significance.