Abstract: The Silvermines Pb-Zn-Ag-Ba orebodies comprise vein, replacement, cross-cutting and stratiform mineralization mostly hosted in Lower Carboniferous limestones in the vicinity of a major ENE and E-W trending normal fault array and represent a classic example of Irish-Type Zn-Pb mineralization. The deposits were exploited historically at various times, but the major limestone-hosted Zn-Pb-Ba mineralization was not discovered until the 1960s. Structurally controlled crosscutting vein and breccia mineralization represent pathways of hydrothermal fluids escaping from the Silvermines fault at depth that exhaled and replaced shallowly buried Waulsortian limestones creating the larger stratiform orebodies such as the Upper G and B Zones. The B Zone, comprising a pre-mining resource of 4.64Mt of 4.53% Zn, 3.58% Pb, 30 g/t Ag has a locally highly variable gangue mineralogy dominated by pyrite, barite, siderite, within dolomitic and limestone breccias with local silica-haematite alteration. A small, highly unusual pod of very high-grade Ag-rich mineralization in the B Zone, the 4611 Pod, discovered in 1978, has not been previously documented. Unpublished mine records, field notes, mineralogical and chemical data from consultant reports have been assimilated to document this interesting and unusual occurrence. The pod, representing an irregular lens of mineralization ca 2m thick and representing 500t occurs within the B Zone orebody and comprises high grade Zn and Pb sulfides with significant patches of proustite-pyrargyrite (ruby silvers) and a host of associated Pb, Ag Sb, As , Cu, Ge sulfide minerals, including significant argyrodite (Ag-Ge sulfide). Although evidence of any distinct feeder below the pod is lacking, the nature of the pod, its unusual mineralogy and its paragenesis suggests that it represents a small, possibly late source of exotic hydrothermal fluid where it entered the B Zone stratiform mineralizing system.

Abstract: Seismic tomography is an essential geophysical method for investigating subsurface structures by analyzing variations in P-wave (Vp) and S-wave (Vs) velocities. This study focuses on the Târgu Jiu region, an area with moderate seismic activity, aiming to charac-terize the crustal structure and identify potential zones of seismic hazard. The dataset used for tomography included the travel times from 5281 seismic events. Tomographic models reveal significant velocity anomalies correlated with the region’s tectonic frame-work. High Vp and Vs values in the northern and northeastern areas suggest the presence of dense, rigid geological formations, likely associated with consolidated magmatic or metamorphic units. In contrast, the central region exhibits low Vs values, coinciding with an active seismic zone and intersecting major fault structures. This suggests the presence of highly fractured and weakly consolidated rocks, potentially saturated with fluids. The Vp/Vs ratio in the central region reaches values of ≥1.8–1.9, indicating fluid-filled fractures that may influence fault dynamics and earthquake occurrence. In the southern region, ve-locity anomalies suggest weakly consolidated sedimentary units with a high degree of fracturing. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the geodynamic behav-ior of the Târgu Jiu area and its seismic hazard potential.

Abstract: Carpathian Orogen represents a natural laboratory for studying geodynamic interactions between lithospheres of different ages. The ancient Archean Craton, such as the East European Craton, and Proterozoic platforms like the Scythian and Moesian platforms, collided with the younger Tisza and Dacia Mega-Units, resulting in the formation of the current architecture of the Carpathian Mountains. To better understand how lithospheric structure on Romanian territory changes from the East European Craton to younger European microplates, we used earthquake data recorded at permanent broadband seismic stations of the Romanian National Seismic Network (RSN). Applying the Multiple Filtering Technique, we examine the dispersion of Rayleigh wave group velocities for earthquakes located within a 4000 km radius of the epicenter. Travel time tomography, conducted through Fast Marching Surface Tomography, helps us to construct group velocity maps for periods between 30 and 80 s. Our findings highlight a low velocity body in front of the Vrancea slab, indicating asthenospheric upwelling due to slab verticalization.

Abstract: The magnitude of an earthquake is related to many variables. Among those variables are the geological rocks. It is hypothesized that a sedimentary rock is one of the geological types that can magnify an earthquake wave. Recently an earthquake with a strong magnitude has occurred in Myanmar. In this regard, this study aimed to elaborate how the recent Myanmar earthquake is related to the geological rocks. Besides that, this study also used the geological rock as predictor variables to model the potential earthquake risk zones. The model was generated using a machine learning method. The earthquake data used were data with periods of 28–30 March 2025. This study confirmed that most of the earthquake data occurrences were within the sedimentary rock regions. Based on the model, it confirms that the western parts of Myanmar have earthquake risk ranging from high to very high. This model then encourages the related stakeholders to consider the geological rocks and particularly the presence of sedimentary rocks. This variable should be considered in the development of a region that limits the earthquake risk.

Abstract: Archean craton comprises ancient and stable continental lithosphere, lacking significant seismic activity, magmatic activity, and tectonic deformation. Typically, its lithospheric mantle exhibits high electrical resistivity. However, within the Archean Tanzanian cratonic mantle, high conductivity layer has been discovered, with an electrical conductivity of approximately 0.1 S/m. We conducted the electrical conductivity experiments on olivine aggregates containing sodium carbonate at the pressure of 3 GPa and the temperature ranging from 600 to 1200°C. It was found that a very small amount of alkali-carbonate melt can significantly increase the electrical conductivity of dunite. The mass fraction of alkali-carbonate melt is less than 2.0 wt% in the highly conductive layer of Tanzanian cratonic mantle. The permeability barriers made the melts preserve within the depth range of 80 to 120 km. Therefore, the presence of alkali-rich carbonate melts maybe the best mechanism to explain the high conductivity anomaly in the lithospheric mantle of the Tanzanian craton. In contrast, the carbonate melts with high mobility migrated directly to shallow depths along fractures in the mobile belt / rift zone, leaving a dry and resistive residual mantle. The CO2 released from the craton and the mobile belt has different depth sources, supporting our explanation.

Abstract: Our Understanding of the subsurface structure of foreland basins is based largely on seismic profiles. The seismic profile across the eastern Rioni foreland basin in western Georgia is crucial for identifying the deformation structural style. We used fault-related folding and thrust wedge theories to interpret these data. The seismic profile reflects that the dominant structural styles of the compressional structures are related to multiple detachments. We identified thin-skinned and basement-involved structures. The deep-level detachment in the basement develops the duplex. The formation of crustal-scale duplexes is related to the reactivation of pre-existing normal faults during compressive deformation. Based on the results obtained from the seismic profile, we assume that it represents the western continuation of the Dzirula massif.

Abstract: The pore structure plays a critical role in evaluating shale “sweet spots”. Compared to marine shale, lacustrine shale has more diverse lithofacies types and greater heterogeneity in pore struc-ture due to frequently changing environmental conditions. Using methods such as mercury intru-sion porosimetry (MIP), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), this study investigates the micropore structures and heterogeneity of different lithofacies in the Jurassic Dongyuemiao Member lacustrine shale. Image processing and multifractal theory were employed to identify the controlling factors of pore structure heterogeneity. The key findings are as follows: (1) Based on mineral content and laminae types, the lithofacies types of Dongyuemiao lacustrine shale are classified into four types: shell-laminae mixed shale (SLMS), silty-laminae clay shale (SLCS), clast-laminae clay shale (CLCS), and clay shale (CS). (2) Based on genesis, shale reservoirs pore and permeability space are cate-gorized into inorganic pores, organic pores, and micro-fractures. Inorganic pores consist of in-ter-particle pores and intra-particle pores. Pore size distribution curves for all four lithofacies ex-hibit two main peaks, with pore sizes concentrated in the ranges of 2-10nm and 50-80nm. Meso-pores and macropores dominate, accounting for over 80% of the total pore volume. Mesopores are most developed in CLCS, representing 56.3%. (3) Quartz content is positively correlated with the multifractal dimension, while clay content shows a negative correlation. Higher quartz content, coupled with lower clay content, weakens pore structure heterogeneity. A negative correlation exists between total organic carbon (TOC) and the multifractal dimension, indicating that higher organic matter content enhances organic pore development and increases microscopic heteroge-neity. (4) Porosity heterogeneity in SLMS is effectively characterized by D0-Dmax, while in the other three lithofacies, it is characterized by Dmin-D0. Permeability across all lithofacies correlates withD0-Dmax. In CS, SLMS, and SLCS, permeability is positively correlated with D0-Dmax, with higher values indicating greater permeability heterogeneity. In CLCS, permeability is negatively correlated with D0-Dmax, such that lower values reflect stronger heterogeneity.

Abstract: The Yana-Kolyma collision orogen is one of world-class gold economic belts, where the large gold deposits are localized, mainly in the Upper Paleozoic and Lower Mesozoic clastic rocks. Dikes-hosted orogenic gold deposits have been to a lesser extent, but they are important for analyzing the structural control of mineralization within the framework of the tectonic evolution of the host orogen. Orogenic gold deposits of the Vyun ore field are hosted in Titonian mafic and felsic dike, but they have no genetic connection with dikes. The late formation of deposits leads to the fact that previously reactivated polydeformed structures turn out to be mineralized. Study of the structural control of mineralization is also complicated by superimposed late tectonic events. Based on the analysis of collected field materials, the paper presents the results of the study of deformation structures of the Vyun ore field within the framework of the Mesozoic evolution history throughout the geological time of the eastern convergent margin of the Siberian craton. Four stages of deformations are identified. The pre-mineralization deformations, metamorphic and magmatic events share a common NE-SW shortening (D1), which is related to the subduction of the Oymyakon oceanic slab and collision of the Kolyma-Omolon superterrane from the eastern margin of the Siberian Craton. These deformations are characterized by multiphase history of superposition of several tectonic events under conditions of compression and progressive deformations (D1/1 and D1/2). Ore mineralization was formed at the end of compression in the same stress field (D1/2). Its structural control is determined by reactivation of older dikes and faults. Dikes are areas of heterogeneous stress and heterogeneous strain, being favorable for the concentration of ore fluids. The metallogenic time of formation of the gold mineralization is synchronous to the tectonic event likely reflects the final stages of the Kolyma–Omolon microcontinent – Siberian Craton collision of the Valanginian during crustal thickening. The main impulse of Au mineralization coincided with a slowdown in convergence. Postmineralization tectonic regime was related to the Aptian-Late Cretaceous tectonic transition from compression to transpression. Transpressional tectonics was determined accordingly by W-E (D2) and N-S (D3) stress fields caused by several accretion events in the Cretaceous on the northern and eastern margins of Siberia. D4 tension strains are caused by the opening of the Eurasian Oceanic basin in the Arctic in the Paleocene. The obtained results of the relation between polydeformed structures and associated mineralization have important implications to contribute to a proper understanding of the structural control of orogenic gold deposits and their relationship to the evolution of the host orogen and the conceptual exploration targeting orogenic gold deposits in Phanerozoic terranes of craton margins.

Abstract: The various speculations about the so - called "Japan Sinks" have been widely circulated, to the extent that movies have even been made on this topic. The "2024 MW 7.6 Noto Peninsula Earthquake" has triggered contemplation about the specific mechanisms of the "Japan Sinks". The article synthesizes and explores the connection among the 2024 MW 7.6 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, the 1993 MW 6.6 Off Noto Earthquake and the future fate of the Japanese archipelago. Both earthquakes occurred at the same inflection point in the central part of the paleo-rift beneath the Sea of Japan, indicating continuous impacts. This suggests that multiple impacts may have led to the complete breaking of the inflection point, resulting in a full revival of the entire paleo-rift. Over time, the paleo-rift will evolve into a new subduction zone, similar to the Benioff Zone, causing the Japanese archipelago to subduct westward beneath the Japan Sea. Recent scientific studies support this assertion. The dangers depicted in the Japanese movie "Japan Sinks" could be real, even though it might not sink into the Pacific as depicted in the movie, but rather would submerge in the Sea of Japan.

Abstract: Earthquakes (EQs) are the most unpredictable and damaging natural disasters. Over the last hundred years the scientific community has been engaged in an intense endeavor to attain a confident and secure method of seismic activity forecasting. So far, despite the efforts, no fully validated method for predicting EQs has been established. However, research of the last thirty years has documented a substantial number of seismic precursor phenomena, the correct evaluation and application of which may pave the way for the development of a reliable EQ prediction method in the near future. The majority of the recent documented seismic precursors belong to the modern and fast developing field of electro-seismology, while a smaller subset remains within the more traditional domain of classical seismology- geophysics. This article aims to compile, classify, and assess the most well-documented precursors while also proposing a preliminary framework for their more effective application.

Abstract: Asymmetric deformation has been observed along the Altyn Tagh Fault (ATF), the northern boundary of the Tibetan Plateau. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain this asymmetry, including contrasts in crustal strength, lower crust/upper mantle rheology, deep fault dislocation shifts, and gently dipping fault planes; however, their relative contributions remain debated. This study utilizes time series Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technique to investigate spatially variable asymmetries across the western section of the ATF (83°E - 89°E). By analyzing Sentinel-1 data, we generated high-resolution (2 km) three-dimensional (3D) crustal velocity field for the northwestern Tibetan Plateau (~82°E–92°E; 33°N–40°N). Our results confirm greater deformation within the Tibetan Plateau compared to the Tarim Basin along the westernmost section of the ATF (83°E - 85.5°E). We propose that this asymmetry is primarily driven by a splay fault system within the zone between the ATF in the north and the Jinsha Suture (JSS)-Kunlun Fault (KFL) in the south. This shear zone acts as a transition zone, accommodating east-west extension in central Tibetan Plateau while transferring sinistral shear to the KLF in the east. The concentrated strain observed along the ATF and JSS-KLF further supports a block-style eastward extrusion model for Tibetan crustal deformation rather than a continuously deforming viscous model.

Abstract:

In order to obtain the deep geological structure of the Jinding lead-zinc mine, and better understand the geological environment for mineralization in the deep part of the deposit, we have developed a new exploration mode on the Controlled Source Audio-frequency Magnetotellurics method (CSAMT). Firstly, we established a geophysical model based on the geological overview of the mineral deposit, and performed forward modeling using the coupled finite-infinite element method. On the one hand, we verified the effectiveness of CSAMT exploration based on the forward results, on the another hand, we designed the field acquisition parameters for CSAMT by referencing the forward modeling parameters. Secondly, we proposed a new method for evaluating CSAMT data. While quantitatively evaluating the signal strength through noise testing experiments, we also qualitatively evaluated the full characteristics of the CSAMT sounding curves through acquisition time testing experiments. Finally, using two-dimensional continuous medium inversion, we obtained the electrical distribution at a depth of 1km below each survey line in the Jinding lead-zinc mining area. By interpreting the electrical structure of the survey lines, we revealed the electrical characteristics of the lithologic system in the Jinding lead-zinc mining area, providing geophysical evidence for the study of the Jinding lead-zinc deposit.

Abstract: Fuzzy-ball fluids have emerged as a novel class of chemical sealapluging materials with significant potential for enhancing both traditional oilfield operations and clean energy technologies. It is characterized by unique viscoelastic properties, plugging, self-adapting capabilities, and ability to regulate multi-phase fluid flow under extreme subsurface conditions. In oilfield applications, fuzzy-ball fluids offer solutions for drilling, hydraulic fracturing, workover operations, and enhanced oil recovery in shallow, deep, and offshore reservoirs. In clean energy fields such as hydrogen storage, carbon capture, utilization, and storage, and geothermal energy, it shows promise in improving energy efficiency, storage security, and environmental sustainability. This review explores the fundamental principles and mechanisms behind fuzzy-ball fluids, examines the field applications in the oil and gas industry, and investigates its potential in emerging clean energy technologies. This study also identifies key challenges, including material stability, economic viability, and environmental impact, which must be addressed to ensure the successful deployment of fuzzy-ball fluids. Furthermore, we outline future research directions, emphasizing material optimization, large-scale field trials, environmental impact assessments, and interdisciplinary collaboration to accelerate the commercialization of fuzzy-ball fluid technologies. By addressing these challenges, fuzzy-ball fluids could play a transformative role in both conventional and clean energy fields, contributing to sustainable and efficient energy solutions.

Abstract:

The presented work is the result of the study and the analysis of the distribution of ore manifestations and geochemical fields of gold and magmatic complexes of the Late Mesozoic in the framing of the Eastern flank of the Mongol-Okhotsk orogenic belt. It was found that elevated concentrations of this noble element are noted within the areas of telescoping of rocks of magmatic complexes formed in various geodynamic settings. The main testing ground for studying this problem was the southern framing of the Eastern flank of the Mongol-Okhotsk orogenic belt (Russia). Here, the processes of combining various magmatic stages, is most clearly manifested. The chosen object of study was the intrusive Uskalin massif. The massif is composed of rocks that reflect the following geodynamic events: initial over-subductional (149– 138 Ma), subductional (140– 122 Ma), collisional (119– 97 Ma). The formation of this massif is accompanied by extensive mineralization zones with gold-bearing veins. Therefore, gold contents have been established directly in the granitoids, which exceed the Clarke values by 2.25.

Abstract: Among the large ring structures considered meteorite (impact) craters, the Siljan structure is one of the best-known in central Sweden. Samples of basement rocks were collected and studied from four sections penetrated by exploration boreholes along the periphery of the Siljan crater. Based on the results of laboratory studies, detailed petrographic characteristics of the rocks were obtained, which included a description of their structure and texture, mineral composition, and secondary transformations. Significant differences in the composition of the rocks in the sections located in the eastern and western parts of the structure were revealed. In the western part, boreholes exposed volcanic and metamorphosed volcanic-sedimentary rocks, while the section in the eastern part of the structure is composed of igneous rocks of predominantly acidic composition. This is probably due to structural shifts as a result of the influence of intense tectonic processes.

Abstract: This paper utilises teleseismic Z-component data to investigate the rupture\textquotesingle{s} propagation, extent and velocity field for two destructive earthquakes of the East Anatolian Fault Zone (EAFZ); the M_w=7,8 earthquake occurrence near Kahramanmaras on 2023/Feb/06 and its M_w=7,5 major aftershock at Elbistan (Cardak Fault). Both earthquakes have been the most devastating in that tectonic region during the last decades and have caused property damage and human casualties. The extent of the rupture was modelled with high-resolution beamforming and multichannel classification.The teleseismic data were derived from agencies in the US and Canada. The rupture of the M_w=7,8 earthquake was found to be bi-directional towards north-east and south-west. A distance of 299 km was covered in 185 s with varying velocity field values along the main fault, while its splay and the major aftershock, ruptured, also, bi-directionally, to an extent of 150 km within 46 s. The findings provide new insights of the evolution of the spatio-temporal rupture of the EAFZ and may serve as a basis for long-term earthquake hazard planning of the area.

Abstract: The resistivity method is widely used to address long-term monitoring challenges in fields such as environmental protection, ecological restoration, seawater intrusion, and geological hazard assessment. However, external environmental changes can influence monitoring data, causing inversion results that fail to accurately reflect subsurface variations. Furthermore, the data volume required for such monitoring is several times larger than that for conventional single-point observations, leading to excessively long inversion times and low computational efficiency. To address these issues, we develop a three-dimensional inversion algorithm for the resistivity method incorporating time-lapse constraints. Additionally, MPI parallelization is integrated into the program to enhance computational efficiency. Through the design of theoretical models and the synthesis of data to test the algorithm, the results show that, compared to separate inversion, the shape and values of time-lapse inversion results at different time points are more consistent, maintaining temporal continuity, and the computational efficiency of MPI parallel inversion is greatly improved. Particularly in high-noise environments, time-lapse inversion effectively suppresses background noise interference, reduces false anomalies, and produces results that closely align with the true model, thus confirming the algorithm’s effectiveness and superiority.

Abstract:

In the course of the Carboniferous to Permian assembly of Pangaea, large parts of eastern Laurussia and northern Gondwana were affected by the Variscan Orogeny. Here, we particularly focus on the Appalachian belt of eastern Laurentia and the Mauritanide, Western Thrust (WTB) and Souttoufide belts of the western West African Craton. Owing to the irregular shapes of the craton margins, this collision resulted in several conjugate promontories and embayments on both cratons. Among others, the coupled pair formed by the African “Reguibat promontory” and its counterpart in North America, the “Pennsylvania embayment” is in focus of this study. The (relative) western movement of the Reguibat Shield had initially imprinted the West African belts but finally also affected the Appalachians. Forming such a classical “punch mark” produces two specific stacks of “nappes” (lobes) on both sides of the promontory. Related to the Reguibat promontory, the southern NW-SW stacking nappes (e.g. Akjoujt nappes) are known since a long time. However, those nappes of the “Adrar Souttouf Massif” to the north have not been recognised before because of its N-S alignment instead of a symmetrical SW-NE direction. Furthermore, the Adrar Souttouf Massif is partially covered by allochthons terranes (WTB or Appalachians). This discovery justifies the application of the classical imprinting model to the deformation of the North American and African belts by westward moving of the Reguibat Shield.

Abstract: This study examines speleothems, sediments, rock, and water to assess geochemical and mineralogical processes in deep karst systems. Focusing on Slovačka jama cave (-1,320 m deep) and the Velebita cave system (-1,026 m deep), we identify elemental and mineralogical anomalies that provide valuable records of element transport, mineral formation, and paleoenvironmental changes. Heavy metal anomalies at 300–400 m of depth in Slovačka jama indicate a complex interplay of geological conditions, geomor-phological processes, atmospheric deposition, and potential anthropogenic influences. Factor analysis reveals two elemental associations: (1) Fe, Pb, Cu, and Zn, linked to ter-rigenous aluminosilicates, and (2) Cd, Cr, Mo, and Ni, suggesting airborne or geological sources. Mineralogical analysis confirms the dominance of calcite, with quartz, clay minerals, feldspars, magnetite, and goethite also detected. High magnetic susceptibility values in sediment-rich samples suggest Fe-rich mineral inputs from weathering, biogenic activity, or industrial sources. Ba anomalies in feldspar-rich samples and Sr accumulation at depth indicate distinct geochemical processes. These findings enhance our understanding of deep karst geochemistry, crucial for paleoenvironmental reconstructions and groundwater protection.

Abstract: The static shift effect is a distortion in electromagnetic data that severely impacts exploration results. Traditional static effect correction methods are often ineffective, prone to overcorrection or undercorrection, and make it difficult to accurately assess the applicability of the correction. Furthermore, some correction processes require additional data, which increases correction costs. This paper first presents the theoretical foundation for correcting static shift effects in the electric field components using magnetic field component information. Based on time-frequency electromagnetic exploration technology, a method is proposed to correct static shift effects in the electric field by using simultaneously collected magnetic field data, aiming to address the distortion issues caused by static shift effects in the electric field and apparent resistivity. The method is validated through both theoretical models and field data, demonstrating its excellent correction performance. Additionally, the paper introduces the use of the multifractal spectrum analysis algorithm to analyze profile measurement points and study the fractal dimension characteristics of static shift effects, providing an effective way to evaluate the appropriateness and potential overcorrection of the correction. Finally, the multifractal features of field data are discussed, validating the ability of the multifractal spectrum to identify subsurface electrical complexity.