Ji'nan possesses highly abundant geothermal resources, which are hosted by Ordovician-Cambrian karst-fissured geothermal reservoirs and Neogene-Paleogene clastic pore-fissure geothermal reservoirs. The geothermal exploration in this study focuses on the Ordovician-Cambrian karst fissured geothermal reservoirs in Daqiao Town in northern Ji'nan. Through geophysical profile measurements, this study aims to identify the distributions of strata and fault structures and the burial depths of geothermal reservoirs, infer the attitudes and spatial morphologies of fault structures associated with heat control and conduction, delineate the target area for geothermal well construction, and conduct drilling verification in the favorable underground water-rich position. Building on the collected data, this study interpreted and inferred the fault structures in the study area and comparatively analyzed the water-bearing properties by employing direct-current sounding, controlled source audio magnetotellurics, and magnetotelluric survey. A geothermal exploration and production combined well was constructed in a favorable position of the geothermal target area, manifesting a completion depth of 1 532.06 m, a static-water burial depth of 13.03 m, a wellhead water temperature of 50.1 ℃, a water yield of 132.998 m³/h, and a dropdown depth of 18.27 m.

The artificial source electromagnetic method is an important technique for deep resource exploration. The key challenge is to improve the depth and precision of detection through innovative technology. The detection mode of electromagnetic methods is evolving from far-field to near-field, and the study of near-source electromagnetic methods has become an international research frontier in recent years. Building on the recent advancements in wide-field electromagnetic methods and multi-channel transient electromagnetic methods, the short-offset transient electromagnetic method (SOTEM) has been further developed and proposed. The distinguishing features of SOTEM are its stronger signals and wider bandwidth, which are advantageous for achieving the detection requirements of greater depth and higher precision. This special issue presents eight articles covering the methods, techniques, software, and applications of SOTEM, providing strong support for the growing need for high-resolution subsurface detection.

The Laiwu area in central Shandong Province, situated in the eastern North China Craton, is a significant production area of skarn iron-rich ores. Its ore deposits occur primarily in the contact zone between the mining rock mass and the Middle Ordovician carbonate formation. Based on the latest areal gravity and magnetic survey results, this study thoroughly investigated the characteristics of gravity and magnetic anomalies along the Shijiaquan-Liujiamiao area in the western periphery of the mine rock mass. Then, this study delineated the deep prospecting target combining the characteristics of gravity and magnetic fields of the known iron deposits in the Laiwu area. Large-scale gravity and magnetic profiles were arranged in the favorable mineralization area. With the known boreholes as constraints, the gravity and magnetic anomalies were qualitatively and quantitatively interpreted using the 2.5D gravity-magnetic joint inversion technique. The interpretation results provide a basis for the location and depth of the borehole to be placed, which revealed a 15.8 m-thick iron-rich ore deposit, suggesting remarkable prospecting effects. This study holds critical indicative significance for further exploration of skarn iron ore deposits in this area.

Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) technology, one of the most advanced sound field detection technologies, can achieve distributed, long-distance, and high-precision real-time detection of the ambient vibration and sound field information interacting with optical fiber. The optical fiber exploration system of the DAS technology solves the problems of high cost and deployment difficulty of conventional geophones in complex geological environments. In recent years, the DAS technology has experienced rapid development, especially in monitoring application scenarios that require long-term and large-scale deployment. However, its systematic understanding is insufficient due to divergent research results. To further understand the research advances of the DAS technology in geophysical exploration for more effective subsequent research, this study systematically classified and summarized the development history of the DAS technology and its recent research results in geophysical exploration based on the oil and gas, marine, and environmental engineering application scenarios through literature research. This study focused on the development process of the DAS technology in different directions, the research advances in data processing, and relevant literature with specific results. Finally, this study generalized the development trend and urgent problems of the DAS acquisition system, analyzing the DAS development prospect.

To improve the detection level of municipal roads for rapid and effective municipal road collapse warning and rapid search for municipal pipe network distribution, the 22^nd Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation designed and developed real-time three-dimensional ground-penetrating radar (3D GPR). With the real-time 3D GPR, which is based on the architecture of field programmable gate array and digital signal processor (FPGA&DSP), the institute achieved the design and implementation of several key technologies for the multi-channel high-speed acquisition system, enriching the road detection techniques and methods. The real-time 3D GPR enables high-speed acquisition of ten-channel radar data using the horizontally polarized antennae equipped with five transmitters and six receivers. The channels can be switched using high-speed switches, which operate in an interactive interpolation manner. The 3D GPR allows for up to 32 channels and detection speeds of above 60 km/h (channel interval: 2 cm). This is attributed to the switching of the antenna array using switches. The optimum antenna polarization design was verified by the comparison of experimental data from cavity- and metal-plate-based experimental sites. As a result, the optimal antenna scheme was determined. The measured results show that, compared to general LTD-2600 radar, the real-time 3D GPR boasts a higher acquisition speed and higher performance in terms of amplitude and phase, conducive to the improvement of road disaster detection technologies. Therefore, there is high market demand for the real-time 3D GPR.

The eastern Kunlun metallogenic belt, as a significant metal metallogenic belt in China, hosts extensive orogenic gold deposits and large-scale Kunlunhe, Gouli, and Wulonggou gold concentration areas. The Dachaigou gold deposit is a large-scale gold deposit newly discovered in the Wulonggou gold field in recent years. Despite its high metallogenic potential, the western extension of its ore belt has not been defined. Hence, this study conducted induced polarization (IP) sounding and wide-field electromagnetic sounding in the deposit. The results show that the known ore belt is situated in the regional gravity anomaly gradient zone, the transition zone of positive and negative weak magnetic anomalies, the edge of IP anomalies, or the electrical gradient zone. The development zone of the regional tectonic belt resides in the large-scale IP anomaly section. The regional tectonic belt is characterized by a wide range of low-resistivity anomaly zones. The IV and III alteration zones of the known ore belt are located in the opening position of the low-resistivity anomaly zone and the shallow electrical anomaly gradient zone, respectively. Based on the above understanding and the electromagnetic anomaly change patterns of several parallel profiles in the western extension segment, it was inferred that the regional ore-controlling structure extends steadily in the W-NWW direction, forming a favorable prospecting space in the western extension segment of the deposit. The results of deep geophysical exploration in the Dachaigou deposit indicate that geophysical methods manifest significant advantages in deep geological prospecting research, providing successful experience for deep prospecting in the eastern Kunlun gold deposit area.

Huize County of Yunnan Province is situated in the karst area in southwestern China, where karst groundwater is its primary water source. To conquer local difficulties in drinking water, this study constructed a conceptual model of groundwater occurrence by fully investigating the hydrogeological conditions of the Huize area. Moreover, this study evaluated the applicability and optimal combination of geophysical methods based on the measurement results of petrophysical properties. According to the actual local needs, this study deployed a comprehensive profile combining high-density electrical resistivity tomography (HDERT) and audio magnetotellurics (AMT) in Tuogu Village, Huize County. The groundwater enrichment site was delineated relying on resistivity anomalies, effectively guiding the layout of boreholes. The boreholes achieved the maximum single-borehole water yield of 20.76 m³/d, thus effectively alleviating the local drinking water problem. The HDERT-AMT combined exploration method proves to be optimal for prospecting for groundwater in carbonate rock areas. HDERT can accurately characterize weathered layer thicknesses, bedrock boundaries, fissure evolutionary degrees, and water-bearing properties of strata, constraining groundwater recharge channels, thus counteracting AMT's defects for identification of near-surface stratigraphic structures. AMT can accurately reflect the spatial structures of fracture zones and the macrostructures of strata, limiting the boundary conditions (aquicludes) of water-bearing structures, thus making up for the defects of insufficient detection depths of HDERT in high-resistivity stratigraphic regions. HDERT and AMT, which are complementary to each other in terms of accuracy and depth, can be applied to identify and constrain the spatial occurrence conditions of groundwater migration, storage, and enrichment.

Airborne geophysical surveys, characteristic of being green, economical, efficient, and subjected to less influence by surface factors, serve as the one of most effective means of basic surveys and scientific research on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This study reviewed the progress in the airborne geophysical surveys in the Qiangtang Basin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in the past thirty years, systematically summarizing the progress and geological interpretation results of comprehensive airborne geophysical surveys in the basin. Furthermore, this study presented research progress and understanding of major basic geological issues of the basin, such as the basin's boundaries, central uplift zone, basement properties, deep structures, and cover characteristics, as well as the identification of favorable structural areas for oil and gas exploration. Finally, based on an analysis of the developmental trends of airborne geophysical surveys in the Qiangtang Basin, this study proposed opinions and suggestions for key research directions in the future.

To explore the critical factors influencing the results of microtremor-based exploration at a depth of thousands of meters,this study conducted experiments using triangular arrays based on spatial autocorrelation(SPAC) and extended SPAC(ESPAC).Focusing on factors such as array size,acquisition unit frequency,and acquisition duration,this study explored the frequency band ranges corresponding to different array sizes,the arrangement of arrays in kilometer-depth exploration for obtaining both deep and shallow data,and the improvement in deep resolution.Based on the analysis and discussion results,this study established a parameter-setting system to improve the accuracy of exploration at a depth of thousands of meters.

In geoscientific field, the essential object of all the research problems is the physical world which is derived from the crust-mantle interaction and has deeply influenced globally the environment and resources. The metallogenic geochemical theory believes that the metallogenic materials are the internal factors for the metallogenic system to influence the metallogenic process, and taking metallogenic materials as the main body to study the problems of metallogenic materials and metallogenic processes is the basic meaning of the metallogenic geochemical theory, and the core subject of the studies of metallogenic rules and theories. During the mineralization process of metallogenic system, metallogenic materials formed into metallogenic series of corresponding scale. This paper outlines several scientific topics of the metallogenic geochemical studies, among which, the topic of global metallogenic system mainly studies the metallogenic processes and relations of the series of metallogenic regions, provinces and belts formed by metallogenic materials in the context of global metallogenic process; the topic of regional metallogenic system mainly studies the metallogenic processes and relations of ore field series in the context of regional metallogenic process; the topic of ore field metallogenic system mainly studies the metallogenic processes and relations of mineral deposit series in the context of ore field metallogenic process; the topic of mineral deposit metallogenic system mainly studies the metallogenic processes and relations of ore-body series in the context of mineral deposit metallogenic process. The basic research ideas concerning above mentioned studies are discussed in this paper, including the metallogenic materials' geneses and sources, migration and evolution, differentiation and concentration, as well as the zoning relations of each level's metallogenic system and series of the world during the metallogenic processes. The purpose is to summary the metallogenic rules, explore the metallogenic mechanism and guide the mineral resources exploration. Supported by modern technologies and methods of IT(information technology), modeling and AI(artificial intelligence), the metallogenic geochemical theory uses the earth system scientific ideas to study the problems of metallogenic system and metallogenic series, construct the theoretical framework for metallogenic geochemical research, and provide a theoretical basis for the mineral resources exploration, evaluation and development technics and methods.

With the rapid development of cities and the accelerated construction of subway tunnels,there is an urgent demand for the detection of unfavorable geological bodies ahead of tunnel excavation.It is difficult for traditional electromagnetic methods to yield excellent detection results in an urban environment with high electromagnetic interference.Active-source surface wave exploration has gained increasing popularity in shallow superficial exploration and engineering geophysical prospecting in cities due to its strong anti-interference,convenient acquisition devices,and low construction cost.However,the traditional active-source reflection seismic method uses only a heavy hammer with limited excitation energy as a seismic source,and the collected signals are prone to be disturbed by urban activities.Meanwhile,the asphalt or cement pavement in urban areas is unfavorable for the placement of geophones and the excitation of seismic signals from a hammer.Given these,this study improved the geophones and seismic source devices at low costs,obtaining a more efficient and user-friendly surface wave acquisition device.As confirmed by practical engineering exploration,the improved device can collect surface-wave signals with strong energy and high signal-to-noise ratios,resulting in high-quality data,desirable inversion and imaging results,and high consistency between the geological defects and actual geological conditions.The improved acquisition device can be extensively promoted and referenced in active-source surface wave exploration in cities.

Magnetotelluric sounding (MT) has been extensively applied in mineral resource exploration. However, strong anthropogenic electromagnetic interference severely constrains the acquisition of high-quality original MT data. This study provided a detailed summary of the common types of electromagnetic noise sources in China and analyzed the characteristics of electromagnetic noise they produced. By comparing the methods for MT electromagnetic noise reduction at home and abroad, this study developed a rapid and effective construction and processing technology for MT data denoising in high-interference ore districts based on actual production demands. The results indicate that Robust processing, remote reference technique, and manual selection are effective and necessary in enhancing MT data quality. Besides, theoretical calculations suggest that the distance between the remote reference stations should be set at 3.56-fold skin depth or above, as verified by the MT experiments in the ore district of the Hongze salt basin, Jiangsu Province.

Significant aeromagnetic and gravity anomalies were found in the ultra-deep coverage zone of the Pandian area in the northwestern Shandong Province. Through systematic verification of gravity and magnetic anomalies, a breakthrough in prospecting for deep skarn iron deposits has been achieved through several boreholes around the Pandian gravity-magnetic anomaly zone. However, the gravity-magnetic anomaly zone spreads extensively and its characteristics cannot directly indicate the prospecting target, thus some boreholes failed to find ores or revealed poor ore-finding conditions. Hence, to accurately delineate the ore-forming location in the gravity-magnetic anomaly zone and achieve a further breakthrough in ore prospecting, this study conducted the wide-field electromagnetic (WFEM) sounding in the verified Pandian gravity-magnetic anomaly zone. Combining the drilling verification, this study delineated the deep ore-forming interval of skarn iron deposits in the deep coverage zone and the favorable structural plane for ore-forming, suggesting the deep fine-scale prospecting targets.

Southern China boasts great potential for normal-pressure shale gas resources,with distribution areas primarily including the peripheral complex structural areas and the extrabasinal fold belts of the Sichuan Basin.These areas exhibit intricate surface and subsurface geological conditions,leading to poor seismic acquisition quality,low imaging accuracy,and unclear varying patterns of sweet spot parameters.This study systematically summarized the research achievements and technical advances in the seismic acquisition,image processing,and reservoir prediction for normal-pressure shale gas in southeastern Chongqing,including:①The development of variable-density 3D observation system design technique and the seismic excitation and reception technique for complex mountains with limestone surfaces,ensuring sufficient sampling of the reflected wave field in complex subsurface structures and improving data quality and construction efficiency;②The optimization of prestack seismic preprocessing technique for complex mountains,imaging techniques for complex structures in basin-margin transition zones, and imaging techniques for synclinal structures in extrabasinal fold belts,achieving resulting profiles with high signal-to-noise ratios,wide effective frequency bands,and high structural imaging accuracy;③The quantitative prediction of the thickness,formation pressure coefficient,and brittleness of high-quality shales based on research on petrophysical characteristics;the quantitative prediction of the organic carbon content,gas content,and porosity of shales based on statistical petrophysics;the quantitative prediction of fractures formed due to the superimposed effect of multi-stage structural modifications based on the paleo-stress field evolution revealed using the finite element simulation technique;and the ascertainment of the distribution patterns of the current in-situ stress field using the current stress field prediction technique developed using the combined spring model.The above breakthroughs have effectively guided the sweet spot prediction,exploration,and production of normal-pressure shale gas,providing a basis for the discovery of the Nanchuan normal-pressure shale gas field.Subsequent research should focus on more scientific and reasonable seismic acquisition techniques based on seismic reception using 5G wireless nodes,high-precision automatic image processing technologies for high-steep structures in complex mountains,and integrated geology-engineering-economy seismic evaluation methods for sweet spots.

Since individual geophysical exploration methods suffer the multiplicity of solutions, comprehensive geophysical prospecting has been extensively applied in deep ore prospecting presently. This study conducted the geological exploration of the Duhu porphyry copper deposit in Xinxing County using multiple geophysical methods such as high-precision magnetic survey and controlled source audio-frequency magnetotellurics (CSAMT). It was inferred that the CSAMT-derived medium-low resistivity anomalies and the low-gentle anomalies derived from the high-precision magnetic survey serve as significant prospecting indicators. Satisfactory results were achieved in follow-up verification of the anomalies. Specifically, copper, molybdenum, silver, and gold mineralized bodies with a cumulative thickness of 178.2 m were identified in a 1 000 m deep borehole, with the highest copper grade of 1.45%. The application of comprehensive geophysical prospecting holds great significance in guiding the exploration of porphyry copper deposits in western Guangdong.

Airborne gravity-magnetic data are effective in revealing the deep structures of a basin.Based on the latest airborne gravity-magnetic data,combined with field-measured physical property data,this study expounded the characteristics and geological origin of airborne gravity-magnetic anomalies present in the Baiyunhu sag.Using the airborne gravity-magnetic data,this study identified the distribution of faults and magmatic rocks in the Baiyunhu sag.Furthermore,it calculated the burial depth of the magnetic basement and the structural morphologies of the Mesozoic basement in the sag using the artificial tangent method, power spectrum analysis method,and Parker-Oldenburg iterative inversion algorithm.Additionally,this study verified the structural stratification results through the integrated interpretations of gravity and magnetism in target sections.The findings suggest that the undulations of the Mesozoic and Paleozoic sediments in the Baiyunhu sag are the primary cause of gravity anomalies,while the regional airborne magnetic anomaly primarily reflects the distribution features of the Precambrian basement.The deeply buried basement of the Baiyunhu sag,featuring continuously distributed,thick Mesozoic strata and the lack of regional faulting and magmatic activity,is scarcely affected by tectonic movements and possesses great potential for oil and gas exploration.

This study aims to systematically investigate the distribution and over-limit elements of areas with high geological background values of heavy metals in soils in Yunnan Province. GIS spatial analysis was conducted based on the heavy metal content data from a province-wide 1∶200,000 stream sediment survey and the regional geological map. The analysis results were validated using the data of heavy metals in soils in Kunming, Yuxi, Zhaotong, and other regions. A total of 61 geological units were identified, with heavy metal content in soils exceeding the screening values of agricultural land, accounting for 21.09% of the total land area of Yunnan. The cultivated land in high geological background areas covers an area of approximately 2.844 1 million hectares, accounting for 7.22% of the total land area of Yunnan. The lithologies that cause over-limit heavy metals in soils primarily comprise carbonate rocks, mafic-ultramafic volcanic rocks, intermediate mafic intrusive rocks, coal-bearing clastic rocks, and clastic rocks with mafic components. The over-limit heavy metal elements in high geological background areas are dominated by Cu, Cr, Ni, and Cd. In contrast, As manifests an over-limit risk mainly in carbonate rock formations, Pb and Zn only exhibit an over-limit risk in individual strata, and Hg almost shows no over-limit risk.

Underground cavities with shallow burial and small scale are difficult to detect. With the development of gravity sensing technology, the accurate and rapid acquisition of micro-gravity variations brings new opportunities for detecting underground cavities, and it has wide research and practical value for the detection of small-scale underground cavities. This paper systematically analyzes and studies underground cavities from three aspects: gravity basic theory, gravity detection technology, and gravity data processing and inversion. Under given body size and gravity data accuracy, the maximum burial depth of gravity detection is calculated using the bisection method. High-density acquisition and high-precision gravity detection methods are applied to the actual detection of an underground pedestrian tunnel in a certain area of a passenger station. A set of high-precision gravity grid data is obtained. The theoretical research and measurement results indicate that existing gravity instruments have the ability to detect underground cavities. By using the minimum curvature potential field separation method, 2.5D interactive inversion and the target area recognition three-dimensional physical property fast inversion method, the approximate SN distribution and burial depth of the underground pedestrian tunnel are obtained, which is approximately 2.5~5 m, consistent with the actual situation. This study has developed a complete gravity exploration process for detecting underground cavities, and it has certain reference value.

The extended spatial autocorrelation (ESPAC)-based microtremor exploration(natural-source surface wave exploration) technology has been extensively used in shallow formation exploration owing to its simplicity,efficiency,and accuracy.However,the imaging effect of dispersion energy extracted based on the ESPAC method is unsatisfactory in practical applications.In particular,different observation array arrangements influence the extraction of dispersion curves from collected data.By investigating the imaging principle of the ESPAC method,this study conducted the simulation experiment of natural-source microtremor recording through ambient noise simulation.It compared the differences in dispersion energy under various dominant frequency distributions of wavelets.Moreover,it quantitatively analyzed the influence of different station arrangements and acquisition durations on the imaging quality of dispersion energy.The comparative study reveals the imaging patterns of the ESPAC method in shallow surface exploration.The ESPAC method can maximize the imaging quality of dispersion energy in the fundamental mode while considering both efficiency and exploration costs.The results of this study were applied to engineering application cases to further verify the simulation results.

As mature oilfields are in their middle to late exploitation stage, the Gaotaizi oil layer exhibits significantly increased water saturation, elusive longitudinal stratification, and unknown distribution patterns of regional residual oil. These complicate the potential exploitation, energy conservation, and emission reduction. To ascertain the distribution of residual oil in the Gaotaizi oil layer in order to guide production operations and clarify potential targets, this study identified the longitudinal distribution of residual oil in the study area using the pulsed neutron-neutron (PNN) logging technique. The comparison between the monitoring results and production data of 10 wells revealed a coincidence rate of measures of 80%. The results of this study show that the PNN logging technique can be used to effectively identify the longitudinal distribution of residual oil in reservoirs and yields encouraging application performance in guiding the hole filling and water plugging for single wells in high-water-cut layers, thus increasing oil production. This technique has increased the evaluation accuracy of residual oil saturation in the Gaotaizi oil layer in the mature oilfield. It can provide technical support for formulating and adjusting subsequent oilfield exploitation schemes and offer a scientific basis for further guiding efficient reservoir exploitation, energy conservation, and emission reduction.

China has accumulated massive data on total gamma radiation (γ) from the prolonged extensive surveys of uranium deposits. However, there is a marked lack of studies on radioactive environment assessment using these data. Based on the measurement principles of total gamma radiation and the absorbed dose rate in air, this study ascertained the relationships of the absorbed dose rate in air with the total natural gamma radiation and nuclide content and, accordingly, established the relationship between total gamma radiation and the absorbed dose rate in air. Furthermore, it analyzed the effects of instrument parameters on the measurement error, concluding that there existed a strictly linear relationship between the measured total gamma radiation and the absorbed dose rate in the air when b_K/b_U = 2.287 and b_Th/b_U = 0.430. Therefore, the b_K/b_U and b_Th/b_U ratios closer to both values correspond to more accurate absorbed dose rates in air converted from the measured total gamma radiation. Using the model of the Hunan Ionizing Radiation Measuring Station, this study calculated the coefficient for converting total gamma radiation into the absorbed dose rate in air, analyzed the error, and deduced the approximate uranium equivalent ranges of potassium and thorium in the instrument parameters. Furthermore, for the rock mass in Panjia Village, Guiyang County, Chenzhou City and the limestone area of Tuqiao Village in Yongxing County of the city, this study measured the total gamma radiation, gamma spectra, and absorbed dose rates in the air at the same stations. The results show that when the average nuclide content ratio C_K/C_U was less than 1 and C_Th/C_U ratio was less than 3, the absorbed dose rates in air estimated based on the total gamma radiation (measured using the FD3013 instrument) shared roughly the same error levels with those estimated based on energy spectra using the Beck formula, both yielding root mean square errors below 15%. As inferred from the average C_K/C_U and C_Th/C_U ratios of nuclides in China, the absorbed dose rate in air in most areas of China can be estimated using the total gamma radiation measured using an FD3013 instrument (or an instrument with similar performance). Overall, converting the total gamma radiation data from available extensive surveys of uranium deposits into effective absorbed dose rates in the air provides a methodological reference for rapid, large-area assessment of the external exposure level of natural radioactivity in the environment.

Cumbersome acquisition tools and laborious indoor data processing are bound to impair the quality and accuracy of conventional field geochemical surveys, especially in study areas with many samples and a harsh natural environment. The informatization and intelligence of field geochemical surveys are the requirements of the times and an inevitable trend for the advancement of methods and technologies. Based on the ArcGIS and Android platforms, this study developed a geochemical field sampling system, which comprises task planning, field data collecting, quality control, and other functions, to match the field geochemical survey process using mobile GIS and database technologies. This system enables the informatization and intelligence of the entire field geochemical survey process, simplifying the data collection procedure, reducing the time needed for fieldwork, and enhancing the data collection efficiency. Therefore, this system improves the quality and accuracy of field survey information, advancing the digitization of field geochemical surveys.

Investigating the spatial distribution of permafrost is critical for cryosphere research. At present, China's investigation concerning the spatial distribution of permafrost generally employs the detection method of ground geophysical exploration combined with logs to obtain local point or line data. Alternatively, different remote sensing models can be used to simulate and estimate the thickness of regional permafrost. This study inferred the spatial distribution of permafrost based on airborne time-domain electromagnetic (TDAEM) data and resistivity calculation results. The comparative analysis of the inference results and the known drilling data reveals an average error of 18.5% between the permafrost thickness inferred from the inversion results of TDAEM data and the result determined by borehole temperature measurements. This suggests that the TDAEM method exhibits high effectiveness and accuracy in permafrost thickness investigation. With technical advantages like high efficiency and minor topographic influence, the TDAEM method can be applied to the large-scale, rapid, and quantitative permafrost investigation in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Greater Khingan Range in northeast China. Therefore, this study provides a new and effective technical solution for a comprehensive investigation of the spatial distribution of permafrost and its influence on ecological environment changes.

The Tiaojishan Formation in northwestern Hebei Province is home to volcanic-sedimentary strata. Due to the lack of fossil organisms, insufficient isotopic dating data, and outdated dating methods, the formation epochs of these strata have been controversial. To accurately determine their formation epochs and examine their regional geotectonic setting, this study conducted a detailed field investigation of the lithologic assemblage of the Tiaojishan Formation in the Xuanhua Basin. Petrological, petrogeochemical, and high-precision isotopic dating studies were conducted on the trachytic volcanic rocks in the upper segment of the formation, obtaining the LA-ICP-MS-based zircon U-Pb isotopic ages, which were 161.1±1.2 Ma and 162.5±1.3Ma. As indicated by the petrological and petrogeochemical characteristics, these trachytic volcanic rocks belong to the shoshonite series, exhibiting enriched light rare earth elements, relatively enriched elements including Rb, K, Th, Ce, Zr, and Hf, and relatively depleted Ba, Nb, Sr, P, and Ti. According to the comparison of principal parameters and graphical discrimination, the magma originated primarily from the melting of continental crustal materials and formed in the tectonic setting of compressional continental margin volcanic arcs. The comprehensive research reveals that the Tiaojishan Formation formed primarily during the Middle Jurassic and continued to the Late Jurassic, and the trachytic volcanic rocks in its upper segment formed in the intraplate compressional tectonic setting. The results of this study provide new data for the division and correlation of Mesozoic volcanic-sedimentary strata and the analysis of their formation environment.

This study aims to investigate the characteristics and influencing factors of selenium (Se) content in the tea leaf-rhizosphere soil system of the Liubao tea in Wuzhou, Guangxi. With the main tea gardens in Liubao and Shizhai towns, the core production areas of the Liubao tea, as study areas, this study conducted statistical analysis of the Se content in the tea leaves, rhizosphere soils, and tea leachate samples of the Liubao tea. The results show that: ① The Se content in soils of the study areas ranged from (0.40~1.98)×10^-6, averaging 1.08×10^-6; ② The Se content in Liubao tea leaves was between (0.03~0.25)×10^-6, averaging 0.07×10^-6, with a Se enrichment rate of 68%; ③ The leaching rates of Se in tea leachate ranged from 0~23.95%; ④ The Se content in the rhizosphere soils of tea gardens principally depended on soil parent materials and silica-sesquioxide ratios; ⑤ The P and N elements in soils can facilitate the absorption of soil Se by tea leaves, while the iron and aluminum oxides in acidified soils hinder the full utilization of soil Se by the Liubao tea. Hence, appropriate biochemical and agronomic measures are recommended for acidified soil amelioration to enhance the Se enrichment ability of the Liubao tea.

To explore the geological conditions for the tunnel construction in hydropower engineering, this study built a calculation model for tunnel geological conditions using a 3D resistivity method. Through numerical simulations, this study determined the 3D resistivity distribution of the tunnel model. Then, the model was applied to the field exploration of a water resource allocation project in Yunnan, yielding satisfactory exploration results, as verified through drilling. The findings suggest that the 3D resistivity method can be effectively applied to the exploration of geological conditions for tunnel construction in hydropower engineering by accurately determining formation thicknesses, as well as the sizes, locations, and filling characteristics of karst cavities. The quantitative and qualitative data obtained from exploration in this study lay a reliable foundation for the management, informatization, and disaster prevention of tunnel construction.

Due to various strong electromagnetic mechanical interference and traffic barriers, many geophysical exploration techniques are ineffective in urban geophysical exploration.Based on transient surface waves,microtremor arrays,and microtremor spectral ratios,this study synthetically extracted two kinds of characteristic curves for joint inversion from the multi-source frequency-domain seismic data obtained by multi-point three-component low-frequency sensors.Consequently,this study achieved multi-source frequency-domain seismic exploration that integrated three techniques and developed the two-source synthetic dispersive spectrum extraction technique,the two-source characteristic curve joint inversion technique,and the equivalent homogeneous medium forward modeling technique based on inhomogeneous media.Engineering practice results demonstrate the improvements in the exploration accuracy and efficiency.

Geological exploration accuracy is a significant factor in the reliability of the comprehensive environmental survey outcomes of informal landfill sites.This study conducted drilling-high-density resistivity joint exploration of an informal landfill site using 754 high-density resistivity measurement points,12 parameter wells,and aerial surveys.Based on the binary analysis method of landfill layers and base,as well as the fuzzy mathematics theory,this study analyzed and interpreted the distribution characteristics of four layers of landfills,base,and leachate.Furthermore,this study established a 3D geological model of the landfill site and analyzed the spatial distribution of environmental geological elements.The drilling-derived verification results and the applicability evaluation demonstrate that the drilling-high-density resistivity joint exploration can be used to investigate informal landfill sites to obtain reliable geological results consistent with site characteristics.

Birimian rocks, the most significant Au ore-forming rocks in western Africa, are widespread in Harper, southeastern Liberia. As indicated by the geochemical parameters from the 1∶250 000 stream sediment survey of this region, elements Au and Hg exhibit high enrichment and high differentiation while element As manifests enrichment and high differentiation. These findings suggest considerable potential for Au prospecting. Based on the correlation analysis of elements, this study selected factors F1 (for the Au-Hg-Pb-Sn association) and F2 (for the As-Sb-W association) to effectively guide the exploration of gold deposits. Thirteen composite anomalies were delineated by extracting the anomaly information of Au, Hg, As, and Sb from the two principal factors, effectively reflecting the anomaly distributions of different gold deposits or ore occurrences. The geological and mineral surveys in anomaly areas reveal that areas HS1-HS3 and HS12-HS13 with composite anomalies characterized by directional distribution and high intensities show distinct Au mineralization information. Based on this, two major Au prospects, i.e., Seethum New and Behwan, have been identified for further detailed exploration.

Southern China's igneous province,as a significant geothermal resource area in China,possesses abundant geothermal resources owing to its favorable accumulation conditions for medium-to-high temperature geothermal resources.However,gravity-magnetic-magnetotelluric exploration methods fail to sufficiently characterize the formation structures,geothermal reservoir boundaries,and the spatial distribution of geothermal reservoirs within the concealed fault zones,posing challenges in exploring deep geothermal resources.Hence,this study delved into the key seismic processing techniques for deep geothermal exploration based on 3D seismic exploration data,establishing a targeted processing flow.First,the problem of low signal-to-noise ratios in deep layers was solved through fine-scale preprocessing for deep geothermal reservoirs,laying a solid data foundation.Then,a high-precision velocity model was built via fault-guided tomography velocity modeling.Finally,the high-precision imaging of deep geothermal reservoirs was achieved using the amplitude-preserving low-frequency reverse-time migration technology,thus improving the imaging quality and the characterization accuracy of geothermal reservoir spaces and high-steep boundaries.Field data-based testing verified the validity and practicability of the processing flow.

The Mogou fluorite deposit of Fangcheng County, residing in the Neoproterozoic Meiyaogou Formation, is a crucial part of the fluorite metallogenic belt in southern Henan Province. Based on the analysis of the geological characteristics of the Mogou fluorite deposit, this study conducted petrographic and petrogeochemical studies to define the source of ore-forming materials and probe into the genetic mechanism of the fluorite deposit. The results show that the fluorite ore body is veined or lenticular, with mineralization-related alterations composed of silicification, fluorite and sericite alterations. Its ore structures are primarily massive, followed by banded, striped, and brecciated types. The chondrite-normalized rare earth element distribution pattern of the fluorite ore body is similar to that of the Meiyaogou Formation marbles and the Yanshanian porphyritic plagiogranites, suggesting a genetic relationship. The possible genetic mechanism is that the F-enriched ore-bearing hydrothermal liquids intruded along the interbedded fault and reacted with the surrounding rocks to form the fluorite ore /mineralized body. The deposit belongs to the epithermal filling type along the interbedded structure.

The progress in seismic acquisition techniques characterized by wide azimuths,wide frequency bands,and high densities has greatly promoted the application of the prestack P-wave fracture inversion technique based on the azimuthal anisotropy theory.Azimuthal anisotropy-based inversion can yield the azimuths and intensities of fractures.However,different inversion techniques yield different parameters for fracture intensity characterization,resulting in inconsistent inversion results.Consequently,the azimuthal anisotropy-based inversion results of fractures are non-unique,leading to confusion about accurate results.Based on the Thomsen anisotropy theory,as well as the interrelationships between fracture models(the Hudson coin model and the Schoenberg linear sliding model),this study established the connections of anisotropic parameters between different fracture inversion techniques(VVAZ,Ruger's approximation,and Fourier series),presenting the real meanings and mathematical expressions of results from different azimuthal anisotropy-based fracture inversion techniques.Additionally,this study summarized the relationships of parameters between different inversion techniques and fracture models,further deepening the research on azimuthal anisotropy-based fracture inversion.This study lays solid theoretical and technical foundations for large-scale fracture detection based on the seismic data obtained using the seismic acquisition techniques featuring wide azimuths,wide frequency bands, and high densities.

Magnetotelluric (MT) sounding is a vital exploration method in tunnel engineering. Inversion methods can assist geologists in interpreting geological data by converting MT data into geoelectric parameters. However, conventional inversion methods exhibit inferior timeliness and reliance on initial model settings. In this study, deep learning was applied to the one-dimensional inversion of magnetotelluric data. First, an improved DenseNet model was constructed and trained to invert geological models of various resistivity-variable strata, yielding a fast computational speed and high accuracy. Then, the robustness of the improved DenseNet model was tested, suggesting that its network structure can achieve satisfactory inversion results for noisy data. Finally, this artificial intelligence technique was applied to the MT data inversion of the Hongjiaqian tunnel in the Huangshan area, obtaining geophysical exploration results that match the geological research results. Additionally, relevant construction recommendations were given based on the inversion results.

The prestack seismic inversion method based on the exact Zoeppritz equation is challenged by seismic data with low signal-to-noise ratios(SNRs).The Markov chain Monte Carlo(MCMC) simulation is a heuristic global optimization algorithm that can achieve effective prestack nonlinear inversion of elastic parameters.The conventional MCMC-based prestack inversion method,which characterizes the statistical properties of elastic parameters via the Gaussian distribution,has significant limitations when applied to complex lithologic reservoirs.Besides,due to the influence of the huge parameter space of subsurface models and the noise in seismic data,the MCMC search process for the posterior probability distribution of elastic parameters is very sensitive to local extrema,making it difficult to obtain stable and accurate results from MCMC-based prestack inversion.This study proposed an improved MCMC-based elastic parameter inversion method to address the challenges faced by the prestack inversion based on the exact Zoeppritz equation under the conditions of actual complex reservoirs and seismic data with low SNRs.First,the method reduced the complexity of the posterior probability distribution by transforming the parameters to be inverted into the perturbations of the model parameters using a low-frequency model (LFM) constraint.Then,the seismic forward modeling process was constrained by taking the logarithm of the likelihood function and utilizing an LFM.Finally,a multi-chain algorithm based on random subspace sampling was employed to perform global optimization for the prestack nonlinear inversion problems,thus avoiding premature convergence of the sampling process to local extrema.As indicated by the tests on the simulated data with low SNRs and the actual data,the method proposed in this study can yield more accurate and stable inversion results while providing credible and quantitative uncertainty estimates for the inversion results.

In the context of the goals of both peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality, scientific and efficient exploration and exploitation of geothermal resources are criticalfor the geothermal industry. To address the commonly concernedtechnical challenges in the exploration of moderately deep geothermal resources, this study investigated the effectiveness of comprehensive geophysical prospecting in the exploration of geothermal resources inthe Linjiadi area, Aohan Banner, Inner Mongolia. Based on the analysis ofthe geological and hydrogeological conditions, this studypreliminarilyascertainedthe geothermal field characteristicsand the hydrochemicalcharacteristics of groundwater in the Linjiadi area. By comprehensively employingcontrolled source audio-frequency magnetotellurics (CSAMT), CSAMT; microtremor survey; radioactive radon survey; this study roughly determined the distribution of strata, magmatic rocks, and fault structures in the study area, inferring the factors controllinggeothermal anomaly areas and hot-water migration.Accordingly, exploration boreholes were arranged, allowing for drilling verificationwith a total length of 960 m. The results show that the comprehensiveapplication of CSAMT and microtremor survey, combined with radioactive radon survey for auxiliary verification, is effective in exploringmoderately deep geothermal resources. This study will provide a methodological reference for geothermal resource exploration in other areas.

There exists a continued debate concerning the spatial distribution and deep structural characteristics of the Yagan fault zone in northeastern Ejina Banner, Inner Mongolia. Adhering to the known-to-unknown research approach, this study completed five magnetotelluric sounding (MT) profiles. First, it delved into the relationship between the electrical structure characteristics of a MT profile (MT01) on the west side of the study area and the geological structure information of the Yagan fault zone within the profile. In terms of electrical characteristics, the Yagan fault zone was determined as a resistivity gradient zone characterized by northward dip, high dip angles, and deep depths. Based on these characteristics, and combined with the inversion interpretation results of four MT profiles (MT02~MT05) on the east side, this study identified the deep positions and structural characteristics of the Yagan fault zone within all the MT profiles. Moreover, it determined the major electrical directions of all the MT profiles using the impedance tensor decomposition technique, and the spatial trend of the Yagan fault zone based on the two-dimensional inversion interpretation results. As revealed by the results, the Yagan fault zone within the study area exhibits an overall nearly EW strike at the shallow surface and a strike of NE45° in the deep part, with an average width of approximately 6.8 km. It is a reverse fault with a gradual arc deflection to the north from west to east, manifesting a generally northward dip direction, dip angles ranging from 60° to 67°, and a fault depth of about 20 km. The obtained deep electrical structure model effectively reveals the deep structural characteristics of the study area. providing certain reference significance for the study of regional tectonic evolution

To reduce the limitations and the multiplicity of solutions of a single geophysical inversion method, this study investigated the two-dimensional joint inversion based on the marine controlled-source electromagnetic (MCSEM) method and seismic full-waveform inversion. The MCSEM method employs the data-space Occam’s algorithm, while the seismic full-waveform inversion utilizes the gradient algorithm. By incorporating a cross-gradient function for the mutual coupling of the two types of physical property parameters, this study developed a two-dimensional joint inversion method, whose accuracy was verified using three different models. As indicated by the results, compared to a single inversion method, the MCSEM-based joint inversion yielded significantly improved inversion results, predominantly in terms of the morphology characterization of anomalous bodies, as well as the reconstruction of their structure and textures and their physical property values. Therefore, the full-waveform inversion can enhance the reliability of the MCSEM inversion results.

This study aims to explore the enrichment characteristics and origin of soil heavy metals in typical cultivated land in the mountainous area of southern Anhui province. With Ningguo City in southeastern Anhui Province as the research object, this study collected 1399 topsoil samples in the cultivated land for determining the concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn. Furthermore, this study conducted a health risk assessment and source identification of heavy metals using the correlation analysis, the soil environmental quality - risk control standard for soil contamination of agricultural land, the geoaccumulation index, the health risk index, and the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. The results are as follows: (1) The average concentrations of As, Cr, Hg, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn were 15.8×10^-6, 0.41×10^-6, 0.106×10^-6, 31×10^-6, 67×10^-6, 29×10^-6, 29×10^-6, and 94×10^-6, respectively, which were all higher than their background values in Anhui Province, except Ni. (2) The soil heavy metals generally exhibited low pollution risks, with the heavy metal concentrations of 866 soil samples lower than their risk screening values. (3) The cultivated soil was primarily polluted by Hg, Cd, and As, as indicated by the geoaccumulation index results. (4) Both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk levels in adults in the study area were within the acceptable ranges, as revealed by the health risk assessment results. (5) Four sources of heavy metals in the study area were identified based on the PMF model: industrial and agricultural emissions associated with human activities, atmospheric deposition, soil parent materials related to soil types, and the geological background source.

Unfavorable geobodies such as Karsts, weak soil, and water-rich areas are extensively distributed in China. Under heavy rainfall, they are prone to geologic hazards like collapse. A severe geological collapse occurred in Xiacun Town, Yushui District, Xinyu City, near the Shanghai-Kunming high-speed railway. The space around the collapsed foundation pit was limited, with many interference sources like underground pipelines. With early signals subjected to the mutual inductance effects of receiver and transmitter coils, the conventional transient electromagnetic method exhibited low detection accuracy and anti-interference ability, encountering significant shallow blind zones. To locate unfavorable geobodies in the study area and provide suggestions for the prevention and control of geologic hazards, this study innovatively applied the opposing-coils transient electromagnetic method (OCTEM), supplemented by borehole-based verification. The results show that: (1) The OCTEM exhibited high accuracy, as demonstrated by the high consistency between the geophysical exploration results and the drilling results of the study area; (2) The low-resistivity zone spread across the study area, and the low-resistivity anomalies revealed by geophysical exploration were caused by groundwater according to borehole-based verification; (3) The strata from top to bottom were composed of soft plastic silty clay, hard plastic silty clay, soft plastic silty clay, and moderately weathered limestones; (4) The subsurface micro-confined water in the collapse area surged upward, gradually eroding the soft plastic silty clay layer around the area. The static water level in the collapsed foundation pit manifested an elevation of 55.60 m, located approximately 1.4 m below the surface; (5) A groundwater channel existed under the collapse area, with soil caves formed in the limestone layer under the prolonged erosion effect of water flow; (6) Long-term groundwater extraction may expand the underground seepage zone; (7) The administrative department in charge must promptly contain groundwater in the collapse area to prevent it from further eroding the surrounding unconsolidated soil layer.

The grounded-source short-offset transient electromagnetic (SOTEM) method involves many parameters in field data acquisition. The selection of these parameters is closely associated with the signal quality and detection sensitivity of measured data. Based on the relevant provisions in the organization standard, Technical specification for grounded-source short-offset transient electromagnetic method (T/CGS 002—2021), issued by the Chinese Geophysical Society, numerical emulations, and practical cases, this study analyzed and expounded the selection criteria of critical parameters like transmitting source length, transmitting fundamental frequency, offset, device type, and observation component. The insights obtained in this study are significant for guiding the field construction of the SOTEM device and leveraging its detection performance.