Geological Journal最新文献

The profound consequences of ecological degradation on humanity's well-being are a severe matter acknowledged globally. This study examines the impact of ecological degradation on green development efficiency in less developed countries. A dataset from 1990 to 2020 was used to break down the impacts of ecological degradation on green development efficiency. Green development efficiency was calculated based on the epsilon-based measure model, while the dynamic change of green development efficiency was explored with the Global Malmquist-Luenberger Index model. The panel-corrected standard errors (PCSE) and feasible generalised least squares (FGLS) models are conducted to test the influence of ecological degradation on green development efficiency. The results show that ecological degradation inhibits green development efficiency, whereas green FDI, urbanisation, and economic growth benefit the increase of green development efficiency. In addition, government intervention shows a negative correlation with green development efficiency. The results of the spatial Durbin model (SDM) of green development efficiency also demonstrate an overall strong negative spatial spillover effect on local and neighbouring regions, with more significant effects at levels of the surroundings.

The tectonic evolution of terranes and microblocks is crucial for understanding the supercontinental cycle. Sri Lanka, centrally located between East and West Gondwana, offers insights into late Neoproterozoic continental tectonics. Ambiguities in defining boundaries between the Highland Complex (HC) and Wanni Complex (WC) of Sri Lanka prompted this study. Utilising whole-rock major and trace element geochemistry, and U–Pb zircon geochronology, we explore charnockites at the inferred HC-WC boundary, revealing their tectonic nature. Charnockites on the WC side (CWCs) display tholeiitic trends, characterised as Fe-rich, metaluminous A2-type granites. Tectonic discrimination diagrams position CWCs in the within-plate granite field. The ²³⁸U/²⁰⁶Pb zircon geochronology of three WC-side charnockites gave Late Neoproterozoic metamorphic ages from 576 ± 37 to 561 ± 50 Ma and middle to early Neoproterozoic protolith crystallisation ages from 1011 ± 46 to 690 ± 15 Ma. Hence, protoliths of CWCs suggest some form of extensional tectonics in a continental environment during the early to middle Neoproterozoic that played a major role in the crustal evolution of the northeastern part of the WC. Out of the collected seven charnockites in the HC side (CHCs), three samples shared geochemical signatures resembling the CWCs. The ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U zircon ages of one of the samples yielded crystallisation age of ~780 ± 6 Ma and, metamorphic ages from 608 ± 9 to 541 ± 16 Ma, respectively. The rest of the CHCs exhibit calc-alkaline trend, identified as Mg-rich, metaluminous, I-type granites. Tectonic discrimination diagrams reveal volcanic arc signatures, indicating a subduction-related collisional tectonic setting. Geochemical and geochronological findings, coupled with field relations and prior research, lead to the interpretation that charnockites in the northeastern HC-WC boundary possess a distinctive geodynamic history, implying involvement in two distinct tectonic settings. Presently, at the erosion surface, the north-eastern portion of the HC-WC boundary, exhibits a highly diffused nature and manifests as a mixed rock zone.

Landslides are the common geo-environmental hazard in Himalayan terrain. In the Indian Himalayan terrain, landslide-related hazards have intensified in the past few decades as a result of human intervention in the geomorphological and geological equilibrium conditions. This paper investigates the occurrences and their associated factors (geomorphological, geological, human-related factors) and presents a complete geomorphological mapping of four selected landslides, i.e., landslide near the Budhakedar region (landslide-1/L1), landslide near the Saund region (landslide-2/L2), Sirobagad landslide zone (landslide-3/L3) and Rampur landslide near Sonprayag (landslide-4/L4). These slides are mainly reactivated landslides, which become active during the monsoon period. Rock strength analysis (using rebound values from a standard N-type Schmidt hammer) shows that the rebound value is around 30 in most of the cases, but in the case of landslide 2, the intact rocks have a rebound value near about 60–65. Landslides 1, 3 and 4 are rock-cum-debris slides dominated by gneiss-schist, phyllite and quartzite types of rock, respectively, and landslide 2 is mainly a rock slide. The grain size test shows that the soil is poorly graded, which is composed of gravel and sand in every case. In the case of slide 2 (rockslide), the soil is classified as gravelly soil. The landslide activeness has been detected based on interferometric coherence change detection analysis using single look complex (SLC) sentinel 1A imageries (pre-monsoon and post-monsoon). The coherence results enable us to detect surface deformation over time. The result based on the InSAR coherence technique also stipulated the surface deformation or reactivation of the slides after the effect of rainfall.

The pursuit of sustainable development in China necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of renewable energy access and environmental justice. As China experiences rapid economic growth and shifts towards cleaner energy sources, it is crucial to examine the fairness of renewable energy distribution and the equitable allocation of environmental benefits and burdens. This study explores the complexities involved in balancing renewable energy, social equity, and environmental factors. A twofold methodological approach was employed such as the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was first used to systematically assess the equity of renewable energy distribution, identifying six key factors and 24 sub-factors that influence renewable energy access and environmental justice. The results from fuzzy AHP show that the distribution of environmental burdens and socio-economic equity are the most critical factors shaping renewable energy access and environmental justice. To further refine strategic insights, the fuzzy complex proportional assessment (COPRAS) method was applied, ranking six strategic approaches for advancing renewable energy access and environmental justice. The top-ranked strategy was expanding renewable energy infrastructure in underserved regions which emerged as the most impactful, emphasising the importance of addressing geographic disparities. Following closely were strategies aimed at strengthening financial mechanisms for low-income households and promoting community-led renewable energy projects, emphasising the importance of economic support and local empowerment in achieving energy justice.

The Bailingshan deposit is located in the Yamansu arc in eastern Tianshan, NW China. As an economically significant iron deposit in the region, Bailingshan is spatially and temporally associated with volcanism and is hosted in the submarine volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks of the Middle Carboniferous Matoutan Formation, suggesting a potential genetic relationship. The trace element compositions of the major ore mineral (magnetite) from iron ores show lower Ga (1.99–10.80 ppm), Zn (10.0–42.8 ppm), V (9.8–17.3 ppm), Ti (21.2–77.8 ppm) and Cr (10.6–31.3 ppm), but higher Ni (21.0–92.8) and Ni/Cr (1.39–5.89). Together with an evaluation of the morphology of orebody, ore fabrics and petrology, we correlate the iron mineralisation at the Bailingshan area with the hydrothermal process. The δ¹⁸O values of magnetite span from −1.5‰ to 3.5‰, while the δ³⁴S values of pyrite sulphides range from 1.7‰ to 7.6‰, demonstrating a wide variation, which suggests that the source components of the ore-forming materials originated from a mixture of magma and seawater. In addition, the Pb isotopic compositions of pyrite are similar to those of igneous rocks (e.g., dacitic tuff and granodiorite) at Bailingshan, suggesting a common Pb isotope origin. Based on the results of this study, it is proposed that primary magmatic-hydrothermal fluids, which interacted with infiltrating seawater, played a crucial role in the significant iron mineralisation observed at Balingshan.

The Xianghuangqi region in the southeastern section of the Xingmeng Orogenic Belt (XMOB) has gained attention for its potential rare mineral yield, particularly from multiple W and Nb–Ta deposits. However, limited geochronological data limits our understanding of their origin and progress in W–Nb–Ta exploration. We thus performed ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar muscovite and U–Pb wolframite, cassiterite and columbite dating on the Jiabusi Nb–Ta and Narenwula W deposits within the Xianghuangqi region. Our findings revealed that the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar plateau age of muscovite from the Jiabusi deposit (135.17 ± 1.34 Ma) aligns with that of the Narenwula W deposit (135.83 ± 1.43 Ma). This consistency is further supported by U–Pb dating of wolframite, cassiterite and columbite in Jiabusi, at 136.4 ± 2.0, 132.1 ± 3.1 and 136.0 ± 3.5 Ma, respectively. These data suggest that mineralisation of W–Nb–Ta in the Xianghuangqi area occurred during the Early Cretaceous, probably in association with the late-stage evolution of intrusions within the granite complex. Zircon U–Pb dating of Jiabusi albite granites yielded an age of 137.5 ± 1.2 Ma, indicating later formation than the Kusigui biotite granites, which date at approximately 149 Ma in the same region. The geochronological data highlight a regional Early Cretaceous event of W–Nb–Ta mineralisation around 135 Ma, influenced by tectonic interactions between the Mongolia–Okhotsk Ocean and the Paleo-Pacific Plate. We conclude that, most probably, W–Nb–Ta ore deposits of the southeastern segment of the XMOB in the Xianghuangqi area were emplaced during the Early Cretaceous.

Underground mining in mountainous regions presents a significant geological hazard, characterised by the occurrence of land subsidence and movement of overlying strata. To aggrandise the theory of mine rock mechanics, we conducted a systematic investigation into the deformation and failure mechanisms of overlying strata as well as the patterns of surface subsidence in mountainous regions. With the method of engineering mechanics and theoretical analysis, supplemented by the universal distinct element code (UDEC) numerical simulation, the mining status of Songzao mine was simulated effectively. Herein, the results revealed that the nonlinearity of the overlying strata failure field occurred during mining, as evidenced by an increase in the failure field when the coal approached the seam roof. The subsidence curve of the underlying lower strata exhibits an inverted trapezoid pattern, while that of the overlying upper overburden displays a funnel-shaped trend. Additionally, the upward transmission displacement velocity was significantly attenuated due to the shielding effect exerted by the key stratum in the overburden, resulting in a greater spatial separation from the underlying strata. The critical stratum fractures as the working face advanced to 120 m, subsequently leading to an increase in vertical displacement and cessation of surface subsidence. The surface subsidence value and speed, however, exhibited a gradual increase as the coal seam mining progressed. Due to the influence of mountain surface landforms, the subsidence value of convex landforms surpasses that of concave landforms, thereby expediting the rate of subsidence and resulting in geological hazards.

In recent years, we have seen a manifold increase in natural calamities resulting from the continual degradation of our environment. The overuse of fossil fuels and other natural resources has contributed towards increasing global warming. This research investigates the environmental challenges posed by the overuse of natural resources and the subsequent carbon footprint. It emphasises the critical need for green technology and cleaner production practices to overcome environmental challenges. Focusing on developing countries, it investigates the effects of green technology and cleaner production-practices on energy efficiency, waste reduction and corporate sustainability in Pakistan's manufacturing industry. Through a cross-sectional analysis, it investigates the influence of sustainable practices on corporate sustainability in diverse manufacturing sectors. The findings reveal a positive correlation between the adoption of green technology and cleaner production-practices and a reduction in energy consumption, highlighting the significant role of resource commitment in enhancing the effectiveness of green technologies. However, the study notes a lack of significant impact of green technology on waste reduction and the broader concept of corporate sustainability, while cleaner production-practices show a beneficial influence on sustainability measures. This study contributes to the understanding of sustainable practices in emerging economies and underscores the importance of top management support and resource allocation in achieving environmental and economic sustainability goals.

In Sichuan Basin, uranium (U) and thorium (Th) are more abundant in organic-rich shale than in granitic rocks, suggesting that organic-rich shale is a significant source rock for helium (He). However, the He generation potential of organic-rich shale and He enrichment mechanisms in shale gas fields remain limited in understanding. Based on the He, U and Th concentration tests, fluid inclusion analysis in the Jiaoshiba shale gas field, it was found that the He concentrations in shale gas is 340–730 ppm. The helium-rich shale gas (≥ 500 ppm) was primarily found in synclinal units. The biggest helium abundance area (0.27 m³/m²) is located at the core of the Jiaoshiba anticline. The He is not solely derived from Wufeng–Longmaxi shale itself, for the current helium abundance (0.15–0.27 m³/m²) exceeds its historical He generation intensity (0.063–0.104 m³/m²) calculated by the U and Th concentration of the shale. Low-angle deep faults are more favourable for He capture than high-angle deep faults. The generation intensity of hydrocarbon is 21,851–29,224 times greater than He, which indicates that the dilution of hydrocarbon to He in organic-rich shale is more significantly than in common source rocks (3000 times). The He enrichment model in the study area includes three stages: continuous burial, fold-dominated, and fault-dominated stages. In the anticline zone, He is continuously accumulated as carrier gas migration. In the syncline zone, He is mainly accumulated as the migration of carrier gas along faults and the water flows the aquifer, at the fault-dominated stage. He-rich gas is preferentially accumulated in shallow gas reservoirs associated with deep faults, and the shale gas layers in synclinal zones adjacent to low-angle deep faults.