Geological Mapping of the Neruda Quadrangle (H13), Mercury

<div> Introduction:&#160; </div>The Neruda Quadrangle (H-13), Mercury, is one of the final uncharted regions on the planet. With ESA-JAXA&#8217;s BepiColombo mission underway, it is imperative that a full set of comprehensive geological maps is produced prior to the spacecraft&#8217;s arrival, to provide context for BepiColombo&#8217;s studies. Geological mapping of H-13 has commenced as part of the PLANMAP project to map the entire planet at a scale of 1:3M [1&#8211;7].&#160;Data and Methods:&#160;The primary base map to be used is the 166m/pixel high-resolution monochrome global mosaic. Additionally, the 665m/pixel enhanced colour global mosaic as well as narrow-angle camera (NAC) images are used for interpretation and quality control. All data were obtained by MESSENGER&#8217;s Mercury Dual Imaging System (MDIS). ArcGIS software is used for mapping following both USGS and PLANMAP practices. The map is projected as a Lambert Conformable Conic. To enable accurate correlation with neighbouring quadrangles, a 5&#176; overlap is being mapped.&#160;Mapping Units and Features:&#160;Mercury&#8217;s geological terrains are divided into four overarching units: Crater Materials, Smooth Plains, Intermediate Plains and Intercrater Plains [8]. Crater Materials are further subdivided based on the degree of crater degradation with both three class [2] and five class classifications being mapped [8].Structural features such as lobate scarps, wrinkle ridges and high-relief ridges are distinguished using linework.&#160;Acknowledgements:Gratitude is given to STFC and the Open University Space Strategic Research Area that make this research possible (ST/T506321/1). PLANMAP is European Commission H2020 grant 776276.&#160;References:[1] Galluzzi et al (2017) EGU G. Assembly. [2] Galluzzi et al (2016) JoM, 12, 227&#8211;238. [3] Mancinelli et al (2016) JoM, 12, 190&#8211;202. [4] Guzzetta et al (2017) JoM, 3, 227&#8211;238. [5] Wright et al (2019) JoM, 15, 509&#8211;520. [6] Pegg et al (2019) LPSC Abstracts. [7] Malliband et al (2019) LPSC Abstracts. [8] Spudis & Guest (1988) Mercury.

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Integration between morphological and spectral characteristics for the geological map of Kuiper quadrangle (H06)

10.5194/egusphere-egu21-15052 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Lorenza Giacomini ◽

Cristian Carli ◽

Francesca Zambon ◽

Valentina Galluzzi ◽

Sabrina Ferrari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spatial Resolution ◽

High Spatial Resolution ◽

Imaging System ◽

Spectral Characteristics ◽

Geological Mapping ◽

Horizon 2020 ◽

Narrow Angle ◽

Space Agency ◽

Geological Map ◽

Dual Imaging

Kuiper quadrangle (H06) is located at the equatorial zone of Mercury and encompasses the area between longitudes 288&#176;E &#8211; 360&#176;E and latitudes 22.5&#176;N &#8211; 22.5&#176;S. A detailed geological map (1:3M scale) of the Kuiper quadrangle based on the MESSENGER Mercury Dual Imaging System &#8211; Narrow Angle Camera (MDIS-NAC) high spatial resolution data, was performed by Giacomini et al., 2018.The main basemap used for H06 mapping was the MDIS (Mercury Dual Imaging System) 166 m/pixel BDR (map-projected Basemap reduced Data Record) mosaic. The geological map showed that the quadrangle is characterized by a prevalence of crater materials which were distinguished into three classes based on their degradation degree (Galluzzi et al., 2016). Different plain units were also identified and classified on the basis of their density of craterisation: (i) intercrater plains, densely cratered, (ii) intermediate plains, moderately cratered and (iii) smooth plains, poorly cratered.To integrate morphological and spectral characteristics of Kuiper quadrangle, this map has been integrated with the spectral map of H06 achieved by MDIS WAC data. In particular, we produced an homogeneous 8 color global mosaic at 1600 m/pixel scale and a partial mosaic at 665 m/pixel, similar to the one released by MESSENGER team (Becker et al., 2009). Finally, for a more detailed analysis, also mosaics at 385 m/pixel and 246 m/pixel were created (Carli et al., 2020). However, they cover only a few areas, due to the lack of high spatial resolution coverage for the equatorial and southern regions of Mercury. &#160;Using these products, the spectral variations, highlighted by specific indices and color combinations, are discussed in order to define spectral units to be integrated with the morpho-stratigraphic ones. This analysis allows us to infer some indications on material composition as well as to produce a more detailed geological map of H06, where morpho-stratigraphic and spectral units are integrated to each other. In this work we will specifically show some example, on key areas, of such integrated map.This preliminary analysis highlights that a higher spectral and spatial resolution are needed in order to obtain new information about the origin of the landforms and deposits. In light of these evidences, it appears that the high resolution of the instruments of BepiColombo mission, like STC and HRIC cameras and VIHI spectrometer of SIMBIO-SYS, can significantly contribute to answer several questions raised during the geological mapping and analysis of the Kuiper quadrangle.&#160;AcknowledgementsWe gratefully acknowledge funding from the Italian Space Agency (ASI) under ASI-INAF agreement 2017-47-H.0. MM, CC, FZ, FA were also supported by European Union&#8217;s Horizon 2020 research grant agreement No 776276- PLANMAP.&#160;ReferencesBecker et al., 2009. AGU, abstract id: #P21A-1189.Carli et al., 2020. EPSC2020-367.Galluzzi et al., 2016. J. Maps, 12, 226&#8211;238.Giacomini et al., 2018. EPSC abstracts, 12,&#160; EPSC2018-721-1.

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Global Mapping and Analysis of the Structural Features in the Northern Smooth Plains of Mercury

10.5194/epsc2021-743 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

marco cardinale ◽

Gaetano Di Achille ◽

David A.Vaz

Keyword(s):

Imaging System ◽

Structural Features ◽

Planetary Science ◽

Altimeter Data ◽

Normal Faults ◽

Laser Altimeter ◽

Volcanic Material ◽

Geological Map ◽

Dual Imaging

Orbital data from the Messenger spacecraft (1) reveal that part of the Mercury surface is covered by smooth plains, which are interpreted to be flood volcanic material across the planetary surface (2). In this work, we present a detailed geo-structural map of the northern smooth plains between&#160; latitudes 29&#176;N and 65&#176;N. Our 1:100.000-scale map is obtained semi-automatically, using an algorithm to map all scarps from a DEM (3,4) followed by visual inspection and classification in ArcGIS. We created a DEM&#160; using the raw MLA (Mercury Laser Altimeter) data (1) ,with 500 m/pix, and we used the Mercury Messenger MDIS (Mercury Dual Imaging System) (1,2) base map with 166m per pixel for the classification stage. With this approach, we mapped and characterized 51664 features on Mercury, creating a database with several morphometric attributes (e.g. length, azimuth, scarp height) which we will use to study the tectonic evolution of the smooth plains.&#160; In this way, we classified wrinkle ridges&#8217;s scarps, ghost craters, rim craters and central peaks. The morphometric parameters of the wrinkle ridges will&#160; be quantitatively analyzed, in order to characterizer the possible tectonic process that could have formed them. This map can be considered an enhancement for the north pole of the global geological map of Mercury (1, 5). &#160; References <ul> <li>Hawkins, S. E., III, et al. (2007), The Mercury Dual Imaging System on the MESSENGER spacecraft, Space Sci. Rev., 131, 247&#8211;338..&#160;</li> <li>Denevi, B. W., et al. (2013), The distribution and origin of smooth plains on Mercury, J. Geophys. Res. Planets, 118, 891&#8211;907, doi:10.1002/jgre.20075.</li> <li>Alegre Vaz, D. (2011). Analysis of a Thaumasia Planum rift through automatic mapping and strain characterization of normal faults. Planetary and Space Science, 59(11-12), 1210&#8211;1221. doi:10.1016/j.pss.2010.07.008&#160;.</li> <li>Vaz, D. A., Spagnuolo, M. G., & Silvestro, S. (2014). Morphometric and geometric characterization of normal faults on Mars. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 401, 83&#8211;94. doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2014.05.022.</li> <li>Kinczyk, M. J., Prockter, L., Byrne, P., Denevi, B., Buczkowski, D., Ostrach, L., & Miller, E. (2019, September). The First Global Geological Map of Mercury. In EPSC-DPS Joint Meeting 2019 (Vol. 2019, pp. EPSC-DPS2019).</li> </ul>

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Volcanoes geological mapping and structural geology with UAS High Resolution Digital Terrain Model : the Kuei-Shan Tao case example (Eastern Taiwan).

10.5194/egusphere-egu21-7015 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Benoit Deffontaines ◽

Kuo-Jen Chang ◽

Samuel Magalhaes ◽

Gérardo Fortunato

Keyword(s):

High Resolution ◽

Okinawa Trough ◽

Volcanic Rocks ◽

Digital Terrain Model ◽

Structural Features ◽

Point Of View ◽

Geological Mapping ◽

Lava Flows ◽

Aerial Photographs ◽

Structural Scheme

Volcanic areas in the World are often difficult to map especially in a structural point of view as (1) fault planes are generally covered and filled by more recent lava flows and (2) volcanic rocks have very few tectonic striations. Kuei-Shan Tao (11km from Ilan Plain &#8211; NE Taiwan) is a volcanic island, located at the soutwestern tip of the South Okinawa trough (SWOT). Two incompatible geological maps had been already published both lacking faults and structural features (Hsu, 1963 and Chiu et al., 2010). We propose herein not only to up-date the Kuei-Shan Tao geological map with our high resolution dataset, but also to create the Kuei-Shan Tao structural scheme in order to better understand its geological and tectonic history.Consequently, we first acquired aerial photographs from our UAS survey and get our new UAS high resolution DTM (HR UAS-DTM hereafter) with a ground resolution <10cm processed through classical photogrammetric methods. Taking into account common sense geomorphic and structural interpretation and reasoning deduced form our HR UAS-DTM, and the outcropping lithologies situated all along the shoreline, we have up-dated the Kuei-Shan Tao geological mapping and its major structures. To conclude, the lithologies (andesitic lava flows and pyroclastic falls) and the new structural scheme lead us to propose a scenario for both the construction as well as the dismantling of Kuei-Shan Tao which are keys for both geology and geodynamics of the SWOT.

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Novel Trifluoromethyl Pyrimidinone Compounds With Activity Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Frontiers in Chemistry ◽

10.3389/fchem.2021.613349 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Erik Hembre ◽

Julie V. Early ◽

Joshua Odingo ◽

Catherine Shelton ◽

Olena Anoshchenko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mycobacterium Tuberculosis ◽

Major Change ◽

Structural Features ◽

Research Area ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Pyridyl Ring ◽

Pyridyl Group ◽

Gram Positive Bacteria ◽

Wide Range ◽

Cytotoxic Molecules

The identification and development of new anti-tubercular agents are a priority research area. We identified the trifluoromethyl pyrimidinone series of compounds in a whole-cell screen against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Fifteen primary hits had minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) with good potency IC90 is the concentration at which M. tuberculosis growth is inhibited by 90% (IC90 < 5 μM). We conducted a structure–activity relationship investigation for this series. We designed and synthesized an additional 44 molecules and tested all analogs for activity against M. tuberculosis and cytotoxicity against the HepG2 cell line. Substitution at the 5-position of the pyrimidinone with a wide range of groups, including branched and straight chain alkyl and benzyl groups, resulted in active molecules. Trifluoromethyl was the preferred group at the 6-position, but phenyl and benzyl groups were tolerated. The 2-pyridyl group was required for activity; substitution on the 5-position of the pyridyl ring was tolerated but not on the 6-position. Active molecules from the series demonstrated low selectivity, with cytotoxicity against eukaryotic cells being an issue. However, there were active and non-cytotoxic molecules; the most promising molecule had an MIC (IC90) of 4.9 μM with no cytotoxicity (IC50 > 100 μM). The series was inactive against Gram-negative bacteria but showed good activity against Gram-positive bacteria and yeast. A representative molecule from this series showed rapid concentration-dependent bactericidal activity against replicating M. tuberculosis bacilli with ~4 log kill in <7 days. Overall the biological properties were promising, if cytotoxicity could be reduced. There is scope for further medicinal chemistry optimization to improve the properties without major change in structural features.

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NUMERICAL EVALUATION OF TUNNEL PORTAL SLOPE STABILITY AT BAGONG DAM SITE, EAST JAVA, INDONESIA

Journal of Applied Geology ◽

10.22146/jag.57044 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 40

Author(s):

Irien Akinina Fatkhiandari ◽

I Gde Budi Indrawan, Dr.

Keyword(s):

Slope Stability ◽

Research Area ◽

Poor Quality ◽

Geological Mapping ◽

Residual Soil ◽

Volcanic Breccia ◽

Earthquake Load ◽

Dam Site ◽

Tunnel Portal

Geometries of excavated tunnel portal slopes at Bagong Dam site was initially designed without taking into account earthquake load. The excavated slope designs also assumed the rocks consisting the slopes were homogenous. The purpose of this research was to evaluate stability of the excavated tunnel inlet and outlet slopes at the Bagong Dam site under static and earthquake loads using finite element method. Stability of the natural slopes was also analyzed for comparison. The numerical static and pseudostatic analyses of slope stability were carried out using RS2 software (Rocscience, Inc.). Input data used in the numerical analyses were obtained from engineering geological mapping, rock core analyses, and laboratory tests. Seismic coefficient applied in the pseudostatic slope stability analyses was determined following guideline described in Indonesian National Standard. The engineering geological mapping and evaluation of rock cores indicated that the inlet tunnel slope consisted of four types of materials, namely residual soil, poor quality of volcanic breccia, very poor quality of volcanic breccia, and good quality of volcanic breccia. The outlet portal slope consisted of six types of materials, namely residual soil, very poor quality of limestone, poor quality of limestone, very poor quality of volcanic breccia, poor quality breccia, and good quality breccia. Based on the secondary elastic wave velocity (Vs) values, the rock masses in the research area were classified as hard rock (SA). Seismic analyses based on the earthquake hazard source map with 10% probability of exceedance in 50 years provided by the National Earthquake Center (2017) indicated that the PGA and the corresponding amplification factor FPGA in the research area were 0.3 and 0.8, respectively. The calculated seismic coefficient for the pseudostatic slope stability analyses was 0.12. The numerical analysis results showed that, in general, earthquake load reduced critical Strength Reduction Factor (SRF) values of the slopes. However, the natural and excavated tunnel portal slopes were relatively stable under static and earthquake loads. The natural slope at the tunnel inlet with a 40° inclination had critical SRF value of 4.0, while that of at the tunnel outlet with a 51° inclination had critical SRF value of 2.6. Under static load, the excavated slopes at the tunnel inlet and outlet having a 45° inclination had critical SRF values of 2.4 and 5.0, respectively. Under earthquake load, the excavated slopes at the tunnel inlet and outlet had critical SRF values of 2.3 and 3.5, respectively.

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State geological mapping and domestic geographic information systems. Why import substitution is stalled in geology

Geoinformatika ◽

10.47148/1609-364x-2021-3-14-20 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 14-20

Author(s):

Viktor Spiridonov ◽

Mikhail Finkel'shtein

Keyword(s):

Information Systems ◽

Geographic Information Systems ◽

Import Substitution ◽

Geographic Information ◽

Geological Mapping ◽

Digital Models ◽

Geoinformation Systems ◽

Current State ◽

Geological Maps

The issues of import substitution of geoinformation systems used in the geological industry when creating sets of State geological maps of the scale of 1:1,000,000 and 1:200,000 are considered. The current state of the issue is described. Additional functionality is indicated, which is necessary for the construction and preparation for publication of digital models of the maps of the set. Examples of domestic GIS are given, which can replace the foreign analogues in use. The problems and difficulties arising in this case were revealed. The ways of their solution are suggested.

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Geology of the Eminescu (H-09) quadrangle: Mapping status

10.5194/epsc2021-682 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mayssa El Yazidi ◽

Gloria Tognon ◽

Valentina Galluzzi ◽

Lorenza Giacomini ◽

Matteo Massironi

Keyword(s):

Incidence Angle ◽

Central Peak ◽

Geological Mapping ◽

Geologic Mapping ◽

Linear Features ◽

Horizon 2020 ◽

The Status ◽

Global Mapping ◽

Dual Imaging ◽

Degradation Degree

Abstract The coordinated Mercury&#8217;s global mapping project (Galluzzi et al. (2021), aims at delivering quadrangle geological maps for the entire surface of Mercury by using the available basemaps derived from the NASA MESSENGER Mercury Dual Imaging Systems (MDIS) images. The NASA MESSENGER mission was able to cover the surface of Mercury with an average resolution of 200 m/px globally. This allows to produce a series of 1:3M regional geologic maps to be used in support to the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission. Here we present the status of the geologic mapping of the Eminescu (H-09) quadrangle, which covers the area between latitudes 22.5&#176;N, -22.5&#176;S and longitudes 72&#176;E, 144&#176;E. The selection of this quadrangle was based on its wealth of many interesting features (e.g., Beagle Rupes, hollow deposits on Eminescu crater, pyroclastic deposits at the margin of the Caloris basin) and on the color variability between the different terrain types that allows to reconstruct the geological history of H-09. Methods In this work, we used the available basemaps derived from the MESSENGER MDIS instrument images, such as the monochrome morphology image mosaics at high- and low-incidence angle (BDR, HIE, HIW and LOI) with a resolution of 166 m/px, together with the enhanced-color and 3-color global mosaics, having a resolution of 665 m/px. The chosen 1:3M output scale is achieved by mapping at an average scale of 1:400k, which is appropriate for the used basemaps. For the symbology, we applied, and in some cases revisited, the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) and the United Stated Geographic System (USGS) recommendations. The classification of the crater types was based on their diameter, degradation degree and superposition order. The crater's ejecta, central peak, and floor morphology (hummocky or smooth) were distinguished and mapped only for craters larger than 20 km, to avoid the saturation of map features. The terrain units were identified by means of morphology and crater-density, by distinguishing between smooth, intermediate and intercrater plains. We used different symbologies for geological contacts and linear features by distinguishing between certain and approximate contacts, or certain and uncertain/hidden structures, respectively. In particular, the linear features layer encompasses morphologies such as crater rims (up to 5 km in diameter), fault scarps, wrinkle ridges and volcanic vents. The variability in color and albedo was digitized within a surface features polygon layer (e.g., dark material, bright material, and hollow clusters). We did not consider details smaller than 4 km, nor linear features whose distance was smaller than this same threshold to avoid map readability issues. Results The mapping of H-09 is still in progress. The preliminary analysis shows an intriguing morphology related to endogenic and exogenic processes, where intensive tectonic and cratering structures constitute together the main geological events that provided the heterogeneity of terrains in the quadrangle. The tectonic events were probably driven by global cooling, however, we found both compressive and tensional tectonic features on the surface. Hollow clusters are spread all over the quadrangle in different sizes and locations (e.g., crater floors, central peaks). The Eminescu crater located in H-09, between latitudes 12.3&#176;N, 8.8&#176;N&#160; and longitudes 115.9&#176;E, 112.2&#176;E in H-09, is a relatively young crater on Mercury's surface and is characterized by extensive ejecta for one radius from the crater's rim and a recently hollowed central peak. These features and its enhanced color variability will probably require a higher-resolution study of this crater by integrating the geomorphological map with spectral data. This map will be the first geological product for this region with such a scale. Once the mapping is completed, we will be able to determine the absolute ages of the units to classify the terrains in chronological order and provide a complete geological and morphological analysis to understand the geological evolution of the quadrangle. Therefore, through the mapping of H-09 we aim at supporting the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission to Mercury by targeting all interesting features and contributing to the investigation and the understanding of Mercury. Keywords: Mercury (planet), Eminescu Quadrangle, Geological Mapping, MESSENGER, MDIS. Acknowledgements This research has been supported by European Union&#8217;s Horizon 2020 under grant agreement N&#176; 776276-PLANMAP. References Galluzzi et al. (2021), PGM Meeting 2021, LPI Contrib. No. 2610.

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Mapping the regional tectonic asset of the Discovery quadrangle of Mercury

10.5194/epsc2021-789 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Valentina Galluzzi ◽

Luigi Ferranti ◽

Lorenza Giacomini ◽

Pasquale Palumbo

Keyword(s):

Imaging System ◽

Space Environment ◽

Fault System ◽

Geophysical Research ◽

Fault Systems ◽

Space Agency ◽

Regional Tectonic ◽

Italian Space Agency ◽

Dual Imaging ◽

Map Series

The Discovery quadrangle of Mercury (H-11) located in the area between 22.5&#176;S&#8211;65&#176;S and 270&#176;E&#8211;360&#176;E encompasses structures of paramount importance for understanding Mercury&#8217;s tectonics. The quadrangle is named after Discovery Rupes, a NE-SW trending lobate scarp, which is one of the longest and highest on Mercury (600 km in length and 2 km high). By examining the existing maps of this area (Trask and Dzurisin, 1984; Byrne et al., 2014), several other oblique trending structures are visible. More mapping detail could be achieved by using the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) Mercury Dual Imaging System (MDIS) imagery. We aim at mapping the structures of H-11 at high-resolution by using MESSENGER/MDIS basemaps, in order to understand its regional tectonic history by following the work done in the Victoria quadrangle (H-2) (Galluzzi et al., 2019). Differently from H-2, located in the same longitudinal range but at opposite latitudes, this area lacks in N-S trending scarps, such as the Victoria-Endeavour-Antoniadi fault system, which dominates the northern hemisphere structural framework. The existing tectonic theories predict either an isotropic pattern of faults (global contraction) or an ordered distribution and orientation of faults (tidal despinning) for Mercury. If we expect that the existing tectonic patterns were governed by only one of the two processes or both together, it is difficult to understand how such different trends formed within these two complementary areas. The structural study done for H-2 reveals that the geochemical discontinuities present in Mercury&#8217;s crust may have guided and influenced the trend and kinematics of faults in that area (Galluzzi et al., 2019). In particular, the high-magnesium region seems to be associated with fault systems that either follow its boundary or are located within it. These fault systems show distinct kinematics and trends. The south-eastern border of the HMR is located within H-11. Hence, with this study, we aim at complementing the previous one to better describe the tectonics linked to the presence of the HMR. Furthermore, this geostructural map will complement the future geomorphological map of the area and will be part of the 1:3M quadrangle geological map series which are being prepared in view of the BepiColombo mission (Galluzzi, 2019). Acknowledgments: We gratefully acknowledge funding from the Italian Space Agency (ASI) under ASI-INAF agreement 2017-47-H.0. Byrne et al. (2014). Nature Geoscience, 7(4), 301-307. Galluzzi, V. (2019). In: Planetary Cartography and GIS, Springer, Cham, 207-218. Galluzzi et al. (2019). Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, 124(10), 2543-2562. Trask and Dzurisin (1984). USGS, IMAP 1658.

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Endoscopy-assisted magnetic navigation of biohybrid soft microrobots with rapid endoluminal delivery and imaging

Science Robotics ◽

10.1126/scirobotics.abd2813 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (52) ◽

pp. eabd2813

Author(s):

Ben Wang ◽

Kai Fung Chan ◽

Ke Yuan ◽

Qianqian Wang ◽

Xianfeng Xia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Precision ◽

Therapeutic Intervention ◽

Imaging System ◽

Multiple Organ ◽

The Body ◽

Whole Body ◽

Magnetic Actuation ◽

Body Scale ◽

Organ Tissue ◽

Dual Imaging

High-precision delivery of microrobots at the whole-body scale is of considerable importance for efforts toward targeted therapeutic intervention. However, vision-based control of microrobots, to deep and narrow spaces inside the body, remains a challenge. Here, we report a soft and resilient magnetic cell microrobot with high biocompatibility that can interface with the human body and adapt to the complex surroundings while navigating inside the body. We achieve time-efficient delivery of soft microrobots using an integrated platform called endoscopy-assisted magnetic actuation with dual imaging system (EMADIS). EMADIS enables rapid deployment across multiple organ/tissue barriers at the whole-body scale and high-precision delivery of soft and biohybrid microrobots in real time to tiny regions with depth up to meter scale through natural orifice, which are commonly inaccessible and even invisible by conventional endoscope and medical robots. The precise delivery of magnetic stem cell spheroid microrobots (MSCSMs) by the EMADIS transesophageal into the bile duct with a total distance of about 100 centimeters can be completed within 8 minutes. The integration strategy offers a full clinical imaging technique–based therapeutic/intervention system, which broadens the accessibility of hitherto hard-to-access regions, by means of soft microrobots.

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Engineering Geological and Geotechnical Approaches for the Construction of Powerhouse Cavern of Tehri Pumped Storage Plant (1000 MW) - A Case Study

Hydro Nepal Journal of Water Energy and Environment ◽

10.3126/hn.v24i0.23582 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 ◽

pp. 35-44

Author(s):

Rajeev Prasad ◽

Nishith Sharma

Keyword(s):

Underground Structure ◽

Shear Zones ◽

Structural Features ◽

Geological Mapping ◽

Left Bank ◽

Rock Composition ◽

Northern India ◽

Set Up ◽

Pumped Storage

Construction of underground Cavern in the Himalayan region is full of challenges and uncertainties. Experience has shown that construction in Himalayan regions requires good understanding of geology, adequate site investigations, proper design and selection of suitable construction methodology and technology. The most commonly encountered geological problems during excavation of underground structure in Hydroelectric Projects are, Fault/Thrust/Shear Zones squeezing and swelling, wedge block failure etc. Tehri Pumped Storage Plant (PSP) is located at the left bank of river Bhagirathi in the state of Uttarakhand in Northern India. This case study indicates about the geological challenges faced and their remedial measures during the construction of Tehri PSP Powerhouse Cavern having dimension of 203m x 24m x 58m.3D-geological mapping with 1:100 scales was carried out in excavated central drift of powerhouse to evaluate the rock composition, behavior of rock mass, structural features and further investigation to finalize the layout and orientation. During the investigation Sheared Phyllite with bands of thinly Phyllite Quartzite rock were encountered in the end portion of central drift of powerhouse which had posed a mammoth challenge in designing the powerhouse cavern. Keeping in view the recommendations of geotechnical experts and the design consultants, decision were made to shift the cavern further by 50 m to avoid Sheared Phyllite bands. The shifting of cavern led to the reorientation of structures like control room, service bay and location of units etc. This paper briefly describes the Engineering Geological and Geotechnical set up of powerhouse with proper investigation approaches and excavation sequences highlighting the importance of orientation and Sheared Phyllite Zone.

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