Characteristics and Genetic Mechanism of Chang Eight Low Permeability and Tight Reservoir of Triassic Yanchang Formation in Central-East Ordos Basin

In this article, the characteristics of Chang 8 reservoir of Triassic Yanchang Formation in northern Shaanxi are studied by using polarizing microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope, image particle size, X-ray diffraction analysis of clay, and constant pressure mercury intrusion. The study shows that the target layer is in a relatively stable and uniform sinking burial period after deposition, and the lithology composition in the area is relatively complex, mainly composed of debris–feldspar sandstone and feldspar sandstone, with the characteristics of fine grain and high content of interstitial material. The porosity of the reservoir is generally between 4% and 12%, with an average of 8.05%. The permeability is generally between 0.03 × 10−3 and 0.5 × 10−3 μm2, with an average of 0.16 × 10−3 μm2. Strong compaction and well-developed cementation of calcareous, siliceous, and authigenic illite are important reasons for the formation of extra-low porosity and extra-low permeability reservoirs. But at the same time, because of the protective effect of chlorite film, some residual intergranular pores are preserved, which makes the some reservoirs with relatively good physical property, forming a local relatively high-porosity and high-permeability section of the “highway.”

Frequency Analysis of the Nonstationary Annual Runoff Series Using the Mechanism-Based Reconstruction Method

Due to climate change and human activities, the statistical characteristics of annual runoff series of many rivers around the world exhibit complex nonstationary changes, which seriously impact the frequency analysis of annual runoff and are thus becoming a hotspot of research. A variety of nonstationary frequency analysis methods has been proposed by many scholars, but their reliability and accuracy in practical application are still controversial. The recently proposed Mechanism-based Reconstruction (Me-RS) method is a method to deal with nonstationary changes in hydrological series, which solves the frequency analysis problem of the nonstationary hydrological series by transforming nonstationary series into stationary Me-RS series. Based on the Me-RS method, a calculation method of design annual runoff under the nonstationary conditions is proposed in this paper and applied to the Jialu River Basin (JRB) in northern Shaanxi, China. From the aspects of rationality and uncertainty, the calculated design value of annual runoff is analyzed and evaluated. Then, compared with the design values calculated by traditional frequency analysis method regardless of whether the sample series is stationary, the correctness of the Me-RS theory and its application reliability is demonstrated. The results show that calculation of design annual runoff based on the Me-RS method is not only scientific in theory, but also the obtained design values are relatively consistent with the characteristics of the river basin, and the uncertainty is obviously smaller. Therefore, the Me-RS provides an effective tool for annual runoff frequency analysis under nonstationary conditions.

Spatial–temporal characteristics and driving factors of flash floods in Shaanxi Province considering regional differentiation

Flash floods show strong regional differentiation in spatial–temporal distribution and driving forces, thereby hindering their effective prevention and control. This study analyzed the spatiotemporal characteristics of flash floods in Shaanxi Province, China, differentiated among the northern Shaanxi (NS), Guanzhong (GZ), and southern Shaanxi (SS) regions based on the Mann–Kendall, Theil–Sen Median, and standard deviation ellipse methods. The main factors driving disasters and their interactions in each region were then identified within the three categories of precipitation factor (PPF), surface environment factor, and human activity factor (HAF) based on a geographical detector. Finally, the differences in flash flood characteristics among the NS, GZ, and SS regions were analyzed. The results showed that flash floods in Shaanxi Province are greatly affected by the PPF and the HAF, although the spatial–temporal characteristics and disaster-causing factors were significantly different in each region. The regions were ranked according to the number and growth trends of flash floods as follows: SS > GZ > NS. Furthermore, flash floods were affected by multiple factors, with the interaction between factors acting as a driving force of flash floods. The results of this study can provide a reference for the management of flash floods under regional differentiation.

Grouting technology and construction schemes of a tunnel in aeolian stratum: a case study of Shenmu No. 1 tunnel

The naturally formed aeolian sand dunes in northern Shaanxi exhibit unique engineering characteristics. Several challenges, such as the poor self-stabilization ability of the surrounding rock, difficultly in injecting grout, and insufficient construction experience, restrict the construction of road tunnels under this stratum. Therefore, in this study, a case study of the Shenmu No. 1 tunnel was conducted to investigate the engineering characteristics of aeolian sand tunnels, compare the grouting effects of commonly used grouting materials, and discuss the reinforcement effects of different construction schemes in aeolian sand tunnels. Based on a field grouting test, it was determined that it is difficult to inject ordinary cement grout into an aeolian sand layer. Furthermore, it was determined that superfine cement grout and modified sodium silicate grout can be injected, but the former exhibits a poor reinforcement effect. Additionally, results of numerical analysis indicated that an approach based on a concept of “horizontal jet grouting pile + benching partial excavation method with a temporary invert” is suitable for the construction of tunnels in aeolian sand in China.

Shimao culture: naming, distribution, and chronology

By synthesizing previous studies and the most updated archaeological data by typical stratigraphic contexts and assemblages, Hetao region cultural remains represented by li-tripods with double-handles should be considered part of the Shimao culture. With its core distribution area spanning from northern Shaanxi to central-northern Shanxi to central-southern Inner Mongolia, the development of Shimao culture can be divided into three phases: early, middle, and late. The absolute dating of the Shimao culture ranges from approximately 2300 BCE to 1800 BCE. The Shimao culture was therefore a major late Longshan archaeological culture in northern China that stands apart from its peers in the Central Plains.

Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Geologic Hazards in Shaanxi Province

The spatio-temporal distribution of geological hazards, including collapses, landslides, and debris flows, in Shaanxi province, China was studied based on data from 1951 to 2018. The potential impact factors, including the geomorphologic types, rivers, roads, rainfall, and earthquakes, were analyzed using Random Forests. The results indicated that most hazards occurred in summer (i.e., July–September) and were triggered by rainstorms. The freeze–thaw effect had a considerable contribution to hazards in the north. Spatially, most hazards in the north occurred in valley terraces of the Loess Plateau, while medium-relief terrane (relief ranged from 500 to 1000 m) in the southern Qinling Mountains were hazard-prone areas. The collapses and landslides were mainly affected by human factors in Northern Shaanxi, whereas in Southern Shaanxi geomorphology was the primary factor. Permeability was a dominant factor for debris flows. In addition, the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake had a remarkable influence on the spatial distribution of hazards. In contrast, for the situation in the Sichuan province, which was close to the earthquake epicenter, the Wenchuan earthquake triggered many collapse and landslide events in the southwest regions of Shaanxi province only on 12 May 2008. The thresholds for the three hazard types in the north and south regions were almost the same despite their distinctly different geologic characteristics. Through a sensitivity analysis, we found an appropriate dry period of 12 h for the area.

Determining the Height of Water-Flowing Fractured Zone in Bedrock-Soil Layer in a Jurassic Coalfield in Northern Shaanxi, China

The height of the water-flowing fractured zone is the most important technical parameter for water prevention and control in a coal mine. Due to the numerous factors affecting the water-flowing fractured zone, it is difficult to accurately identify the zone. Currently, no effective way exists for determination of the water-flowing fractured zone in a soil layer. To accurately determine the development law of the water-flowing fractured zone in the bedrock-soil layer of a Jurassic coalfield in northern Shaanxi, China, we conducted a comprehensive study using microresistivity scanning imaging technology, apparent density logging, long-range gamma logging, observation on drilling flushing fluid consumption, physical simulation, and numerical simulation. The following results were obtained: (1) The ratio of the height of the water-flowing fractured zone to the mining height was 28.3–28.5, which was obtained by microresistivity scanning imaging technology, whereas the ratio of the height of the water-flowing fractured zone to the mining height was 28.1–29.1, determined by apparent density logging, long-range gamma logging, physical simulation, and numerical simulation. The microresistivity scanning imaging results were consistent with those obtained by other methods. (2) Based on the thickness of the soil layer and the bedrock, the height model of the water-flowing fracture zone was divided into four regions, that is, the thick bedrock-thick soil layer region, thick bedrock-thin soil layer region, thin bedrock-thin soil layer region, and thin bedrock-thick soil layer region. A mathematical model describing the difference between the thickness of the water-flowing fractured zone and the bedrock and the thickness of the soil under the condition of bedrock-soil was established. (3) We conclude that microresistivity scanning imaging technology can accurately detect the height of the water-flowing fractured zone in a soil layer, and the apparent density logging and long-range gamma logging can precisely detect the height of the water-flowing fractured zone in bedrock. This is a new comprehensive method for research on the height of the water-flowing fractured zone that can provide a reliable basis for water prevention and control in mines.