Danxia landform, recognized for its steep cliffs and red coloration, has drawn significant scientific attention. While Chinese Danxia Landforms are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, their genesis and evolution, particularly in less-explored regions, remain under study. The southern Sichuan Basin, one of China's three largest Danxia outcrop areas, offers a unique case study due to its distinct geological setting and limited research. This study investigates the genesis of Danxia landforms in the southern Sichuan Basin using a multi-faceted approach. Field observations documented geomorphological characteristics and stratigraphy of the Danxia formations. Tectonic analysis, using regional structural... More >

This study aimed to quantify the comprehensive environmental footprint of primary iridium production, a critical yet exceptionally scarce metal, to inform more sustainable practices in its supply chain. The research method employed a cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) using the Brightway2 framework, establishing a detailed inventory model for iridium production. The environmental impacts for the functional unit of 1 kg of refined iridium were evaluated using multiple impact assessment methods. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis and Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to assess parameter uncertainties. The results conclude that iridium production imposes a substantial environmental... More >

In shale reservoirs, fracturing fluid can be easily absorbed into the pore space due to the strong capillary force of shale. These invading fluids can impact the rock mechanical properties and creep behavior characteristics of shale under water-rock interaction. This paper discussed the influence of water-rock interaction on the mechanical parameters and creep behavior of shale rocks based on shale hydration swelling experiments, acoustic-triaxial compression tests, and shale creep experiments. The experiments show that: There are two stages of shale hydration swelling: rapid swelling stage and stable swelling stage. Temperature mainly impacts the hydration swelling rate, while the type of l... More >