Results in Earth Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Petrography and sedimentary sequence relationships of speleothems from the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa","authors":"Georgina Luti ,&nbsp;Tara Edwards ,&nbsp;Rieneke Weij ,&nbsp;Robyn Pickering","doi":"10.1016/j.rines.2025.100131","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rines.2025.100131","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Speleothems are ubiquitous sedimentary features of caves in the Cradle of Humankind (locally referred to as the Cradle). Dominantly composed of calcite/remnant aragonite, these deposits are often interbedded with clastic sediments, which host a rich collection of hominin and faunal materials. Research into flowstones (horizontally-bedded speleothems) laid the foundation for establishing a U-Pb based chronology for the formation history of the caves and the important fossils they preserve but little work has been done on the flowstones themselves. The relationship between dated flowstones and sediments is key to building the regional U-Pb chronology. Here we test whether speleothems from the Cradle represent a homogenous lithology and assess the presence/absence of diagenesis through petrography. To do this, we analyse flowstones (n = 63) and stalagmites (n = 4) from twelve major fossil-bearing caves, making this the largest and most comprehensive study on speleothems from this region. Five speleothem categories are identified based on macrofabrics: macro-layered, micro-layered, detritally-interbedded, rare (raft and microbially-influenced) and diagenetic. Based on these, we identify previously unrecognised heterogeneity in Cradle speleothems and discuss the impact of diagenesis on speleothem palaeoclimatic and chronological studies. Finally field observations, hand samples and petrographic analysis document alternating deposition between speleothem and clastic deposits, forming long conformable sequences, driven by external hydroclimatic changes. In our dataset, we do not find evidence of flowstone intrusion into existing clastic sedimentary sequences and argue that, unless exceptional circumstances can be documented in detail, flowstones represent breaks in clastic deposition and can provide robust bracketing ages for sediments and fossils.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101084,"journal":{"name":"Results in Earth Sciences","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100131"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145104722","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Determination of strontium isotope ratios in plant samples by wet ashing digestion","authors":"Wenyan Cheng ,&nbsp;Youlian Li ,&nbsp;Yili Jin ,&nbsp;Zihua Tang","doi":"10.1016/j.rines.2025.100130","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rines.2025.100130","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Strontium isotope provenance analysis has been widely applied across multiple disciplines, including archaeology, food science, and forensics. The establishment of bioavailable ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr maps, known as isoscapes, which rely on a substantial number of plant ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values, serves as the cornerstone for such provenance studies. The conventional dry ashing method for plant samples is laborious, time-consuming, and constrained by limited equipment capacity, which impedes large-scale plant ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr analysis. The wet ashing method that employs hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and strong acids to decompose the organic matter in plants has attracted growing interest, with the expanding applications of strontium isotopes and the increasing demand for large datasets. Microwave-assisted wet ashing (microwave digestion) has shown considerable promise for plant strontium isotope analysis of large datasets. This study collected 22 plant samples from diverse geological regions across the Tibetan Plateau, employing both dry and traditional wet ashing methods for sample preparation prior to ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr analysis, with the aim of systematically assessing the applicability of wet ashing for plant strontium isotope studies. Results show comparable ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values from both methods. Notably, compared to dry ashing, wet ashing offers a more straightforward and efficient alternative, making it particularly well-suited for large-scale measurements of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values. This finding not only validates the feasibility of wet ashing in strontium isotope analysis, but also establishes a theoretical foundation for the optimization and broader implementation of microwave digestion technology in plant strontium isotope analysis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101084,"journal":{"name":"Results in Earth Sciences","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100130"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145048258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ground motion prediction equations for Northeast India: A hybrid approach using observed and simulated data","authors":"Naveen Kumar ,&nbsp;Himanshu Mittal ,&nbsp;Manisha Sandhu ,&nbsp;Sandeep ,&nbsp;Rajiv Kumar ,&nbsp;Atul Saini","doi":"10.1016/j.rines.2025.100128","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rines.2025.100128","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Given the potential for large-magnitude earthquakes to occur in northeastern India in the future, risk mitigation measures such as hazard assessment and strategy implementation are critical for areas with dense populations. Equations for predicting ground motion, termed GMPEs, tailored to specific characteristics play a pivotal role in conducting hazard analyses at both the macro and micro scales. Researchers have leveraging developed GMPEs for various regions, utilizing recorded strong ground motion data. Nevertheless, the limited availability of such data poses a substantial challenge in developing new, region-specific GMPEs that cover all magnitudes and distances. In light of this challenge, the present study aimed to formulate GMPEs by combining both recorded and simulated data. The approach involves utilizing finite fault simulation to create synthetic ground motion data at various surface locations where previously recorded data are accessible. Initially, the consistency of the adopted technique is evaluated by comparing simulated and recorded time histories at specific sites, considering various parameters, namely, response spectra, Fourier spectra, and peak ground acceleration. Subsequently, ground motion is simulated across various magnitude ranges at different locations, accounting for site effects. Moreover, the validity of the developed GMPEs is tested using earthquake records that are not utilized for development. The resulting GMPEs effectively predict ground motion across various magnitude ranges (M_w3.9–8.5) and hypocentral distances (20–560 km). These GMPEs can serve as valuable tools for ground motion estimation in the future. The newly developed GMPE is presented as follows:<span><span><span><math><mrow><mi>Log</mi><mrow><mfenced><mrow><mi>Y</mi></mrow></mfenced></mrow><mo>=</mo><mo>−</mo><mn>2.0941</mn><mo>+</mo><mn>0.4991</mn><mi>M</mi><mo>−</mo><mn>1.0123</mn><mi>log</mi><mo>(</mo><mi>R</mi><mo>+</mo><msup><mrow><mi>e</mi></mrow><mrow><mo>−</mo><mn>6.4001</mn><mi>M</mi><mo>)</mo></mrow></msup><mo>±</mo><mn>0.2277</mn></mrow></math></span></span></span>where M denotes the magnitude, Y represents the peak ground acceleration in g, and R represents the hypocentral distance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101084,"journal":{"name":"Results in Earth Sciences","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100128"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145048257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hybrid pillar stress analysis: Integrating numerical modelling, machine learning, and geostatistics for improved stability in hardrock mining","authors":"Tawanda Zvarivadza ,&nbsp;Hendrik Grobler ,&nbsp;Peter Apata Olubambi ,&nbsp;Moshood Onifade ,&nbsp;Manoj Khandelwal","doi":"10.1016/j.rines.2025.100129","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rines.2025.100129","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ensuring pillar stability in hardrock room and pillar mining requires accurate stress determination, particularly in complex geological environments such as the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe. Traditional empirical methods, including the Tributary Area Method (TAM) and Coates’ Method, have been widely used but often fail to capture the anisotropic and heterogeneous nature of rockmasses. This study presents an advanced framework for mine pillar stress determination, integrating analytical, numerical modelling, machine learning, and geostatistical techniques to improve predictive accuracy. The primary objectives are to critically evaluate the limitations of traditional methods, assess the efficacy of numerical models such as Finite Element Method (FEM) and Discrete Element Method (DEM), explore the predictive power of machine learning models including Gradient Boosting Machines (GBM) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and analyse the implementation of geostatistical techniques for improved spatial interpolation of stress distributions. A multi-method approach is employed, leveraging our recent practical studies conducted on the Great Dyke. Numerical simulations provide high-resolution stress distribution insights, while machine learning models trained on large datasets demonstrate superior predictive performance. The results highlight the significant advantages of integrating these techniques, with machine learning models achieving high accuracy in pillar stress prediction and geostatistical methods effectively mapping stress variations. The findings contribute to mining research by providing a hybrid methodological framework for real-time stress monitoring and proactive pillar design. The study emphasises the necessity of incorporating dynamic, data-driven approaches in mine design, addressing the limitations of conventional methods. It recommends the adoption of a combined analytical-computational framework to enhance pillar stability, optimise resource extraction, and minimise failure risks. These advancements mark a significant step toward resilient and efficient mining operations in structurally complex environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101084,"journal":{"name":"Results in Earth Sciences","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100129"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145048256","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Forest fire susceptibility zonation of Mizoram using GIS: A comparative analysis of bivariate models","authors":"Jonmenjoy Barman ,&nbsp;Indrajit Poddar ,&nbsp;Abhijit Sarkar","doi":"10.1016/j.rines.2025.100126","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rines.2025.100126","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forest fires pose a significant environmental threat in Mizoram, a hilly region in northeast India, contributing to forest degradation, biodiversity loss, and alterations in the regional climate. The present study aimed to prepare forest fire susceptibility (FFS) zones of the state using Frequency Ratio (FR), Evidential Belief Function (EBF), and Index of Entropy (IOE), and their comparative analysis within a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. The 453 fire incidents were classified into training (248, 70 %), used for model building and testing (105, 30 %) for validation. A total of eleven conditioning factors from different data sources were prepared for evaluation. The FFS was classified into categories from very low to very high using the quantile method. Model validation was performed using ROC–AUC (Receiver Operating Curve-Area Under Curve) metrics, revealing that the EBF model outperformed than FR and IOE with AUC scores of 0.92 (training) and 0.89 (testing). The results identified climatic factors and vegetation, particularly NDVI, as the most significant contributors to FFS. The novelty of this study lies in the combined application of FR, EBF, and IOE models, enabling a comprehensive comparison of their predictive performance and spatial accuracy. Furthermore, improved factor weighting and validation methods provide more reliable spatial insights for forest fire risk management. The results indicate that the majority of high-risk areas are concentrated in steep, sun-exposed southwestern slopes and areas near roads and settlements, where fuel conditions and human activities heighten ignition potential, demonstrating the effectiveness of the integrated modelling approach. These findings provide valuable insights for early fire detection, ecological modelling, land use management, and sustainable forest resource practices. By demonstrating a replicable, data-driven modelling approach in a data-scarce region, this study advances existing FFS research and lays the groundwork for dynamic forecasting and targeted risk mitigation strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101084,"journal":{"name":"Results in Earth Sciences","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100126"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145004149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Petrophysical properties and spectral insights of selected reservoirs in the Niger Delta","authors":"O. Akinmuda ,&nbsp;M.A. Ayuk ,&nbsp;M.R. Abraham-A","doi":"10.1016/j.rines.2025.100127","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rines.2025.100127","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study location consists of subtle hydrocarbon-harbouring reservoir structures often bypassed using traditional seismic with petrophysics interpretation, and the current research integrates spectral analysis in reservoir characterisation to produce more detailed results missing within the LOLO oilfield. Petrophysics, seismic interpretation, and spectral decomposition were utilised to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential. Selected reservoir horizons were mapped between 2.35 and 2.55 s based on event strength and continuity. A network of progressive fault planes was delineated from reflection characteristics. Unlike most parts in the Niger Delta, this study uniquely combines petrophysical data with spectral decomposition across multiple frequency bands (12 Hz, 27 Hz and 50 Hz), a technique rarely applied in this region, while employing RGB blending to visualise subtle geological features and delivering a more refined interpretation of fault-assisted traps and stratigraphic variations to enhance hydrocarbon prospectivity. The lithology is composed of an alternation of sand and shale units. The reservoirs designated C5, C6, D2, and D5 extend across the wells (LOLO-006, LOLO-007, LOLO-010, and LOLO-013). The delineated zones of interest have an average net sand thickness of between 4 and 325 ft, net to gross in the range of 0.28–0.89, an average effective porosity in the range of 0.24–0.28 (24–28 %), permeability ranging from 609 to 2225 mD, and hydrocarbon saturation ranging from 0.59 to 0.71 (59–71 %). These reservoirs were considered to be of good economic value. The probable hydrocarbon-harbouring structure in the area is a faulted anticlinal structure. Spectral decomposition analysis revealed subtle fault-assisted structures whose misinterpretation could lead to bypassed hydrocarbon-bearing units and reduced recovery, whereas accurate identification supports efficient drainage and optimised field exploitation. The findings strengthen the existing hydrocarbon exploration database for the study area and offer valuable insights for ongoing and future investigations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101084,"journal":{"name":"Results in Earth Sciences","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100127"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144988665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Slope stability assessment of road cut slopes along NH 107 (Kund-Sonprayag), Gharwal Himalaya, India","authors":"Ashish Kumar Kaushik ,&nbsp;Om Prakash Thakur ,&nbsp;Mohit Kumar Puniya","doi":"10.1016/j.rines.2025.100125","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rines.2025.100125","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Slope instability is one of the major problems for the road cut slopes in the hilly areas. Detailed geological mapping with emphasis on the structural data can be a best approach to study these road cut slopes and helps to delineate the active failure condition of damage zones which are vulnerable. For the mitigation of these vulnerable locations, Structural mapping provides actual ground conditions of the study area. In the present study a 31 km road section has been mapped on 1:10000 scales. The major tectonic units and various thrust zones, shear zones and outcrop scale damage zones occurring in the study area are mapped. The major thrusts like Munsiari Thrust, Vaikrita Thrust and various discontinuities are marked in detailed geological mapping. In the study area 9 locations are identified which are prone to failure conditions. Various Geotechnical parameters including Slope Mass Rating (SMR), Basic Rock Mass Rating (RMRb) system and Geological strength Index (GSI) are calculated for vulnerable locations for slope stability assessment. Kinematic assessment of vulnerable locations categorized as toppling failure, planar failure and wedge failure. Calculation of Factor of Safety (FoS) of the affected locations provides values &lt; 1. So, this study is mainly attributed to the Slope stability assessment which relates slope failures with Structural Damage zone. Based on the approach of Detailed Geological Mapping, FoS and Kinematic analysis, all the affected location of slope failures are occurring on the structural damage zones.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101084,"journal":{"name":"Results in Earth Sciences","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100125"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144996396","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring hydrocarbon potential with non-invasive techniques: An airborne gamma-ray spectrometric and geochemical analysis of the Shendam Area, North-Central Nigeria","authors":"N.K. Samaila ,&nbsp;M.U. Faruk ,&nbsp;T.P. Bata ,&nbsp;V.B. Diyelmak ,&nbsp;E.Y. Yenne ,&nbsp;J.A. Bulus ,&nbsp;T. Aga ,&nbsp;A.P. Adelabu","doi":"10.1016/j.rines.2025.100124","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rines.2025.100124","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study conducted an integrated investigation employing airborne gamma-ray spectrometry (AGRS) and geochemical analysis to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential in the Shendam area, located in Northcentral Nigeria. This comprehensive study revealed significant concentrations of key geochemical indicators, including total carbon, total sulphur, potassium oxide (K₂O), thorium (Th), and uranium (U), all of which are commonly associated with organic matter and hydrocarbon-bearing minerals. The geochemical data highlight areas of potential hydrocarbon presence, providing valuable context for the AGRS findings. The airborne gamma-ray spectrometric survey, which included DRAD (Delineation of Radioactive Anomalies) values ranging from 4.67 % to 10.18 %, was pivotal in identifying prospective hydrocarbon zones within the sedimentary formations of the study area. These high DRAD values suggest the possibility of hydrocarbon micro-seepages from underlying reservoirs, indicating favourable conditions for hydrocarbon accumulation. The spatial distribution of these anomalies, combined with the geochemical data, enhances our understanding of potential hydrocarbon zones. Although the preliminary results are promising, confirming the commercial viability of hydrocarbon reserves in the Shendam area requires further investigation. Subsequent exploration efforts should include seismic surveys and exploratory drilling to validate these initial findings. This study highlights the effectiveness of non-invasive methods, such as AGRS and geochemical analysis, in providing detailed and high-resolution insights into subsurface conditions. By minimising ground disturbances, the technique offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to early-stage hydrocarbon exploration, paving the way for more targeted and informed drilling operations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101084,"journal":{"name":"Results in Earth Sciences","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100124"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144912379","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing seismic hazard from a potential magnitude 8.0 earthquake along the Indo-Burmese wedge and its impact on Northeast India","authors":"Prasanta Chingtham,&nbsp;Babita Sharma,&nbsp;Kapil Mohan,&nbsp;Himanshu Mittal,&nbsp;Sireesha Jaladi","doi":"10.1016/j.rines.2025.100123","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rines.2025.100123","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The 2016 Mw 6.7 Manipur earthquake in Northeast India caused significant structural damage across the region. This study simulates a plausible Mw 8.0 earthquake to assess its potential impact, employing the Empirical Green's Function Method (EGFM) to estimate probable ground motions while incorporating path and site effects. Fault parameters for the simulated event were validated using recorded data from the Manipur earthquake, revealing a similar rupture directivity pattern in the Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) distribution between the element earthquake (a smaller recorded event used for modeling) and the simulated earthquake. PGA values across Northeast India ranged from 3 gals to 103 gals for the Mw 6.7 event and from 11 gals to 342 gals for the simulated Mw 8.0 earthquake, with Shillong recording the highest PGA due to seismic wave interference, rupture directivity, and site amplification, despite being situated 214 km from the intermediate-depth source zone (typically between 55 km and 160 km depth). The source depth likely enabled direct wave propagation over long distances, emphasizing the need to analyze simulated earthquake waveforms across varying geological formations. A comprehensive understanding of ground response parameters, simulation methodologies, and the effects of geological and geomorphological features is crucial for refining earthquake preparedness strategies in Northeast India.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101084,"journal":{"name":"Results in Earth Sciences","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100123"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144895360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A framework for reinterpretation of legacy hydrocarbon data for sustainable groundwater mapping: Case studies from the Napuu and Lotikipi Aquifers, Kenya","authors":"Abiud Masinde","doi":"10.1016/j.rines.2025.100122","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rines.2025.100122","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Groundwater resources are increasingly critical for climate resilience, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Yet groundwater mapping remains challenging due to sparse hydrogeological data. Meanwhile, oil and gas exploration has generated extensive subsurface datasets, including seismic and well log data, which remain underutilized for groundwater studies. This paper presents a general framework on how oil and gas subsurface data can be repurposed to identify sustainable shallow groundwater resources, addressing the gap caused by limited dedicated groundwater data. The framework, which is based on seismic and well logs, involves the assessment of stratigraphy, aquifer characteristics, water quality and chemistry, structural influences on groundwater distribution, and hydro-stratigraphic interpretation. This approach is applied to Kenya's Napuu and Lotikipi aquifers. Results reveal that in the Napuu Aquifer, the fluvial and coarse sandstones between 300–1000 m represent the most promising targets, with confirmed high permeability (20–80 m/day), porosity exceeding 20 % and fresh to slightly brackish water (TDS-Total Dissolved Solids) 600–1200 mg/L), supported by pressure testing. In the Lotikipi Aquifer, the Pliocene sandstone unit (LKT76), located between 220–470 m, emerged as the most promising aquifer zone. It displays high porosity (24–32 %), excellent permeability (20–80 m/day), and favorable water quality with TDS values between 500–1000 mg/L. Structural analysis highlighted major normal faults influencing aquifer compartmentalization and recharge pathways in both aquifers. Deeper formations beyond 1000 m displayed reduced permeability and higher salinity, reinforcing the focus on shallower groundwater development. These insights demonstrate how existing oil and gas data can significantly enhance groundwater exploration, supporting climate-resilient water management in data-scarce regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101084,"journal":{"name":"Results in Earth Sciences","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100122"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144851888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}