In the depths of the Earth, where resources are abundant but challenging to access, a critical bottleneck has emerged: understanding the stresses that govern these subterranean realms. A recent study published in *Dizhi lixue xuebao* (translated as *Geotechnical Mechanics*) sheds light on the progress and future directions of deep stress measurement technology, a field that could revolutionize how we approach deep resource development and energy storage.
Led by Sun Dongsheng, the research delves into the growing importance of in-situ stress measurement as nations push deeper into the Earth’s crust to seek resources, ensure safety, and utilize underground space. “The frequency and intensity of engineering disasters caused by in-situ stress have significantly increased,” Sun notes, highlighting the urgency of advancing this technology.
The study reviews the current state of in-situ stress measurement technology, focusing on theoretical research, technical development, and practical applications. It identifies key challenges, such as insufficient detection capabilities and low reliability of measurement results, which hinder the application of in-situ stress data in solving scientific problems like tectonic activity, deep resource development, and space utilization.
One of the most compelling aspects of this research is its potential impact on the energy sector. For instance, in underground gas storage and water diversion tunnels, using the minimum principal stress criterion to determine the upper limit operating pressure can enhance storage capacity or reduce tunnel support costs. This could lead to more efficient and cost-effective energy storage solutions, a critical factor as the world transitions to renewable energy sources.
The research also outlines a roadmap for developing high-precision, advanced in-situ stress measurement technology and equipment. This includes constructing an in-situ stress observation technology system that covers the depth space of the hypocenter source, a significant leap forward in our ability to understand and harness deep Earth resources.
As Sun Dongsheng and his team continue to push the boundaries of this technology, the implications for the energy sector are profound. Improved stress measurement could lead to safer and more efficient extraction of deep resources, better disaster prediction and prevention, and more effective utilization of underground space for energy storage. This research not only advances our scientific understanding but also paves the way for innovative commercial applications that could reshape the energy landscape.
In the words of Sun Dongsheng, “Deep borehole in-situ stress detection technology holds significant potential for applications in geodynamics research, deep resource exploration, and disaster prediction and prevention.” As we stand on the precipice of a new era in deep Earth exploration, this research serves as a beacon, guiding us toward a future where the challenges of the deep are met with precision, innovation, and insight.