## 1 Introduction  
Coal is currently one of the most abundant, widely distributed, and economically viable energy resources worldwide. Given China's energy resource endowment, coal is expected to remain the country's primary energy source in the foreseeable future [1]. Gas, as a major byproduct of coal formation, is a geological entity primarily composed of methane and is widely stored in coal seams. While it is a potential clean energy source, it also represents one of the greatest hazards to coal mine safety [2; 3; 4; 5; 6]. The presence of gas reduces coal extraction efficiency, and its flammable and explosive properties pose a serious threat to coal mine safety [4; 5; 6; 7; 8].  
The formation and storage of coal seam gas are controlled by the geological conditions of the study area. Its enrichment and reservoir characteristics are influenced by a combination of geological structure, coal body structure, coal seam thickness, surrounding rock porosity and permeability, magmatic intrusions, and hydrogeological conditions [4; 5; 6; 9; 10; 11]. Geological structure is the primary factor controlling the storage and distribution of coal seam gas [8; 12; 13; 14]. It not only influences the entire process of gas generation, migration, and enrichment, but also determines gas content, pressure, and emission rates in coal seams [4]. Therefore, in-depth research on the mechanisms by which geological structures control coal seam gas storage is crucial for ensuring safe and efficient coal mining operations.  
Numerous scholars have conducted extensive research in the field of gas geology. However, due to the complexity and diversity of geological structures, as well as the unique characteristics of structural forms and origins, the influence of geological conditions on gas generation, migration, enrichment, and distribution varies across different regions [4; 6; 8; 15]. Some scholars, through data collection and analysis of fold structures and gas distribution characteristics in various study areas, suggest that folds significantly influence gas distribution and outburst conditions, with syncline structures providing favorable conditions for gas accumulation and storage [4; 6; 7; 16]. The controlling effect of faults on local gas content and outburst conditions in coal seams has also been confirmed by scholars. Some studies have shown that the open nature of faults facilitates gas dissipation and migration [4; 17; 18; 19]. Therefore, analyzing the influence of geological structures and their evolutionary characteristics on coal and gas storage in specific areas, and uncovering the distribution patterns of coal and gas outbursts, as well as the controlling role of geological structures, is of great significance for preventing and mitigating coal and gas outbursts in mining areas.  
This study focuses on the Zhaogezhuang and Linxi coal mines, located on either side of the turning end of the Kaiping syncline. Drawing on geological exploration data and coal mining practices, it examines the structural distribution and evolution on both sides of the turning end. It further analyzes the characteristics of gas content and emissions on both sides of the hinge and explores the mechanisms by which geological structures and their evolution control coal seam gas storage. This study contributes to enriching and advancing gas geology theories and guides, ensuring the safe and efficient production of coal mines in the Kaiping coalfield.